Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at Young V&A
Imagine Gallery, Living Together, Case 3

Raphael

Action Figure
1988 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (or Hero Turtles as they were previously known in the UK), were trained by their Sensei, Master Splinter, to become skilled Ninja warriors. They fought criminals and alien invaders from their home in the New York sewer system. Although they fought many different enemies throughout the series, their consistent archenemy was Shredder, a villainous ninja master.
They originated in an American comic book published by Mirage Studios in 1984, but became extremely popular after the TV series launched in 1987. By the early 1990s Ninja Turtles merchandise was everywhere and they became part of pop culture history. The merchandise was made by Playmates Toys and began production in 1988. Raphael was the anti-social bad boy of the team, aggressive but fiercely loyal.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Titles
  • Raphael (manufacturer's title)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (series title)
Materials and techniques
Plastic, injection moulded
Brief description
A green plastic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figure, Raphael, made by Playmates Toys in 1988
Physical description
A green plastic humanoid turtle figure with beige chest and black shell. He wears a red mask and has red joint supports on knees, elbows and wrists. He has a black belt with 'R' on the buckle. He carries one brown plastic Sai (weapon).
Dimensions
  • Height: 105mm
  • Maximum width: 70mm
  • Depth: 65mm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
'1988. Mirage Studios. Playmates Toys'
Object history
Donated as part of collection of Ninja Turtles objects (B.156:1-2004 to B.173-2004) by an unknown donor. He is missing one of his sai (weapons).
Subjects depicted
Summary
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (or Hero Turtles as they were previously known in the UK), were trained by their Sensei, Master Splinter, to become skilled Ninja warriors. They fought criminals and alien invaders from their home in the New York sewer system. Although they fought many different enemies throughout the series, their consistent archenemy was Shredder, a villainous ninja master.
They originated in an American comic book published by Mirage Studios in 1984, but became extremely popular after the TV series launched in 1987. By the early 1990s Ninja Turtles merchandise was everywhere and they became part of pop culture history. The merchandise was made by Playmates Toys and began production in 1988. Raphael was the anti-social bad boy of the team, aggressive but fiercely loyal.
Collection
Accession number
B.160-2004

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Record createdAugust 1, 2008
Record URL
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