NECA's Raphael Joins Usagi Yojimbo Line: A Must-Have Figure

We are swinging from one side of the emotional spectrum to the other. After featuring the jovial Michelangelo yesterday, the continuously cranky Raphael is next in the TMNT x Usagi Yojimbo line from NECA.

A collectible action figure of Raphael from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, displayed in a box with a red background. The figure is green, wears a brown belt, and has a red mask. The packaging includes extra accessories and features the title 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Usagi Yojimbo'.

Back packaging of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figure featuring Raphael, with colorful illustrations and text about the character.

Even in the wondrous world created by Stan Sakai, you know Raphael is still going to have a chip on his shoulder. For all of the fun-loving attributes we talked about yesterday with Mikey, Raph has the same volume for brooding angst. And yet, also like Mike, he cannot help but be pretty adorable while being so mad in this line, and you know that just makes him sick.

A green action figure of a ninja turtle character, wearing a brown belt and a red mask, standing upright against a red background. Various accessories, including weapons and an alternate head, are placed around the figure.

But you know what? That is what makes TMNT so great. Even when there are a lot of physical attributes that are similar amongst all four of the Turtles, the personalities are what really sets them apart. Frankly, that is why the battle for the “best” Turtle is so intense – when people identify with one, it is really cool to see how strong that bond becomes. Well, NECA is doing a great job in this series to show those personalities and emotions, and Raph continues that trend.

A colorful action figure of a turtle with green skin, wearing a tan armor and a red mask, holding two white swords, set against a bright red background.

A detailed action figure of a green turtle character with a red bandana, facing away, holding a weapon, set against a red background.

Like the other Turtles, Raph has two portraits – one more uniform to match the others, and one that is big mad. I mean, that type of expression is nothing new for Raphael figures, but put through the Sakai lens, it is angry, but also… comforting? It’s weird, he is going to go crazy, but it is familiar to the world he is in, so kind of different for him. I will probably display him with the more subdued portrait, but you have good options here.

A close-up of a green turtle action figure holding a gray shuriken against a red background.

A vibrant green action figure resembling a turtle, wearing a red bandana and holding a white weapon, posed against a bright red background.

He also gets his signature sai weapons, the ninja stars, but also fists, and special grips that allow him to hold his sais in unique fashion. He is built on the same base body, but has a different skin tone and a unique belt that can hold the sais well. In fact, I like the design of these sheaths better than just about any other solution that has been presented with other figures.

A green turtle action figure holding two sai weapons, wearing a red mask and a beige armor, with a playful expression, set against a bright red background.

A green action figure of a turtle character, holding a trident, wearing a red mask and a tan shell, posed against a red background.

The expressive variety in this little line is pretty great, and one of the reasons I love these figures so much. If you are a Raph fan, you will be very pleased with this figure. He poses well for the fight, and has been adapted wonderfully into the Usagi style. He is getting out there to Target stores now, so be on the lookout!