It's been a while since I've done one of these... so long, in fact, that I can't remember if this should be #4 or some other number.
Anyway... got any questions? I can't guarantee I'll have answers, but I'll try. -- PL
(TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. © 2009 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved.) All other material ©2011 Peter Laird unless otherwise noted.
Imagine that you and Kevin hadn't went along with the idea for the Turtles and scrapped the notion of starting the comic all together, what instead do you think you may be doing as a career or hobby today as a result of not taking that path?
ReplyDelete-r
If TMNT Vol. 4 does indeed end around issue 40 or so, would you consider letting someone else take the reigns of writing a TMNT comic in the future, like you did with Vol. 2 (I mean for what comes next chronologically in the story)? Obviously it depends on the comic book market at the time...
ReplyDeleteThanks for your time!
I noticed that issue 30 hasn't been posted on WOWIO. Will it be appearing there in the coming weeks?
ReplyDeleteWhat would it take to allow more exploration into the Mighty Mutanimals?
ReplyDeleteWhat is your favorite TMNT item you have? if its comic art or a toy, or any kind of merchandise like that. Which would be your favorite? If I had to choose I would say the cold cast statues made by playmates and the neca figures.
ReplyDeleteHey, Mr. Laird! I've always been curious about the Hallmark miniseries project. Is there anyway you could give us a rundown of the plot? I've read rumors that Steve Baron was attached to direct... was the mini going to be set in the same universe as the live-action films?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Derek
Thanks for taking the time out to answer a few questions, I know these questions are a bit difficult to answer, but any answers would be appreciated.
ReplyDelete1) Is it possible to license the TMNT brand to another comic publisher, while Mirage still produces their own TMNT comics, much in the same way Mirage did with the Dreamwave or Archie deals?
2)Has there ever been any talk of producing TMNT novels, which may be more important to the teen/preteen market then comics.
3)When will you be posting production material from the 2007 movie,(i.e. character designs, artwork, storyboards)?
4)I know it's early, but how perceptive is Mirage and the other companies involved in the next TMNT movie to the idea of going PG-13?
5)In the past several years, through various interviews and postings, there seems to be a general downbeat feeling with the people at Mirage, a lack of passion, burnout, ect. Could it be connected to your own feelings about the property? What do you contribute thses feelings too, and do you foresee any way of turning it around?
1. What's the deal with NECA? They promised us so much yet delivered so little? What happened?
ReplyDelete2. With Warner Bros' success at doing direct to DVD animated movies based off their comic storylines, have you thought of doing the same with TMNT? I'd love to see movies based off Return to New York, Shades of Grey, Masks, and City at War.
3. Would you ever be comfortable handing the reigns over to someone else when you're ready to move on? I know full well how attached a creator can be to his characters, and I couldn't conceive of anyone but me handling them, but is their a pressure you feel to stick with it to the end?
4. TMNT/Hellboy, will it ever happen?
It's been an entertaining and (sometimes roller-coaster-esque) 25 years of TMNT and I am so glad this is the fandom that grabbed me lo, these many years ago. I wouldn't have traded the ride for anything.
ReplyDeletePeter, how do you see the next 25 years, for the Turtles and for yourself?
Hopefully this doesn't come across as a negative question, because that isn't how I mean it...
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I've always wanted to ask is...Do you ever feel resentment toward the turtles for limiting your career?
Much like many people feel that George Lucas resents Star Wars for making him "George Lucas: The guy that made Star Wars" rather than "George Lucas: The world famous director"
Do you feel that the Turtles have pigeon-holed you as "Peter Laird: The guy that made the Ninja Turtles" and prevented you from becoming known for your fantastic artistic ability rather than being known for a single property?
Again, this wasn't meant to come across in a negative light. It is just the one question, above all others, that I have always wanted to ask you.
-Stephan
" Poppy Robbie said...
ReplyDeleteImagine that you and Kevin hadn't went along with the idea for the Turtles and scrapped the notion of starting the comic all together, what instead do you think you may be doing as a career or hobby today as a result of not taking that path?
-r"
I suspect I would have followed my original direction and worked toward becoming a more capable and successful illustrator, possibly with digressions into comics. -- PL
"Chad said...
ReplyDeleteIf TMNT Vol. 4 does indeed end around issue 40 or so, would you consider letting someone else take the reigns of writing a TMNT comic in the future, like you did with Vol. 2 (I mean for what comes next chronologically in the story)? Obviously it depends on the comic book market at the time...
Thanks for your time!"
I would consider that, or something like that. We had a publishing meeting at Mirage a month or so ago, and this idea came up. We'll see. -- PL
"Daniel Schwarz said...
ReplyDeleteI noticed that issue 30 hasn't been posted on WOWIO. Will it be appearing there in the coming weeks?"
I don't know the exact date, but it should be up within the next couple of weeks. -- PL
"Nolan T said...
ReplyDeleteWhat would it take to allow more exploration into the Mighty Mutanimals?"
It's my understanding that all of the Mighty Mutanimals are dead... killed off in the last issue of their comic. I'm not sure where to go from there... although, this being comics, I'm sure a creative way to revive them could be found. No one has come forward with such an idea, as far as I can recall.
That would be the first step. The next one would be trying to determine if doing another MM comic would make sense from a business perspective. -- PL
" Dripgutz said...
ReplyDeleteWhat is your favorite TMNT item you have? if its comic art or a toy, or any kind of merchandise like that. Which would be your favorite? If I had to choose I would say the cold cast statues made by playmates and the neca figures."
I can't really pick one favorite, but here are some top choices:
-- The very first TMNT figures from Playmates.
-- The miniature lead TMNT figures from Dark Horse Miniatures.
-- The hardcover collected edition of the Mirage TMNT comics (the initial eleven issues plus the four "Micro-Series").
-- The "Star Trek" TMNT figures from Playmates.
-- The "Universal Monsters" TMNT figures from Playmates.
-- The NECA TMNT figures.
-- The 2K3 TMNT animated series, including "Fast Forward" and "Back to the Sewer".
-- The first TMNT live-action movie.
-- The TMNT CGI movie.
-- And of course, the vacuum-metalized Fugitoid! -- PL
"osborn said...
ReplyDeleteHey, Mr. Laird! I've always been curious about the Hallmark miniseries project. Is there anyway you could give us a rundown of the plot? I've read rumors that Steve Baron was attached to direct... was the mini going to be set in the same universe as the live-action films?
Thanks!
Derek"
I think there are some lingering rights issues which prevent me from giving too much away. If I recall correctly, it was going to be set in a more Mirage-oriented TMNT universe. But it's been a while since I've read that script!
At some point, if possible, I would love to share some of the stuff that was developed for that project -- there wasn't a lot, as it got killed not too long after it got started, but there are a few very cool things. -- PL
"Dragon Turtle said...
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time out to answer a few questions, I know these questions are a bit difficult to answer, but any answers would be appreciated.
1) Is it possible to license the TMNT brand to another comic publisher, while Mirage still produces their own TMNT comics, much in the same way Mirage did with the Dreamwave or Archie deals?"
It's possible, but as far as I know, no other publisher has expressed interest.
"2)Has there ever been any talk of producing TMNT novels, which may be more important to the teen/preteen market then comics."
I believe there has been some discussion of this in the past, but nothing came out of it, as far as I can recall. It might be time to revisit that notion.
"3) When will you be posting production material from the 2007 movie,(i.e. character designs, artwork, storyboards)?"
I don't know. There might be some rights issues involved... I'd have to check that out.
"4)I know it's early, but how perceptive is Mirage and the other companies involved in the next TMNT movie to the idea of going PG-13? "
All I can tell you is that at this point, as owner of Mirage and the TMNT, I would be open to seeing the next movie be PG-13.
"5) In the past several years, through various interviews and postings, there seems to be a general downbeat feeling with the people at Mirage, a lack of passion, burnout, ect. Could it be connected to your own feelings about the property? What do you contribute thses feelings too, and do you foresee any way of turning it around?"
I'm assuming you mean "attribute" instead of "contribute"... yes?
I can't speak for anyone else involved with MIrage, but it is a fact that when you are involved with something for a long time it is not uncommon for interest and passion to flag. And most of the core Mirage group HAS been involved with the TMNT for a long time.
Does my attitude influence this "malaise", if you want to call it that? I suppose it does, to some extent. But I have found that this kind of thing can wax and wane over time. For example, I was kind of burned out on the Turtles in the several years before I bought Kevin Eastman out in 2000... and then I had a huge burst of enthusiasm for the property, which happily coincided with 4Kids getting involved and the subsequent birth of the 2K3 animated series and all of the other new merchandising. It was also around that time that I started the Volume 4 TMNT comics.
As another example -- I got somewhat burned out on the Volume 4 TMNT comics over the last couple of years... but just recently, with the publication of issue #30, I have felt some new energy within myself regarding these comics. That doesn't mean I am going to go back to a bimonthly schedule... but I think it definitely means there won't be a year wait between issues. -- PL
"Colin said...
ReplyDelete1. What's the deal with NECA? They promised us so much yet delivered so little? What happened?"
I am not privy to NECA's inner workings, so it is difficult -- if not downright impossible -- for me to say. I am inclined to be patient.
"2. With Warner Bros' success at doing direct to DVD animated movies based off their comic storylines, have you thought of doing the same with TMNT? I'd love to see movies based off Return to New York, Shades of Grey, Masks, and City at War."
It's definitely something which I have considered, but Mirage Studios is not Warner Brothers. It's not as easy as just WANTING something like this to happen.
"3. Would you ever be comfortable handing the reigns over to someone else when you're ready to move on? I know full well how attached a creator can be to his characters, and I couldn't conceive of anyone but me handling them, but is their a pressure you feel to stick with it to the end?"
I could -- and probably will, at some point in the nebulous future -- hand the reigns over to someone else and be done with it. The situation which would allow this to happen to my satisfaction has not arisen yet.
"4. TMNT/Hellboy, will it ever happen?"
Ask Mike Mignola! -- PL
"GreenWillow said...
ReplyDeleteIt's been an entertaining and (sometimes roller-coaster-esque) 25 years of TMNT and I am so glad this is the fandom that grabbed me lo, these many years ago. I wouldn't have traded the ride for anything.
Peter, how do you see the next 25 years, for the Turtles and for yourself?"
I think the Turtles will continue to be in the public eye in some fashion -- as I have said elsewhere, I believe i has been proven over the last twenty-five years that as a property, the Turtles have "legs".
Will I still be involved? I don't know. Maybe... maybe not. I would like to work on other things, truth be told. What are those things? I don't know... at least not right now. -- PL
" gogreenmachine said...
ReplyDeleteHopefully this doesn't come across as a negative question, because that isn't how I mean it...
The one thing I've always wanted to ask is...Do you ever feel resentment toward the turtles for limiting your career?
Much like many people feel that George Lucas resents Star Wars for making him "George Lucas: The guy that made Star Wars" rather than "George Lucas: The world famous director"
Do you feel that the Turtles have pigeon-holed you as "Peter Laird: The guy that made the Ninja Turtles" and prevented you from becoming known for your fantastic artistic ability rather than being known for a single property?
Again, this wasn't meant to come across in a negative light. It is just the one question, above all others, that I have always wanted to ask you.
-Stephan"
As anyone who has closely followed the TMNT might know, one of my favorite lines from the late, great Jack Kirby was from the last issue of his "Mister Miracle" comic book series... the one where the evil Darkseid tried to ruin the wedding of Scott Free and Big Barda. The lord of Apokolips summed up his philosophy in this line: "Life at best is bittersweet."
That kind of describes my relationship with the TMNT at this point in my life. On the one hand, co-creating these crazy characters has brought me success and opportunities I'd never really considered I might have.
On the other hand, I can say without any doubt in my mind that because of the Turtles, I am less of an artist than I thought I would be at this point in my life. I have not evolved in my skill set in the way I thought and hoped I would.
It's a trade-off. You must take the good with the bad. As I have said elsewhere, in my opinion the good has generally outweighed the bad. -- PL
Wow. Those were some good questions, and some honest, thought provoking answers.I for one, appreciate that you posted this up and realy tried to answer the questions as you did. That is realy cool Pete.
ReplyDeleteAs such, Most of my questions have been answered, and I second the novelizations idea.I would love some TMNT paperbacks.
I wouldn't mind seeing a gamesworkshop miniatures game eighter. *smiles*
Since this is a Q&A, I will ask one thing..DO you have a motorcycle with a TMNT themed paint scheme?
As I recall, Scott Ian of Anthrax has a TMNT themed guitar. I had always thought that that particular paint scheme would work out all right on a bike...
Anyway, Thanks for you time Pete, have a good weekend.
PL said...
ReplyDelete"It's possible, but as far as I know, no other publisher has expressed interest."
Has Mirage actively sought out other publishers to see if they were interested in such a deal?
"I'm assuming you mean "attribute" instead of "contribute"... yes?"
Yes, but actually that reminds me, what effect, if any, does the relationship between the CEO Gary Richardson and others who work at Mirage have on the general mood at Mirage?
Hi peter thanks for answering our questions. What I would like to know is in regards to the new tmnt movie being produced.
ReplyDeleteI read many interviews with the Micahel sisti the original actor who played mikey in the first two films and it seemed like he really enjoyed being part of the franchise. Have you been able to discuss or think about inviting some of the original cast back for cameos in the new film? It would be awesome to have a scene where casey jones goes to buy a bat and he goes to a random sport store owned by the original actor who played casey in the first film. sorta like a passing the torch deal?
What were your thoughts on the whole turtles "ninja rap? sequence? would it be some sort of easter egg in the film?
and lastly....i've been saving up to have 4 custom figures done from an artist on ebay to resemble the movie turtles. Is their anyway that their will ever be a line of the movie turtles, in a 1/6 scale or detailed version like the hot toys or medicom figures? I have always wanted one and thought i'd ask.
Thank you for reading this.
-Mauro
ReplyDelete"4. TMNT/Hellboy, will it ever happen?"
Ask Mike Mignola! -- PL
-- What would be your ideal Crossovers ( imagining if no legal strings were attached ) ??
-- .. " but just recently, with the publication of issue #30, I have felt some new energy within myself regarding these comics. That doesn't mean I am going to go back to a bimonthly schedule... but I think it definitely means there won't be a year wait between issues.
What sparks this energy in you ?!
or what can spark it ?!
"Dragon Turtle said...
ReplyDeletePL said...
"It's possible, but as far as I know, no other publisher has expressed interest."
Has Mirage actively sought out other publishers to see if they were interested in such a deal?"
I'm not 100% sure, but I think MIrage (through our licensing agency) has approached various publishers.
"I'm assuming you mean "attribute" instead of "contribute"... yes?"
Yes, but actually that reminds me, what effect, if any, does the relationship between the CEO Gary Richardson and others who work at Mirage have on the general mood at Mirage?"
I think that's a question better asked of the people you mention. If you were to ask ME how my relationship with Gary affects MY mood at Mirage, I would say very positively. -- PL
"agliarept said...
ReplyDeleteHi peter thanks for answering our questions. What I would like to know is in regards to the new tmnt movie being produced.
I read many interviews with the Micahel sisti the original actor who played mikey in the first two films and it seemed like he really enjoyed being part of the franchise. Have you been able to discuss or think about inviting some of the original cast back for cameos in the new film? It would be awesome to have a scene where casey jones goes to buy a bat and he goes to a random sport store owned by the original actor who played casey in the first film. sorta like a passing the torch deal?"
I like seeing that kind of thing in movies, and if things such as you suggest can be incorporated into the next TMNT movie, I'm all for it.
"What were your thoughts on the whole turtles "ninja rap? sequence?"
If you are referring to the goofy bit with Vanilla Ice near the end of the second TMNT movie, I thought it was somewhat cringe-worthy, like much in that film (although I have to admit, the song is kind of catchy).
"would it be some sort of easter egg in the film?"
I'm not sure what you mean by that.
"and lastly....i've been saving up to have 4 custom figures done from an artist on ebay to resemble the movie turtles. Is their anyway that their will ever be a line of the movie turtles, in a 1/6 scale or detailed version like the hot toys or medicom figures? I have always wanted one and thought i'd ask."
It's possible, but as far as I know there are no such plans. -- PL
" ~ tOkKa said...
ReplyDelete"4. TMNT/Hellboy, will it ever happen?"
Ask Mike Mignola! -- PL
-- What would be your ideal Crossovers ( imagining if no legal strings were attached ) ??"
"Fugitoid" with "Magnus: Robot Fighter".
" -- .. " but just recently, with the publication of issue #30, I have felt some new energy within myself regarding these comics. That doesn't mean I am going to go back to a bimonthly schedule... but I think it definitely means there won't be a year wait between issues.
What sparks this energy in you ?!
or what can spark it ?!"
I wish I knew. -- PL
Pete you are the man. These are some great questions and great answers.
ReplyDeleteYour list of favorite TMNT stuff is solid, but I noticed you didn't mention the old movie turtles with the rubber skin, what do you think of those figures? I only ask because they are still some of my favorite TMNT toys, and they were pretty faithful to the Henson movie 2 suits.
Speaking of TMNT movie toys, how come there were never any action figures based on the first movie? In this day and age there's a toy tie in with every blockbuster movie, including TMNT 2-4. But the first movie didn't really have any merchandise except trading cards. I realize this would probably be a better question for someone who worked at Playmates at the time but maybe you'll be able to shed some light.
Thanks,
Paul
One more question, any chance of getting James, Mikey, Mitchell, and Nolan back to voice the Turtles in the new movie?
ReplyDeleteWell I guess it's my turn,
ReplyDelete1) I was wondering if Playmates plans to release anything new soon?
We haven't seen them release anything new since 01/19/09.
That seems like a rather long time between releases for a toy line.
2)I would guess that at this point allot of things like the Back To The Sewer figures have been scrapped?
3) Is there any set release date for the Comic inspired Playmates figures? I really liked the splinter they showed @ the NYC Comicon.
4) Allot of people over at the Technodrome are speculating as to why Complete Carnage & Radical had not made the jump over to the 2K3 cartoon with the rest of the Mirage world, can you shed some light as to why?
Thanks!
-Vaughn M.
Peter,
ReplyDeleteIt's never too late. You could try something new artistically. It's not like you don't have the talent. Why should Mirage only have one major property. Create something great that has nothing to do with the Turtles. Just make sure it's not like Howard the Duck. (If that came out unclear, here's the reasoning: Lucas produced the film Howard the Duck...and Stephan referenced Lucas earlier...you know what...you're adults you can read.)
My question is if you had it all to do over again, is there anything you would have changed? Would you have kept the Turtle toon grittier earlier? Would you have ever given the "green light" to Coming out of their Shells, Turtle Tunes/We Wish You A Turtles Christmas, and NT:TNM? Would you have pushed for movies more inline with Barron's 1990 film?
If you've answered these before then...PASS!! :D
"Ectopaul said...
ReplyDeletePete you are the man. These are some great questions and great answers.
Your list of favorite TMNT stuff is solid, but I noticed you didn't mention the old movie turtles with the rubber skin, what do you think of those figures? I only ask because they are still some of my favorite TMNT toys, and they were pretty faithful to the Henson movie 2 suits."
I'm sure there are a number of other TMNT things that I could have included in the short list I came up with... only then it wouldn't be such a short list anymore! I do think those movie figures are cool -- I always liked the FEEL of them.
"Speaking of TMNT movie toys, how come there were never any action figures based on the first movie? In this day and age there's a toy tie in with every blockbuster movie, including TMNT 2-4. But the first movie didn't really have any merchandise except trading cards. I realize this would probably be a better question for someone who worked at Playmates at the time but maybe you'll be able to shed some light.
Thanks,
Paul"
That's interesting -- I thought those figures WERE from the first movie! It's hard for me to imagine that Playmates would have let such an opportunity slip by. It probably would be a good idea to ask someone who was at Playmates back then. -- PL
"Vaughn Michael said...
ReplyDeleteWell I guess it's my turn,
1) I was wondering if Playmates plans to release anything new soon?
We haven't seen them release anything new since 01/19/09.
That seems like a rather long time between releases for a toy line.
2)I would guess that at this point allot of things like the Back To The Sewer figures have been scrapped?
3) Is there any set release date for the Comic inspired Playmates figures? I really liked the splinter they showed @ the NYC Comicon."
I actually don't have any answers to those three questions, but I just emailed Gary to see if he does.
"4) Allot of people over at the Technodrome are speculating as to why Complete Carnage & Radical had not made the jump over to the 2K3 cartoon with the rest of the Mirage world, can you shed some light as to why?
Thanks!
-Vaughn M."
I should probably ask Lloyd Goldfine about this, although I did a search of my email correspondence with him and came up with zero references to either Complete Carnage or Radical. I don't remember discussing using one or both of them in the 2K3 show... and it probably has much to do with the fact that I never really thought either character was terribly interesting. -- PL
"Colin said...
ReplyDeleteOne more question, any chance of getting James, Mikey, Mitchell, and Nolan back to voice the Turtles in the new movie?"
It's possible. Is it likely? I don't know. -- PL
Oh! One more thing Pete, I wouldn't mind seeing you do the the TMNT, in other forms of art medium. You had mentioned before that you've never tried your hand at scrim shaw, but had explored other media other than pen and ink...You stated that you would like to try your hand at other artistic skills. Well I say marry those interest and see how it works out.
ReplyDeleteYou want to try inticate landscape paintings? Go for it! It could inspire you to do a realy killer background in a Ninja Turtles piece! Art..It can go hand in hand. And you are allready quite talented, So you are more than capable to do some realy cool things. At any rate, I like to see your work. The new work week is abou to kick off, so have a good one and enjoy your Sunday!
" Kevin "Jester" McGill said...
ReplyDeleteMy question is if you had it all to do over again, is there anything you would have changed?
Absolutely.
"Would you have kept the Turtle toon grittier earlier?"
I think so.
"Would you have ever given the "green light" to Coming out of their Shells,"
Yes -- I actually liked that music!
" Turtle Tunes/We Wish You A Turtles Christmas,"
Maybe not... to be honest, I don't remember what those were like!
" and NT:TNM?"
No.
" Would you have pushed for movies more inline with Barron's 1990 film?"
Yes.
As the old saying goes, "Hindsight is 20/20." What is important to keep in mind is that when the crazy licensing boom began, Kevin and I had ZERO experience in any of this stuff. We were artists, not businesspeople. The business stuff we learned (or tried to learn) as we went. If we HAD been more savvy about it, perhaps the deals we made could have been structured better, allowing us to retain the character of the comics in the licensed material.
However...
... it could be argued that doing so might not have resulted in the huge success that the TMNT had starting in 1987 in the world of animation, toys and related merchandising. Maybe a grittier TMNT which hewed more closely to its comic book roots wouldn't have touched the nerve that the goofier, more kid-friendly version did. Who knows? It's one of those imponderables.
Another VERY important point to consider is that back in 1986, when we made the deal with Playmates, they might very well have balked if we had demanded that they do it exactly the way we wanted it done. After all, they were the ones sinking millions of dollars into this effort, and the were the ones with the knowledge of the toy business. And the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. That iteration of the TMNT was a gigantic success.
Would it have been as successful if it had been done "our way"? That's something we will never know. -- PL
Thanks for answering my questions Pete!
ReplyDeleteWhat were your thoughts on how the turtles appeared in the movie versin? What look or change if any would you want to be done in the new film? Or would you keep the original feel of the first film?
Secondly, did you ever find any of those behind the scenes pictures from your visit to the set? I'm making a scrap book from all the pics i can find from the first films since i love it so much and I can only imagine that you must have taken some seriously cool shots of the turtles or movie set.
and lastly, lol, what actors in your opinion would you want to voice the turtles today? if you had to pick like a dream cast, who would they be?
you can tell i Love Love the turtle films and I keep them close to my heart so anytime i can get any info about them, i giggle lol. Thanks again!
Just curious, do you have a favorite comic series outside of the turtles?
ReplyDeleteOkay...
ReplyDeleteWhat is the sound of one hand clapping?
Sorry, couldn't resist-- I had to give in to my inner child (or is that inner MIkey?).
So-- and I'm writing this because I am a dojo member at Stan's site and he mentioned it without mentioning it, if you get my drift-- will whatever he mentioned be ready by SDCC?
Cynthia the forever child
In response to Dragon Turtles' question about TMNT novels PL said...I believe there has been some discussion of this in the past...It might be time to revisit that notion.
ReplyDeletePeter, would the writers for those novels likely be selected from the existing Mirage crew, or might that be open to authors outside Mirage to submit query letters?
@Cyn.... pretty cryptic there, my dear.
;o)
~Donna
Even though I have read over every question rather carefully (lots of really good ones btw) I feel that this has probably been asked before in some incarnation, though I don't recall seeing it:
ReplyDeleteWhen you think about the future (or potential future) of the TMNT, what prospect(s) excite(s) you the most?
ReplyDeleteBlogger GreenWillow said...
@Cyn.... pretty cryptic there, my dear.
;o)
~Donna
I'll email you what I "know"-- which is only what Stan posted.
:D
A few more Qs for PL
ReplyDelete1)When it comes to crossovers, how do they usually come about? Do the other publishers(creators) contact Mirage(you) or vice-versa? If I were to contact another creator about a potential crossover, and they were up for the idea, what would be the next course of action?
2)There has always been the perception that you had a strong dislike(or was at least apathetic) toward the old cartoon series, although looking at how 25th anniversary has been geared mostly toward the fans of the old toon and given the rumored premise of the direct to DVD project, are you open to the possibility of having characters and concepts from that show (i.e. Bebop, Krang, the Technodrome, ect) being used in some form again in a future TMNT project, such as a new cartoon, new toys, or other licensed property?
3)If and when a new cartoon is produced, what direction would you like to see it take, tone, art/animation style?
4)Other then Planet Racers, Fugitoid, and Commandosaurs, what other ideas for comics or properties have you thought up over the years? In recent years did you ever think about coming up with a brand new comic concept to be published?
5)Shredder has always been portrayed as a bit of a one dimensional character, has there ever been any thought about delving deeper into his character, past, and family? How did the Oroko family react to the death of Saki.
6)If Karai was the head of the Japan branch of the Foot Clan, and Saki the head of the American branch, how many other branches around the world did the Foot clan possess, and would it be possible to ever see the leaders of these individual branches. Who were the leaders of the Foot who trained Shredder, and what ever became of them?
7)Will we ever learn more about Karai's origin, her daughter? How old is Karai, she seems too young to have a daughter that old, and how many years exactly is the jump between vol. 2 and vol. 4?
Hey pete, i had a question about the 2k3 cartoon series. Was it ever talked about behind the scences on which shredder won the battle nexus. Was it the human Saki or the utrom shredder?
ReplyDeleteThis is more out of interest...
ReplyDeleteAs you are interested in motorcycles and stuff, have you ever heard of the TT? (It stands for Tourist Trophy and is a motorcycle racing event held annually on the Isle of Man in the UK and was considered one of the best in the world for a while)
If I think of anything else, I'll ask, but right now, I'm good :3
"agliarept said...
ReplyDeleteThanks for answering my questions Pete!
What were your thoughts on how the turtles appeared in the movie versin? What look or change if any would you want to be done in the new film? Or would you keep the original feel of the first film?"
I loved how the Jim Henson Studio people realized the Turtles in the first two movies... and I'd probably be happy with something that looked that good, with the added coolness of enhanced facial expressions via CGI face replacement.
"Secondly, did you ever find any of those behind the scenes pictures from your visit to the set? I'm making a scrap book from all the pics i can find from the first films since i love it so much and I can only imagine that you must have taken some seriously cool shots of the turtles or movie set."
Not yet... though, to be honest, I haven't really looked that hard. I will eventually, though.
"and lastly, lol, what actors in your opinion would you want to voice the turtles today? if you had to pick like a dream cast, who would they be?
you can tell i Love Love the turtle films and I keep them close to my heart so anytime i can get any info about them, i giggle lol. Thanks again!"
It's a funny thing -- I know a lot of people really pay close attention to who voices the Turtles, either in animation (the old Fred Wolf show or the new 4Kids one, or the CGI movie) or in the live-action movies. It doesn't matter that much to me -- as long as the voices sound like the Turtles should sound like, I'm fine with it. I guess I am much more concerned with what they LOOK like. -- PL
"tonicphx said...
ReplyDeleteJust curious, do you have a favorite comic series outside of the turtles?"
I don't read many new comics these days, but I do follow "Usagi Yojimbo" regularly. Of all the comics I've ever read, probably Jack Kirby's "Fourth World" stuff ("New Gods", "Forever People", "Mister Miracle") and his "Demon" and "Kamandi" that he did for DC are right up there near the top. -- PL
"Splinter's Iroonna said...
ReplyDeleteOkay...
What is the sound of one hand clapping?
Sorry, couldn't resist-- I had to give in to my inner child (or is that inner MIkey?).
So-- and I'm writing this because I am a dojo member at Stan's site and he mentioned it without mentioning it, if you get my drift-- will whatever he mentioned be ready by SDCC?
Cynthia the forever child"
That IS cryptic. But if it is what I think it is, probably not. -- PL
" GreenWillow said...
ReplyDeleteIn response to Dragon Turtles' question about TMNT novels PL said...I believe there has been some discussion of this in the past...It might be time to revisit that notion.
Peter, would the writers for those novels likely be selected from the existing Mirage crew, or might that be open to authors outside Mirage to submit query letters?
@Cyn.... pretty cryptic there, my dear.
;o)
~Donna"
I don't think any of the existing Mirage crew -- with the possible exception of Murph -- would have much interest in doing TMNT novels, though I could be wrong. I suppose it might be possible for authors outside Mirage to submit query letters, but it might not be to Mirage that they would send those queries. -- PL
" Dragon Turtle said...
ReplyDeleteA few more Qs for PL
1)When it comes to crossovers, how do they usually come about? Do the other publishers(creators) contact Mirage(you) or vice-versa? If I were to contact another creator about a potential crossover, and they were up for the idea, what would be the next course of action?"
I don't have a lot of experience in these things, but basically I think if there is interest in a crossover from the two parties representing the two different comic book properties, they then bang heads and see if they can come up with a business deal and a creative deal that work. Then they get busy actually writing and drawing the thing.
"2)There has always been the perception that you had a strong dislike(or was at least apathetic) toward the old cartoon series, although looking at how 25th anniversary has been geared mostly toward the fans of the old toon and given the rumored premise of the direct to DVD project, are you open to the possibility of having characters and concepts from that show (i.e. Bebop, Krang, the Technodrome, ect) being used in some form again in a future TMNT project, such as a new cartoon, new toys, or other licensed property?"
Without saying too much (don't want to give away any secrets just yet about that DVD project), I am open to limited -- VERY limited -- use of those old characters and concepts.
"3)If and when a new cartoon is produced, what direction would you like to see it take, tone, art/animation style?"
I haven't given this any thought... and probably won't until/unless someone gives me the word that such a thing is likely/viable.
"4) Other then Planet Racers, Fugitoid, and Commandosaurs, what other ideas for comics or properties have you thought up over the years? In recent years did you ever think about coming up with a brand new comic concept to be published?"
I've had a few ideas, none of which I really want to talk about. I've also toyed with the idea of doing a graphic novel, though it has never gone beyond the "toying with" stage.
"5)Shredder has always been portrayed as a bit of a one dimensional character, has there ever been any thought about delving deeper into his character, past, and family? How did the Oroko family react to the death of Saki."
I don't know how they reacted -- actually I don't know who constitutes the "Oroku family". I don't think anyone has ever given much thought to that.
"6)If Karai was the head of the Japan branch of the Foot Clan, and Saki the head of the American branch, how many other branches around the world did the Foot clan possess, and would it be possible to ever see the leaders of these individual branches. Who were the leaders of the Foot who trained Shredder, and what ever became of them?"
Those are all things that -- as far as I know -- have never been worked out. I know for certain that I have never tried to figure them all out.
"7)Will we ever learn more about Karai's origin, her daughter? How old is Karai, she seems too young to have a daughter that old, and how many years exactly is the jump between vol. 2 and vol. 4?"
It's possible that at some point we may know more about Karai's origin and her daughter. I'm not sure exactly how old Karai is, but it might just be that her daughter was adopted. In general, I consider the time span between Volume 2 and Volume 4 to be about fifteen years. -- PL
" greg said...
ReplyDeleteHey pete, i had a question about the 2k3 cartoon series. Was it ever talked about behind the scences on which shredder won the battle nexus. Was it the human Saki or the utrom shredder?"
I don't believe that Lloyd Goldfine and I ever came to any specific conclusion about that, preferring instead to just leave it to the viewers' imaginations. And it might even be possible that it was ANOTHER Shredder who won the Battle Nexus championship. -- PL
"The Manx Spirit said...
ReplyDeleteThis is more out of interest...
As you are interested in motorcycles and stuff, have you ever heard of the TT? (It stands for Tourist Trophy and is a motorcycle racing event held annually on the Isle of Man in the UK and was considered one of the best in the world for a while)
If I think of anything else, I'll ask, but right now, I'm good :3"
I have read quite a bit about the Isle of Man TT race over the years. It sounds like quite the amazing -- and SCARY -- spectacle... racing at those high speeds so close to buildings and walls and such. And as I recall, there is a famous bridge which the racers go over where they very often "catch air".
There was actually an arcade video game a few years ago, complete with plastic motorcycles that you sat on and leaned from side to side to steer your racer on the screen, which tried to simulate this race, and even THAT was pretty freaky! -- PL
Pete,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the answer and I look forward to knowing any info you can dig up from Lloyd and Gary.
-Vaughn M.
"And it might even be possible that it was ANOTHER Shredder who won the Battle Nexus championship. -- PL"
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting proposition... Perhaps the one in Volume 4 that Leo is dealing with now?
Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions, Pete! Very insightful stuff here...
-r
"Splinter's Iroonna said...
ReplyDeleteOkay...
What is the sound of one hand clapping?
Sorry, couldn't resist-- I had to give in to my inner child (or is that inner MIkey?).
So-- and I'm writing this because I am a dojo member at Stan's site and he mentioned it without mentioning it, if you get my drift-- will whatever he mentioned be ready by SDCC?
Cynthia the forever child"
-->> ..
Hi Peter,
ReplyDeleteIs there any chance we will ever see complete sets of the 2K3 animated series on DVD. Perhaps a 25th Anniversary collection with interviews with you and Stan Sakai, behind the scenes, character model sheets and concepts, toy commercials etc. Also uncut versions with the TV rating logo erased from the top left corner, 4kids was so lazy about leaving that in. No other company that releases shows on DVD has that logo on any episodes.
Also would there be any chance you would work with Ubisoft to make a more mature TMNT game perhaps adapting the original comic stories into a video game like you guys are doing with the new movie series.
I whole heartedly agree with the last poster about desire for a REAL complete 2k3 set of some sort to be put out. That series was GOLD and deserves it's proper release.
ReplyDelete-r
Here's one. I was looking for more news on the Blu-Ray release.
ReplyDeleteHow come TMNT can't get a decent media release? Instead of extra features, we get crappy $1 pack ins. When I talked to Steve Barron, he WANTS to do it. The stuff is THERE to do it. This is the 25th Year.
Why does Warner Brothers constantly give these movies the shaft? I'd like to see them do that to a movie like Transformers....It's got to be irritating to you guys as well
I don't normally comment, but I can't pass up a Q&A like this. First of all, I'd like to tell you how much I enjoy the comics, from the very first issue all the way up to Volume 4 #29 (still waiting for my copy of #30). I love how down-to-earth, experimental, fun, and occasionally deeply artistic they are.
ReplyDeleteA lot of the information I wanted to know has already been asked, so I have a very specific question regarding the Mirage comic fiction. Maybe you can give me an idea, or at least make up an answer on the spot (hey, you're writing it).
What is the order of death for the Turtles? There was a discussion at the Technodrome Forums a while back wherein it was laregly decided (by culling evidence from future-based stories in the comics) that it was either Raph, Mike,Leo and Don, or Mike, Leo, Don and Raph. For the latter, someone suggested that Raph's secondary mutation might have slowed his aging. Do you have any thoughts on it? Does that sort of continuity even cross your mind when approving stories?
And secondly, would you ever approve a story like that? Will the comics, under your supervision, ever get a definitive ending, or a glimpse at the end via Tales or something?
Thanks a lot for your time.
ReplyDelete" Michelangelo-Sama said...
ReplyDeleteHi Peter,
Is there any chance we will ever see complete sets of the 2K3 animated series on DVD. Perhaps a 25th Anniversary collection with interviews with you and Stan Sakai, behind the scenes, character model sheets and concepts, toy commercials etc. Also uncut versions with the TV rating logo erased from the top left corner, 4kids was so lazy about leaving that in. No other company that releases shows on DVD has that logo on any episodes."
That would certainly be cool, and I'd be happy to do more interview segments for such a project. However, it has to make business sense to go forward with something like this, and that judgement is out of my hands.
"Also would there be any chance you would work with Ubisoft to make a more mature TMNT game perhaps adapting the original comic stories into a video game like you guys are doing with the new movie series."
What constitutes "more mature" in a video game these days? -- PL
"Neil said...
ReplyDeleteHere's one. I was looking for more news on the Blu-Ray release.
How come TMNT can't get a decent media release? Instead of extra features, we get crappy $1 pack ins. When I talked to Steve Barron, he WANTS to do it. The stuff is THERE to do it. This is the 25th Year.
Why does Warner Brothers constantly give these movies the shaft? I'd like to see them do that to a movie like Transformers....It's got to be irritating to you guys as well."
It is a little irritating. But, again, these kinds of decisions are out of our hands. Maybe if thousands of dedicated fans wrote pleading letters to WB, they'd move on something like this. -- PL
"Ian said...
ReplyDeleteI don't normally comment, but I can't pass up a Q&A like this. First of all, I'd like to tell you how much I enjoy the comics, from the very first issue all the way up to Volume 4 #29 (still waiting for my copy of #30). I love how down-to-earth, experimental, fun, and occasionally deeply artistic they are."
Thank you for the compliments re: Volume 4.
"A lot of the information I wanted to know has already been asked, so I have a very specific question regarding the Mirage comic fiction. Maybe you can give me an idea, or at least make up an answer on the spot (hey, you're writing it).
What is the order of death for the Turtles? There was a discussion at the Technodrome Forums a while back wherein it was laregly decided (by culling evidence from future-based stories in the comics) that it was either Raph, Mike,Leo and Don, or Mike, Leo, Don and Raph. For the latter, someone suggested that Raph's secondary mutation might have slowed his aging. Do you have any thoughts on it? Does that sort of continuity even cross your mind when approving stories?"
I haven't given it a lot of thought... probably because I have yet to get to the point where i WANT to kill the guys off!
"And secondly, would you ever approve a story like that? Will the comics, under your supervision, ever get a definitive ending, or a glimpse at the end via Tales or something?"
Maybe. However, right now, I don't see it happening any time soon. -- PL
Thanks Pete,
ReplyDeleteThis may be a bit of a touchy question, but here goes. Apart from the fact that a female turtle with breasts is rather goofy looking, what was your main beef with Venus?
I thought the idea of a magical turtle from China, rather than a Ninja Turtle from Japan, was a rather neat idea. It also gives Splinter someone more easy to relate too, considering Splinter has some mystic knowledge as well.
And there have been other turtles. Tokka, Slash, and as far as I know, at least, you don't seem to have too much against 'em. Just interested in your thoughts on this one..
In Animation, Dragon Lord might make a neat villain too, with perhaps a more interesting name change...and defined powers..
Thanks for your response. Here's to more "Senior Mutant Ninja Turtle" appearences in Tales, at least. I really dig those stories where they're all old and broken apart. Most series wouldn't even be willing to show that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for answering Pete! :D
ReplyDeleteI actually live on the Isle of Man and currently the TT is on, I guess that's one of the things that goaded me to ask... ;) It is pretty amazing in itself, and fun to watch, I'm sure you'd love it.
The video game funnily enough is on every shelf over here at this time of year so tourists will buy it. Today I went to our museum and part of it had a bit where you could try out the game to replace something that broke a while back.
Ever thought of coming to see it? ;D
Hey Peter, big fan of the turtles. Who owns the rights to Bebop and Rocksteady? Will we ever see these beloved characters again?
ReplyDelete"Neil said...
ReplyDeleteThanks Pete, This may be a bit of a touchy question, but here goes. Apart from the fact that a female turtle with breasts is rather goofy looking, what was your main beef with Venus? I thought the idea of a magical turtle from China, rather than a Ninja Turtle from Japan, was a rather neat idea. It also gives Splinter someone more easy to relate too, considering Splinter has some mystic knowledge as well. And there have been other turtles. Tokka, Slash, and as far as I know, at least, you don't seem to have too much against 'em. Just interested in your thoughts on this one.. In Animation, Dragon Lord might make a neat villain too, with perhaps a more interesting name change...and defined powers.."
Neil, I have strong negative feelings about the character of Venus from "TMNT: The Next Mutation" for several reasons. Here are a few of them.
As you point out, the design of Venus is ludicrous -- in my opinion, flat-out idiotic.
Venus also had the misfortune to be introduced into what was, overall, a pretty bad show, with some awful writing. I seem to recall that she handily defeated the Shredder -- the Turtles' biggest villain -- in a few minutes with her special magic powers... ugh.
But the biggest problem for Venus -- well, maybe not biggest, but certainly AS big as being a poorly-written, badly-designed magic female Turtle -- is that she was a FIFTH TURTLE.
Almost from the beginning of the Turtles' popularity, we have had far too many people suggesting that we do "Picasso, the Fifth Turtle", or "Van Gogh, the Fifth Turtle", etc., etc., ad infinitum, ad nauseum. The "reasoning" is that if FOUR Turtles are good, wouldn't FIVE Turtles be even BETTER???!!!
Well, no... at least in my opinion.
And it doesn't help that along with this lazy excuse for creativity, the "origin story" typically runs something like this: "There weren't just FOUR turtles in the bowl that kid was carrying... there were really FIVE!"
What bugs me abut this way of thinking is that in doing this kind of thing, you immediately decrease -- by a HUGE degree, in my opinion -- the uniqueness of the four TMNT. And when you think about it -- why stop at FIVE? Why not fifteen, or fifty, or five hundred?
I've always felt that with four Turtles, Kevin and I hit on an almost perfectly balanced group, and the way we developed their personalities just made that balance that much more solid. Adding to that group just makes it awkward and ill-weighted, to my way of thinking.
As for Slash and Tokka... well, they've never been my favorite characters, but at least they're not really, in the way I've defined above, "fifth Turtles". I really wish we had been able to pick another animal to mutate for that second movie, something other than a snapping turtle. -- PL
"The Manx Spirit said...
ReplyDeleteThanks for answering Pete! :D
I actually live on the Isle of Man and currently the TT is on, I guess that's one of the things that goaded me to ask... ;) It is pretty amazing in itself, and fun to watch, I'm sure you'd love it.
The video game funnily enough is on every shelf over here at this time of year so tourists will buy it. Today I went to our museum and part of it had a bit where you could try out the game to replace something that broke a while back.
Ever thought of coming to see it? ;D"
I would love to see the TT, but doing so would require flying, so it probably won't happen. -- PL
"al said...
ReplyDeleteHey Peter, big fan of the turtles. Who owns the rights to Bebop and Rocksteady? Will we ever see these beloved characters again?"
I have answered this question before, and STILL people claim in various forums that the reason Bebop and Rocksteady aren't being used in new TMNT merchandising is that Mirage doesn't have the right to them.
This is totally incorrect.
Mirage owns the rights to Bebop and Rocksteady, and could -- if I gave my approval -- use them in any fashion we desired. I choose not to do that. I saw enough of Bebop and Rocksteady in the old show to last me a lifetime.
That being said, there is a little bit of "wiggle room" here. And I can't go any further than that right now. -- PL
"The S said...
ReplyDeleteMind if I show PL something, rather than ask?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3597099206_8936f4b452.jpg?v=0"
THAT is just too funny. I wish I had that physique. Well done! -- PL
ReplyDelete"As for Slash and Tokka... well, they've never been my favorite characters, but at least they're not really, in the way I've defined above, "fifth Turtles". I really wish we had been able to pick another animal to mutate for that second movie, something other than a snapping turtle." --
-->> XD
D OH..
I would love to see the TT, but doing so would require flying, so it probably won't happen. -- PL
-->> ..what are your thoughts personally about traveling by boat to a destination ?!
-->> For the record, Slash and Tokka have exceptionally distinct roles, personalities in the Turtles' multiverses.
ReplyDeleteWith the inclusion of legends like S.R. Bissette and Ryan Brown in the creation of their inception makes them pretty special i believe.
I have NEVER seen those 2 characters as " Fifth Turtles " .. Tokka and Rahzar almost boarder line feral in some regards and exceedingly obedient like junkyard dogs in the film. Bebop and Rocksteady had much more sentience as it wore due to T & R being poisoned.
Tokka's initial design The Terrorpin went on to become something much more terrifying in the comics. So the character remains terribly interesting.
I am biased i understand, as all this hold very personal and deep connections to myself. The film too was dear to me and in a fun way, psychological. That is an aside though.
Slash was killer too.
The Archie books went on to make him not just the dim-wit from the cartoon, but a much more tragic character and ultimately heroic.
That to me is the penultimate version of Slash.
Not "The Evil Turtle From Dimension X", tho' at first misguided (and co-dependent on a little palm tree that reminded him of his decimated home ).
Slash ultimately was a Turtle ' alien ' not a Mutant like in the cartoon.
Distinct from the TMNT themselves.
The Turtles are heroes.
Slash died an Anti-hero.
I stand by that.
Here's a totally unsolicited ridiculous idea - A new archvillan makes a mutant of his own to use against the turtles (yeah, thats never been done before, right?) - POLLOCK, THE ALCOHOLIC SQUID!
ReplyDeleteOkay, no. Seriously. Peter, can I write this and (MAKE) Jim do the art for an issue of Tales? C'mon, this has CLASSIC written all over it! Okay, okay...
No, really.
-r
Tokka,
ReplyDeleteI'm with you buddy.
I wouldn't change a thing.
And I won't lie, as a teenager when I first got that issue of Slash's death crashing into the sun saving the Turtles it made me shed a tear.
-Vaughn M.
"~ tOkKa said...
ReplyDeleteI would love to see the TT, but doing so would require flying, so it probably won't happen. -- PL
-->> ..what are your thoughts personally about traveling by boat to a destination ?!"
That would just be exchanging one type of anxiety for another, I'm afraid. -- PL
About the 2007 CGI movie, you said you were 95 percent happy with the film, what was the 5 percent that you was not happy with?
ReplyDeleteAnd what was the reason Mirage didn't go with Imagi on the sequel?
What specific storyline pitches were proposed?
"That would certainly be cool, and I'd be happy to do more interview segments for such a project. However, it has to make business sense to go forward with something like this, and that judgement is out of my hands."
Who does make these decisions, if not Mirage, who own the rights to the turtles? Adding a few extras here and there, especially if the extras are already available (old interviews, artwork, storybords) hardly seems like a huge financial burden. I shouldn't see an obscure 80's cartoon dvd release and say to myself "I wish someone would do that for the turtles". It reminds me how Simon & Schuster didn't put out a TMNT trade paperback during the release of the 2007 movie, one of the few times I can recall a comic book based movie has received such treatment, who at Mirage watches over the handling of the property by licensees and voices concerns?
"That would just be exchanging one type of anxiety for another, I'm afraid. "
You need to make it out to San Diego for Comic-Con, what about traveling by bus, you can call it the "Laird Cruiser".
Here's something that's been on my mind for a while now:
ReplyDeleteI've read in old interviews Eastman (or was it you? or both?) describe the origin of the TMNT as "a parody." I'm assuming this referred to the Daredevil and Ronin nods, and the overall kind of wink at the mid-80s superhero scene... but do you consider it a parody, really?
It just seems like the wrong word to me (light satire, maybe?), but more than anything I'd just like to hear your thoughts on the matter as you see it now in retrospect.
Secondly, in response to some of the posts I see above me... I just want to THANK YOU for sticking to your guns on Bebop, Rocksteady, Krang, and Dimension X and all that stuff. These things are just about the last thing that ought to be out there attached to the TMNT in the mass media, especially now. In my opinion.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, there might be an argument for how they (and others) could be imported to the Mirage universe in some form... it just seems, among other things, creatively bankrupt.
It's kind of like, I'm pretty sure I'd give Christopher Nolan credit enough to import King Tut from the Batman 60s TV show into a Dark Knight sequel... but the simple fact of it is... it *just shouldn't be done*.
"THAT is just too funny. I wish I had that physique. Well done! -- PL"
ReplyDeleteThank you :) I used a Star Trek Voyager "The Doctor" figure from Playmates for the base. I knew you were a Trek guy, so I thought it was perfect. Plus, you have more articulation than Agent Bishop!
Also, Kevin Monroe mentioned your rules on the ninja turtles, which included no figernails, Turtles are not interested in girls(at least human girls), certain limits to which their action could be pushed, Donatello, being the smart one, never speaks in contractions.
ReplyDeleteWhat other rules about the turtles or other characters do have that you discuss with those involved with creating TMNT comics, cartoons, or movies?
Do you read any comics now? If you haven't read it yet, as someone that also owns and has come to love all of Jack Kirby's New Gods material (even the Jimmy Olsen issues) I'd urge you to give Grant Morrison's "Final Crisis" a gander.
ReplyDeleteIt might not be the perfect full circle that Jack Kirby's original material deserves... but it's pretty close.
Hey Peter!
ReplyDeleteI just finished my last year of college and I always wanted to become a comic book artist. From an inspiration of watching the old Turtles cartoon at a young age and reading the comics when I got older, I want to know what are the best things to look out for to becoming one.
-Steven
"I've read in old interviews Eastman (or was it you? or both?) describe the origin of the TMNT as "a parody." I'm assuming this referred to the Daredevil and Ronin nods, and the overall kind of wink at the mid-80s superhero scene... but do you consider it a parody, really?"
ReplyDeleteI've always considered it as Daredevils origin story being seen from a different perspective, but yeah, it would be great to know PL's opionion.
Mentski: I've always considered it as Daredevils origin story being seen from a different perspective, but yeah, it would be great to know PL's opionion.
ReplyDelete-->> Very well put.
I've always considered an unofficial spinoff of DD ..
I'm way late here so if you don't get around to answering it's okay, but readng your responses has been fascinating and enlightening,
ReplyDeleteHere's something I've been pondering for a bit and wanted to see what you thought of it.
What's your thoughts on the original cartoon's origin story of Splinter as compared to the Mirage one?
Obviously the first TMNT comic was intended as a one shot and had parody elements so the idea that Splinter was a rat who learned Karate and such, worked.
But the idea that the mutagen turned Hamato Yoshi into a rat man and the Turtles into humanoids works for me too.
I think I could make a pretty compelling case for it.
Has the Splinter's origin ever been discussed as a possible area to be redone?
(As a second question, how did Splinter end up with a different origin in the original toon to begin with. Did someone object to the "unrealistic" nature of his origin or was it just a way to avoid the death of Yoshi?)
I'm not sure why mutants, ninjas and aliens is okay, but a regular rat learning the ways of the ninja has always stuck out to me as unrealistic.
Your thoughts?
" Justin said...
ReplyDeleteHey Peter,
I was looking up some TMNT pics and I remember hearing that this was being sold at FCBD. Are there any plans of selling these online? I would love to get one.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrible2z/3495214379/"
I think there is a plan in the works to sell the "Jake Black benefit print" through the mail, but I am not sure of the details. Stay tuned! -- PL
" Dragon Turtle said...
ReplyDeleteAbout the 2007 CGI movie, you said you were 95 percent happy with the film, what was the 5 percent that you was not happy with?"
There were some scenes I thought didn't make much sense -- for example, the Bigfoot monster falling through the floors in the building under construction falls at the same speed as Raph, who's just falling through air -- how does THAT work? I didn't like the repetition of the lame "playing hard to get" gag line, especially within such close proximity (I think they happen within about five minutes of each other). I didn't think the intro with the voiceover by Laurence Fishburne was at all necessary, even though I like his voice. I wish there had been more thought put into the design of the cages for the monsters -- some of the creatures were quite large and would not have fit into the cages that were prepared for them (especially that last monster!).
There are probably a few other things, but it's been a while since I've watched it.
"And what was the reason Mirage didn't go with Imagi on the sequel?
What specific storyline pitches were proposed?"
My recollection is that it was purely a business thing -- we just couldn't get a deal going with them, for whatever reasons. I don't recall any storyline pitches being submitted.
"That would certainly be cool, and I'd be happy to do more interview segments for such a project. However, it has to make business sense to go forward with something like this, and that judgement is out of my hands."
"Who does make these decisions, if not Mirage, who own the rights to the turtles? Adding a few extras here and there, especially if the extras are already available (old interviews, artwork, storybords) hardly seems like a huge financial burden. I shouldn't see an obscure 80's cartoon dvd release and say to myself "I wish someone would do that for the turtles". It reminds me how Simon & Schuster didn't put out a TMNT trade paperback during the release of the 2007 movie, one of the few times I can recall a comic book based movie has received such treatment, who at Mirage watches over the handling of the property by licensees and voices concerns?"
I think you are misconstruing the type of "business issue" I was talking about. It's not so much that the DVD extras would cost an arm and a leg -- rather, it's the calculations of the company involved as to how many units they think they could sell, and whether that calculation satisfies their perceived profit goals.
"That would just be exchanging one type of anxiety for another, I'm afraid. "
"You need to make it out to San Diego for Comic-Con, what about traveling by bus, you can call it the "Laird Cruiser"."
I think I should point out that going to big shows like San Diego is -- for me at least -- not as fun as it is for people going to just SEE the show. For me, it's WORK... and it's stressful. I really don't care for lots of noise and densely-packed crowds. For me to make the effort to go across the country to attend a show like that, there would have to be some great motivation. There are definitely some people I'd like to see out there, but that's just not enough to get me to go. -- PL
"devilbanex said...
ReplyDeleteHere's something that's been on my mind for a while now:
I've read in old interviews Eastman (or was it you? or both?) describe the origin of the TMNT as "a parody." I'm assuming this referred to the Daredevil and Ronin nods, and the overall kind of wink at the mid-80s superhero scene... but do you consider it a parody, really?
It just seems like the wrong word to me (light satire, maybe?), but more than anything I'd just like to hear your thoughts on the matter as you see it now in retrospect."
There are definitely parodic elements in TMNT, but to call it a parody is stretching the definition. I look on it as a fairly straightforward adventure story with some elements of parody.
However, it has been my experience that many journalists tend to be lazy, and calling it a parody is an easy way to describe it... even if it is not very accurate. -- PL
" Leonardo87 said...
ReplyDeleteHey Peter!
I just finished my last year of college and I always wanted to become a comic book artist. From an inspiration of watching the old Turtles cartoon at a young age and reading the comics when I got older, I want to know what are the best things to look out for to becoming one.
-Steven"
If you had asked me that BEFORE you finished college, I would have said that if at all possible you should take a basic business course -- one which would enlighten you to issues dealing with taxes, how to handle money, deal with intellectual property rights, understand contracts, etc..
I think the best advice I can give anyone starting out is this -- if you aren't passionate about it... if you are not writing and/or drawing and/or thinking about doing comics almost all the time, don't bother. Find some other work. Doing comics requires a significant "fire in the belly". It's not easy, and it can be very difficult to make a success of it -- it's a very competitive, and relatively small, market. And the level of talent has gone through the roof from the time that Kevin and I entered the fray with the TMNT comic -- I've seen people at conventions who have mad drawing skills, and can't get jobs. -- PL
"Newton Gimmick said...
ReplyDeleteI'm way late here so if you don't get around to answering it's okay, but readng your responses has been fascinating and enlightening,
Here's something I've been pondering for a bit and wanted to see what you thought of it.
What's your thoughts on the original cartoon's origin story of Splinter as compared to the Mirage one?
Obviously the first TMNT comic was intended as a one shot and had parody elements so the idea that Splinter was a rat who learned Karate and such, worked.
But the idea that the mutagen turned Hamato Yoshi into a rat man and the Turtles into humanoids works for me too.
I think I could make a pretty compelling case for it.
Has the Splinter's origin ever been discussed as a possible area to be redone?
(As a second question, how did Splinter end up with a different origin in the original toon to begin with. Did someone object to the "unrealistic" nature of his origin or was it just a way to avoid the death of Yoshi?)
I'm not sure why mutants, ninjas and aliens is okay, but a regular rat learning the ways of the ninja has always stuck out to me as unrealistic.
Your thoughts?"
Rats are intelligent animals, but obviously one becoming a master of ninjitsu simply by observing his owner from a cage is a bit ludicrous. But then again, so are pet shop turtles mutating into humanoid form.
Although we never delved too deeply into it, my feeling was that Splinter was probably more intelligent than the average rat... perhaps, in some way, he was a mutant before the TCRI ooze mutated him and the Turtles. Also, an argument could be made that the mutagen "unlocked" information/knowledge which was stored in Splinter's little rat brain from when he watched Yoshi doing his ninja stuff -- information which meant little or nothing to a rat, but much more so to the mutated Splinter with his increased brain capacity.
The change in the old cartoon show re: the origin of Splinter was mandated by concerns that the origin as shown in the original comics was too bloody and violent. So they did that thing of the mutagen turning you into something like the animal you were last in close contact with. (Of course -- as many have pointed out before -- that would have made Yoshi a TURTLE dude, as he had most recently been near the turtles just before he was mutated.)
I like the origin we came up with in the first comic. It fits in with the general absurdity of the premise... at least to my way of thinking. -- PL
Okay, here's one I love to ask my favorite actors/writers/creators.
ReplyDeleteIs there a question that you'd really like a fan to ask you but don't get asked? And if there is, will you answer that question here?
And, a librarian question, What are you reading right now?
"Also, an argument could be made that the mutagen "unlocked" information/knowledge which was stored in Splinter's little rat brain from when he watched Yoshi doing his ninja stuff -- information which meant little or nothing to a rat, but much more so to the mutated Splinter with his increased brain capacity."
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting notion, one that I have never taken into consideration. I very much like this explaination...That needs to be documented in Tales or something, on the record haha.
-r
Thanks for responding Peter. It's quite interesting to hear your takes on some of these things.
ReplyDeleteAlso, an argument could be made that the mutagen "unlocked" information/knowledge which was stored in Splinter's little rat brain from when he watched Yoshi doing his ninja stuff -- information which meant little or nothing to a rat, but much more so to the mutated Splinter with his increased brain capacity.
That's something I had considered as an explanation for that. No one really knows what animals think beyond some basic ideas because they can't directly communicate. But perhaps if they were "mutated" into a higher form they could retain anything they'd seen or heard in the past as a less intelligent being.
So they did that thing of the mutagen turning you into something like the animal you were last in close contact with. (Of course -- as many have pointed out before -- that would have made Yoshi a TURTLE dude, as he had most recently been near the turtles just before he was mutated.)
Yeah that was always the screw up in the cartoon because they showed him with the turtles right before he was mutated. I've always just figured he accidentally touched a rat literally seconds before being mutated.
I'd like to think of those as the official reason for why the things are the way they are. Again, appreciate the answers.
PL said...
ReplyDelete"I think you are misconstruing the type of "business issue" I was talking about. It's not so much that the DVD extras would cost an arm and a leg -- rather, it's the calculations of the company involved as to how many units they think they could sell, and whether that calculation satisfies their perceived profit goals."
These calculations do not explain long unexplained delays or why review copies are not sent out to help promote the dvds, once a deal has been signed how much autonomy does the licensee have when deciding how to handle the property, does Mirage have any say in quality control?
I think I should point out that going to big shows like San Diego is -- for me at least -- not as fun as it is for people going to just SEE the show. For me, it's WORK... and it's stressful.
Do you feel it necessary Mirage maintain a presence at these major conventions (other then the New York Comicon), as a way to help promote and maintain the visibility of the comics, and possibly to network with others in the industry?
There are definitely parodic elements in TMNT, but to call it a parody is stretching the definition. I look on it as a fairly straightforward adventure story with some elements of parody.
Comparing earlier issues with those that came later, is there a reason why the parody elements seem to lessen?
Was there a sense the turtles and their world were becoming more defined and didn't need to rely on those elements?
"Sarah The Anime Librarian said...
ReplyDeleteOkay, here's one I love to ask my favorite actors/writers/creators.
Is there a question that you'd really like a fan to ask you but don't get asked? And if there is, will you answer that question here?"
Sarah, I can't think of a specific one right now. In any event, I prefer that others think up their own questions. I can say which question I hope I am never asked again, as I have been asked it hundreds of times: "How did you come up with the Turtles?"
"And, a librarian question, What are you reading right now?"
Right now I'm about two-thirds of the way through "Flood" by Stephen Baxter, a novel about how mankind copes with a global sea level rise of catastrophic proportions (as of the point I am at in the book, the sea level has risen 800 meters). It's pretty gripping. I'm not so sure about the science, but he writes so well that suspension of disbelief is quite easy.
Not so with the book I read a couple of weeks ago -- "Hell's Aquarium" by Steve Alten, the latest in his "Meg" series featuring giant prehistoric sharks. Ugh. -- PL
" Dragon Turtle said...
ReplyDeletePL said...
I think you are misconstruing the type of "business issue" I was talking about. It's not so much that the DVD extras would cost an arm and a leg -- rather, it's the calculations of the company involved as to how many units they think they could sell, and whether that calculation satisfies their perceived profit goals.
These calculations do not explain long unexplained delays or why review copies are not sent out to help promote the dvds, once a deal has been signed how much autonomy does the licensee have when deciding how to handle the property, does Mirage have any say in quality control?"
Mirage has plenty of say about quality control, especially as regards how the TMNT are depicted, but both of your examples above -- long unexplained delays and why review copies are not sent out to help promote the DVDs -- don't seem to fall into the category of quality control (at least as I understand it). Beyond a certain point, Mirage can't tell a licensee how to handle their business.
I think I should point out that going to big shows like San Diego is -- for me at least -- not as fun as it is for people going to just SEE the show. For me, it's WORK... and it's stressful.
Do you feel it necessary Mirage maintain a presence at these major conventions (other then the New York Comicon), as a way to help promote and maintain the visibility of the comics, and possibly to network with others in the industry?"
Necessary? No. Desirable? Yes, to an extent. There will be a Mirage presence at San Diego -- I just won't be a part of it.
There are definitely parodic elements in TMNT, but to call it a parody is stretching the definition. I look on it as a fairly straightforward adventure story with some elements of parody.
"Comparing earlier issues with those that came later, is there a reason why the parody elements seem to lessen?
Was there a sense the turtles and their world were becoming more defined and didn't need to rely on those elements?"
I don't think we ever really relied on the elements of parody that much. I've said before that one of the reasons the TMNT comic wasn't ever much of a parody is that neither Kevin nor I were skilled enough as writers to really DO a parody (at least one of any quality, such as those done by Mark Martin).
But it is also true that the TMNT comic quickly became much more of what it really was in the beginning -- an action/adventure story with some occasional wacky humor. -- PL
What is your opinion on the Image Volume 3 series?
ReplyDeleteDid you think the book was well done, despite not wanting to include it in Mirage canon?
How do you view the series in retrospect?
Some geeky questions...
ReplyDeleteDo you see the mutagen itself as waste from the Transmat, waste from the Utroms human skinsuits (which would explain how waste from something used to generate human bodies might create a humanoid mutation in things it comes into contact with), a mixture of both, or something else?
Do you see the mutation of the TMNT as them literally being able to bypass millions of years of evolution... or is making creatures/lifeforms humanoid and sentient just incidental?
By your reckoning, if a human was exposed to the ooze would we end up with something like the SuperShredder from TMNT 2, or something else?
devilbanex said...
ReplyDeleteSome geeky questions...
Do you see the mutagen itself as waste from the Transmat, waste from the Utroms human skinsuits (which would explain how waste from something used to generate human bodies might create a humanoid mutation in things it comes into contact with...
Okay, I am all over Andrew's geeky questions cuz this is another one of those things I've thought entirely too much about.
If memory serves the TMNT have always been described as simply turtles who were mutated, or became "highly evolved" (I think) as a result of exposure to the mutagen. It seems to me though, that they didn't transform into bigger, better Turtles as a normal evolutionary path would have eventually taken them down but rather became distinctly more *human.* They have humanoid teeth, bipedal locomotion, speech, human intelligence, cognitive reasoning, and emotional responses, even a human endocrine system as evidenced by sweat glands, implied body odor, (at least 2K3 'toon Raph has expressed concerns about that) and tears.
I'm not at all convinced that "Humanness" is the evolutionary "goal" of all life forms. An evolving bee wants to become a more viable, better bee, a dolphin a better dolphin and so on. So I had worked out my own little theory that these human-like traits that the TMNT acquired had to be caused by something in the mutagen that produced specifically humanoid traits. If the Utroms had spent decades trying to work out how to "pass" as humans on earth it makes sense that at one point they experimented with human DNA in an effort to create possibly human bodies for themselves. Obviously it didn't work and they settled for the exoskeletons but the discarded mutagen would then have human DNA and that would account for the human traits the TMNT exhibit.
Does that make sense Peter and might that be a plausible explanation for the specific manner in which the Turtles changed?
~Donna
I'd tend to agree with Donna's take or at least some form of that. It's a pretty big assumption that all creatures ultimate form of evolution would be humans.
ReplyDelete"devilbanex said...
ReplyDeleteSome geeky questions...
Do you see the mutagen itself as waste from the Transmat, waste from the Utroms human skinsuits (which would explain how waste from something used to generate human bodies might create a humanoid mutation in things it comes into contact with), a mixture of both, or something else?"
I think that somewhere in some issue of TMNT it was mentioned in passing that the "ooze" was a waste product produced during the construction of the Utroms' transmat. I don't think we ever got any more specific than that, probably because we didn't want to pin ourselves down.
"Do you see the mutation of the TMNT as them literally being able to bypass millions of years of evolution... or is making creatures/lifeforms humanoid and sentient just incidental?"
I guess I don't think about it that much beyond the fact that the mutation had to happen to allow the comic book to work. I think this is one of those things which does not bear a lot of heavy analysis. Of course, I could be wrong.
"By your reckoning, if a human was exposed to the ooze would we end up with something like the SuperShredder from TMNT 2, or something else?"
You mean, would his clothing mutate along with his body? That was a sore point for me regarding "Super Shredder" -- I thought (and still think) that having his ARMOR mutate into giant spiky forms was simply absurd.
That being said, I suspect that a human being exposed to the same mutagen which mutatd the Turtles would definitely be radically altered. I'm just not sure exactly HOW. -- PL
"Scott said...
ReplyDeleteWhat is your opinion on the Image Volume 3 series?
Did you think the book was well done, despite not wanting to include it in Mirage canon?
How do you view the series in retrospect?"
I answer this question with the caveat that it has been many years since I have read those issues of the Image Volume 3 TMNT comics.
From what I can remember, those comics did an admirable job of continuing the adventures of the TMNT in the absence of any TMNT comics coming out of Mirage Studios.
However -- and this is a point I have made several times elsewhere -- the directions they went in were not directions I would have chosen had I been the one to continue the TMNT comics at that time. That is why, when I started up a Mirage Studios-published comic book version of TMNT back in 2001 (Volume 4 of TMNT), I decided not to use whatever continuity had been established in those Image issues. That was not really a value judgment on the art and writing of the Image TMNT books... but more of a personal preference for a different take on the TMNT. -- PL
Here's one:
ReplyDeleteHow many press people confused the new turtles show with the old one? For instance, did many think the Utrom's where a race of pre-historic Krangs or something, considering they where what Krang and the android where based on?
How many people who grew up on the old show had said they where surprised Shredder was killed off in Issue 1?
Do you think that, just like now, you where so bogged down in merchandise approvals, for hats, bedsheets, etc, and script approvals that this could be another part of your burnout on classic characters being used again?
There is an interesting Turtle Comic out there that uses these characters with good art..and I'd love for Mirage to be able to continue the show in comic form, or just start from scratch after the first five. If only on a limited basis.
Once and for all:
ReplyDeleteIs "The River" part of your canon? Is "Twilight of the Ring"? Is "Hall of Lost Legends"?
Very curious.
Looking back at the 2k3 series, was there anything you would have liked to have seen done differently, any stories or characters added that were not?
ReplyDeleteWhat was the creative motivation for adding Shadow to the series? Did you ever draw inspiration from your own daughter when writing her character?
What are your thoughts on Manga, the art, designs, storytelling, impact on the comic and kid markets?
Has Mirage ever reached out to mainstream writers and artists to work on the TMNT comics?
Do you see the possibility of Mirage going the way of trade paper backs as opposed to monthly comic serialization? How soon will we know about the future of the comics beyond this year?
"devilbanex said...
ReplyDeleteOnce and for all:
Is "The River" part of your canon? Is "Twilight of the Ring"? Is "Hall of Lost Legends"?
Very curious."
I wish I could give you a definitive answer, but I haven't read those issues in a long time, and I should probably review them before making a final decision. But I would predict that "The River" wouldn't make it in, and the other two might. -- PL
" Neil said...
ReplyDeleteHere's one:
How many press people confused the new turtles show with the old one? For instance, did many think the Utrom's where a race of pre-historic Krangs or something, considering they where what Krang and the android where based on?"
I know there was a certain amount of confusion when the 2K3 show started airing, but I really don't have a firm idea of how much there was.
"How many people who grew up on the old show had said they where surprised Shredder was killed off in Issue 1?"
See my answer to your first question, above.
"Do you think that, just like now, you where so bogged down in merchandise approvals, for hats, bedsheets, etc, and script approvals that this could be another part of your burnout on classic characters being used again? "
Not really. I was never terribly fond of many of the "classic" characters, especially Bebop and Rocksteady, to begin with. They were SO overused and overexposed through all the years of the first animated show that I really got quite sick of them.
"There is an interesting Turtle Comic out there that uses these characters with good art..and I'd love for Mirage to be able to continue the show in comic form, or just start from scratch after the first five. If only on a limited basis."
You might be right... but I have close to zero interest in Mirage pursuing such a project. -- PL
"Dragon Turtle said...
ReplyDeleteLooking back at the 2k3 series, was there anything you would have liked to have seen done differently, any stories or characters added that were not?"
I am generally quite happy with the way things turned out with the 2K3 series. I do wish we had just been able to keep going with the direction we had established instead of doing "Fast Forward" -- even though that season got good ratings and turned out pretty good. And I do wish we were still producing new episodes.
And I wish we had taken the Fugitoid back to his original design.
"What was the creative motivation for adding Shadow to the series?"
I can't remember exactly, but I think Kevin and I wanted Casey to grow up quite a bit during "City at War"... and his meeting Gabrielle and adopting her infant daughter was one way to do that dramatically.
"Did you ever draw inspiration from your own daughter when writing her character?"
That's quite possible, though I can't think of any specific examples offhand.
"What are your thoughts on Manga, the art, designs, storytelling, impact on the comic and kid markets?"
I like some manga, like "Akira", quite a bit. However, for the most part, the stylizations of manga leave me pretty cold. That being said, I think manga has been great for the comics industry in this country, as it has given it a real shot in the arm.
"Has Mirage ever reached out to mainstream writers and artists to work on the TMNT comics?"
Not in any serious way.
"Do you see the possibility of Mirage going the way of trade paper backs as opposed to monthly comic serialization?"
That seems unlikely.
"How soon will we know about the future of the comics beyond this year?"
I really don't know. -- PL
Will we be seeing any more collected tpbs for Tales vol 2?
ReplyDelete"Daniel Schwarz said...
ReplyDeleteWill we be seeing any more collected tpbs for Tales vol 2?"
Possibly... but that a question better asked of Dan Berger at the ninjaturtles.com site. -- PL
Oh! A few more:
ReplyDeleteRegarding the final episode of the new show. Are you generally pretty pleased with it? Some things I didn't like.....for instance, all the screaming going on as The Shredder cuts down the barn. Something tells me most warriors there wouldn't have screamed like school kids :)... No Speaking lines for Karai or an update on her and Chaplin...a little throw away line would have been nice like we got with Mortu.
If the new movie does really well, any chance of the still new show continuing where it left off with the characters aged in real time three years?
are there plans for more than one DTV if this one does well? Anything in prime time like the old show had? Could be a good summer showing when the WB has nothing but reality shows...
And the big one... Is there really that big a TMNT fan base in Korea for them to get a brand new Digital Ride based on the franchise? That seems like an odd decision when even Euro Disney (is that still open?) would be a better place to test it.. It's so far out there it's almost like someone just threw a dart on a map :o)
"Neil said...
ReplyDeleteOh! A few more:
Regarding the final episode of the new show. Are you generally pretty pleased with it? Some things I didn't like.....for instance, all the screaming going on as The Shredder cuts down the barn. Something tells me most warriors there wouldn't have screamed like school kids :)... No Speaking lines for Karai or an update on her and Chaplin...a little throw away line would have been nice like we got with Mortu."
I was generally pleased with the last episode, considering all we had to fit into it. I actually don't remember too much screaming -- I should probably watch it again.
"If the new movie does really well, any chance of the still new show continuing where it left off with the characters aged in real time three years?"
I'd say the possibilities of that would be slim.
"are there plans for more than one DTV if this one does well? Anything in prime time like the old show had? Could be a good summer showing when the WB has nothing but reality shows..."
Right now there are no plans, but you never know.
"And the big one... Is there really that big a TMNT fan base in Korea for them to get a brand new Digital Ride based on the franchise? That seems like an odd decision when even Euro Disney (is that still open?) would be a better place to test it.. It's so far out there it's almost like someone just threw a dart on a map :o)"
I'm not clear on all of the details of that deal, but apparently somebody thinks it's a good idea and wants to spend a bunch of money on it. I wish them luck, and I look forward to seeing the plans for the ride. -- PL
Hey Peter,
ReplyDeleteNo question today, but I wanted to say THANK YOU for making my week (last week 2 be precise). I recieved my copy of Vol.4 #30, which unto itself is a joyous occassion. However, not only was I fortunate enough to recieve a copy with your turtle sketch in the back (which is wonderful btw), but also to find my letter in the letter pages. Wow! What a way to make this original TMNT fan freak out like a little kid at Christmas. Thanks again Peter!
Your friend
Davyd Titze
Mitchell SD
Hi Peter, first of all let me thank you for many years of entertainment, from the cartoon and toys through the comics right up until now.
ReplyDeleteMy question is, having noticed that the Fugitoid one-shot will now be included in the TMNT Collection, will any of the back up strips from the reprints of the early comics be collected?
Thanks in advance, keep up the great work,
Jamie
Hi Pete,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if you're even reading this thread anymore but I do have a quick question that I'm hoping you can answer.
With the new TMNT Smash Up game coming out for Wii, it's obvious that the character designs are taken from the 4th film. The logo, however, is similar to the original animated series. On top of this, you have the reworking of the Turtles In Time arcade game for Xbox 360 using 3D graphics, and the Turtles there are built more like the 2k3 series. So, my question is that when a new TMNT-related product is created, who and what decides which look to go with, or if a new look is created entirely?
Also, on a somewhat-related note, is there ANY chance we'll get to see some merchandise in the near future (shirts, etc) that feature the Turtles as seen in the comics? It's exciting that there is all of this new TMNT stuff out there, but it's a shame that it's SO focused on the original cartoon series, although I completely understand the reasoning behind it.
Thanks for your time and for all of the great answers you've provided thus far.
Hi Peter,
ReplyDeleteIn the spirit of father's day coming up this month, I was hoping perhaps we could get a few words from you on
the subject. It's entirely up to you if you want to answer or not... I would love to gain your blessings to
share this in our Father's day postings on the gogreenmachine blog later next week.
1. What kind of influences has your father had in your life (getting into the comic industry, the whole tmnt
explosion, or even dinosaurs and motorcycles!), and how do you use your experiences to help your children's
lives in turn? (Again, totally up to you if you want to divulge in personal junk or not. :) )
2. The themes of family have always been very strong in the different universes, and the father-son bond has
always been front and center, most poignantly in the recent cartoon. Was this something that you had thought
of initially, or was it something that more evolved over time?
3. I've always enjoyed Splinter's character, aside from Michelangelo. What or who influenced how you created
his character, whether in behavior, personality... heck, even his love of soap operas?
4. Last, and maybe the hardest... Splinter's death in Vol. 4 was a hard pill for many to swallow. Have you
ever had regrets for writing his death, or did you see it more as an important piece to the further growth and
development of the turtles' characters?
Those are all the questions I can think of right now. But I'd love to hear from you on these. If you'd prefer
to keep it to private e-mails or whatnot, that's perfectly fine. I just enjoy hearing people's takes on
Father's day.
~ MachiasB on GGM.org
machias_banshee@yahoo.com
"MachiasBanshee said...
ReplyDeleteHi Peter,
In the spirit of father's day coming up this month, I was hoping perhaps we could get a few words from you on the subject. It's entirely up to you if you want to answer or not... I would love to gain your blessings to share this in our Father's day postings on the gogreenmachine blog later next week.
1. What kind of influences has your father had in your life (getting into the comic industry, the whole tmnt explosion, or even dinosaurs and motorcycles!), and how do you use your experiences to help your children's lives in turn? (Again, totally up to you if you want to divulge in personal junk or not. :) )"
My father has been a big influence on me in the sense that he is probably the most decent, honest, and patient person I've ever known... and that has been an inspiration over the years. He has not had a specific impact on me re: the comics thing, the TMNT, dinosaurs or motorcycles, except in the sense that in all those things he has been pretty supportive, if not always fully understanding my interest in them.
"2. The themes of family have always been very strong in the different universes, and the father-son bond has always been front and center, most poignantly in the recent cartoon. Was this something that you had thought of initially, or was it something that more evolved over time?"
I think it's something that has evolved over time -- certainly (at least from my perspective, at least) it was never a deliberate intent in the early days.
"3. I've always enjoyed Splinter's character, aside from Michelangelo. What or who influenced how you created his character, whether in behavior, personality... heck, even his love of soap operas?"
Probably the biggest influence on the creation of the character of Splinter was Yoda from "Star Wars", although there's a little bit of Master Po from the "Kung Fu" TV series, as well as some Stick from the Frank Miller issues of "Daredevil". I'm not entirely sure of where his love of soap operas came from.
"4. Last, and maybe the hardest... Splinter's death in Vol. 4 was a hard pill for many to swallow. Have you ever had regrets for writing his death, or did you see it more as an important piece to the further growth and development of the turtles' characters?"
All I can say is that, at the time, it seemed like the right thing to do, and I'm glad I did it. I do think it helped move the Turtles into interesting directions, helping them to grow up in different ways. -- PL
" Jamie said...
ReplyDeleteHi Peter, first of all let me thank you for many years of entertainment, from the cartoon and toys through the comics right up until now.
My question is, having noticed that the Fugitoid one-shot will now be included in the TMNT Collection, will any of the back up strips from the reprints of the early comics be collected?
Thanks in advance, keep up the great work,
Jamie"
It's possible, though as of right now there are no such plans. -- PL
""Benji said...
ReplyDeleteWith the new TMNT Smash Up game coming out for Wii, it's obvious that the character designs are taken from the 4th film. The logo, however, is similar to the original animated series. On top of this, you have the reworking of the Turtles In Time arcade game for Xbox 360 using 3D graphics, and the Turtles there are built more like the 2k3 series. So, my question is that when a new TMNT-related product is created, who and what decides which look to go with, or if a new look is created entirely?"
It is usually the result of discussions between Mirage Studios and the licensee. If the licensee has a specific look that they are interested in using, they will generally say so. Mirage is open to new looks and/or different combinations of old elements, but approval is done on a case-by-case basis. -- PL
Also, on a somewhat-related note, is there ANY chance we'll get to see some merchandise in the near future (shirts, etc) that feature the Turtles as seen in the comics? It's exciting that there is all of this new TMNT stuff out there, but it's a shame that it's SO focused on the original cartoon series, although I completely understand the reasoning behind it."
It's possible, but I'm not sure how likely it is. It's sometimes (often?) difficult to convince licensees that using the kinds of images you mention is a good idea, and in all honesty, I can't say that they are wrong, from a business point of view. Our licensees, in general, are selling to a mass market, and the vast majority of their potential customers know the cartoon TMNT, not the comic book TMNT. That being said, I would love to see more stuff with the comic art on it. -- PL
Not really a quesiton, but I just want to say thank you for sticking to the idea of finishing the TMNT Adventures story with the upcoming Forever War publication. This has made so many fans excited :) So thank you so much for this nice gift.
ReplyDeleteSome related questions - as Mirage is publishing a TPB of stories leading into Forever War, and Archie recently published a TPB of the original Archie miniseries, would you say there is a chance at seeing more collections from the Archie series in the future? How about the idea of revisiting the series on occasion perhaps through the Tales v2 series, or do you intend the Forever War to be the finale?
Thanks again :)
I hate to sound like I don't know what you're talking about...
Delete... but I don't know what you're talking about!
These are not things I am involved with, so I can't really answer any of your questions. Sorry! -- PL