The Turtles in "Ninja Turtles" Get Named

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Just days after the revelation that Alan Ritchson will be playing Raphael in next year's Ninja Turtles movie, Deadline.com has announced the actors who will be playing the remaining three Turtles. According to their sources, Pete Ploszek will play Leonardo, Jeremy Howard will play Donatello, and Noel Fisher will play Michelangelo.

More casting announcements are sure to be announced shortly, with Shredder, Splinter, and Casey Jones being the (likely) remaining lead roles.

"Ninja Turtles" Filming and Casting Updates

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The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports that next year's "Ninja Turtles" movie will film scenes at Big Tupper Ski Area, in Tupper Lake, NY, which currently sits dormant.

The movie is mainly being shot in New York City, but Paramount went to the state to find a ski slope where it would be able to shoot part of the action, said village Mayor Paul Maroun. 

Posted signs tell visitors to stay out of the Big Tupper Ski Area while a movie is being filmed there. 

"They needed a ski resort that was closed," Maroun said. "Big Tupper fit it perfectly."

Unfortunately, this news most likely means that the current working script is still based around the script that was leaked online last summer.

E-mail script/filming info and/or set pictures! Anonymity will be maintained!

In other news, actor Alan Ritchson has confirmed that he has been cast as Raphael in the movie.

To answer ur tweets, YES I'm Raphael.I u think u know what to expect, u have NO idea.. You won't be disappointed.Trust me.. #TMNT
— Alan Ritchson (@alanritchson) March 22, 2013

It is assumed that Mr. Ritchson will be doing motion capture work for the role, although it is not confirmed it he will also be performing the voice.

With filming just about to begin, we should be hearing more casting information any time now. The only other known cast member at the moment is Megan Fox as April O'Neil.

Product Review: TMNT Adult Costume Hoodie

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The fine folks at TVStoreOnline sent me this awesome hoodie to show off to you guys. So, here's me being a dork.

Click here to get one of your own!

IDW TMNT #20 - Variant Cover Guide

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It's a two-fer of a new comic book day!

Check out a preview!

Cover A

Cover B

Cover A: Ben Bates.
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: Langdon Foss.
Retailer incentive cover; 1 copy sent to retailers for every 10 copies ordered.

Secret History of the Foot Clan #4 - Variant Cover Guide

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Your patience has been rewarded, young ninja. Visit your local comic book shop today to pick up TMNT: The Secret History of the Foot Clan #4!

Check out a preview!

Cover A

Cover B

Cover A: Mateus Santolouco.
Regular cover.

Cover B: James Harren.
Retailer incentive cover; 1 copy sent to retailers for every 10 copies ordered.

Cover C

Cover C: Kevin Eastman.
Retailer exclusive. Available from Jetpack Comics.

Free Comic Book Day 2013 TMNT Comic

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TMNT fans will want to be sure to visit their comic book shops on May 4th, Free Comic Book Day. One of the gold level offerings will be a brand new comic from IDW, TMNT New Animated Adventures.

The comic is based on the Nickelodeon CGI cartoon series and is written by Erik Burnham with art by Dario Brizuela. Dario's art has previously been seen in Tales of the TMNT, Vol. 2.

This free comic will be the first introduction to a brand new on-going series from IDW based on the Nickelodeon series. Expect to see #1 in shops in the upcoming months, written by Kenny Byerly (also a writer on the Nickelodeon series) and art also by Dario Brizuela.

Free Comic Book Day 2013 Appearances

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Free Comic Book Day isn't until May 4th, but comic book stores are already putting together exciting plans to encourage people to visit their shops on that day. And there are two events that should be of particular interest for TMNT fans.

At Steve Lavigne's Shellback Artworks shop in Wells, ME, Peter Laird and Jim Lawson will be appearing, along with "at least one more mystery guest." Follow the Shellback Artworks Facebook page for updated details.

Just a short drive away in Rochester, NH, Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz will be appearing at Jetpack Comics. Keep watch on the Jetpack Comics website for updated details (the info currently on the website still reflects last year's event).

TMNT 2012, Episode 18: "Cockroach Terminator"

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It's not quite St. Patrick's Day, but it's still a good day for green! Check out the new episode on Nickelodeon tonight, or, if you miss it, tomorrow morning.

From TVGuide.com...

Episode 18: Cockroach Terminator
A huge, powerful cockroach pursues the turtles as they attempt to sabotage a Kraag invasion scheme.

Watch it at 7pm Eastern/6pm Central time. Check your local listings to be sure when it's on in your town!

TMNT: The Ultimate Collection Vol. 2 Limited Edition Hardcover

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IDW now has available the next title in their IDW Limited series. This next title is TMNT: The Ultimate Collection Vol. 2 Limited Edition Hardcover. Details on the different editions are below, visit IDWLimited.com to order now!

Red Label: $125

• Limited to 325 copies
• Limited-edition, custom-designed slipcase
• Mounted signature page signed by TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman, hand-crimped and numbered to 325
• Brand new exclusive to IDW Limited cover, vellum overlay and end pages

Black Label: $350 (4 versions - 1 for each of 4 Turtles)

• Limited to 10 copies (each version)
• Hand-drawn full color illustration of (one Turtle, depending on the version) by TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman housed in a hardcover portfolio case
• Limited-edition, custom-designed tray case
• Mounted signature page signed by TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman, hand-crimped and numbered to TEN
• Hand-drawn weapon and hand-colored bandana on the signature page by Kevin Eastman

Blue Label: $495

• Limited to just TEN copies
• Hand-drawn full color illustration of the entire Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle team including Master Splinter drawn by TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman
• Limited-edition, custom-designed tray case
• Mounted signature page signed by TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman, hand-crimped and numbered to TEN
• All four turtles’ weapons are hand-drawn by Kevin Eastman on the signature page

TMNT Color Classics Donatello #1 - Variant Cover Guide

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Rest easy, comic book readers. Today's new comic book day brings us only one cover to worry about.

Cover A

Cover A: Peter Laird.
Regular cover.

"TMNT: Out of the Shadows" Video Game Announced

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Activision has officially announced their first TMNT video game title, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Our of the Shadows." And what a curious entry into the TMNT video game library this is. Check out the first trailer:

As of right now, the game will only be available as a download from Xbox Live Arcade, Playstation Network, and Stream on PCs. Gameplay will feature 4-player online co-op as the Turtles fight the Foot Clan through New York City.

"Out of the Shadows" is supposedly "inspired by" the Nickelodeon cartoon series, but it obviously doesn't take its visual cues from the series. No, instead of using the awesome designs from that series, they've opted to design the Turtles to look like horrible, badly-proportioned fan art. I can appreciate them wanting to go for a more realistic look than the cartoon series has to offer - that allows them to appeal to a broader, older audience - but these Turtles look like crap.

I remember when Nickelodeon first bought the TMNT and my biggest fear was that they would totally reinvent the characters so that they didn't at all resemble the Turtles that I had adored for 20 years. Then when we got the first look at the designs for the CGI cartoon series, I was incredibly relieved. And now that we've finally seen the series it's awesome and amazing. And the IDW comic book has been similarly impressive. All seemed to be good (with the looming possible exception of the upcoming movie). With all the good coming out of Nickelodeon, the sudden appearance of these craptacular Turtles is quite curious, indeed.

We'll just have to wait and see how this plays out.

TMNT 2012, Episode 17: "TCRI"

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Welcome to March, and another new episode Friday! If you miss it, fear not; it'll also be shown tomorrow morning at the usual time.

From TVGuide.com...

Episode 17: TCRI
The turtles break into TCRI and uncover the Kraang's true motives. Also: The villain Traag appears on the scene.

Watch it at 7pm Eastern/6pm Central time. Check your local listings to be sure when it's on in your town!

"Ninja Turtles" Movie Pushed Back to June 6, 2014

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Less than a week after the announcement that Megan Fox has been cast as April O'Neil in next year's Ninja Turtles movie, comes the news that Paramount has pushed back the release date from May 16, 2014 to June 6, 2014.

Speculation is that Paramount moved the release date so as not to compete with a new Godzilla movie, which is scheduled for May 16. As of right now, Ninja Turtles is free from competition on its new June release date.

Nickelodeon Confirms 3rd Season for TMNT Series

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At their annual "Upfront" presentation on Tuesday, Nickelodeon announced that the current Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles CGI series has been renewed for a third season. Of course, the series is still in the middle of its first season, so getting an announcement this early for a third season is a very good sign.

However, at last year's Toy Fair there was signage that indicated Nickelodeon was already committed to new episodes through 2015, which would be at least three seasons. So, this isn't exactly newnew information, but nothing is guaranteed in the entertainment industry and it's always good to get confirmation and reassurance. Booyakasha!

Secret History of the Foot Clan #3 - Variant Cover Guide

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Hey! It's Wednesday! So get your feet over to your local comic book store and pick up TMNT: The Secret History of the Foot Clan #3!

Check out a preview!

Cover A

Cover B

Cover A: Mateus Santolouco.
Regular cover.

Cover B: Ross Campbell.
Retailer incentive cover; 1 copy sent to retailers for every 10 copies ordered.

Cover C

Cover C: Kevin Eastman.
Retailer exclusive. Available from Jetpack Comics.

Comixology TMNT Digital Comic Sale Through Sunday Feb. 24

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Select TMNT digital comics from IDW are on sale this weekend through comiXology. Sale prices are approximately 50% off the regular price. The sale ends tomorrow night, February 24, at 11pm Eastern time.

You can purchase and read comiXology comics through their website, or using their mobile apps on iOS and Android.

Check 'em out!

   

Michael Bay Casts Megan Fox in "Ninja Turtles"

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With filming for next year's Ninja Turtles film apparently ready to begin in April, it's about time for us to start hearing casting news. Michael Bay himself has created a bit of a stir with a brief statement on his official website.

TMNT: we are bringing Megan Fox back into the family!

Despite getting fired from the Transformers series between Transformers 2 and Transformers 3, it would seem that Bay has decided to give Fox another chance to be in one of his films. Of course, as of right now there is no official confirmation via Paramount, so we can only speculate as to what role she might be playing. But the obvious role in a TMNT story would be April O'Neil. It shouldn't be too long before we get confirmation on this and other casting decisions.

UPDATE: Numerous sources are now confirming that Fox will be playing April O'Neil in the upcoming movie.

IDW Announces Upcoming "CityFall" Storyline

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IDW has announced via Comic Book Resources that issue #22 of their ongoing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles title will be the first part of a seven-part storyline, titled "CityFall."

IDW Editor Bobby Curnow sums up what we can expect from "CityFall":

Basically, this is the Turtles at their very worst. Things are never going to be as bad for them as they're about to be right now, and I think that's where the best stories are told. There will be no out for our heroes. Something we've been trying to do is to never have the villains lose. We want to keep pushing them forward and forward and getting them closer to their goals. That builds a lot of dramatic tension. And by the end of this, they Turtles may get back together or not, but one thing that's for sure is that Shredder is going to be top dog in New York City. I don't think I'm spoiling anything in saying that, and it's going to be really interesting to see how he gets there. This is essentially the halfway point of the bigger story we're telling. There isn't a more exciting time to read the book. Everything's been keying up to this moment. We've set up all our plot points, and now we're going to run with it and do something really special.

The book will also mark another shift in artistic duties, this time to Mateus Santolouco, who has already contributed to TMNT #5 and The Secret History of the Foot Clan.

IDW to Publish TMNT Villians Micro-Series Books

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IDW has announced that beginning in April, four new Micro-Series issues will be published, this time focusing on TMNT foes.

The first issue will feature Krang, with issues featuring Baxter Stockman, Old Hob, and Alopex to follow.

Watch for them!

IDW TMNT #19 - Variant Cover Guide

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It's another new comic book day!

Check out a preview!

Cover A

Cover B

Cover A: Ben Bates.
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: Nicholas Pitarra.
Retailer incentive cover; 1 copy sent to retailers for every 10 copies ordered.

TMNT 2012, Episode 16: "The Pulverizer"

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Another week, another new episode Friday! If you miss it, fear not; it'll also be shown tomorrow morning at the usual time.

From TVGuide.com...

Episode 16: The Pulverizer
The turtles encounter their fist devoted fan: a teenage crimefighter called "The Pulverizer."

Watch it at 7pm Eastern/6pm Central time. Check your local listings to be sure when it's on in your town!

Jim Lawson's Kickstarter Campaign "Dragonfly"

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TMNT artist and Mirage Studios alumni Jim Lawson is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to support the publication of his new independent comic book title, Dragonfly.

Support Dragonfly now!

The campaign runs through February 24 and supporters have a wide range of levels to choose from. The $15 level will get you a PDF of the completed book, and everything $25 and higher will get you a printed copy of the book.

The art for issue #1 is already complete and all funds collected through the Kickstarter campaign will go directly toward getting it printed. Issues #2 and #3 are written, and the title is plotted through issue #5. Jim's campaign goal is $5,000 and he has just under $1,500 more to get pledged - I highly recommend supporting at the $25 or higher level!

Pictures From Toy Fair 2013

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Toy Fair is underway! And already, Toy News International has posted some pictures of Playmates' new offerings. Even though we've already seen a lot, there are still a few new things slipping in. Some highlights are below.

Check out the full gallery of pictures!

New TMNT Video Games Officially on the Way from Activision

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At last year's Toy Fair we saw the first hint that Activision had been tapped by Nickelodeon to develop new TMNT video games. Now, on the eve of this year's Toy Fair, we have confirmation of that deal and the first hints of what we can expect.

From a press release dated yesterday:

Nickelodeon and Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc., today announced a worldwide, multi-year deal to develop and publish video games inspired by the new CG-animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Under the new agreement, Activision has the global rights to produce interactive games based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles property.

Multiple sites are claiming that the first of three titles is due to come out this summer, although no supporting information or sources are cited. Watch here for more details as they're made available!

TMNT 2012, Episode 15: "The Alien Agenda"

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I'm sensing a pattern here... Once again, the next new episode of Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, originally schedule to premiere tomorrow morning, has been bumped to TONIGHT. But it'll also be shown tomorrow morning at the usual time.

This episode guest stars Cassandra Peterson, aka Elvira, as a nurse at April O'Neil's school with ties to The Kraang.

From TVGuide.com...

Episode 15: The Alien Agenda
The turtles visit high school when April's latest school project peaks the interest of the Kraang.

Watch it at 7pm Eastern/6pm Central time. Check your local listings to be sure when it's on in your town!

IDW TMNT #18 - Variant Cover Guide

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Happy new comic book day!

Check out a preview!

Cover A

Cover B

Cover A: Ben Bates.
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: Mark Torres.
Retailer incentive cover; 1 copy sent to retailers for every 10 copies ordered.

Cover D

Cover D: Kevin Eastman.
Retailer exclusive. Available from Dimension X Comics, Toys and Collectibles.

TMNT Color Classics #9 - Variant Cover Guide

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Here's another color classics flashback!

Cover A

Cover B

Cover A: Peter Laird.
Regular cover.

Cover B: Peter Laird.
Retailer exclusive. Available from Jetpack Comics.

TMNT 2012, Episode 14: "New Girl in Town"

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RED ALERT! RED ALERT! The next new episode of Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, originally schedule to premiere tomorrow morning, has been bumped to TONIGHT. But it'll also be shown tomorrow morning at the usual time.

From TVGuide.com...

Episode 14: New Girl in Town
Raphael takes charge of the crew while Leonardo gets acquainted with a dangerous female ninja.

Watch it at 7pm Eastern/6pm Central time. Check your local listings to be sure when it's on in your town!

Playmates 2013 Toy Fair Preview

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Last week we saw some photos of Playmates' upcoming 2013 TMNT line taken at the Hong Kong Toy Fair. As the New York Toy Fair approaches, MTV Geek has an exclusive video preview (above) of what we can expect to see from that show.

Of particular note, is the glimpse we get of the next two figures in the TMNT Classics line: Bebop and Rocksteady!

TMNT 2012, Episode 13: "I, Monster"

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REMINDER! This new episode airs TONIGHT!

From TVGuide.com...

Episode 13: I, Monster
The Rat King threatens to take control of the city and also Splinter's mind.

Watch it at 7pm Eastern/6pm Central time. Check your local listings to be sure when it's on in your town!

Ernie Reyes, Jr. "Ninja Turtles" Pitch Video

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Ernie Reyes, Jr. (Donatello's stunt double in TMNT 1, Keno in TMNT 2) has released the above video in an effort to be hired as the martial arts consultant for the new Ninja Turtles movie, which begins filming in April. The video is am impressive compilation of Reyes's on-screen martial arts experience. It's clear that if he were involved, Ninja Turtles would be filled with some top-notch, intense action!