Turtles, Twitter, Trivia and Teases

This week in "Geek Critique" we'll be looking at action figures!

With a brand new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series developed you had to expect there would be a whole new line of toys to go with it. I was lucky enough to get my hands on one. But you can bet it won't be played with anytime soon.

Why you may ask?  It's a very good story I want to share with all of you.

About a week or two ago, during the 4th episode of the new TMNT Nickelodeon held a Twitter exclusive episode trivia contest. You basically were tossed the occasional tweet from TMNT's "Turtle Master" aka the guy with all the prizes a triva question associated with both uncommon knowledge as well as obvious things you would have learned throughout the current episode being broadcasted.

So about 15 mins into the program, a tweet gets blasted, I'm hovering over my ipad stalking every message I see associated with this prize pack giveaway because it was announced at the top of the show that's what was taking place. I think to myself "I never win anything, but it could be fun."

The tweet is "Michaelangelo's new friend sounds familiar, but who is he? This same voice actor was also a character on spongebob squarepants, name the character he played for a mystery prize pack."

Didn't take but two seconds to come up with that answer. Little did the twitterverse know I have a keen memory for audio and a fascination as well as deep knowledge for voice actors. I know what actor did what voices and in what shows. Even if I didn't see the credits I know the voice no matter how altered. This actor was None other than Clancy Brown. That wasn't the question, but I know it because I hear his voice all the time in just about everything these days. I don't even watch Spongebob but could tell you the answer to that question right away. He played "Mr. Krabs"

So I reply in a heartbeat, some time passes. No response. I thought to myself. "I knew it someone responded first, not easy for a kid to answer, but it was too easy for me to be true" Then I get a tweet from the great TMNT Master saying "You got it, send your address and I'll send you a prize pack!" I literally jumped for joy! It was like I was 10 again, thrilled about my newest TMNT Merchandise. Ah memories.

So I send my address and think, "OK if I won, watch it be some promotional crap." Any contest I've ever won has always ended in some useless stuff I can never use and a T-Shirt two sizes two small. I'm thinking this might be no different so I tell the guy "here's my shirt size if that's what you are sending me." He follows me back on Twitter and says "It's a surprise." So part overjoyed, partly already disappointed, but still wanted the big mystery answered.

A week later a huge TMNT Box at my door. Feels almost too light. I'm thinking I already got ripped off. Pry open the box only to find a huge sewer capsule. OK, less disappointed now, anticipation building....

I open it and framed inside it still in box a brand new Raphael figure! Not only that, but its an old school design, looks just like the one I had as a kid! I was totally thrilled! Not only about the figure itself but it looked like how it used to back in the day instead of the new sculpts they've been using in recent.  This was a totally epic moment! I also noticed they added more functionality to the figure based on what was written on the box.

Then I stopped for a moment as I was reading it, took a closer look on the front. IT WAS SIGNED! But who autographed it? I looked at the detail on the signature and was able to make it out, it was a little on the faint side to begin with. It was none other than the newest voice actor to take on Raph. SEAN ASTIN!

If you don't know who he is by now, we're talking Rudy here, the nerdy kid from Encino Man, and Sam from Lord of the Rings! This was no mere voice actor, but a STAR! I thought to myself, no way in HELL I'm ruining this, its staying mint in box FOREVER! Once that autograph and figure is worth $$$$$ time to retire early lol. I mean, that will probably never happen, but one can hope.

All I know is this is not  a toy for me, its valued deeply both as a prize, and part of my childhood, there is a deep, meaningful and emotional connection here. Not letting it out of my sight.

So I took some pictures right away, here they are below for you to take a look for yourself.

My only one complaint during all this, that I didn't get a Donatello. He 's my favorite! Always has been. But I find nothing wrong with Raph, I like him too. And also lets face it, Rob Paulsen autograph vs Sean Astin who wins? Sean Astin! I got the better deal here in a way.

Though who knows, maybe TMNT Master is reading this right now, if you are, I'd love a Donatello as he was my childhood idol. He represents what a kid should aspire to be. Intelligent, loyal, and wise. He made me who I am today. So I do applaud Robert Paulsen for taking on the role.

Any other Donatello fans out there? I'm sure there are plenty of Raph lovers out there, I can name a few. What do you think of the new figures? Good or bad? And would you take yours out of the box if it was signed?

In closing, thank you Nickelodeon, TMNT Master, and Sean Astin for making one die hard fan of 20 years one very happy person! I cannot express how much it means to me!

Follow @TMNTMaster and tweet me @PSiege1 on Twitter

Leave a comment here on the blog too!

See you next week for another "Geek Critique"

-Paul