TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES -POP N°1971 -Michelangelo (Ooze Canister)

This Funko POP! Animation No. 1971 figurine depicts Michelangelo, one of the four heroes of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, in a special ‘Ooze Canister’ design. The character is depicted suspended inside a container filled with green mutagen, an element directly associated with the origins and numerous adventures of the Ninja Turtles. 

The design differs from a traditional POP! figure in its integrated setting. Michelangelo is positioned inside a translucent cylindrical tank containing a green substance, whilst the base and top section replicate the mechanical appearance of a mutagen tank. The figurine retains the character’s instantly recognisable features, notably his green skin and orange mask.

This design directly references the ‘ooze’, the mutagenic liquid inextricably linked to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mythology. Here, the container becomes an integral part of the figurine, serving as a visual reminder of the transformation that gave rise to the famous mutant turtles.

Standing approximately 14 cm tall and featuring an integrated setting, this Ooze Canister version offers a more elaborate presentation than a standard POP! figure. It can be displayed on its own or alongside Leonardo, Donatello and Raphael, also available from Funko in this series dedicated to the four brothers.

Technical specifications

• Manufacturer: Funko
• Range / Collection: POP! Animation
• Number: No. 1971
• Licence: Nickelodeon
• Sub-licence: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• Character: Michelangelo
• Nickname: Mikey
• Variant: Ooze Canister
• Type: Collectable POP! figurine with built-in display
• Height: approx. 14 cm
• Material specified by Funko: vinyl
• Design: Michelangelo suspended in a green mutagen canister
• Main colours: green, orange, grey and clear
• Funko product code: 93153
• EAN: 0889698931533

Character background and lore

Michelangelo, usually known as Mikey, is one of the four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brothers, alongside Leonardo, Raphael and Donatello. Nickelodeon portrays him as the youngest and funniest of the group, with a spontaneous, enthusiastic nature and a clear preference for relaxing moments over long training sessions.

His signature colour is orange and his weapon of choice is the nunchaku. Despite his laid-back nature and his keen taste for pizza and humour, Michelangelo remains an experienced ninja warrior who fights alongside his brothers to protect New York and its inhabitants. His first name pays homage to Michelangelo, one of the great artists of the Italian Renaissance.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. The characters first appeared in May 1984 in a self-published comic before going on to achieve international success through animated series, films, video games and a wide range of merchandise.

Funko’s ‘Ooze Canister’ version makes a direct reference to the central role of the mutagen in the TMNT universe. The green liquid is associated with the transformations that give rise to the humanoid turtles and regularly features as a narrative element in the franchise’s various adaptations. By placing Michelangelo directly inside a canister of mutagen, this POP! figure thus transforms a fundamental element of the Ninja Turtles’ story into a collector’s item.