Leonardo Joins NECA TMNT x Usagi Yojimbo Series: Review

After waiting through the weekend we finally have the final figure in the new NECA TMNT x Usagi Yojimbo series: Leonardo. I know, I know, he usually leads.

Action figure of Leonardo from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, packaged in a blue box with accessories and an additional head.

Back of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figure packaging featuring illustrations and descriptions, including a character holding a weapon and scenes with other characters in a vibrant forest setting.

I love it when a figure or figure series casts such a positive light on a character I normally do not favor, that it makes me appreciate said character a little more. I am not shy about saying that Leonardo is my least favorite Turtles. It’s not that I hate him or anything, but he is distant fourth to the rest of the group as I just don’t care for his personality or usual characterization. But this figure, this figure gives me some new found appreciation because it is unique amongst the rest, and very well done.

A green action figure of a turtle wearing a blue mask and carrying a brown belt. The figure stands on a blue background, with two swords and alternate hands and heads lying next to it.

Sure, the figure is built on the same basic base body (which is quite good!) as the other three Turtles, but there are a few things that stand out here. First and foremost, Leo has a decidedly different skin tone from the others, and I really like the color here. It is greener than the rest and just fits the overall aesthetic quite nicely. I also REALLY like the blue used for the mask. It is softer, almost bordering on turquoise, but it fits so well with the green color and overall style that it’s my favorite combination of all the Turtles in this series.

A green cartoon turtle character holding two swords, wearing a blue bandana and a brown belt, posed against a bright blue background.

A green action figure resembling a ninja turtle, holding two swords, with a blue bandana and a shell backpack, set against a bright blue background.

Leo’s calmer portrait is also very befitting of him, and while the angrier head is more unique, this more uniform expression fits him best out of all the Turtles. They all have a similar expression, but I definitely like this best for him. Also, I really love his katana swords. They are not dramatically different from other versions we have seen in the past, but from the shape to the grip designs, these look really nice with this figure.

A vibrant action figure of a green turtle character holding two swords, wearing a blue mask and brown shoulder armor, set against a bright blue background.

Action figure of a green turtle-like character holding two swords, wearing a blue bandana and a brown utility belt, set against a bright blue background.

So yeah – look at me all loving this Leonardo figure! Again, this really speaks to the strength of this individual figure, but also the thematic design of this series overall. There has always been a great match with Usagi and the TMNT, and while the rabbit has been in the Turtles’ world many times before, everything just hits differently (and for me, better!) with the Turtles in his world.

A green turtle action figure wielding a sword, wearing a blue mask and brown armor, set against a blue background.

Action figure of a green turtle character holding two swords, wearing a blue mask and brown accessories, set against a bright blue background.

Be on the lookout for these via Haulathon (and at other retailers later) because this is not a series you will want to miss. If you love TMNT, or Usagi, or Stan Sakai in general, or all of the above, you will likely be very happy with these. I have been collecting TMNT for nearly 40 years at this point, and these might just be my all-time favorites.