Chances are you've heard the buzz about this year being the TMNT's 30th anniversary. Well, strap on your party hats, TODAY is the actual 30th anniversary of when Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird debuted their "silly" little comic book at a comic book show in Portsmouth, NH. That was May 5, 1984. Through a series of fortunate events, by December 1987 there was an animated TV series and with that a nationwide phenomenon grabbed hold.
There have been a lot of highs and lows in the last 30 years for TMNT fans, but we are undeniably experience one of the high times right now. With a successful CGI animated series from Nickelodeon, new on-going comics and reprints from IDW, and a slew of merchandising from Playmates and other partners, the Turtles certainly aren't limping through this anniversary year. And, of course, this summer will see the release of the first live-action TMNT movie in 21 years.
So, here's to Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, and all of the other creators and talent who have dipped their fingers into the many worlds of the TMNT. They've all contributed a lot of happiness to the lives of a lot of people. And being able to give a person happiness is probably close to the best gift you can give a person.
Please feel free to share your favorite TMNT memories in the comments, or on Twitter and Facebook. Use the hashtag #tmnt30 to track everyone's stories!
To celebrate the 30th anniversary, look for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Visual History in stores on June 24, 2014. This comprehensive book will detail all aspects of the Turtles' history, alongside amazing visuals all types of TMNT fans will love. You can pre-order this book right now from Amazon at an incredible discount! This is a book no TMNT fan will want to miss!
Now through September 14, 2014, you can also experience the 30-year history of the TMNT at the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco, CA. Andrew Farago, author of TMNT: The Ultimate Visual History, is also the curator of the museum. There will be more information about this exhibit coming soon!