One of the reasons we have children is so secretly we do not have to grow up – surely? How else would you have the excuse to muck about and play with toys? I think that is why it is such genius that these retro toys and films are really popular right now – you know Batman, Spiderman, Transformers and not forgetting Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – TMNT!
I guess one of the things I remember most about the Turtles is that when they came over to us here in the UK censorship meant that they had to lose the “Ninja” – and became the “Hero” Turtles – as Ninja was far too violent for us. I don’t need to worry about what messages the cartoons send out to my children because I have watched them (repeatedly) in my younger years.
The thing I love most about those Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is that I already know all about them! In case you do not, or you have forgotten here is a little reminder. There’s a Japanese mutant rat called Splinter. He is the Turtles’ sensei and adoptive-father. He learned the ways of ninjutsu from his owner and master. All the Turtles were named after famous Italians, Leonardo (blue) after da Vinci (an Italian polymath painter, engineer, inventor, writer anatomist and sculpture). Leo is the oldest of the Turtles and is courageous, devoted and a leader. He has two ninjakens which cut through almost anything. Raphael (red) after the Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance is strong, aggressive, fierce and loyal. He has a pair of sais and is often the first one to throw the punches. Donatello (purple) after the artist and sculptor is a pacifist, scientist, inventor, engineer, and technological genius. He is the most gentle of the Turtles and has a bo staff. MichelAngelo orange) after Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, poet, and engineer, is the youngest of the Turtles. Fun loving, pizza eating and often the comic relief, he has a pair of nunchakus. Not forgetting other important characters, enemies Shredder, Krang and Karai; plus the media reporter and human friend to the Turtles April O’Neil.
I was really excited to review the Leonardo Ninja Combat Gear by Flair. Now, as you would expect, this outfit is the right size to transform your child into their favourite Turtle (in this case Leonardo) BUT the fantastic news is it even fits adults!!! (shhh don’t tell the kids this is what I get up to when they are at school!).
Now I can be a Hero in a half shell (Turtle Power!) No all in seriousness this means that adults and children can join in and play together – role play is so important for imaginations and development. This is especially good for my youngest son who has special needs so I am even more thrilled with this product. I do think the boys would have liked it to come with a shell though.
As well as the signature Turtle bandana, the Leonardo Ninja Combat Gear kit includes his favourite weapons of 2 throwing stars (with pictures of Leonardo on) and a sword. There is also available a Leonardo’s electronic stealth sword, which has lights and sounds. Also available are the Ninja Combat Gear Kits for Raphael (red), MichelAngelo (orange) and Donatello (purple).
That is not all! If you need a bit of inspiration as to what to say as your Turtle then why not have a play with one of these Power Sound FX Turtles by Flair. Each of the 5.5″ figures has a patented wire coil activation system in the arms and legs, which means that you can simply control the effects by how you hold them. They say things like “Hiiiiyaaaa!!” “Kee ya” “This is Epic” “We’re Ninja Turtles” – with each figure having different sound effects and battle boosts. I liked the way you can put them in different action poses, and how the arms and legs sort of flick, to give that fighting feel. Available in all 4 Turtles and Shredder. This product is suitable from ages 4 and up (well up I loved it).
Again we received Leonardo to review and I loved how his ninjakens could fit on his back (the holder can come off his back too) or fitted into his ‘hands.’
I thoroughly recommend these products and this is even before my children have had a chance to get their hands on them! They were opened with minimal fuss and waste for landfill. Batteries were not required which is always a bonus as they can be played with straightaway. Although hopefully they will run out as they can be a tad annoying when the sound effect is held for a long time!
We received a Leonardo Ninja Combat Gear and Power Sound FX Turtles by Flair in order to review them. All words and opinions are my own. I take no responsibility for the lack of housework undertaken whilst mothers play with these toys.