Sunday, August 17, 2014

CBC interview




Last week I did an interview to help promote the new documentary about the TMNT -- "Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". It was an unusual set-up for the interview, because Kevin Eastman and I were appearing together (our first joint interview in well over a decade, I think) but from two locations more than three thousand miles apart. Kevin was at a radio studio in San Diego, while I was at the studios of local public radio station WFCR, in Amherst, Massachusetts (a station I listen to almost every day, so it was cool to be there).

The interview, conducted by Canadian Broadcasting Company reporter Peter Armstrong, was fun, although a bit too short to get into much of anything substantial. Still, it was an interesting experience, and made me realize once again how strange and wonderful it is that these wacky creations of ours have survived thirty years -- half my lifetime! -- and seem poised to thrive for another thirty, if not more. It also made me wish Kevin lived closer, so we could have more of these kinds of conversations… and maybe someday collaborate on another project.

The photo at top is a "selfie" I took while at the microphone in WFCR's studio.  -- PL

P.S. Here's a link to the interview:

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

TMNT Volume 4, #30


(Recently, via a comment left on this blog, I was made aware that although I have posted digital version of TMNT Volume 4 #'s 31 and 32, I never posted one of #30. I will now correct that oversight.

In re-reading this issue before posting it, I noticed -- with some slight hint of melancholy -- the announcement in the letters pages of the fifth TMNT move project we had started working on just prior to the sale of the TMNT property to Viacom. Obviously, the sale -- which happened shortly after the initial publication of this issue -- put paid to that plan. While I am glad the sale happened, it does make me a little sad that we never got to see that project thorough to fruition. C'est la vie. -- PL}

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Friday, August 8, 2014

ThinkGeek.com celebrates Turtles



I just noticed tonight that one of my favorite nerdgear websites, ThinkGeek.com, is celebrating the TMNT with a special offer which will result in certain lucky folks getting free pizza (well, actually, vouchers for that hot and cheesy stuff).

Check it out at this page!

http://www.thinkgeek.com/blog/2014/08/cowabunga-dude-come-celebrate.html?cpg=64537672&msg_id=64537672&et_rid=963829751&linkid=64537672_headline_1f88#comment-form

Very cool, ThinkGeek dudes (and dudettes) -- thanks! -- PL

Monday, August 4, 2014

Emily's experiences at the LA premiere of the new TMNT movie


 


(Through the kind auspices of Kevin Eastman and Scott Mednick, who procured the tickets, my daughter Emily and her friend Zach were able to attend the LA premiere of the new TMNT live-action movie yesterday. I asked her if she'd like to say a few words about the experience, and here's what she sent me today. -- PL)






"This weekend, my friend Zach and I traveled to Los Angeles to attend the world premiere of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (thanks to Kevin Eastman and Turtles producer Scott Mednick, for getting us tickets!). 




We checked out the red carpet arrivals before putting on our Ninja Turtles bandana 3-D glasses and enjoying the film. 




We both loved the movie, which has a great blend of humor, action, and top notch special effects. While remaining respectful to the original material, the movie also brings its own spin to the Turtles. I can’t wait to see the movie again, and I think Turtles fans will really enjoy the movie, which opens in theaters Friday, August 8. After the movie we attended the after-party, which was decked out with games for the kids in attendance, drinks and, of course, pizza. 


We were also able to meet some of the stars of the film: Megan Fox (April O’Neil), Alan Ritchson (Raphael), Noel Fisher (Michelangelo), Pete Ploszek (Leonardo), Jeremy Howard (Donatello), and Minae Noji (Karai), all of whom were very charming and gracious.










 It was an unforgettable day, and so great to see the Turtles back on the silver screen. Cowabunga! -- EL"