Donatello - Turtle with Gritted Teeth
tnt003 · Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Nickelodeon Television Series · 2013: Part of the debut wave for the TMNT license.
Figure ID
tnt003
Theme
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Year Released
2013: Part of the debut wave for the TMNT license.
Rarity
Uncommon: Only appeared in two retail sets and a promotional bag within a theme that had a relatively short production run (2012-2014).
Head
Unique molded head in Bright Green featuring a purple eye mask and reddish-brown eyes. This version features a 'gritted teeth' expression, distinguishable from the smirking version.
Torso
Bright Green torso with a tan chest plate (plastron) and a dark brown leather-style sash (belt) with a gold buckle and pouches. Features back printing showing the rear shell pattern.
Legs
Bright Green legs with dark brown knee pad printing and a continuation of the tan lower shell (plastron) on the hip piece.
Accessories
Typically comes with a Bo Staff (brown 6L bar). Note: The shell is a separate back-attachment piece (part 11110) that fits over the neck peg.
Color Scheme
Predominantly Bright Green with Purple accents for the mask and Tan/Dark Brown for the turtle gear.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the head, torso (front/back), and legs (front). The print alignment on the sash and belt is typically very consistent.
Variants
tnt003 (Gritted Teeth), tnt016 (Smirking), tnt036 (Movie version), and tnt053 (Half-Shell Heroes version).
Condition Notes
Check for 'bite marks' on the soft plastic molded head and scratches on the tan plastron print. The neck peg can sometimes show stress marks due to the thick shell attachment piece.
Estimated Value
Used: $12 - $18 USD; New/Mint: $25 - $35 USD. Prices vary based on whether the back shell and staff are included.
Price (New)
Retail sets ranged from $12.99 (Kraang Lab Escape) to $39.99 (Turtle Sub Undersea Chase).
Compatible Sets
79100 Kraang Lab Escape (2013), 79121 Turtle Sub Undersea Chase (2014), and 30270 Kraang's Turtle Target Polybag (2013).
Character Background
Donatello is the brains of the TMNT team, known for his purple mask and mastery of the Bo Staff. This design is specifically based on the 2012 Nickelodeon animated series.
Design Notes
The TMNT line introduced unique head molds that deviates from the standard minifigure block head to better capture the 'mutant' aesthetic of the 2012 show.
Similar Minifigures
Leonardo (tnt001), Michelangelo (tnt002), Raphael (tnt004).
Collectibility
High. LEGO lost the TMNT license to Mega Bloks shortly after this run, making these the only official LEGO versions of the Nickelodeon-era characters.
History
Launched in late 2012/early 2013 to coincide with the Nickelodeon reboot. It marked a significant 'action' theme era for LEGO before the license moved.
Interesting Facts
The molded heads are slightly rubberized compared to standard ABS plastic, giving them a unique texture. The back shell piece can also hold the Bo Staff accessory.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the other three brothers on a sewer grate MOC or inside a dedicated TMNT-themed acrylic case.
Modification Potential
The head and shell pieces are highly sought after for MOCs involving reptilian humanoids or lizard warriors.
Overall Assessment
A solid, highly recognizable figure from a dead license. It is a 'must-have' for completionists of the 2013 TMNT line and holds its value well.