TMNT Donatello (1988)

Donatello — the brains of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — rounds out the original 1988 Playmates first wave. The tech genius of the group, Donnie wields his bo staff and is recognizable by his purple mask. His figure has a slightly more relaxed pose compared to Leo and Raph, fitting for the turtle who'd rather be tinkering with machines than fighting. He's the quiet MVP of any TMNT display.

Donatello tends to fly under the radar compared to his flashier brothers, which can actually work in a collector's favour — he's sometimes easier to find at reasonable prices. But don't sleep on him: a complete, excellent-condition 1988 Donatello on a 10-back card is just as valuable as the other three turtles. The original Playmates sculpt captures his character perfectly, and first-wave Donnie is essential for anyone building a complete set.

Completeness means the bo staff, belt, and weapons rack accessories. The bo staff is a single long piece that's easy to lose but thankfully hard to break. Soft-head versions are from the earlier, more collectible production run. Check the purple mask paint for wear and look over the shell for scuffs. Donatello's lighter green plastic can show dirt and yellowing more than the others, so a clean figure really stands out. On carded versions, the long bo staff should be clearly visible and straight — warped staffs from years in the blister are common.