Playmates issued their first line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures in 1988. That initial release consisted of the four turtles, Splinter, April, Shredder, Rocksteady, Bebop, and a Foot Soldier.
As TMNT mania grew, so did the toy line. Action figures began to take on various shapes, sizes, and themes. In 1991 Playmates introduced the Sewer Sports All-Stars sub-line of figures. Six figures made-up this sub-line – Slam Dunkin’ Don (basketball), Shell Slammin’ Mike (wrestling), Grand Slammin’ Raph (baseball), Shell Kickin’ Raph (soccer), Slap Shot Leo (hockey), and T.D. Tossin’ Leo (football).
Slam Dunkin’ Don has always received more attention. Mainly due to the fact he is wearing a jersey with the #23 on it. Everyone instantly connects that to Michael Jordan.
Over the years it was common for Playmates to reissue their figures. Subtle changes would be made from year to year. The Slam Dunkin’ Don from 1994 is considered a holy grail to many TMNT collectors. What makes this version so special? Its the color of his basketball jersey. For some reason the Slam Dunkin’ Don released by Playmates in 1994 is wearing a white jersey. Every release prior to and after 1994 has him wearing a red jersey. An unopened Slam Dunkin’ Don from 1994 can be worth thousands if in nice condition.
What’s in the package? Of course you receive the figure which features “amazing spring powered hoop shootin’ action”. Accessories include a turtle ball and garbage can rim.
The inclusion of a trading card is also a nice bonus.
Filed under: Under The Tree | Tagged: 1994, all-stars, don, dunkin', playmates, sewer, slam, sports, the, tmnt, tree, under | Leave a comment »