The Last Ronin saga has captivated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fans with its dark, mature take on the beloved heroes. Central to this story is Leonardo, the disciplined leader who becomes the sole survivor of his clan. NECA has brought this gritty version of Leonardo to life in their Ultimate line, and we've got our hands on it. In this review, we'll dive deep into the figure's design, articulation, accessories, and overall value.
Whether you're a die-hard TMNT collector or new to the Last Ronin storyline, this figure promises to be a standout piece. Let's see if it lives up to the hype and deserves a spot in your collection.
Packaging and First Impressions
The NECA Last Ronin Ultimate Leonardo comes in the standard Ultimate line packaging – a window box that showcases the figure and accessories. The front features striking artwork of Leonardo in his worn, battle-scarred gear, setting the tone for the gritty aesthetic. The back displays a brief bio and images of the figure in various poses, giving collectors a preview of what's inside.
Upon opening, you're greeted with a well-organized tray that securely holds the figure and all its accessories. The first thing you'll notice is the sheer detail on the figure – from the weathered fabric of his gi to the intricate paint apps on his armor and weapons. The figure feels substantial in hand, with a solid build that instills confidence in its durability.
- Window box packaging with striking artwork
- Secure tray for figure and accessories
- Immediate impression of high-quality detailing
Design and Sculpt: A Gritty Tribute
NECA has masterfully captured the essence of the Last Ronin Leonardo. The figure features a heavily detailed sculpt that reflects years of battle and solitude. His gi is torn and frayed, with realistic fabric textures that add to the worn-out look. The armor pieces, including his shoulder pads and chest plate, show battle damage with scratches and dents, painted with precision.
The head sculpt is particularly impressive, conveying a sense of weariness and determination. Leonardo's mask is tattered, and his eyes have a fierce, focused gaze. The paint application is top-notch, with subtle shading and weathering that bring the character to life. This is not the clean, colorful Leonardo of the cartoons – this is a warrior who has seen it all.
- Battle-damaged armor with realistic weathering
- Tattered fabric details on the gi
- Expressive head sculpt with weary determination
Articulation and Posability
As an Ultimate figure, articulation is a key selling point. Leonardo features over 30 points of articulation, including a ball-jointed head, double-jointed elbows and knees, and a butterfly joint at the shoulders for enhanced range. This allows for dynamic combat poses that reflect the character's martial arts prowess.
The joints are tight but move smoothly, holding poses well without being overly stiff. The figure can achieve a deep crouch, high kicks, and sweeping sword slashes with ease. The inclusion of a wired cloth belt adds to the realism without hindering movement. Whether you're displaying him in a quiet, contemplative stance or mid-battle, the articulation delivers.
- Over 30 points of articulation for dynamic posing
- Double-jointed elbows and knees for natural movement
- Wired cloth belt for realistic drape and poseability
Accessories and Extras
NECA's Ultimate line is known for generous accessory packs, and this Leonardo does not disappoint. The figure comes with two katanas, a tanto, and a pair of sais, all with detailed sculpts and paint apps. The swords can be sheathed on his back via a magnetic harness, which is a nice touch that keeps them secure.
In addition to the weapons, there are multiple interchangeable hands – including fists, gripping hands, and a hand holding a severed foot soldier head. There's also an optional masked and unmasked head, allowing you to display Leonardo with or without his mask. The unmasked head shows a scarred, weary face that adds to the narrative depth. A display stand with the Last Ronin logo is also included, ensuring stability in any pose.
- Two katanas, a tanto, and sais with detailed sculpts
- Magnetic harness for back-sheathed swords
- Interchangeable hands and optional masked/unmasked heads
- Display stand with Last Ronin logo
Comparison with Other TMNT Figures
If you're a TMNT collector, you likely have other NECA figures in your collection. The Last Ronin Leonardo stands out due to its darker, more realistic aesthetic compared to the cartoon-style figures. It's a different take on the character, appealing to fans of the comic series. The level of detail and weathering is on par with other Ultimate figures, but the theme sets it apart.
For those who appreciate the Mirage Comics style, this figure will fit right in alongside the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Mirage Comics) - Michelangelo 7” Scale Action Figure. Both share a gritty, comic-accurate look that contrasts with the more colorful animated versions. Displaying them together creates a cohesive display that pays homage to the source material.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Mirage Comics) - Michelangelo 7” Scale Action Figure
- Darker, realistic aesthetic distinct from cartoon figures
- Complements Mirage Comics-style figures like Michelangelo
- Ideal for fans of the Last Ronin storyline
Value for Collectors
Priced at the standard Ultimate figure range, the Last Ronin Leonardo offers excellent value for the quality and quantity of accessories. The intricate sculpt, multiple head options, and array of weapons provide plenty of display possibilities. For fans of the Last Ronin saga, this is a must-have collectible.
In the current market, figures with this level of detail and articulation often come at a premium. NECA has managed to deliver a high-quality product at a reasonable price point, making it accessible to a wide range of collectors. Whether you're a completionist or just want a standout piece, this figure is worth every penny.
- Competitive pricing for the quality and accessories
- Multiple display options with interchangeable parts
- High collectible value for Last Ronin fans
The NECA Last Ronin Ultimate Leonardo is a triumph of design and execution. It captures the essence of a broken but determined hero, with exceptional detail, articulation, and accessories. Whether you're a TMNT enthusiast or a collector of high-quality action figures, this is a worthy addition to your shelf. Don't miss the chance to own this gritty tribute to a classic hero.
