Review of Mutagen Canister Prop Replica
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TMNT

Introduction

We've gotten some pretty terrific Teenage Mutant Ninja toys and action figures over the last few years, with competition from several different companies driving up quality and selection. NECA has added prop replicas to the mix, and I grabbed the Mutagen Canister at a local Target for about $50. This is based on the 1990 movie, and includes some slime and a light up feature. Is it worth the cash? Let's see!

Packaging - ***
Nothing exciting about the box, but it does keep the tube safe and sound. There's some basic instructions for the light up feature, but I was surprised they didn't mention anything about the ooze. It's collector friendly of course, unless you plan on taking the ooze out of it's plastic jar.

Sculpting - ***1/2
This thing is pretty large, measuring 13 inches from one end to the other. The caps on both ends turn and can be removed. Twisting one end off reveals the battery compartment and switch for the light up feature, while the other end contains the plastic container of ooze. The caps have a nice, tight fit on either end, with no gaps. If you didn't know they come off, you might assume they don't.

The overall sculpt is reasonable, since this is pretty much a smooth tube. The crack on one side is large enough to show off the light feature, and appear as though the ooze has leaked out. The ends have a machined appearance, although the entire structure is plastic.

Paint - ***
The painted colors are consistent and even, giving off a very realistic look. The metallic silver looks good, and there's some dirt and staining added. There's not a ton - they didn't go nuts - but it does look like it's slightly dirty. I would have liked a bit more, but that's a personal preference.

All the printed lettering, including the various warnings and symbols, looks great. While this isn't a particularly complicated or difficult paint job, it's solid work.

Accessories - ***
While most prop replicas don't come with accessories, I'm counting the ooze here. This green slime comes in a plastic jar, labeled the same as the tube. That's nice because you can choose to keep it in this jar and it still looks great.

However, you can crack the seal and add the ooze to the display. Lay the tube on its side, with the ooze under it, and it will appear as though it has leaked out of the crack. I can't guarantee the ooze will last a long time - remember as a kid how this stuff went bad? - but it's still a nice addition. And since this sort of green slime isn't all that uncommon, you can certainly replace it over time.

Light Feature - ***
As I mentioned, you unscrew one end of the tube to reveal the battery compartment and switch. It takes three AAA batteries, not included. Pop them in, replace the cover, and flip the switch. Let there be light!

The light is quite bright, and you can see the green glow even in a fully lit room. Because it's easy to reach the switch, it's definitely the sort of thing you'll show off to friends when they stop by.

Fun Factor - ***
Prop replicas aren't really all that much 'fun, but the easy to use light feature helps. The price also means this would make for a good addition to a TMNT cosplay.

Value - **1/2
At $50, this is a reasonably priced replica. While the Hasbro stuff is generally more complicated, their price point is double. For the big fan of the older movie, I suspect the cost won't be any issue.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing. Like I said, I don't know how long the ooze will last, and you might want to consider picking up some cheap green ooze from the toy department at your local retailer, and keeping the stuff that comes with this intact in its container.

Overall - ***
If you're an old school TMNT fan, looking for a cool life size replica for around the house, look no further. The price is decent, the light up feature works well, and while there could be a little more realistic detailing, the final result is worth the purchase.

In the final photo, I paired the canister with a sixth scale Turtle from Mondo to give you some idea of the size.

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***
Sculpting - ***
Paint - ***
Accessories - ****
Light Feature - ***1/2
Fun Factor - ***
Value - **1/2
Overall - ***

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Check out the cool Mondo sixth scale Turtles! The greatest small versions of the comic Turtles were done by NECA. Playmates did their own take on the Eastman versions. And don't forget Mondo's 'First Turtle' figure.

You should also hit the Search Reviews page, in case any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.

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