Mattel has dropped some exciting new figures from their Turtles of Grayskull line, as part of Wave 5—yes, this is one for the collectors and fans alike. Turtles of Grayskull is a wonderful mashup between Masters of the Universe (MOTU) and our beloved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT). Wave 5 adds more warriors to the battleground, including Mekaneck and some absolutely wild reptilian crossovers that continue to bridge the MOTU and TMNT universes in a quirky, colourful way. Let’s take a closer look at the details and see what makes these figures worthy of our shelves.
Mekaneck: A Stretch of Nostalgia
Wave 5 brings an exciting lineup of figures, each with its own unique twist that combines the retro charm of MOTU with the fun reptilian vibes of TMNT. These characters are not only nostalgic throwbacks but also feature fresh new designs that make them stand out. From classic heroes reimagined to quirky villains, the new figures in the Turtles of Grayskull line are sure to catch the eye of any collector. Mattel has done a fantastic job with the colour palettes and sculpting, making each figure vibrant and true to the playful nature of both franchises.
Reptile Wars: Who’s Fighting Now?
Wave 5, also known as Reptile Wars, brings in some tough contenders—new character teases, battles for territory, and even some curious crossovers. The packaging is super evocative; I mean, we even get to see glimpses of what’s coming next. From the card reveal, it looks like Wave 5 is doubling down on the reptilian theme with new characters that promise to expand the Grayskull lore. Seeing the hybrid turtle-warriors and the mashup designs is definitely getting me hyped. These figures embody that ‘80s and ‘90s vibe but with the kind of intricate detailing that the more recent Mattel releases have been nailing.
One of my personal favourites in this release has got to be the snake-armoured Shredder. He’s terrifying, but also a little goofy—in the best way! That blend of serious MOTU villainy with a dash of TMNT’s playfulness is what makes the Turtles of Grayskull line so special. It’s definitely a great addition to the collection if you’re a fan of quirky villain designs, especially if you’ve enjoyed figures like Modulok before.
More Figures in Wave 5
Wave 5 doesn’t just stop at Mekaneck and snake-armoured Shredder. Thanks to the latest reveals, we’ve got a few more figures to add to the excitement:
Here’s a breakdown of the figures included in Wave 5:
- Turtles of Grayskull Mekaneck: A reimagined version of the classic MOTU character, Mekaneck is now part of the Turtles of Grayskull universe. His reptilian makeover adds some extra flair, and his neck-extending ability is perfect for spotting trouble from afar.
- Turtles of Grayskull Rattlor: Rattlor is a fierce addition to the line, with a snake-themed design that fits right into the reptilian motif of the Turtles of Grayskull. His intricate scale detailing and bright colours make him a standout in this collection.
- Turtles of Grayskull Donatello: Donatello gets a MOTU twist with armour and weapons that give him a mystical warrior vibe. The figure blends Donatello’s tech-savvy personality with Grayskull lore, making him a unique and essential part of the lineup.
- Turtles of Grayskull Raphael: Raphael comes armed with gladiatorial gear that makes him look ready for battle in Eternia. His fierce expression and weaponry embody the TMNT attitude mixed with MOTU’s warrior ethos, making him one tough turtle.
- Turtles of Grayskull Leonardo: Leonardo is decked out in battle armour, complete with classic MOTU elements. His weapons and armour are a great combination of both franchises, making him the fearless leader we know but with a twist of Eternian style.
- Turtles of Grayskull Michelangelo: Michelangelo comes equipped with jungle-themed gear, blending his carefree personality with a rugged warrior aesthetic. His armour and weapons make him look ready for an adventure deep in the Eternian wilderness.
- Turtles of Grayskull Clamp Champ: Clamp Champ makes an appearance in the Turtles of Grayskull line, bringing his iconic clamp weapon with a new reptilian design. His bright colours and muscular build make him an eye-catching figure, perfect for battling alongside the turtles.
- Turtles of Grayskull Mutated Ninjor: Ninjor gets a mutated makeover in this release, with extra limbs and a more monstrous appearance. His ninja gear and dark colour palette make him a formidable opponent, blending the stealth of a ninja with the power of mutation.
- Turtles of Grayskull Super Shredder: Super Shredder is one of the most imposing figures in this line. His armoured design is a mix of MOTU’s villainy and TMNT’s iconic Shredder style, creating a character that’s as menacing as he is collectible.
- Turtles of Grayskull King Hiss: King Hiss, the classic MOTU villain, makes his way into the Turtles of Grayskull universe. With his snake-themed design and transformation abilities, he’s a perfect fit for this reptilian mashup, bringing extra villainy to the lineup.
Each of these figures brings something new to the table, expanding the Turtles of Grayskull universe in creative and surprising ways. The combination of TMNT personality with MOTU’s heroic and villainous archetypes continues to be a winning formula.
The Turtles of Grayskull Backstory
If you’re new to the Turtles of Grayskull universe, you’re in for a treat. This crossover series is essentially a blend of MOTU and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, bringing the wacky heroes from both franchises together into one shared universe. It has been around for a while, with its origins stemming from a mix of fan concepts and nostalgic re-imaginings. Essentially, imagine He-Man riding into battle alongside mutant turtles with crazy armoured suits and ancient artefacts—you get the picture. The storyline is an inventive ride through both worlds, turning familiar heroes into legends and letting the reptiles run riot in Eternia.
This latest release is a continuation of that mashup, but with a modern twist. It’s all about upping the stakes, adding more warriors, and letting us collectors enjoy that sweet nostalgia mixed with some genuinely stunning modern sculpting and paintwork. If you’re following the latest toy news like I am, then you know these releases really have a way of pulling us in—and Mattel has certainly delivered again!
Should You Pick Them Up? My Thoughts
From the photos and details shared, I have to say that Mattel has brought their A-game to Wave 5. The design choices are bold, and the sculpts are incredible. The use of bright, almost garish colours is precisely what I love in a toy—it’s not trying to be subtle; it’s loud, it’s proud, and it knows exactly what it wants to be. The mix of MOTU and TMNT styles results in a unique aesthetic that’s both tough and playful. If you already have some figures from the earlier waves, you’ll definitely want to add these to your collection.
The Mekaneck figure, in particular, has my attention. I can already see him standing next to Modulok in my collection—both oddball characters, both with fascinating powers. For me, the appeal lies in how these figures push the boundaries of creativity while still staying true to their roots. They’re almost caricatures of themselves, but they bring that extra layer of nostalgia that we collectors crave.