AAre there other ways to decorate the character pan cakes, other then using the horrible star tip? I hate the final look of those cakes...I would like to know how to make them look more "polished" (can't think of the correct word). I guess I am asking how to get away from that homemade look. Thanks!

They were made for home baker's so really to answer your question, I guess you could try flooding.

AI've never done this but I think you'd be able to cover with fondant then place fondant cutouts of the various shapes to add the color and details.

I wondered this too, the flooding idea sounds intersting!

What about cutting the top flat and then using buttercream transfer, has anyone tried that?

My neice's boyfriend's birthday is Monday.  I told him that I'd make him a bday cake.  He really likes TMNT, and I happen to have a Michaelangelo character pan.  I'm trying to decide whether to do that, or do a round cake and carve a head out of it, then cover in fondant.

If I do end up doing the character pan, I will NOT be using the star tip.  I'd probably use a Tip 12, pipe on the colors, smooth them with a spatula, then go back over with a Viva paper towel.  The eye mask, knee and elbow "pads" would be done in fondant.

Since this is a gift, I'm torn between going all out, or going very easy.  Not sure which cake would be which. lol

Whenever I'm giving cakes as a gift, I go all out, gives me a chance to try new techniques.  If it were me I'd want to make a standing TMNT, I think it would be way cool.  Just saying.