Splinter
tnt007 · Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Nickelodeon Series / Animation · 2013-2014; This figure debuted in January 2013 as part of the initial TMNT wave based on the Nickelodeon TV series.
Figure ID
tnt007
Theme
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Year Released
2013-2014; This figure debuted in January 2013 as part of the initial TMNT wave based on the Nickelodeon TV series.
Rarity
Uncommon; While not a limited promotional item, it was only available in two sets from a licensed theme that has since been discontinued, increasing its desirability on the secondary market.
Head
Unique molded rubber/dark brown plastic head piece that fits over the torso neck. It features large ears, a long snout with white teeth (incisors) printing, and a dark brown patch on the forehead with small black eyes.
Torso
Dark Red Kimono/Robe; features dark red torso with minimalist robe printing on the front. It has light bluish gray hands to represent Splinter's fur/paws.
Legs
Dark Red 2x2x2 Sloped Brick; rather than traditional legs, Splinter uses a slope piece to represent his long flowing robe, which is common for 'dress' or 'robe' styling in this era.
Accessories
Usually paired with a reddish brown bar/staff (6L) representing his walking cane. Note: The staff is missing in the provided photo.
Color Scheme
The primary color is Dark Red (robe), accented by Dark Brown (head) and Light Bluish Gray (paws).
Printing Details
Minimalist printing on the torso representing the fold of the robe; the head features high-detail molding and basic pad printing for the eyes and teeth.
Variants
There is a second version (tnt033) released in 2014 with a more detailed torso and tan/dark tan head, but this dark red/dark brown version is the original 2013 variant.
Condition Notes
The molded head is made of a slightly softer material which can attract dust or suffer from 'tackiness' if stored in heat. The Dark Red slope is prone to minor scratches; check for teeth paint wear on the snout.
Estimated Value
Used: $5.00 - $8.00 USD; New/Mint: $12.00+ USD. The value is relatively stable as a foundational character for TMNT fans.
Price (New)
N/A (Individual); came in sets ranging from $39.99 (79103) to $69.99 (79104).
Compatible Sets
79103 Turtle Lair Attack (2013) and 79104 The Shellraiser Street Chase (2013).
Character Background
Master Splinter is the adoptive father and martial arts sensei of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In the 2012 Nickelodeon series, he is Hamato Yoshi, a human turned into a giant rat by mutagen.
Design Notes
The use of a sloped brick for legs was a specific design choice to emphasize his elder status and traditional robes, departing from the articulate legs seen on the Turtles.
Similar Minifigures
Sensei Wu (Ninjago), Yoda (Star Wars), and the 2014 variant of Splinter (tnt033).
Collectibility
High for TMNT completists. While not the most expensive figure, he is essential for any Shredder vs. Turtles display.
History
This was the first-ever LEGO representation of Splinter. Before 2013, TMNT had never been an official LEGO license (formerly held by Mega Bloks).
Interesting Facts
The head piece is one of the few that uses a 'wrap-around' mold that covers the shoulder area of the torso, creating a seamless animal-to-humanoid transition.
Display Suggestions
Display inside the 79103 Turtle Lair or on a meditation mat MOC alongside the four brothers (Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo).
Modification Potential
The dark red slope is useful for MOCs of monks or wizards; the head is highly specialized and difficult to repurpose outside of rat-based characters.
Overall Assessment
A faithful representation of the 2012 Nickelodeon character design. While the lack of legs limits articulation, the unique head mold makes it a standout licensed figure of the early 2010s.