Toybox REVIEW: JoyToy TMNT Donatello

Release Date: October 2024

RRP: $39.99

Originally founded in 2015, Chinese company JoyToy have been making for themselves across the globe in the last few years with their very impressive (and continually growing) selection of Warhammer 40,000 figures. In 2024 they began to expand their repertoire with another big-name franchise that it seems every toy company wants a piece of these days – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Naturally JoyToy TMNT Donatello was one of the first figures to be released in the range alongside his brothers, but in the months since the line has continued to expand to feature villains, supporting characters and plenty more to come!

JoyToy TMNT Donatello comes in some very nicely designed packaging that mirrors what you see with a lot of collector lines, using the most of the front of that square box to show off the figure and accessories via a large clear plastic window. The border around it is occupied with the Nickelodeon, (modern) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and JoyToy logos, as well as a nice big posed image of the figure and character name. Further images showing off the figure and accessories can be found on the back of the box, as well as a very nice bookend-style spine image on one side of the packaging. Inside Donatello can be found neatly stored on a clear plastic tray alongside all of his accessories.

Collectors aren't spoiled for choice when it comes to high end TMNT figures, but what makes JoyToy stand out from the crowd is the scale in which they choose to work in. JoyToy primarily deals in 3.75" figures, however don't let that fool you into thinking these are any less detailed than their larger counterparts. For their figures JoyToy have opted to go for their own take on the Turtles' designs, which goes for a slightly bulkier silhouette as well as a matching shade of green for all four brothers. Each of them also have their own unique flourishes in addition to the coloured bandanas and initialled belt buckles too, which in Donatello's case takes the form of a pouched strap running along his chest, brown sacks attached to his belt, a further pouch on his left thigh and then a larger satchel that hangs loosely around his body (and as such can be removed). The sheer number of pockets Donny has feels more than a little 90s, but how else is he supposed to carry around all of his gadgets? The satchel also has a red cross on one of the pockets too, suggesting that he's also the dedicated medic for the team too. It might seem a little busy at first, but the detailing and paintwork on this figure is very impressive for its size. Both the body and bandages around his hands and feet have been given a black wash to bring out all that moulded detailing, as well as give the green skin some much needed tone. The patterning on the shell is equally impressive, particularly when you also notice the battle-wear grooves subtly carved into it as well. While it might not be an iconic version of Donatello that you recognise from the comics, cartoons or movies, it's a great design that would be identifiable as Donatello even without the obvious signifiers.

Don't let that smaller size fool you either, because Donatello still packs a punch when it comes to articulation and poseability as well. Altogether the figure features;

- Ball jointed head, torso, waist, wrists and hips 

- Swivel hinge shoulders, elbows and ankles 

- Double hinge knees

- Thigh swivels 

That's a lot to pack into such a small figure, and for the most part JoyToy have pulled it off exceptionally. While there are some minor complaints such as the waist joint being a little restricted by the shell (as well as all various parts hanging off the belt), that's arguably the kind of issue you'd run across on any Turtles figure. It's also a shame that the elbows aren't double jointed like the knees, but between them being much smaller and the pads surrounding them you can see the logic in sticking to swivel hinges. If Donatello was a little less overdesigned when it came to the amount of kit he was carrying he might pose that little bit better when it comes to action poses, but overall he gets the job done nicely without the look (which in fairness feels very Donatello) impacting things too much.

But undoubtedly one of the biggest draws of the JoyToy Turtles is the impressive amount of accessories they come with. Among these include three additional pairs of hands (open hands and then two pairs of item-holding hands), Donatello's signature bo (staff) weapon, an alternate effects-piece bo styled as though it were spinning, pizza slice, Turtlecom communicator, spanner and even a rocket-powered skateboard. The standard bo can fit through the straps on the back of Donatello's shell, while the spanner can loosely fit in the strap on the side of his bag. Each of the Turtles come packaged with their own skateboard, which features plain brown colouring on the underside but (free-rolling) wheels that correspond to their signature bandana colours. There is also a peg at the front of the board so that the figure can be firmly connected via the holes in the feet. The pizza slice is a simple cartoony design but very fitting for the Turtles, while the Turtlecom is nicely detailed and based off of the one that appeared in the classic cartoon. The star accessory among the pack though is definitely the effect-style bo, featuring swooshing parts moulded in translucent blue plastic. Each of the parts fits into the hands assortment nice and easily, giving you plenty of different display options.

Then finally to top it all off the set also comes with two different display bases – a basic circular one proudly displaying the classic Turtles logo and a chunkier street diorama which can connect with the other JoyToy TMNT releases. The street diorama is still quite small, but the moulding and paintwork of on the (quarter of a) New York manhole cover is quite impressive and certainly fits the part. Both display bases feature pegs that allow Donatello to fix onto them, just like the skateboard accessory. While neither quite have the size to allow for elaborate poses, they're an excellent addition to the set and that street diorama will have some real potential when combined with the other pieces.

These days it seems like everyone has their own take on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at various scales and price points, but when it comes 3.75" figures JoyToy are definitely leading the charge. JoyToy TMNT Donatello is a wonderful little figure, sporting a design that feels unique yet doesn't stray too far away from that classic TMNT look. While the articulation is a little bit fiddly for both the look and design, between the poseability and impressive accessory count these Turtles more than justify their price tag. As figures exclusive to the Asian market they might be a little harder to track down (though not really that hard thanks to the wonders of the internet), but well worth the effort.