December 2011 Coloring Contest Winners!

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As we head into 2012 tonight, here are your winners for the coloring contest! I really have to stress how hard it was to pick a winner in the "Hard" category. I had 3-4 favorites that I kept flip-flopping on, but in the end I decided to award the prize to Nigel Morey, for this fantastic piece:

And in the random drawing of all entries received in the "Easy" category, the winner chosen was Charles Dickerson, who submitted this fantastic piece that transported the Turtles into Seattle:

Thanks again to everyone who entered! If you haven't checked out all the submitted entries yet, you really must. They are all up on Facebook. Also (and this would be why this posting is coming so close to midnight, and past it for many of you), I've compiled all of the submissions into an online PDF "magazine," as another means of viewing all the winners. You can check this out on Issuu.

I also want to make everyone's work available to download at full resolution, because some of them would make for really fantastic desktop wallpapers. However, that will have to be added later, as I'm quite out of time for the year as it is.

I will be shipping out everyone's prizes over the next week or so, and if you didn't enter but would still like a strip of film cels from the original TMNT trailer, I'll also be posting information on how you can get one of those. Happy New Year, everyone!

"A Wild Night" T-shirt

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Today's new t-shirt design from Shirt.Woot! features a ridiculously cute little turtle with an orange eye mask who has seemingly overdosed on some pizza. If you find you can't resist this inspired piece of clothing, head on over to Woot! where you can grab it today for $10, or thereafter (until reckoning) for $15. Cowabunga!

IDW Michelangelo #1 - Variant Cover Guide

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The new year is almost here, and Michelangelo #1 is celebrating the occasion. Check it out in comic shops today!

If you don't have it yet, you can check out a preview.

Cover A

Cover C

Cover A: David Petersen (color).
Regular cover; distributed in a 4:1 ratio with cover B.

Cover C: David Petersen (black & white).
Retailer incentive cover; 1 copy sent to retailers for every 10 copies ordered.

Cover B

Cover D

Cover B: Andy Kuhn.
Regular cover; distributed in a 1:4 ratio with cover A.

Cover D: Kevin Eastman.
Retailer incentive cover; 1 copy sent to retailers for every 25 copies ordered.

IDW TMNT #5 - Variant Cover Guide

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Whether or not you're done shopping for gifts for others, take some time today to go get yourself a little something from your local comic shop. Namely, TMNT #5 from IDW. This month it comes styling in only three different covers, plus a global edition (that I think won't be available until next week). Then next week you can make a return trip for Michelangelo #1. Happy shopping, everyone!

Cover A

Cover B

Cover A: Mateus Santolouco.
Regular cover; distributed in a 4:1 ratio with cover B.

Cover B: Dan Duncan.
Regular cover; distributed in a 1:4 ratio with cover A.

Cover C

Cover D

Cover C: Kevin Eastman.
Retailer incentive cover; 1 copy sent to retailers for every 10 copies ordered.

Cover D: Global Edition.
International cover; distributed to newly acquired international territories.

December Coloring Contest Prize Package Details

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There's still just under a week left to enter the first annual Ninja Pizza December Coloring Contest. There have been a bunch of really great entries so far, all of which can be seen over on the Ninja Pizza Facebook page. But if you haven't entered yet, he's a little incentive for you to break out the crayons.

As originally mentioned, the two winners will receive a prize package that includes an IDW TMNT Ashcan comic, a limited edition Ninja Pizza button, and a set of basic/common cards from the Upperdeck Trading Card Game. I also said I'd see what else I could find to throw into the mix. Here's a peek at what I've come up with (so far - there may or may not be more).

Vintage TMNT Christmas Card (new)

TMNT (1990) Trailer Laminated Film Cels

As you can see above, there's a vintage TMNT Christmas card (new, never used), and (I think this is the best part) a series of laminated film cels from an original print of the classic 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie trailer. Each strip will consist of five cells and I think they make for rather neat bookmarks. Each winner will have their pick of which small clip from the trailer they would like.

And because I was able to get the film cell idea to actually work, I'm announcing a PARTICIPATION PRIZE! Everyone who enters the coloring contest will receive a laminated strip of film cels! You'll be able to request a character(s), which I will do my best to fulfill, although I can't make promises about specific clips/scenes. After the New Year I will be making additional film strips available to purchase, but it's going to be the left overs of what I give away through this contest.

International participants will be requested to make a small donation to cover the cost of shipping your prize, and while I won't require it of US shipping addresses, donations would still be appreciated.

Happy coloring!

IDW International Distribution

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As some international comic books readers know, the new TMNT series hasn't been available in their local comic books stores. This has been due to IDW not having full international distribution rights for the series. This technicality seems to have been resolved, and there is good news: International distribution of IDW's TMNT books will start later this month with the release of TMNT #5 and Michelangelo #1. At the same time IDW is going to give the international readers a way to catch up with the story by releasing special "Global" editions of TMNT #1-4 and Raphael #1. These new global editions will all have a single cover, which reuses art from the original release of each book. You can see all of the new covers below.
Thanks to Rich for his help gathering these!

TMNT #1 - Global Edition

TMNT #2 - Global Edition

TMNT #3 - Global Edition

TMNT #4 - Global Edition

TMNT #5 - Global Edition

Raphael #1 - Global Edition

IDW Raphael #1 - Variant Cover Guide

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Raphael #1 from IDW is out today! Now don't forget, this issue takes place after TMNT #5, which hasn't been published yet, but absolutely must be read after TMNT #4. So if you don't have that one yet, grab yourself a copy when you're in your local comic shop to grab this issue. And here's your obligatory variant cover guide.

If you haven't made the trip yet, check out this preview of Raphael #1!

Cover B

Cover B: Franco Urru.
Regular cover; distributed in a 1:4 ratio with cover A.

Cover A

Cover C

Cover A: David Petersen (color).
Regular cover; distributed in a 4:1 ratio with cover B.

Cover C: David Petersen (black & white).
Retailer incentive cover; 1 copy sent to retailers for every 10 copies ordered.

Cover D

Cover E

Cover D: Kevin Eastman.
Retailer incentive cover; 1 copy sent to retailers for every 25 copies ordered.

Cover E: Jetpack Comics.
Retailer exclusive cover for Jetpack Comics.
This cover can be purchased for $14.99 from Jetpack Comics.

"Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation" Now Streaming on Netflix

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Well, here's something I didn't see coming. The infamous 1997-98 live action TMNT TV series, which has never seen a proper video release in the United States, is now available on Netflix's streaming service. Saban recently reacquired the rights to its TV shows that had previously been owned by Disney, The Next Mutation being among those shows. And it looks like they don't intend to sit on it. Could a DVD release be in the future?

Despite an over-abundance of odd sound effects, The Next Mutation is a part of TMNT history that's still worth checking out, especially if you've never seen it before.

December Coloring Contest - Two Ways to Win!

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Hello, December - It's contest time! I've been tossing this one around in my head for awhile and I think it should be fun!

This is a coloring contest, so entering is simple - Color one or both of the provided pictures, e-mail it to me, and you are entered in the contest.

"Easy"

"Hard"

RULES!

There are two different categories and two different ways to win. There is an "Easy" category, which is a classic piece of cartoon licensing art from the 90s, and there is a "Hard" category, which is the Eastman and Laird cover to the first TMNT movie comic book adaptation. The winner of the "Easy" category will be chosen at random from all entries received in that category. The winner of the "Hard" category will be my personal favorite entry in that category, judged based on overall skill and style. You can enter both categories, although you can only win one prize package. The pictures can be colored digitally, or print them and color traditionally.

PRIZES!

I am still determining what the prize packages will be, but they will definitely include a TMNT IDW Ashcan comic, a set of basic/common cards from the Upper Deck TMNT TCG, and a Ninja Pizza button. I'm going to try to find something Christmas-y to throw in, too. And maybe an additional surprise or two.

ENTER!

Entries will be accepted between now and 11:59pm PST on December 24, 2011. Entries should be e-mailed to me in either .JPG or .PNG format. Submitted entries will be posted to Facebook on a regular basis as they are received. Winners will be announced on or before December 31, 2011.

DOWNLOAD!

Download the "Easy" picture as a .PSD file, or get the .PNG to print.
Download the "Hard" picture as a .PSD file, or get the .PNG to print.
Download both .PSD files.

Recent TMNT-Themed Podcasts

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Two awesome geeky podcasts have recently had TMNT-themed episodes that are definitely worth your time to download and listen to.

The first is from Nerdy Show, which has interviews with Polaris Banks, writer/director of the recent Casey Jones fan film, and Steve Barron, director of the first TMNT movie. (Tip: Skip ahead to 30:00 to hear Polaris Banks and to 1:12:00 to hear Steve Barron.)

The next comes from Nerdist and The Mutant Season podcast, which spent some time with Kevin Eastman as he prepared for his LOST ANGELES: 35 Days With Kevin Eastman exhibit (going on right now!) at Meltdown Comics in Los Angeles.

IDW TMNT #4 - Variant Cover Guide

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Thanksgiving has come and gone, but November's not over yet. Tomorrow's new comic day gives us TMNT #4 from IDW. And with it, here is your handy dandy variant cover guide. Raphael #1 was originally scheduled to come out tomorrow as well, but it has been delayed until next week. IDW Editor Bobby Curnow has noted that Raphael #1 takes place after TMNT #5, but emphasizes that it should definitely be read after reading TMNT #4, so perhaps the delay is for the best.

While you wait for your shop to open in the morning, check out this preview of issue #4!

Cover A

Cover A: Dan Duncan.
Regular cover; distributed in a 4:1 ratio with cover B.

Completed TMNT Mural at Meltdown Comics

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As previously reported, a couple weeks ago Kevin Eastman and Mark Bode went to work to recreate the cover of TMNT Vol. 1 #1 on the side of the Meltdown Comics building in Los Angeles. The completed mural, pictured above, came out absolutely AMAZING! And now Adam Dorsey has put together a short video documenting the creation of the mural. Check it out below!

And don't forget that the LOST ANGELES: 35 Days of Kevin Eastman event kicks off tomorrow with a weekend showcase of Kevin's TMNT work!

Infestation 2 Ashcan Preview

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Last week, IDW released an Ashcan preview of their upcoming INFESTATION 2 crossover event. The Ashcan was distributed to comic shops as a freebie, so ask your local shop if they got any.

In addition to setting up the premise of the infestation at the heart of the crossover, the book also confirms all of the release dates for the different INFESTATION 2 titles.

At this point in time, it is believed that TMNT fans who are only interested in the TMNT content will need to buy the two main INFESTATION 2 title (#1 on sale 1/25/12, #2 on sale 4/11/12) that bookends the event, and the two INFESTATION 2: TMNT books (#1 on sale 3/7/12, #2 on sale 3/21/12). The other crossover books surely add additional depth to the overall story, but without any TMNT content.

Download the Ashcan as a PDF here.
Or view it online here.

Thanks to Master Splinter for the PDF scans!

TMNT: The Ultimate Collection Vol. 1 - Variant Cover Guide

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IDW's first hardcover collection of the original Eastman & Laird TMNT comics is scheduled to ship next week through Amazon and other book retailers. However, a few weekends ago at Long Beach Comic Con a special early edition of the book with a variant cover was sold. While the cover of the regular edition is partially colored, the cover of the limited edition is completely black and white.

Information on the edition size and availability of the limited edition isn't concrete, but suggests that 250-300 copies were printed, with approximately 50 of them having been sold at Long Beach Comic Con. Remaining copies of the book are currently available to purchase directly from IDW on their website.

The regular edition of this collection is available from Amazon.com at a discounted price.

Regular Edition

Limited Edition

LOST ANGELES: 35 Days With Kevin Eastman

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As previously reported, Kevin Eastman and Mark Bode are RIGHT NOW in the midst of painting a gigantic wall mural of the cover of TMNT Vol. 1 #1 on the side of the Meltdown Comics building in Los Angeles, CA.

This mural painting is a kickoff for a month-long event centering around the art of TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman, called LOST ANGELES: 35 Days With Kevin Eastman.

The mayhem starts November 30, with a weekend dedicated to Kevin's TMNT work, and each of the next four upcoming weekends having their own theme. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Melting Comics website.

Coming Out Of Their Shells - French

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Once again humoring my love for the old TMNT Coming Out Of Their Shells Tour, with the help of my pal gobo I recently acquired a CD of the French-language version of the infamous TMNT concert tour. And because I'm a giving person, I'm also sharing it with you. Enjoy!

Download it here.





Track List:

1. Les Tortues Sont Là (Coming Out Of Our Shells)
2. Pizza Power
3. Ricochets (Skipping Stones)
4. Soi Toi-Même (Walk Straight)
5. Ça Baigne (Tubin')
6. Cowabuga
7. Rap De Shredder (I Hate Music)
8. Ballade d'April (April's Ballad)
9. Pas De Trève (No Treaties)
10. Laisse Parler Ton Coeur (Follow Your Heart)
11. Bats-Toi (Count On Us)

Live Kevin Eastman & Mark Bode Art Event in LA November 17-19.

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TMNT Vol. 1 #1 Cover Art

Mark Bode and Kevin Eastman will be at Meltdown Comics in LA November 17-19 as part of a massive art project. November 17-18, the two will be painting a gigantic mural on the outside wall of Meltdown Comics that will resemble the cover of TMNT Vol. 1 #1. As it's one of Mark's specialties, the mural will be done in a graffiti style with spray paint. Then, on November 19, both artists will be back at the store to sign autographs.

Wall Mural Concept Sketch

Happy Halloween!

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It's Halloween! For the last week or so, TMNT fans on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr have been sharing pictures of their TMNT costumes and pumpkins. You can check out all of the pictures in a special Halloween Fan Photos album on Facebook.

If you've got a picture to share, whether it be new or old, e-mail it to me and you'll be added to the album!

Safe trick-or-treating, everyone!

IDW TMNT #3 - Variant Cover Guide

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Another month, another new comic book day! Woohoo! It's time for issue #3 of IDW's new TMNT on-going series. Grab it tomorrow at your local comic shop. And here's your guide to this month's variant covers.

Check out a preview of issue #3!

Cover A

Cover A: Dan Duncan.
Regular cover; distributed in a 4:1 ratio with cover B.

TMNT Jump Into IDW's Infestation 2

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At San Diego Comic-Con, IDW announced that the TMNT would be fair game for in-house crossover events, such as their INFESTATION title, and hinted that an INFESTATION 2 was in the works. With New York Comic-Con being held this weekend, IDW released the first official details on INFESTATION 2, including some exciting details about how the TMNT will be included.

INFESTATION 2 will start infecting titles in January 2012. The TMNT will jump into the fray in March 2012, with the release of INFESTATION 2: TMNT #1 & #2. The writers of the two TMNT issues will be Mark Torres and former Tales of the TMNT writer Tristan Jones.

Read more details from Newsarama.

And Comic Book Resources has an interview with IDW editor Chris Ryall.

Sideshow Shredder Comiquette Shipping Soon

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Sideshow Collectibles has sent out shipping soon notices to people who pre-ordered the Shredder comiquette. Sideshow will start charging credit cards on Oct. 26, and the comiquettes will start shipping soon after.

Both editions of the Shredder comiquette are still available to pre-order, so it's not too late to snag one of these great collectibles for yourself! Click the Shredder on the left for the exclusive edition, or the Shredder on the right for the regular edition.

     

First IDW Trade Paperback Available For Pre-Order

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The first trade paperback collection of the IDW TMNT on-going comic book series has appeared on Amazon.com for pre-order.

The book will collect the first four issues of the series and is listed as having 104 pages. It is scheduled to be released on February 14, 2012.

Pre-order now!

Thank You, Steve

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Kevin Eastman at Detroit Fanfare This Weekend

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Just a reminder that Detroit Fanfare is this weekend, September 24-25, and TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman is a special guest.

While any convention with Kevin as a guest is a good convention, this convention is of particular note because Cover L of IDW TMNT #1 will be on sale, and Kevin will be sketching on it free of charge.







Here's a little shout-out from Kevin to Con-goers:

And in other Kevin news, he is currently selling the original art for his IDW TMNT #2 variant cover on eBay. Go here to join the bidding war. Good luck!

IDW TMNT #2 - Variant Cover Guide

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New comic book day is tomorrow! Woohoo! This week we get issue #2 of IDW's new TMNT on-going series. What will happen next? Go to your comic shop and find out! Like the first issue, although not quite to the extreme that we saw with the first issue, there are again several different variant covers. Here's another handy dandy guide to help you track all of them down.

In the mean time, check out this preview of issue #2!

Cover A

Cover B

Cover A: Dan Duncan.
Regular cover; distributed in a 4:1 ratio with cover B.

Cover B: Walt Simonson.
Regular cover; distributed in a 1:4 ratio with cover A.

IDW TMNT Hardcover Vol. 1 Cover Revealed

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Amazon.com has (finally) posted the final cover art for the upcoming Ultimate Collection Vol. 1 hardcover from IDW, and it's some amazing brand new art by Kevin Eastman.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection, Vol. 1 includes issues 1-7 + Raphael #1 of the original Mirage Studios comic books, and will feature brand new annotations by both Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.

Retail price for the collection is $49.99, but you can currently pre-order it at Amazon.com for the steal price of $29.61. Amazon is still listing January, 2012, as the release date, but IDW has been saying October, 2011.


UPDATE: IDW Editor Chris Ryall has revealed Kevin's full wraparound art for this collection.