First Look at 2013 TMNT Toys from Playmates

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Toy News International has posted a sneak peek of some images of new TMNT action figures and toys we can expect to see for sale next year from Playmates Toys.

The new assortment features the four Turtles in some sort of stupid outfits, Baxter Stockman, Snakeweed, some new vehicles, a pizza box that unfolds to reveal a playset, deluxe "Flinger" Turtles, and a few other things.

Frankly, I find myself extremely disappointed with what we see here. Playmates actually went to the trouble of making new Turtles sculpts that more closely reflect the designs of the series, and they still covered them in stupid costumes. Really, Playmates? Have all the complaints about this tired and outdated strategy of yours really fallen on deaf ears? How far are we from the return of Music Turtles?

The new sculpts are actually quite adorable. I would love to buy and display them! BUT I REFUSE TO BUY TURTLES IN STUPID THEME COSTUMES. These new Turtles should just have their traditional gear. Those figures would be awesome.

Ugh. I might buy the baby turtles, but otherwise I'll be spending my money next year actually learning karate.

TMNT 2012, Episode 9: "The Gauntlet"

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Set your alarm clocks and/or DVRs - there's a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles episode tomorrow!

From TVGuide.com...

Episode 9: The Gauntlet
April's incarcerated dad gets a message to her, so she and the turtles set out to rescue him and prevent a bomb from exploding.

Watch it at 11am Eastern/10am Central time. Check your local listings to be sure when it's on in your town!

TMNT 2012, Episode 8: "Never Say Xever"

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Set your alarm clocks and/or DVRs - there's a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles episode tomorrow!

From TVGuide.com...

Episode 8: Never Say Xever
Leonardo regrets showing kindness to Xever, who's turning noodle-shop owners into hostages.

Watch it at 11am Eastern/10am Central time. Check your local listings to be sure when it's on in your town!

IDW TMNT Color Classics #6 - Variant Cover Guide

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The color reprint of TMNT Vol. 1 #6 is in shops today!

Cover A

Cover B

Cover A: Peter Laird (color).
Regular cover.

Cover B: Peter Laird (black and white).
Retailer exclusive cover for Jetpack Comics.
This cover is available from Jetpack Comics.

Election Day is About Parties

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As TMNT fans, I think we can all agree that there's only one party worth voting for. (But please, no anchovies.)

TMNT 2012, Episode 7: "Monkey Brains"

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Set your alarm clocks and/or DVRs - there's a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles episode tomorrow!

From TVGuide.com...

Episode 7: Monkey Brains
Donatello and April look for a missing scientist, but instead they find a psychic monkey at the center of a conspiracy.

Watch it at 11am Eastern/10am Central time. Check your local listings to be sure when it's on in your town!

IDW TMNT Annual 2012 - Variant Cover Guide

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It's a day many thought would never come. Today's release of IDW's 2012 TMNT Annual features a brand new, 72-page story by Kevin Eastman! This is Kevin's first full-length TMNT tale in a really long time. You don't want to miss this one!!

Cover A

Cover A: Kevin Eastman.
Regular cover.

Cover B

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

Cover C

Cover C: Kevin Eastman.
Retailer exclusive cover #1 for Jetpack Comics.

Cover D

Cover D: Blank sketch cover with masks.
Retailer exclusive cover #2 for Jetpack Comics.

Cover E

Cover E: Blank sketch cover
Retailer exclusive cover #3 for Jetpack Comics.

Cover F

Cover F: Kevin Eastman.
Retailer exclusive cover #4 for Jetpack Comics.

IDW TMNT #15 - Variant Cover Guide

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Happy Halloween! Today's an important two-fer for TMNT fans, with both TMNT #15 and the 2012 Annual by Kevin Eastman hitting comic book store shelves. Woohoo! AND don't forget to ask your shop about the Halloween ComicFest edition of IDW TMNT #1, which should also be available for free today.

Cover A

Cover B

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

Cover B: Kevin Eastman.
Regular cover; distributed in a 1:4 ratio with cover A.

Cover C

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

TMNT 2012, Episode 6: "Metalhead"

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Set your alarm clocks and/or DVRs - there's a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles episode tomorrow!

From TVGuide.com...

Episode 6: Metalhead
Donatello invents a remote-controlled robot to stand in for him during a battle with Kraang.

Watch it at 11am Eastern/10am Central time. Check your local listings to be sure when it's on in your town!

And speaking of Metalhead, the second wave of action figures has started showing up in stores and Metalhead is among the new figures. Time to stalk your local toy aisle!

TMNT 2012, Episode 5: "I This His Name is Baxter Stockman"

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Set your alarm clocks and/or DVRs - there's a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles episode tomorrow!

From TVGuide.com...

Episode 5: I This His Name is Baxter Stockman
The turtles sneak out and encounter Baxter Stockman, an insane inventor sporting mechanical armor.

Fun fact: An animatic of this script was created to serve as the "pilot" for the show.

Watch it at 11am Eastern/10am Central time. Check your local listings to be sure when it's on in your town!

TMNT Artists to Appear at Paint & Pixel Festival Tomorrow

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Several Mirage Studios TMNT artists will be appearing at the Paint & Pixel Festival in Northampton, MA, tomorrow, October 20, 2012.

Artists scheduled to be in attendance are Peter Laird, Jim Lawson, Michael Dooney, Dan Berger, and possibly Eric Talbot.

According to Peter's Laird's blog, he will be selling a portfolio of non-TMNT prints titled "Treefaces: Five Prints of Drawings of Trees With Faces." He will also be happy to sign any TMNT items that you bring with you.

Get complete event information!

TMNT Float to Debut in 2012 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

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Nickelodeon has released the above concept art for their planned Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade float.

From the press release:

"Millions of families around the country will come together for the annual tradition of watching Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and we couldn't be more thrilled to once again partner with Macy's to bring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to life," said Pam Kaufman, chief marketing officer, Nickelodeon Group. "Our new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series has really struck a chord with fans and this spectacular float will offer them an exciting Nickelodeon entertainment experience."

This is the first time ever the TMNT will have a dedicated float in the parade. They have, however, appeared in the parade before, though it was no where near as elaborate.

The TMNT last appeared in the parade in either 2008 or 2009, when the 4Kids Turtles costumes walked the route. However, these Turtles did not make it to the TV broadcast.

The 86th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade airs nationwide on NBC, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012, from 9am-12pm in all time zones.

LEGO TMNT Event in NYC Tomorrow!

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When: Saturday, October 13: 10am - 8pm
Where: The LEGO Store at Rockefeller Center

Visit the LEGO Store at Rockefeller Center tomorrow for a special Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles event! The store will be offering a special sneak peak at the new TMNT LEGOs, set to launch on January 1, 2013.

Plus, be one of the first 300 people to visit the LEGO Store (Rockefeller Center) dressed as your favorite Ninja Turtle and receive a free exclusive minifigure!

Complete event info from LEGO.com.

If anyone goes... I'll trade you a poster signed by Kevin Eastman for one of those minifigures. :)

TMNT 2012, Episode 4: "New Friend, Old Enemy"

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Set your alarm clocks and/or DVRs - there's a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles episode tomorrow!

From TVGuide.com...

Episode 4: New Friend, Old Enemy
Michaelangelo befriends a prominent martial artist on a social-networking site, but he's unaware of his new pal's close connection to Shredder.

Watch it at 11am Eastern/10am Central time. Check your local listings to be sure when it's on in your town!

TMNT LEGOs Announced at New York Comic Con

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LEGO has announced that they have acquired the rights to produce Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles LEGO sets, and will be unveiling the first set today at 3pm EST at New York Comic Con.

The first set being announced is pictured above.

Product Info:
The Shellraiser Street Chase - 79104
$59.99
Piece Count: 620
Minifigures: Leonardo, Michelangelo, Dogpound, Foot Soldier, Kraang Droid

And a look at all of the components of this set is below.

This is definitely exciting news for TMNT and LEGO fans! Keep watch for more news and pictures to come out of New York Comic Con!

TMNT Guide to New York Comic Con

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New York Comic Con starts today! Unfortunately Ninja Pizza is not there, so I'll be watching from online to see if any breaking TMNT news happens. However, for the people who are there, there are a few TMNT sights to see.

This is the best compilation of TMNT-related people and events happening at the Con. However, I'm not an expert on this Con so there may be something that I've missed. If you know of something that should be added, please add a comment!

And if anyone is going and snags some extra TMNT swag, e-mail me and I'll trade you for some TMNT swag from San Diego Comic-Con. :D

Panels:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Friday, October 12 - 6:45-7:45pm
Go Green! With the Lean, Mean, Ninja Team – Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Experience Nickelodeon’s FIRST EVER Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle New York Comic-Con panel as Executive Producers Ciro Nieli (Super Robot Monkey Team Hyper Force Go!) and Peter Hastings (Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, Catscratch, Animaniacs) discuss the new series, reveal development art and give fans a sneak peek at the series’ next episode. Prepare to be Shell-Shocked!
Location: 1E13

They are not listed, but I *think* Rob Paulsen and/or Sean Astin may also be showing up for the above panel.

IDW Publishing
Saturday, October 13 - 12:30-1:30pm
2012 has been a huge year for IDW. Join Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall, with very special guests Andy Diggle, J.K. Woodward, Fred Van Lente and Mike Johnson for inside information on what else is in the works! Announcements, excitement, gossip, prizes and Q&A!
Location: 1A21

Artists' Alley:

Dario Brizuela
Dario worked on Tales of the TMNT Vol. 2, as well as some of the 2007 TMNT Leonardo prequel comic book. He also does licensing art and comic art for other series. He will be taking commissions, as well as selling an AMAZING print featuring the 2012 Nickelodeon Turtles (pictured right)!
Booth C13

David Petersen
David has done covers for IDW's recent TMNT Mirco-Series comic books. At San Diego Comic-Con, he took limited commissions and had original art for sale (no TMNT art, however).
Booth C18

Erik Larsen
Erik is a co-founder of Image Comics and was behind the publishing of TMNT Vol. 3.
Booth R9

Khary Randolf
Khary worked on the TMNT 4Kids series where he provided a substantial amount of licensing art.
Booth CC2

Michael Dooney
Mike is one of the all-time great TMNT artists. He typically has prints and sketch books for sale, and takes commissions at a range of prices.
Booth S6

Ross Campbell
Ross provided cover art for the old Raphael: Bad Moon Rising comic mini-series, as well as cover and interior art for the recent IDW TMNT Micro-Series #4: Leonardo comic book. He is apparently giving away FREE TMNT prints, in addition to having other stuff for sale. E-mail me if you can snag an extra print!
Booth R8B

IDW TMNT Color Classics #5 - Variant Cover Guide

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The color reprint of TMNT Vol. 1 #5 is in shops today!

Cover A

Cover B

Cover A: Kevin Eastman (color).
Regular cover.

Cover B: Kevin Eastman (black and white).
Retailer exclusive cover for Jetpack Comics.
This cover is available from Jetpack Comics.

TMNT-Styled Race Cars Set to Invade NASCAR

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Next weekend, the TMNT will be styling on a couple of NASCAR cars, driven by Jeff Gordon and Ryan Newman.

Jeff Gordon will be racing the below car, featuring Leonardo, at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 13.

From CBSSports.com:

The paint scheme is being done as a partnership between Gordon, AARP, AARP Foundation and Nickelodeon's Helping and Leading Others program on Drive to End Hunger. As part of the program, national PSA have been airing on Nickelodeon channels to reach kids, parents and grandparents.

Also on October 13 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Ryan Newman will be driving a car featuring Raphael.

According to CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com, there will be a series of events with the TMNT for the whole family the weekend of the race, including concerts, a Fun Zone, a lunch party, and more. Get complete details.

Jeff Gordon and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles introduce their new
race car at a press conference on September 20, 2012.

TMNT 2012, Episode 3: "Turtle Temper"

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Set your alarm clocks and/or DVRs - there's a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles episode tomorrow!

From TVGuide.com...

Episode 3: Turtle Temper
Raphael becomes enraged when someone insults him, and that same person records the turtles on video. The quartet must then retrieve the video before they are exposed.

Watch it at 11am Eastern/10am Central time. Check your local listings to be sure when it's on in your town!

IDW Limited Launched with Exclusive TMNT Packages

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IDW yesterday launched a new website, IDW Limited, which features high-end limited edition books and comics (surprise).

As part of the launch, IDW Limited listed for sale a series of three exclusive TMNT packages. Each of the three packages includes an exclusive edition of the TMNT: Change is Constant deluxe edition hardcover, a piece of original art, and a slipcase or protective tray.

The three packages - red, black, and blue - are available in increasingly limited quantities. The "Red Label" ($125)has an edition of 175, the "Black Label" ($250) has an edition of 25, and the "Blue Label" ($350) has an edition of 10. The Blue label sold out yesterday within two hours of the site's launch.

To celebrate the launch of IDW Limited, IDW is running a contest through November 1 to win a package of TMNT comic books. To enter to win, you can both "Like" IDW Limited on Facebook and join their newsletter at IDWLimited.com.

Good luck to those who enter! And if you're pondering a purchase, better do it sooner rather than later, before the remaining books sell out!

Alamo Drafthouse Screening "Secret of the Ooze"; Ernie Reyes Jr. in the House

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On Friday, October 5 (that's tomorrow), the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, TX will be screening Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, with special guest Ernie Reyes, Jr. (aka Keno)!

The first screening at 8:00pm has sold out, but a second screening at 10:45pm has been added. Included in the price of your ticket is your right to EAT AS MUCH PIZZA AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN! But save room for the special Secret of the Ooze dessert. Buy tickets now!

And if you miss out on this event, or you'd like a bonus dose of Ernie Reyes, Jr., the Alamo Drafthouse is also screening Surf Ninjas with Ernie as a special guest at 7:00pm on Saturday, October 6! (Get tickets!)

3.9 Million Watch TMNT Premiere Episodes; Series Renewed for 2nd Season

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TV by the Numbers has reported that approximately 3.9 million people watched the premiere episodes of the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon series this past Saturday, September 29. Of those 3.9 million, 2.1 million were in the important demographic of kids ages 2-11, and 837,000 of them were boys ages 6-11.

While we've known since Toy Fair that Nickelodeon is committed to making new episodes of the series through at least 2015, and production of the second season is already underway, TV by the Numbers also reports confirmation that Nickelodeon has green lit 26 episodes for season two.

Saturday's episodes garnered largely positive reviews, and the viewing numbers made it the number one kids' program on basic cable. New episodes will continue to air on Saturday mornings at 11am EST/10am CST.

TMNT Digital Comics on Sale Through Today

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In a sale that started over the weekend, a selection of TMNT digital comics sold through comiXology are on sale through 11pm Eastern time tonight.

The eligible comics are half of their regular price.

TMNT digital comics can be purchased through the various comiXology apps on iOS and Android.

Rob Paulsen's Talkin' Toons With Ciro Nieli

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In honor of the premiere of the new TMNT cartoon series, this week's episode of Talkin' Toons has Rob Paulsen (Donatello) chatting with Executive Producer Ciro Nieli.

Get it now over at RobPaulsenLive.com!

TMNT 2012, Episodes 1 & 2: "Rise of the Turtles" Parts 1 & 2

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The time is finally here! Yaaaaay! And this just in: Nickelodeon will preview episode 1, "Rise of the Turtles: Part 1" TONIGHT in prime time!! The scheduled time is 8pm Eastern/7pm Central. Check your local listings if you live in a different time zone.

And then, get the breakfast pizza ready when the show officially premieres with two back-to-back episodes Saturday morning at 11am Eastern/10am Central (check your local listings in other time zones).

Here are the TV Guide summaries of these episodes...

Episode 1: Rise of the Turtles Part 1 (Watch online!)
Four sewer-dwelling turtles go above ground for the first time and rescue a teenage girl and her father from a near abduction in the series premiere of this CGI cartoon about heroic reptiles.

Episode 2: Rise of the Turtles Part 2 (Watch online!)
The turtles get caught up in a complicated conspiracy shortly after venturing above ground for the first time.

Yeah, it's not much, but I think all of us are more concerned about actually seeing this show finally.

Happy viewing, everyone!

Press Buzzing About New TMNT TV Series

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Nickelodeon has been busy parading the TMNT around to the media to promote the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon, which premieres this Saturday! Here's a look at what the Turtles have been up to and what people are saying about the show.

The Turtles Visit CBS New York:


And check out these spiffy photos from the Turtles' day in NYC.

The New York Times:

Now comes Nickelodeon’s back-to-basics remake. The theme song is still there (albeit slightly more urban sounding). A plan to have Splinter die was scrapped. April, the Turtles’ human friend, will not suddenly be African-American, as envisioned at one point. Early on, Nickelodeon nixed a drastic proposal to send the Turtles to a Hogwarts-type school.

(Wait, what?)

Den of Geek reviews the first two episodes:

The thing about The Rise of the Turtles that impressed me most was the high standard of writing. The episodes are very funny. We get jokey dialogue, slapstick and humorous visual effects, and, for the most part, they really work.

IGN declares a balance between comedy and action:

When it came to the fighting on the show, Nieli said, “The violence never goes to a place that’s excessive. The Turtles are acting in the greater good, but they’re justified. This is a kids show. It’s not that violent.” Astin, a parent himself, said he felt Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was, “Fun and age-appropriate and I’m totally comfortable with my kids experiencing it.”

Media Life Magazine declares TMNT "Still Cool":

The turtles are visually indistinguishable until one sorts out their mask colors and customary weapons. But the voice actors and writers succeed in giving them distinctive personalities, even if those personalities are familiar kid-TV types.

Animation Magazine talks to Executive Producer Ciro Nieli:

Throughout the roughly 14-month development period, Nieli and his crew focused on fine-tuning the storytelling and character dynamics using 2D methods. The producer and two other artists also crafted a 2D “proxy pilot” which lead to the series’ greenlight. Nieli shares that although the subsequent CG production has been “a constant learning curve,” he’s found the new medium rewarding.

Two Days Until TMNT TV Series Premiere!

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We're down to two days to go until the premiere of the new TMNT cartoon series on Nickelodeon! And Nickelodeon is feeding us with clips and promos to get us pumped for the big day. Here's a peek at some of them.

Mutation Day:


Leadership:


April Gets Kidnapped:


Discovering Pizza:

IDW TMNT #14 - Variant Cover Guide

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Only three days to go until the premiere of the new TMNT CGI cartoon series! Woohoo! To help pass the time, we've got a new comic book day! In today's edition: TMNT #14 from IDW.

Check out the issue #14 preview!

Cover A

Cover B

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

Cover B: Kevin Eastman.
Regular cover; distributed in a 1:4 ratio with cover A.

Cover C

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

Nickelodeon Universe Hosting TMNT Premiere Celebration Sept. 29

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As detailed in the flyer to the left, Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America in Bloomington, MN, will be hosting a Premiere Celebration for the new TMNT cartoon on Sept. 29.

The celebration will be from 1-6pm, which gives you enough time to check out the premiere episodes (at 10am in MN - check your local listings) and head over to the mall for some fun!