Heavy Metal Noise! :: Nickelodeon's TMNT Metalhead Action Figure

This is the modern iteration of Metalhead, from the Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toyline by Playmates. I've had this guy for quite a while now, but realized the other day that I had never gotten around to blogging about him! The nerve!

Design-wise, Metalhead is a real gem. I love his skull-knee-pads and the nuts/bolts at his shoulders, knees, and the sides of his head. I didn't take a picture of it, but his shell is an NYC sewer lid - a real genius design component!

Metalhead's 'weapon' is a simple flame/missile that you place within a hole in his right hand and 'flick' from the back of his elbow to send it flying. This action feature limits Metalhead's right arm to a perpetual 90 degree bend but it doesn't encumber his aesthetic too much when the missile is removed. And since he's a robot, a limited range of motion is acceptable.

His shoulders are a basic swivel and his wrists rotate. His hips and knees are the more dynamic ball hinge, and his head is on a ball joint, which gives him a large range of emotive head poses.

His elbows do not have any articulation, but I'm ok with that. The only issue I have with his arms is that his bent arm and his straight arm are the same length - were he to extend his right arm it would become longer than his left! If I had to guess why, I would say Metalhead's initial design probably called for some sort of action feature or interchangeable hands/weapons on his straight arm, and that feature was cut for costs. Leaving Metalhead with mis-matched arm lengths. Honestly it's not really that noticeable, but I noticed it and it bugs me just a little bit.

That said: Metalhead is so cool I recommend him regardless of any dumb old stumpy arm!

As for scale, Metalhead is a tad smaller than the Turtles, which is in line with his animated appearance.

I picked Metalhead up many months ago. I'm sure he's still easy enough to find at retail, my experience with the TMNT toyline is that they are plentiful and easy to find (I applaud Playmates and retailers for keeping it that way - no under-packed rarities or retailer exclusives!) but I can't confirm it myself as I have not looked for him recently. If you have, let us know in the comments!