Michelangelo - Smile (2012 Version)
tnt003 · Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Nickelodeon / Animated Series · 2013 (First wave of TMNT sets)
Figure ID
tnt003
Theme
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Year Released
2013 (First wave of TMNT sets)
Rarity
Uncommon; part of a discontinued licensed theme with high nostalgia value.
Head
Bright green with an orange mask and white pupils. Features a large, wide 'toothy' grin unique to Michelangelo.
Torso
Bright green torso with front plastron (shell) printing and back shell printing. Identifiable by the orange 'M' on the belt buckle.
Legs
Bright green legs with brown knee pad printing and belt details. Standard minifigure leg size.
Accessories
Originally equipped with two trans-neon orange nunchucks (built from 1x1 round tiles and short chains). Missing in the image.
Color Scheme
Bright green primary, orange accents (mask/belt), and brown/tan secondary colors.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on head, torso (front and back), and the front of the legs. Colors are vibrant and lines are sharp.
Variants
Varieties include tnt021 (Angry expression from 2014) and tnt057 (Movie version). This is the original 2013 Nickelodeon version.
Condition Notes
Prone to hairline cracks on the sides of the torso (under arms) and fading of the orange mask print over time.
Estimated Value
$10 - $18 USD for a used, complete figure depending on condition. The torso and head carry most of the value.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from $12.99 (79100) to $59.99 (79103) in 2013.
Compatible Sets
79100 Kraang Lab Escape; 79103 Turtle Lair Attack; 30271 Mikey's Mini-Shellrail (Polybag).
Character Background
The youngest and most lighthearted of the four brothers, Michelangelo is known for his love of pizza and 'Cowabunga' catchphrase.
Design Notes
Features a unique turtle head mold that differentiates the TMNT line from traditional flat-face minifigures.
Similar Minifigures
Leonardo (tnt001), Raphael (tnt002), Donatello (tnt004).
Collectibility
High demand among 90s/2000s kids and TMNT fans; the theme is unlikely to return soon due to licensing.
History
Debuted when LEGO acquired the TMNT license following the Nickelodeon animated series reboot in late 2012.
Interesting Facts
The heads for the TMNT figures are not compatible with standard hair or hats due to the unique mold shape.
Display Suggestions
Looks best in a sewer-themed MOC or paired with the other three brothers on a pizza-themed baseplate.
Modification Potential
The head mold is popular for custom turtle characters, but the bright green color can be difficult to color-match.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential 2010s licensed figure. Essential for character completion with high playability and investment stability.