Curiosities about the toy and variants
This is a standout piece from the first wave of vintage Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures, a period particularly prized amongst collectors of this range.
A key detail for identification can be found on the back of the box. The first editions feature only the images of the ten original figures in the collection. In the world of collecting, this variant is known as the ‘10-back’ version, and is one of the most sought-after due to its historical significance within the series.
Due to the enormous commercial success of this figure, it was the subject of multiple reissues and distributions in various international markets. As a result, it is common to find slight variations in the design of the packaging.
Furthermore, some copies included the official Fan Club membership leaflet inside, a promotional item that today holds considerable nostalgic value and is increasingly rare to find in good condition.
Character
Rocksteady is brute force personified. Before his mutation, he was a human thug working for Shredder, but after being exposed to the mutagen, he became an unstoppable anthropomorphic rhinoceros.
While he’s certainly not the brains of the operation, he makes up for it with incredible stamina and some very chaotic military "expertise." Always seen with his partner-in-crime Bebop, they make up the most famous (and bumbling) duo in the NYC sewers.