Rocksteady - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
tnt021 · Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Nickelodeon Series / 2014 Movie Wave · 2014 - Released as part of the Shredder's Lair Rescue set, timed with the peak popularity of the Nickelodeon animated show and the 2014 live-action movie.
Figure ID
tnt021
Theme
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Year Released
2014 - Released as part of the Shredder's Lair Rescue set, timed with the peak popularity of the Nickelodeon animated show and the 2014 live-action movie.
Rarity
Rare. This figure was exclusive to a single, medium-priced set and the theme has been discontinued since 2014, leading to low supply on the secondary market.
Head
Molded Sand Green Rhino head with a black horn and printed black visor with a light green lens. This is a unique custom mold dedicated specifically to this character.
Torso
Sand Green torso with purple hands. Front printing features a green tank top, a slice of cheese in a pocket, red targets/scars, and white abdominal wrappings. Back printing includes more targets and skin texture.
Legs
Yellow legs with a Light Nougat hip. Features double-sided printing with straps, red target symbols, brown knee pads, and printed sandals over rhino toes.
Accessories
Black shoulder armor/pads. While usually packaged with a mallet or chainsaw in the set, the core figure features the removable shoulder piece.
Color Scheme
A vibrant mix of Sand Green (skin), Yellow (trousers), Purple (hands), and Red (markings), reflecting the chaotic energy of the Nickelodeon TMNT character design.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso front/back and legs front. Notable for the 'cheese' detail and the precise alignment of the wraps on the waist. The head mold features unique plastic injection for the horn.
Variants
This is the only LEGO variant of Rocksteady available in the classic/Nickelodeon style. No other versions were produced before LEGO lost the TMNT license.
Condition Notes
The Sand Green plastic is prone to hairline cracks under the arms. The visor print on the head mold is a common wear point for friction 'rub-off'.
Estimated Value
New: $45-$60. Used: $30-$40. Prices are currently trending upwards due to the 'nostalgia cycle' of the 2014 license.
Price (New)
Originally available in Set 79121 for $39.99 (USD). The figure's value now nearly equals the original retail price of the entire set it came in.
Compatible Sets
79121 Turtle Sub Undersea Chase (Note: Often confused with Shredder's Lair, he is exclusive to the Sub set).
Character Background
Rocksteady is a Russian arms dealer (Ivan Steranko in the Nick show) turned mutant rhinoceros henchman for Shredder and the Foot Clan. He is the dim-witted but powerful partner of Bebop.
Design Notes
Excellent use of a specialized oversized head mold that maintains the 'minifigure' scale while conveying the character's bulk. The purple hands are a specific nod to his 1980s toy roots.
Similar Minifigures
Bebop (tnt022), Dogpound (tnt011), and Fishface (tnt007) – all high-detail mutant henchmen from the same line.
Collectibility
High. Since LEGO no longer holds the TMNT license (now with Mega Bloks), these figures are considered 'finite' collectibles and are highly sought after by completionists.
History
Launched in 2014 during the second wave of TMNT sets. This period marked LEGO's shift toward highly detailed, specialized character molds for licensed properties.
Interesting Facts
The 'target' prints on his body are meant to suggest he was a practice dummy for the Turtles, and the cheese in his pocket is an Easter egg referencing his obsession with food in the animated series.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside Bebop (tnt022) for the iconic duo effect. Works best in a 'Technodome' or urban sewer MOC setting.
Modification Potential
The head piece is a favorite for MOC builders creating custom rhinoceros warriors in Star Wars or Fantasy settings due to its high-quality sculpt.
Overall Assessment
An A-tier licensed figure. It perfectly captures the messy, vibrant aesthetic of the Nickelodeon show and holds its value exceptionally well due to the retired license status.