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| TATTOO - TAI SAN |
I've been a big fan and collector of TMNT figures for a long time. I used to get them as gifts or buy them with my paper route money. It's cool that I can still collect them now as an adult. Complete vintage figures are getting pretty pricey, but they're still awesome to collect. I recently picked up a Tattoo figure—one of the more unique and harder-to-find characters in the vintage line. It’s in great shape, and I'm stoked to finally add it to my collection!
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Tattoo (Tai San) – Character Profile
Real Name: Tai San
Alias: Tattoo
Species: Human (Sumo Wrestler)
First Appearance: "Planet of the Turtleloids Part 1(1987), Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #32 (May 1992, Archie Comics)
Residence: Japan
Affiliation: Foot Clan (formerly), Independent; ally of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Occupation: Professional Sumo Wrestler
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| The Flesh-etched Illustrated Man! |
Background
Tattoo, whose real name is Tai San, is a famous sumo wrestler from Japan, renowned for his impressive strength, skill, and the mystical tattoos that cover his body. These tattoos are not just decorative—they are deeply tied to his personal history and his mastery of martial arts. Each tattoo serves as a spiritual emblem, representing different aspects of his strength, discipline, and inner peace.
Tattoo’s origins are steeped in the traditions of sumo wrestling, an ancient and prestigious combat sport in Japan. He began his career as a wrestler at a young age, training rigorously under the guidance of Japan’s finest sumo masters. His dedication and formidable prowess in the ring soon earned him the title of Grand Champion, one of the most coveted titles in the sport.
However, Tai San’s journey took a dramatic turn when he became disillusioned with the political corruption and dishonorable practices within the world of professional sumo. Despite his immense success, Tattoo began to feel empty and disconnected from his true self. Seeking a deeper purpose, he started to explore spiritual practices and connected with mystical traditions that allowed him to refine his skills beyond the physical realm.
This journey led him to adopt the spiritual name "Tattoo," symbolizing his commitment to honor, spiritual growth, and inner peace. His body art, which once symbolized mere accomplishments, now acts as a conduit for mystical powers, augmenting his strength, agility, and endurance.
Tattoo’s quest for balance brought him into contact with various supernatural forces and mystical beings, and he eventually became an ally of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Abilities and Traits
Tattoo’s strength and abilities come from a combination of his mastery of sumo wrestling and the mystical tattoos that cover his body. These tattoos are much more than decorative; they are imbued with spiritual and magical powers that allow Tattoo to channel extraordinary abilities. Below are some of Tattoo's primary skills and powers:
Sumo Wrestling Mastery: Tattoo is a consummate sumo wrestler. His size, strength, and technique make him a formidable opponent in any physical contest. His wrestling skills are augmented by his mystical tattoos, giving him the edge in battle.
Mystical Tattoos: Tattoo’s body is covered in enchanted tattoos that grant him supernatural abilities. These tattoos have various purposes, including enhancing his physical strength, creating force fields, and even healing him from wounds. Some tattoos can channel spiritual energy or summon mystical entities to aid him in battle.
Spiritual Awareness: Tattoo possesses an innate connection to the spiritual world, allowing him to sense evil forces or mystical disturbances. This heightened awareness allows him to act as a protector against supernatural threats.
Enhanced Strength and Endurance: Tattoo’s mystical tattoos not only increase his physical strength but also provide him with enhanced endurance and stamina, making him capable of withstanding prolonged battles and harsh conditions.
Honor and Discipline: Tattoo’s greatest strength, however, lies in his unwavering commitment to honor, discipline, and integrity. His spiritual practices have made him a calm and collected warrior, able to make decisions in the heat of battle that others might falter on.
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Comics Appearance
Tattoo’s first appearance was in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #32 (May 1992), published by Archie Comics. In this issue, Tattoo was introduced as a sumo wrestler whose beloved pet Chihuahua, Inky, was kidnapped by a criminal organization known as the Yen Brothers. The Yen Brothers used Inky as leverage to force Tattoo to throw a sumo match, but Tattoo refused to dishonor the sport, leading to a dramatic series of events.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, led by Leonardo, came to Tattoo’s aid, rescuing Inky and foiling the Yen Brothers’ plot. Tattoo, grateful for their help, invited the Turtles to a traditional sumo match and gifted Leonardo a special katana as a token of appreciation.
In later comics, Tattoo’s mystical tattoos were explored more deeply, revealing that they granted him supernatural abilities. His tattoos were magical in nature and could enhance his physical attributes or even act as magical wards against evil. Despite his immense strength and mystical powers, Tattoo’s primary motivation remained to live with honor, spiritual balance, and to protect those who could not protect themselves
Animated Series Appearance (1987 TMNT)
Tattoo also appeared in the 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series, but his portrayal was different from the comics. In the episode "Planet of the Turtleloids, Part 1," Tattoo was not a human sumo wrestler but rather a mutated hamster who had been transformed by Shredder into a human-sized sumo wrestler. Tattoo, in this version, was one of Shredder’s creations who was used to fight against the Turtles.
The Turtles, in this instance, discovered Tattoo when he was causing havoc at a pet store. After a brief battle with the Turtles, Tattoo was electrocuted and reverted back to his original hamster form. The episode ended with Tattoo regaining his freedom, and he was able to return to his natural state.
This version of Tattoo was far less serious and spiritual than his comic book counterpart, but it did help introduce his character to a wider audience.
Companion: Inky
Inky, Tattoo’s loyal Chihuahua, plays an important role in his life, particularly in the Archie Comics storyline. Inky’s kidnapping by the Yen Brothers is the catalyst that brings Tattoo and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles together. Tattoo’s deep bond with Inky is a testament to his compassion and loyalty, two traits that are central to his character
Tattoo is a formidable martial artist hailing from Japan, known for his unique ability to bring his tattoos to life through mystical means. Covered head to toe in traditional Japanese body art, each design on Tattoo’s skin represents a creature or force that he can summon in battle—dragons, tigers, snakes, and demons emerge from his body to fight at his command.
Originally a loyal member of the Foot Clan, Tattoo was exiled after clashing with Shredder over the use of dark magic. Driven by honor and vengeance, he now walks his own path, sometimes aligning with villains, other times challenging them, including the Turtles themselves. His complex code of bushido makes him a wild card—equal parts adversary and reluctant ally.
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Personality and Philosophy
Tattoo is a man of great honor and discipline. He lives by the principles of respect, humility, and duty, always seeking to improve himself both as a warrior and as a person. His sumo background and mystical training have shaped his worldview, which prioritizes balance, inner peace, and compassion. While Tattoo is physically imposing, he is not quick to anger or violence. Instead, he always looks for peaceful solutions when possible.
He is deeply spiritual and believes that true strength comes from understanding oneself and respecting the forces that govern the universe. His alliance with the Turtles is based on these shared ideals of fighting for justice and protecting the innocent.
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Back of Action Figure Card (1991)
The Flesh-etched Illustrated Man!
Vital tattootitstics
Birthplace: Skinsville, Japan
Weight: 378.5 lbs. (with tattoos)
Favorite Food: Mussels
Heckled for being humongous, this heavy hero took his fat into his own hands and joined a secret sumo society to defend his honor. There he was branded Tattoo. Henceforth, he decided to engulf his entire body with tattoos to live up to his name. Now that he’s done up his dermis, Tattoo takes his tonnage to the Turtle Teens to help them fight the Foot. Armed with only his massive muscles and skin illustrations, Tattoo beats the baddies with his bare hands. To further fool the Foot, Tattoo’s tattoos even come to life. And when he’s not using his scary skin, this inked individual flexes his forearms and funnels his fat to flatten the Foot. What’s more – the green guys really like him, ’cause his tattoos remind them of pizza topping!
Accessories
- Terrifying Turtle Tattoos
- Sumo Snake
- Burnisher Staff
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Relationship with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:
Tattoo’s relationship with the Turtles is one of mutual respect. He sees them as fellow warriors who fight not just with strength but with honor and discipline. He especially bonds with Leonardo, who shares many of Tattoo’s values of discipline and leadership. Tattoo often serves as a mentor or ally to the Turtles, providing them with guidance in spiritual matters or helping them overcome supernatural threats.
Trivia:
- Tattoo is one of the few characters in the TMNT universe whose abilities are tied directly to his body art and spiritual practices.
- In the Archie Comics, Tattoo’s tattoos are shown to have magical properties, setting him apart from most other characters who rely on physical strength alone.
- While Tattoo appeared in both the TMNT Adventures comics and the 1987 animated series, his character was significantly more complex in the comics, where he was portrayed as a mystical sumo wrestler.
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