Not currently on display at the V&A

The Shredder

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. Shredder used his spiked armour as weapons. He led the Foot Clan and wanted world domination.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Shredder (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Plastic injection moulded
Brief description
Action figure from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Made by Playmates Toys. 1988
Physical description
A plastic human action figure. He wears black trousers, purple pants chest and his chest is exposed. He has purple boots, wrist supports and face guard. He also wears a blue helmet and cutting armour (spiked) on his shoulders, wrists and forelegs. He has a detachable purple cloak made of cloth.
Dimensions
  • Height: 13cm
  • Width: 6cm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
1988. Mirage Studios, Playmates Toys
Object history
Donated as part of a collection of Ninja Turtles objects (B.156:1-2004 to B.173-2004) by an unknown donor. This figure would have originally come with a sword, ninja stars, fist daggers and kama, but these are missing.
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. Shredder used his spiked armour as weapons. He led the Foot Clan and wanted world domination.
Collection
Accession number
B.162-2004

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdAugust 1, 2008
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest