Donatello
tnt003 · Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Nickelodeon Series · 2013
Figure ID
tnt003
Theme
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Year Released
2013
Rarity
Uncommon. While part of a licensed theme that only ran for two years (2013-2014), this specific version was released in the largest set of the wave, making it moderately accessible but discontinued for a decade.
Head
Unique molded Turtle head in Bright Green. Features a printed purple eye mask and a smirk/gritted teeth expression. The molding includes the rounded shape of the turtle's skull.
Torso
Bright Green torso with Turtle shell front printing. Features a dark brown strap running diagonally across the torso with a smaller vertical silver buckle. Green arms and hands.
Legs
Bright Green legs with dark brown knee pad printing and purple accents to match the character's signature color. No side or back leg printing.
Accessories
Typically comes with a Bo Staff (brown 6L bar element). On the back, it features a unique brown 'Turtle Shell' piece (Part 11096) that attaches via the neck stud.
Color Scheme
Mainly Bright Green with Dark Purple accents (mask and pads) and Dark Brown (straps and shell).
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso front and head. Front-facing leg prints for knee pads. No arm or side leg printing is present on this version.
Variants
There is a 'New York Comic Con exclusive' version, a 'Stealth Shell' variant, and a later '2014 Movie' version with realistic textures. This is the standard Nickelodeon cartoon variant.
Condition Notes
Watch for paint wear on the tip of the nose and the mask printing. The neck bracket for the shell can sometimes cause stress marks on the torso stud over time.
Estimated Value
$12 - $20 USD (Used, Complete with Shell); $25+ (New/Mint). The shell accessory accounts for about 30% of the value.
Price (New)
Available in set 79105 ($39.99) and 79103 ($49.99) upon release. It was not sold as a standalone figure.
Compatible Sets
79101 Shredder's Dragon Bike, 79103 Turtle Lair Attack, 79105 Baxter Robot Rampage.
Character Background
Donatello (Donnie) is the brains of the TMNT team, known for his purple mask and mastery of the Bo staff. This design is based on the 2012 Nickelodeon CGI animated series.
Design Notes
LEGO created a custom head mold for the Turtles rather than using a standard minifigure head, which was a controversial but ultimately popular choice for accuracy.
Similar Minifigures
Leonardo (tnt001), Raphael (tnt002), Michelangelo (tnt004), and the 2014 Movie variant Donatello (tnt033).
Collectibility
High. Since LEGO lost the TMNT license to Mega Bloks shortly after this run, these original LEGO versions are highly sought after by nostalgic collectors.
History
Launched in late 2012/early 2013 to coincide with the Nickelodeon reboot. This specific figure represents the first time the character was produced in official LEGO form.
Interesting Facts
This specific Donatello has a small gap in his teeth in the printing, staying true to the character design from the 2012 TV show.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed with the other three brothers on a gray sewer-themed baseplate or alongside the 79103 Turtle Lair set.
Modification Potential
The head and shell pieces are highly useful for custom 'MOC' mutant characters or custom turtle warriors from other media.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential 2010s licensed minifigure. Its unique mold and iconic branding make it a staple for any collection, though the condition of the shell accessory is vital for its value.