Not Missing In Action! The Action Is Now On Facebook!

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 Hi, Everyone!

It's been a long time since I've done a proper article on the website. That is largely because it has become much more efficient to use current social media platforms to get the latest news to you the fastest way possible. This has mainly been happening through Facebook, with attempts to make sure the same information finds its way to Twitter. And unfortunately, the automation that pushed updates to all of the different platforms, including this website, has become a bit unreliable.

With San Diego Comic-Con happening next week, news has been flying pretty fast and furious.

And in addition to convention prep, the IDW comic threw us a curveball last week when they introduced their fifth (female) turtle, Jennika! ComicBook.com has a really great write up that can get you caught up on the story if you're behind in your reading (like I am!).

A couple months ago the Batman vs. TMNT movie was released to much fanfare and overall fan approval. And now in the upcoming months there will be a staggered release of tie-in action figures!

Meanwhile, this year is the 35th anniversary of the TMNT! YAY! What new adventures await our gang of green? Well, hopefully we'll get some clues at Comic-Con next week, and I will be there relaying all of the info to you!

Again, your best way to follow will be on the Facebook page (be sure to set up notifications!). I will be posting live updates throughout all of the TMNT panels as they happen. And then throughout the whole weekend there will be other updates as I find them!

Cowabunga!

TMNT Guide to Comic-Con 2016

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It's that time of year again! Yes, Comic-Con starts TOMORROW!

Life has been a bit of a whirlwind the last few months, which has sadly kept me from providing updates that I should have been posting. (If you would like the "picture is worth a thousand words" short version, you can see picture 1 and picture 2.) And, unfortunately, because of this, I also don't have my regular, detailed "TMNT Guide to Comic-Con" put together to the extent that I would like. I will kind of be flying by the seat of my pants this year, but I will still be there and I will be updating regularly with all the TMNT news and information I can find.

Here are some quick highlights to look forward to:

Panels dedicated to Nickelodeon's TMNT series (Friday) and IDW's TMNT series (Saturday).

You can check out Kevin Eastman's panel and autograph schedule right here.

The Nickelodeon autograph session will be Friday 1-2:30pm. Be sure to visit the booth earlier in the show to find out when ticket distribution will be—you will need a ticket to attend the autograph sessions!

There are quite a few TMNT exclusive items available for sale! NECA has their amazing TMNT video game figures, and you'll also find exclusive items at the Nickelodeon booth, IDW, Kid Robot, HeroClix, The Loyal Subjects, Mattel, and Bluefin.

And Usagi Yojimbo fans will want to be sure to visit Stan Sakai's booth to pick up the new Usagi Yojimbo coloring book!

TMNT Master on Twitter made this cryptic tweet! (Sounds like something for TMNT fans to check out!)

FREE 🍕?! Join us at The New Yorker Pizzeria during #SDCC for a #TMNT unveiling & a free slice of pizza! Follow @spirithalloween for more.

— TMNT Master (@TMNTMaster) July 17, 2016

And Andre the Black Nerd made this awesome video previewing the Kubros exclusive sets that will be available from Mattel.


If you watched through the end, you caught that the Mega Bloks booth will be handing out a free TMNT Mega Bloks comic! Be sure you get one!

Did I miss something? Let me know!

And be sure to follow Ninja Pizza on Facebook and/or Twitter, as that is where all of my "as it happens" updates will be happening throughout the weekend! (Honest truth, there might also be some Pokemon GO updates, if I can manage to find some rare catches. I'm looking at you, Dragonite!)

TMNT Guide to Comic-Con 2015

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Comic-Con is almost here! As usual, Ninja Pizza will have a front row seat to the event and will be providing live updates throughout the weekend. Below the a list of all items and events that may be of interest to TMNT fans. Am I missing something? Please leave a comment or send an email to let me know!

Please keep in mind that everything listed here is subject to schedule changes and availability.

Will you be at the show? I might need help covering the IDW panel on Saturday. Email me if you'd be willing to help and we can make arrangements.

The best way to follow me during the show is on Facebook and/or Twitter.

PANELS:

Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Friday - 11:45am, Room 6A

Secrets of the ooze are revealed by the mutated minds making Nickelodeon's hit animated series. Moderated by the Internet's biggest fanboy, Andre Meadows (a.k.a. BlackNerd), the panel features executive producers Ciro Nieli and Brandon Auman as they provide sneak peeks into Season 4 and discuss the epic and bizarre adventures in store for the four talking turtles. Also on hand will be the extraordinary and talented voice actors of the TMNT world: Seth Green (Leonardo), Rob Paulsen (Donatello), Greg Cipes (Michelangelo), and more special guests. Booyakasha!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Toys and Action Figures

Friday - 2:00pm, Room 9
Join the mutants behind the hit toy line for over 25 years. "Team Green" marketers and designers showcase what's new and next with TMNT master toy licensee Playmates Toys.

TMNT: The Big Panel

Saturday - 1:00pm, Room 25ABC
Join IDW editor Bobby Curnow, writer Tom Waltz, and a very special guest for a look back at the past four years of TMNT comics and a sneak peek at what is to come with new announcements and art.

SIGNINGS:

Kevin Eastman

TBA
Kevin WILL NOT be setup at the Heavy Metal booth this year. Check the IDW booth for expected signing announcements.

Michael Dooney

Artists' Alley - Booth #BB-14
Find him here all weekend, selling prints and taking commissions.

EXCLUSIVES:

Nickelodeon - Booth #4113

11" Metal Mutants Leonardo - $50

8" Loyal Subjects Jumbo Leonardo

3" Loyal Subjects Original Comic 4-Pack

IDW Publishing - Booth #2743

TMNT: Casey & April #1 Convention Exclusive Cover - $5, limited to 300

TMNT #44 Covers A & B Signed by Kevin Eastman - $40 (set), limited to 50

Diamond Select Toys & Collectibles - Booth #2607

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Minimates Comic-Style B&W Box Set - $20

Funko - Booth #5341

Pop! Tees: TMNT Skyline Group

The Loyal Subjects - Booth #5050

Stealth Edition TMNT Action Vinyls - $59.99, limited to 500

Battle Tested TMNT Action Vinyls - $59.99, limited to 500

Monogram - Booth #3645

TMNT 3D Foam Collector Key Ring Set - $45, limited to 500

Factory Entertainment - Booth #2647

TMNT Monochrome Raphael Sai Kevin Eastman Signature Edition Prop Replica - $350, limited to 100

EVENTS:

San Diego Comic Art Gallery - Kevin Eastman Art Exhibition

Special Convention hours!

Hop-Con 3.0: The w00tstout Festival

July 8, 8pm

Beer-tasting event, 21+ (buy tickets here)
$25 donation above ticket cost receives a limited edition Kevin Eastman art print

San Diego Comic-Con 2014 "Turtle Power" Documentary Panel

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The next panel video from Comic-Con features the upcoming documentary "Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." This panel discussed the making of the documentary with filmmakers Randall Lobb (writer/director), Isaac Elliott-Fisher (executive producer), Mark Hussey (executive producer), and Galen Walker (executive producer), plus TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman.

See the panel video below. "Turtle Power" is released on DVD and Digital HD next Tuesday, August 12. (Pre-order it now!) I will be doing a DVD review of the documentary next week when the DVD is released.

San Diego Comic-Con 2014 Paramount Presents "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"

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I am home from Comic-Con and slowly getting back into the real world. I will be making detailed updates of events over the upcoming days and weeks.

First up is my video from the Paramount panel on Thursday, July 24. Convention rules don't allow the recording of the clips that were previewed, so this is everything except for those.


The clips we saw, I believe, were the same clips previewed to a handful of media last a couple weeks ago. They were April meeting the Turtles for the first time, and the snow chase from the Sachs estate.

Be sure to follow Twitter or Facebook tonight! I will be seeing a preview of the movie and will post some of my initial reactions, with a more detailed report to come in a day or two.

Pizza Hut to Launch Life-Size Pizza Thrower at San Diego Comic-Con

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Pizza Hut Continues Summer-Long Ninja Turtles Promotion with Tribute to iconic Pizza Thrower Toy, Sampling of Cheesy Bites at Event

Comic Con attendees will have a new attraction to feast their eyes on this year.

The attraction weighs 2 tons. Stands 12 feet high. Took 7 weeks to build. And fires pizzas. From a custom cannon. Up to 30 feet! From a seat perched on top of turret.

Starting Wednesday at the Petco Park Interactive Zone, Pizza Hut will reveal a life-size, fully-functional “Pizza Thrower,” a nod to the classic TMNT toy and the latest way the pizza company is partnering with Paramount on the upcoming movie release.  The Pizza Thrower (rendering and video below, spec sheet attached) will be open to the public to try throughout the convention. The Thrower will fire faux Cheesy Bites Pizzas at Ninja Turtles enemies, and participants will receive free slices of the popular Pizza Hut pizza.

Check out this teaser video of the Pizza Thrower being built:

TMNT Guide to Comic-Con 2014

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PANELS

Paramount Pictures
Thursday, July 24
3:00pm-4:00pm - Hall H
(Megan Fox and Will Arnett are expected to make an appearance as fans get a preview of exclusive footage from the upcoming movie.) Paramount Pictures will provide an inside look at their upcoming films. Attendees will view exclusive footage presented by special guests and hear the latest news for some of the year's most anticipated movies!

IDW Artist's Editions
Thursday July 24
3:30pm - 4:30pm - Room 4

(It is possible/likely that an Artist's Edition of TMNT Vol. 1, #1 will be announced during this panel.)
Artist's Edition editor Scott Dunbier blathers on and on about Artist's Editions past, present, and future. There will be a couple of cool announcements as well as special guests Walter Simonson and IDW president (and art lover) Greg Goldstein-what more could you possibly want?

Everything Old Is New Again: The '90s Live On!
Thursday, July 24
7:00pm - 8:00pm - Room 29A

Vintage and retro are still hot with Boomers and Gen X, but Millennial collectors are now coming into the marketplace looking for their childhood "new classics" toys of the 1990s! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Batman Animated, and Aliens are all on the rise again and in demand (to say nothing of the My Little Pony renaissance!). Can Furby's comeback be far behind? Come talk to creators and collectors of all generations about Total Justice, Street Sharks, and Dexter's Lab among many other totally rad '90s toys and find out what Clinton-era toyline is now the "new Star Wars" for collectors! Moderator Daniel Pickett (ActionFigureInsider.com, Geek Shall Inherit podcast) discusses this and much more with a panel of toy industry experts, including Reis O'Brien (Funko), Jeff Trojan (Playmates Toys), Kevin Kiniry (DC Collectibles), Randy Falk (NECA), and Jeremy Sung (Spy Monkey Creations).

The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - A Look Under the Shell
Thursday, July 24
8:15pm - 9:15pm - Room 6DE
In celebration of the new documentary film, Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, co-creator Kevin Eastman will lead this fascinating panel including Randall Lobb (writer/director), Isaac Elliott-Fisher (executive producer), Mark Hussey (executive producer), and Galen Walker (executive producer), taking fans behind-the-scenes and beneath the streets into the incredible 30-year journey and reveal the real origin story of four of pop culture's most enduring heroes. Featuring clips from the documentary, followed by a Q&A discussion, fans will get to see how this so-called "happy accident" defied every naysayer to become one of the most popular and beloved franchises in the world.


Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Action Figure Revue
Friday July 25
2:00pm - 3:00pm - Room 23ABC

Join Playmates Toys-the master toy licensee for TMNT since the 1980s -as members of the mutant marketing team prepare to "unleash shell" and discuss what's new and next for the articulated heroes on a half shell. Get sneak peeks at Turtle toys based on Nickelodeon's animated series, Paramount's blockbuster movie, and the original comic series. It's a great chance to ask questions of "team green" members who've worked on all incarnations of the Turtles since their debut three decades ago.

Nickelodeon: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-Booyakasha!
Saturday, July 26
11:15am - 12:15pm - Room 6A
Revel in the mutation madness as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles nunchuk their way through bad guys, eat pizza, and kick Kraang butt! Executive producers Ciro Nieli and Brandon Auman pull back the curtain to give an in-depth look at the creation of the current series and talk with the amazing voice talent behind NYC's most dangerous teenagers: Sean Astin (Raphael), Rob Paulsen (Donatello), Greg Cipes (Michelangelo), Seth Green (Leonardo), Josh Peck (Casey Jones), and Kelly Hu (Karai). Moderated by Rich Magallanes (SVP of current series animation for Nickelodeon).


Minimates Mini-Figures: From Marvel to Clerks to TMNT
Saturday, July 26
1:30pm - 2:30pm - Room 8
Diamond Select Toys' Chuck Terceira (president), Jason Wires (prototype painter), and Zach Oat (marketing supervisor) discuss what's coming up for the popular 2-inch mini-figure line, including new series based on X-Men: Days of Future Past, Guardians of the Galaxy, Sin City, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 30th Anniversary
Saturday July 26
2:00pm - 3:00pm - Room 23ABC
In 1984, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird published the first issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The comic book was an overnight success, and three decades later, the Turtles are more popular than ever, starring in a hit Nickelodeon television series, an award-winning toy line, monthly comic books from IDW, and a new live-action movie later this summer. Join TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman for a 30th anniversary celebration featuring a who's who of talented people who have contributed to the Turtles' enduring history. Guests include Karl Aaronian (Playmates Toys), Townsend Coleman (voice of Michelangelo in the original TMNT animated series), Lloyd Goldfine (4kids TMNT, Turtles Forever), Ciro Nieli (executive producer, Nickelodeon TMNT), Ernie Reyes Jr. (Keno inTMNT II: The Secret of the Ooze), and Tom Waltz (writer, IDW TMNT comics), and panel moderator Andrew Farago (curator, Cartoon Art Museum; author of TMNT: The Ultimate Visual History).


IDW: Kids Comics!
Sunday, July 27
10:00am - 11:00am - Room 4
Who's got the best comics for kids? IDW, of course! My Little Pony! Angry Birds! TMNT! Littlest Pet Shop! Skylanders! Cartoon Network: Super Secret Crisis War! Editors Sarah Gaydos, Bobby Curnow, David Hedgecock, and Carlos Guzman talk about all these titles and more. With creators Louise Simonson, Katie Cook, Tony Fleecs, Andy Price, Derek Charm, and too many more to mention! Plus, free comics for kids!

EXCLUSIVES

Action Figure Xpress
Booth #3345

Peavey Eastman and Laird Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Black and White / Glow in the Dark Rockmaster Electric Guitar
$275.00

Nickelodeon
Booth #4133

Playmates Black & White Mirage-Style Raphael - $30

KidRobot Bebop Vinyl Figure - $50

Kid Robot Rocksteady Figure - $50

Funko Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Michelangelo Hikari - $

IDW Publishing
Booth #2643

TMNT The Ultimate Collection, Vol. 5 B & W Limited Edition Convention Exclusive - $50

Pre-order now for pickup at SDCC.

TMNT 30th Anniversary Special Exclusive Covers - $10 each

TMNT Vol. 1, #1 2014 Convention Exclusive Reprint - $10

TMNT Vol. 1, #1 2014 Convention Exclusive Reprint - $25

Awesome Convention Exclusives
Booth #620

TMNT 30th Anniversary Convention Exclusive - $25

Entertainment Earth
Booth #2343

This is not a convention exclusive, but Entertainment Earth will be offering for sale the Playmates TMNT Classics figures based on the 1990 movie. This will be the first opportunity for the public to buy these figures, but they will be available at retail at a later date.

Fat Rabbit Farm
Booth #4535

Collect all four! Limited edition, handmade plush by Fat Rabbit Farm! Please note that these are not officially licensed products. $60/each.

PEOPLE

Kevin Eastman - Booth #1529 (Heavy Metal)
Kevin will be all over the convention throughout the weekend. Get his schedule on his official website.

Stan Sakai - Booth #4906
Be sure to buy the new "The Sakai Project" book!

Michael Dooney - Artists’ Alley #DD-22

Dave Garcia - Artists’ Alley #GG-17
David Petersen - Artists’ Alley #GG-09

Alex Deligiannis - Booth #1802
Alex will be selling a fantastic set of four TMNT art prints, among other great things.

Nick Palma - Sails Pavilion Autograph Area
Nick was Michaelangelo's stunt double in TMNT 2 & 3.
Thursday - 10:00am - 2:30pm
Friday - 2:30pm - 7:00pm
Saturday - 10:00am - 2:30pm
Sunday - 10:00am - 1:30pm

SDCC 2013: Playmates Unproduced Concept Sketches

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As part of their panel at Comic-Con this year, Playmates presented some slides of concept sketches for toys that never made it into production. Enjoy this glimpse of what might have been!

SDCC 2013: Playmates Bebop and Rocksteady Classics Figures

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Second to the 1990 movie classics figures, the most-exciting reveal Playmates had at their panel were these Bebop and Rocksteady figures, which will also be part of the "Classics" line. However, they did let us know that Splinter and Shredder would eventually also be added to this series.

SDCC 2013: Playmates 1990 TMNT Movie Classics Figures

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Playmates' Comic-Con panel didn't have much excitement to share. However, the best thing they showed was truly impressive. As part of their larger, more-detailed "Classics" line, Playmates will next year be releasing figures based on the Turtles as we saw them in the 1990. These are the Turtles as realized by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Despite advancements in movie effects in the 20+ years since, these Turtles for many are still the definitive movie Turtles.

Unfortunately, all they had for us was this one slide. And despite the text at the bottom saying it was on display at the Diamond booth, it wasn't. However, Toy News International has the hi-res versions of the pictures shown in the slide.

Two are below; check out the rest.

SDCC 2013: IDW TMNT Panel Report

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Thursday, July 18, at San Diego Comic-Con, IDW and moderator Bobby Curnow hosted a panel along with Kevin Eastman showcasing their upcoming plans for the on-going TMNT series, the Micro-Series books, and the New Animated Adventures series.

The first thing addressed was the current "City Fall" storyline. In this story we're seeing several different family dynamics in conflict with each other. On the Turtles' end, we see Leo and Don butting heads, which is a bit of a change [from the typical conflicts seen between Leo and Raph].

While Leo is typically straight & narrow and lives by the rules, Shredder manipulates his psyche to bring him to the "dark side." Having Leo on his side is appealing to Shredder, who looks down on Karai because she's female.

Above: A look at character designs for Dark Leo and Hun.

Below: Character designs for Bebop and Rocksteady.

Although Bobby and the rest of the panel danced around giving spoilers for the remaining issues of "City Fall," the nature of how solicitations in the comic book industry work means we're going to get an idea of how it wraps up anyways. Thus, he revealed to us the next storyline, "Northampton." The art shown, by Ross Campbell, depicts the four Turtles back together, but not quite back to normal. The brothers are in a bad place at the end of "City Fall;" "Northampton" is a time out, although the Turtles might not find the kind of peace they're looking for.

Of course, Northampton, Massachusetts, has been a second home for the Turtles in more way than one throughout the years. Interior art will be by Ross Campbell, who has also designed a new mutant that will be appearing.

Above: A look at a couple of the covers for the upcoming Micro-Series Villains #6 Hun.

Below: A look at a couple of the covers for the upcoming Micro-Series Villains #7 Bebop and Rocksteady.

Regarding the on-going series, Bobby acknowledged that characters such as Alopex and Kitsune were not created to be featured heavily in the story, but that their popularity puts them in more. Other characters are being seeded into the book. And we can expect to see more elements from the 4Kids series enter into the mix. 

Bobby also revealed that Micro-Series Villains #8 would feature Shredder. Above is one of the covers.

The New Animated Adventures series has just launched! Woot! This book will remain completely separate from the 2-year-old on-going series. And likewise, the on-going series will remain completely separate from the Nickelodeon CGI cartoon series.

Above: A couple of upcoming covers by Kevin Eastman. Kevin expressed extreme satisfaction with the way the series has progressed and credited it with helping him to discover how much he loves to read, write, and draw comics.