TMNT Rocksteady (1988)

Rocksteady is Bebop's partner in crime from the original 1988 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Playmates toy line — a mutated rhinoceros soldier in military fatigues who, despite being incredibly strong, could never quite outsmart the Turtles. The figure came with a retro-futuristic gun, a knife, a garbage can lid shield, and a bandolier of grenades across his chest.

Rocksteady and Bebop are inseparable in the collector's mind — most people want the pair. As a result, Rocksteady enjoys consistent demand from TMNT collectors. The 1988 wave figures are the most historically significant Playmates releases, and Rocksteady's distinctive look (that horn, those camo pants) makes him instantly recognizable even to casual fans of the show.

For loose figures, the accessories are the sticking point. Rocksteady's gun and knife are small and were easily lost by kids in the '80s. Reproduction accessories exist, so learn to tell the difference — originals have a specific color tone and mold quality. Check for paint wear on the face and horn. For carded examples, the same rules as Bebop apply: look for an intact bubble, a clean card with minimal shelf wear, and the original 1988 card back. A matching Bebop-and-Rocksteady pair, both carded, is a true showcase piece.