But, fortunately for Raph, I really like the figure. Let's go through the usual criteria...
LOOKS: 3.5 out of 5 The sculpt is nice, and a definite upgrade from the old figure (see pic below). Also, I like how the design is reminiscent of the original comic. However, not much in the way of detail or textures is happening with the figure, dropping the score a bit. I mean, the new He-man figures have so much detail that your eyes bleed when you try to look at it all... something more could have been done with the Turtles.
The paint on my figure is pretty well applied, but unfortunately, many of the Raphs in the store looked like they were painted by crack whores who hadn't had their fix, so that knocked the score down some more. But I do like the colors that are used. Each Turtle is a slightly different shade of green (like the old ones), adding some much-needed visual differentiation between the characters.
ARTICULATION: 3.5 out of 5 The articulation is basically the same as the old figure, but ball-in-socket joints at the shoulders are a definite improvement. The elbows swivel... but really aren't useful. Fortunately, the wrists swivel too, so that covers the forearm articulation of the old figure.
Hips are ball-in-socket and the head swivels. Everything's covered... but maybe some ankle articulation would be cool. Also, the figure has plenty of articulation, but his movement is limited by the shell.
ACCESSORIES: 4 out of 5 Remember the old accessories? There was a crapload of them, and they came connected on a rack, so they were all the same poop-brown color. Also, not only were most of them pointless, they were all super-flimsy. My poor vintage Raph is missing a sai since I accidentally broke it trying to pry it from his cold, dead hand (ala Chuck Heston) a few years ago. After that, I felt like my eyes were turning green and I was going to turn into Lou Ferrigno...
Anyway, the new Raph's sais are stronger, painted decently, and are easier to get into and from his hands. The ninja stars are cheesy, but Raph also comes with a pully-line rider! Fun fun!
COOLNESS: 4 out of 5 With nifty, fun accessories and good articulation, this is definitely a fun figure. I love the attention the sculptors paid to the original comic designs. None of that Toon Turtles crap here!
OVERALL: 3.75 out of 5 This is a cool figure, and definitely worthy of being in my collection. Raph's reminiscent of the old figure, but he's a definite improvement. I can't wait to get a full set and display them next to my old Turtles!
-Nathan