NECA’s Universal Monsters x TMNT Black & White Figures Are Pure Cinematic Art!

Alright, toy lovers, brace yourselves because NECA has done it again! This time, they’ve taken the Universal Monsters x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover and given it the ultimate black-and-white, old-school cinema treatment. Picture this: your favorite turtles—Leonardo as the Hunchback, Donatello as the Invisible Man, Michelangelo as the Mummy, and Raphael as Frankenstein’s Monster—now imagine them pulled straight out of a classic horror flick from the 1930s. Yep, that’s the vibe you’re getting with this 7-inch figure pack. It’s like someone dropped a vintage horror filter on your Saturday morning cartoons, and I am here for it!

A Classic Cinematic Makeover

These figures aren’t just cool—they’re dripping with that eerie, shadowy vibe that Universal Monsters were known for. Without all the colour, they somehow feel even more ominous. NECA has perfected that blend of nostalgia and horror, especially in black and white. The detailing on each character is just superb—from the ragged bandages on Michelangelo’s Mummy to the steampunk-esque gadgets on Donatello’s Invisible Man. It’s the kind of craftsmanship that keeps collectors like me coming back for more.

From Colour to Black & White: A New Perspective

If you recall, NECA released these same figures in full colour last year, and while those versions were awesome (seriously, who wouldn’t want Raphael in full Frankenstein’s green glory?), these black-and-white editions hit a little differently. They feel like a love letter to both monster movie buffs and TMNT fans who appreciate the artistry behind those old films. It’s as if these figures were born to live in a grainy black-and-white world, and NECA has captured that magic perfectly.

But Where’s Splinter?

Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the one figure that’s noticeably absent from this set—Splinter as Van Helsing. When I saw the coloured versions last year, Splinter was a standout, but sadly, he didn’t make it into this black-and-white set. I mean, imagine the sheer epicness of Splinter alongside these four! Maybe NECA’s saving him for a future release, but it does feel like a bit of a missed opportunity here.

A Must-Have for Collectors

Whether you’re into horror, turtles, or just love a good mashup, this set is one of NECA’s best. The figures have a cinematic quality that makes them perfect for display, especially if you’re like me and enjoy adding that extra dash of vintage horror to your collection. This black-and-white pack is the perfect companion to the Toony Terrors Universal Monsters I wrote about recently, and if you’ve been following NECA’s TMNT line, you might also want to check out the Black and White Original Sketch Comic Figures.

Nostalgia, horror, and pop culture

In the end, this set is a winner in my book. NECA has proven, once again, that they know how to capture the hearts of collectors by merging nostalgia, horror, and pop culture. If you missed out on the coloured versions last year, this Black & White 7-inch pack more than makes up for it with its timeless, classic look. I’m just hoping that somewhere down the line, we’ll see Splinter as Van Helsing join the crew!