What: "Nasty Indestructible Ninjas Jumping About." I'm not sure if this line of little plastic ninjas really needed an acronym, but they gave it one anyway. N.I.N.J.A. Mites, the ninja-centric answer to M.U.S.C.L.E., consists of 48 unique sculpts in three different colors: black, red and yellow. They are made of a hard, light plastic (although one of the black figures I have is interestingly made of a somewhat softer plastic, and it doesn't appear to be a bootleg) and are mostly mono-color except for small painted glow-in-the-dark details on each. I am a bit torn about this line because some of the sculpts are quite cool while others are a bit bland. For example, I find the red dragon pictured above to be an incredibly appealing mini figure. There are other characters in the line that have a monster/humanoid element, and in my opinion, they are much more exciting than the basic human ones (although I suppose those are necessary in a set of ninja toys). I don't have many of these yet, but will be on the lookout for some of the cooler ones for sure. For more on N.I.N.J.A. Mites, check out MinifiguresXD's informative post.
When: 1986
Where: In addition to the USA, I have heard of these being popular in Europe so I am assuming they were sold there in some capacity.
Who: Panosh, the company also known for producing Dino Mites.
Some Ninja Mites are very rare and are worth big bucks to some collectors. I occasionally come across them, but nothing cool like that little dragon. The packaging, if I remember correctly, was godawful. I really have enjoyed reading your blog, though I have not yet had a chance to dig through your archives. Keep posting!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your comment. I am glad you're enjoying the site!
DeleteYeah, when I got the chance to get that dragon I couldn't pass it up. It was the sculpt I was most interested in from this line, and I think red is the best color of these.
I may try to build a whole set of Ninja Mites, but I have a long way to go!
Some figures also have highlight variants too, e.g where one figure has a highlight on his sword the other would be highlighted on his star, if you catch my drift.
ReplyDeleteohhh i had these, well was handed them down in earloy 90s
ReplyDeleteWOW! this blog is awesome. I had now idea these were highly sought after. as a kid I remember both myself, and the 2 brothers i was best friends with each got the 30 pack set for x-mas. I think these were very cheap at target and our parents knew we were ninja fanatics so it was perfect. all 90 of our tiny ninjas ended up co habituating in a ice-cream bucket in their basement and we'd spend long winter weekends setting up epic ninja battles scenes on various tables and bookcases. wish I had that bucket now.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I hope you'll join and visit again!
DeleteI love that story and know that feeling. Luckily I was able to hold onto most of my cool childhood toys, but there are definitely some that were lost/sold that I really wish I still had.