Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Graphic Novel 1986
The Birth of the Turtles
In 1984, two independent comic book creators, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, created a comic book series about four turtles who were exposed to radioactive waste and mutated into humanoid form. These turtles were trained in martial arts by their rat sensei, Splinter, and became known as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
The Graphic Novel
In 1986, the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles graphic novel was released. This collection of the first four issues of the comic book series was a hit with fans and helped to establish the franchise as a cultural phenomenon.
The Characters
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael. Each turtle has his own distinct personality and fighting style. Leonardo is the leader, Michelangelo is the fun-loving party dude, Donatello is the tech genius, and Raphael is the tough guy with a chip on his shoulder.
The Story
The first graphic novel follows the turtles as they try to stop the evil Shredder and his Foot Clan from taking over the city. Along the way, they encounter April O'Neil, a reporter who becomes their ally, and Casey Jones, a vigilante who becomes their friend.
The Impact
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles graphic novel was a game changer for the comic book industry. It showed that independent creators could create successful franchises and paved the way for other independent comics like Spawn and The Walking Dead.
The Legacy
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have gone on to become one of the most recognizable and beloved franchises in pop culture. They have had multiple comic book series, animated TV shows, movies, and even a live-action TV series.
The Reboot
In 2012, a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated TV series was released. This series took inspiration from the original comic book series and was a hit with fans. It ran for five seasons and received critical acclaim.
The Future
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise shows no signs of slowing down. In 2023, a new animated movie is set to be released, and there are rumors of a live-action reboot in the works.
Conclusion
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles graphic novel of 1986 is a classic that has had a lasting impact on pop culture. It introduced us to four lovable turtles and their rat sensei, and showed us that independent creators can create successful franchises.