TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES - POP Comics N° 68 - Michelangelo

This Funko POP! Comics No. 68 figurine depicts Michelangelo in a design directly inspired by the aesthetic of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics. Officially named ‘Michelangelo (Battle Damaged) (Comic Deco)’ by Funko, this version features a red and greyscale colour scheme that pays homage to the franchise’s graphic origins. The figurine stands approximately 9.9 cm tall.

Michelangelo is depicted in a dynamic pose with a Comic Deco finish characterised by strong contrasts between red, black, white and grey. The Battle Damaged treatment reinforces his warrior-like appearance and sets this edition apart from the more colourful versions inspired by the animated series. Funko officially describes this variant as a ‘red-and-greyscale comic deco’ reinterpretation.

This artistic direction is a direct nod to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ early days in independent comics. The four Turtles were depicted at that time in a much darker and more brutal style than in later animated adaptations. This edition also retains red as the dominant colour of the headband, in reference to the historic appearance of the four brothers in the early comics.

The base is one of the key features of this POP! Comics series. The bases for Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael and Donatello have been specially designed to fit together: when the four figures are assembled, their bases form a complete manhole cover, reminiscent of the New York underground associated with the Ninja Turtles’ lair.

Technical specifications

• Manufacturer: Funko
• Range / Collection: POP! Comics
• Number: No. 68
• Licence: Nickelodeon
• Sub-licence: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• Character: Michelangelo
• Nickname: Mikey
• Official variant: Battle Damaged (Comic Deco)
• Type: Collectible POP! figurine
• Height: approx. 9.9 cm
• Character’s signature weapon: nunchucks
• Main colours of this edition: red, black, white and grey
• Special feature: Comic Deco design with Battle Damaged finish
• Base: section of a manhole cover that can be combined with the bases for Leonardo, Raphael and Donatello from the same series
• Funko reference: 93216
• EAN: 0889698932165

Character background and universe (Lore)

Michelangelo is one of the four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brothers, alongside Leonardo, Raphael and Donatello. Usually nicknamed Mikey, he is portrayed by Nickelodeon as the youngest and funniest of the group. His laid-back nature contrasts with that of his brothers: he often prefers to have fun rather than train, whilst remaining deeply devoted to Splinter and his family.

Michelangelo is particularly associated with nunchucks, which he wields with great skill in combat. He is also famous for his enthusiasm, his sense of humour and his love of pizza – three characteristics that have become inseparable from the character across the various adaptations. His first name pays homage to Michelangelo, the famous sculptor, painter and architect of the Italian Renaissance.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. The two artists self-published the first comic in the series in May 1984. Originally conceived as an independent black-and-white comic, the creation quickly became an international phenomenon before being adapted into animated series, films, video games and numerous ranges of merchandise.

This POP! Comics No. 68 pays direct homage to these editorial origins. Its red and greyscale colour scheme, ‘Battle Damaged’ finish and base shaped like a section of a manhole cover offer a depiction of Michelangelo that is more in keeping with the visual style of the early comics. When combined with POP! Comics No. 65 Donatello, No. 66 Raphael and No. 67 Leonardo, it completes the composition devised by Funko and allows you to recreate the full manhole cover beneath the four brothers.