Donatello
tnt003 · Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Nickelodeon Series · 2013-2014; debuted as part of the initial TMNT wave based on the 2012 Nickelodeon animated series.
Figure ID
tnt003
Theme
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Year Released
2013-2014; debuted as part of the initial TMNT wave based on the 2012 Nickelodeon animated series.
Rarity
Uncommon; while produced for two years, the TMNT license has since expired, making these highly sought after by collectors as they will not be re-released.
Head
Bright green custom-molded head with a purple mask. Features a grimacing/toothy grit expression with circular white eyes. The head features Donatello's signature purple bandana ties at the back.
Torso
Green torso with shell pattern printing on the back and tan chest plate (plastron) on the front. Features a dark brown strap running diagonally from shoulder to waist (front and back).
Legs
Standard green legs with dark brown/grey knee pad printing and toes defined by black lines.
Accessories
Typically comes with a brown Bo staff (LEGO bar/pole) which is missing in the image shown. The shell piece (back attachment) is present in the image.
Color Scheme
Bright green primary color with purple, tan, and dark brown accents. Purple is specifically tied to Donatello's identity.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing with detailing on the front torso, back torso, and front of the legs. The mask print on the molded head is generally well-aligned on this specific run.
Variants
Variants include tnt016 (Dark Green with Bo staff), tnt021 (with oxygen tank), tnt034 (Robotic/Metalhead), and tnt038 (movie version). This is the original 2013 Nickelodeon version.
Condition Notes
Prone to loose neck joints due to the shell attachment piece thickness. The neck pin on the torso should be checked for stress marks. Printing on the knees often rubs off first.
Estimated Value
Current used market value is approximately $8.00 - $12.00 USD. New/Mint condition can reach $18.00+ USD. The shell accessory is vital for value.
Price (New)
Originally released in sets ranging from $12.99 (79101) to $69.99 (79103). The figure was never sold individually.
Compatible Sets
79101 Shredder's Dragon Bike, 79103 Turtel Lair Attack, 79117 Turtle Lair Invasion.
Character Background
Donatello (Donnie) is the brains and technical genius of the Ninja Turtles, usually wielding a Bo staff and identified by his purple mask.
Design Notes
LEGO utilized a unique rubberized/plastic hybrid mold for the heads to capture the specific aesthetic of the Nickelodeon 3D animation style.
Similar Minifigures
Leonardo (tnt001), Michelangelo (tnt002), Raphael (tnt004), and Shredder.
Collectibility
High; since LEGO lost the license to TMNT (which moved to Mega Bloks and then others), these original LEGO versions have become staples for licensed theme collectors.
History
Represents the first time the TMNT franchise was realized in official LEGO form, following years of fan demand for the license.
Interesting Facts
The gap in the Ninja Turtles' teeth is a specific detail from the 2012 show designed to make them look more like teenagers.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed with the other three brothers on a sewer-themed baseplate or in a custom Turtle Lair MOC.
Modification Potential
The shell piece is frequently used in MOCs for other turtle creatures or armored fantasy characters. The green limbs are useful for Orc or Goblin customs.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential 2010s licensed minifigure. While currently accessible in price, the expired license makes it a solid hold for long-term collectors. Rating: 8/10 for design accuracy.