Michelangelo - with Tongue Out
tnt014 · Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Nickelodeon / TMNT Series 1 · 2013
Figure ID
tnt014
Theme
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Year Released
2013
Rarity
Uncommon / Retired. While mass-produced in 2013, the LEGO TMNT license ended in 2014, making these increasingly difficult to find in good condition.
Head
Bright green custom turtle mold with an orange mask. Features a unique 'tongue out' and smirking expression with white pupils and a tiny pink tongue detail.
Torso
Bright green torso with front and back printing. The front depicts a yellowish-brown turtle shell plastron with battle damage (scratches) and a dark brown belt.
Legs
Bright green legs with dark brown knee pad printing and a continuation of the white/yellowish lower shell (plastron) on the hip piece.
Accessories
Missing in image. Originally came with two translucent orange nunchucks (composed of bar with studs and 3L chains). Also wears a tan/brown turtle shell backpack piece.
Color Scheme
Primary Bright Green with Orange, Tan, and Dark Brown accents. The orange mask identifies the character as Michelangelo.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing. Notable for 360-degree coverage on the head mold and detailed 'scuff' marks on the torso shell to simulate combat wear.
Variants
Variations include tnt003 (standard smile), tnt013 (pissed/angry expression), and tnt036 (Movie version). This tongue-out version is exclusive to two specific sets.
Condition Notes
The most common issue is scratching on the back shell piece and paint wear on the tip of the turtle nose. Green plastic can show stress marks at the arm sockets.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $8.00 - $12.00 USD; New/Sealed: $15.00+; Parts (Head only): $4.00 - $6.00.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from $12.99 (Kraang Lab Rescue) to $39.99 (Shellraiser Street Chase) in 2013.
Compatible Sets
79100 Kraang Lab Rescue (2013), 79104 The Shellraiser Street Chase (2013).
Character Background
Based on the 2012 Nickelodeon CGI series. Michelangelo is the youngest, most optimistic, and pizza-loving member of the team, known for his 'Cowabunga' catchphrase.
Design Notes
LEGO utilized a specialized head mold instead of a standard minifigure head to capture the unique shape of the Nick-era turtle designs. The backpack shell fits over the neck peg.
Similar Minifigures
Leonardo (tnt016), Donatello (tnt015), Raphael (tnt012). Also similar to the 2014 Michael Bay movie versions and the 2024 rereleases.
Collectibility
High among TMNT fans. Since LEGO lost the license to Mega Bloks (and then later regained interest through Fortnite/modern waves), original Nickelodeon era figures are staples for collectors.
History
Part of the debut wave of LEGO's TMNT partnership in 2013. This era marked a shift toward more expressive, character-specific face prints for the turtle brothers.
Interesting Facts
This specific face print (tongue out) is meant to represent MIkey's playful and distracted nature during combat, mirroring his animation style in the Nickelodeon show.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a sewer-themed MOC or alongside the other three brothers. Use a clear 1x2 brick to pose him mid-jump or with his nunchucks swinging.
Modification Potential
The head and shell pieces are highly sought after by 'purist' customizers creating custom turtles from the comics or other media. The bright green limbs are useful for swamp-themed MOCs.
Overall Assessment
An iconic piece of 2010s LEGO licensing. While not the most expensive figure in the line, the 'tongue out' variant is the most character-accurate version of Michelangelo. Rating: 8/10 for design and personality.