TMNT Creators: Behind the Scenes Secrets and Reunion

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Summary

  • Eastman and Laird’s creation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a stroke of fate with incredible success.
  • Mirage Studios was named after a mirage because it didn’t exist, showcasing their “fake it until you make it” attitude.
  • The Turtles‘ 30th anniversary brought Eastman and Laird back together after almost two decades apart.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about my favorite childhood series – the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This franchise has been unstoppable, churning out toys, comics, films, and video games in an endless stream. The four turtle brothers, under the guidance of their rodent mentor Master Splinter, were born from the minds of Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, a pair of comic book aficionados who joined forces to pen comic book history.

As a cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the intriguing narrative that unfolds behind the creation of these iconic characters – the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. A series of unlikely events brought together their creators, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, who went on to achieve extraordinary success. Yet, this success came at a heavy cost, as it drove a deep rift in their friendship. The story of these two visionaries is both beautiful and heartbreaking in equal measure. Here are some fascinating insights into the lives and history of the TMNT creators that might surprise you.

7. An Underground Comics Magazine United Them

A Twist Of Fate Would Change Comics History Forever

Initially, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird crossed paths in Western Massachusetts. Notably, Eastman had relocated from Maine to Amherst, MA, for his girlfriend, and took up a job delivering pizzas. Simultaneously, Peter Laird was running an individual comics magazine named Scat.

One day, Eastman stumbled upon a Scat copy on a bus. This led him to the headquarters in Northampton, which provided him with Laird’s mailing address. In retrospect, Laird commented that “A series of fortunate events had to align” for everything to unfold as it did, bringing them together and ultimately leading to the creation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He mused if the outcome might have been different under different circumstances.

6. They Thought That The Turtles Would Not Last Beyond One Issue

It Became Bigger Than They Could Have Ever Imagined

The “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” are deeply ingrained in American pop culture, standing tall alongside figures like Spider-Man and Batman. Contrary to expectations, creators Eastman and Laird didn’t anticipate their comic series would achieve the level of success it ultimately did.

In the debut comic book, not only were the Turtles introduced, but so was their arch-enemy, Shredder. That same issue hinted at Shredder’s supposed downfall. When fans inquired about why they killed off the Shredder in the first issue, Laird explained that they hadn’t anticipated the story to continue past that initial comic book release.

5. They Named Their Studio “Mirage” Because It Did Not Exist

Faking It Until They Made It

The initial Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics were created at Mirage Studios, situated in the artistic town of Northampton, Massachusetts. Just like an illusionary oasis in the desert, this studio seemed unreal to many, and that’s why it was named so – it was a true mirage, symbolizing Eastman and Laird’s humble beginnings.

Mirage Studios was initially launched from an apartment in Dover, New Hampshire, back in 1983. Its founders, Eastman and Laird, brainstormed potential names for their venture over a pizza meal, eventually choosing Mirage Studios as it reflected the fact that they didn’t actually have a physical studio at the time. In other words, when Mirage Studios was first established, it was more of an idea than a tangible entity.

4. Kevin Eastman Had A Museum

Sharing Sequential Art With The Masses

Besides being a co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Kevin Eastman also managed a museum focused on comic book creation. In 1990, he established the Words and Pictures Museum in Northampton, Massachusetts, a place dedicated exclusively to the conservation, understanding, and display of modern comic art.

1999 marked the closure of the museum’s actual building, but its initial online platform remains accessible. Notably, the second and last location can be identified by the gargoyles adorning its front entrance. In an interview with The Comics Journal in 2022, Kevin Eastman expressed profound admiration for his team, who “poured a lot of effort, perspiration, and emotion into realizing that dream.

3. A Live-Action Series Broke Up The Band

A Breaking Point In Their Friendship

Initially, the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” comic book was mostly popular among underground circles. However, a toy licensing agreement with Playmates Toys and an animated series propelled their fame, making them a common name in households. This unexpected success was more than Eastman and Laird could have envisioned.

With their recent triumph, there also arose difficulties that tested their bond. Although the live-action series “Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation” wasn’t the sole cause, it served as a significant rift. It introduced Venus, a female fifth Ninja Turtle, a character that Laird strongly opposed. Eastman would relinquish his control over the TMNT property not much later.

2. Peter Laird Started A Nonprofit

Giving Back To The Comics Community

Achieving the level of fame that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles enjoy is a cherished aspiration for every independent comic book creator. In an effort to assist other creative minds in realizing their dreams, Peter Laird established the Xeric Foundation back in 1992.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement about the impactful grantees of this esteemed organization, one of whom is none other than Gene Luen Yang, who later crafted the captivating graphic novel, “American-Born Chinese.” In 2012, the Xeric Foundation made a significant change in its giving strategy, deciding to exclusively support charitable foundations. This move was driven by the observation that independent comic creators now have the powerful tool of the internet at their fingertips, enabling them to reach thousands of readers directly.

1. They Reunited For The Turtles’ 30th Anniversary

Back Together After Nearly Two Decades Apart

Eastman and Laird’s famous feud, which is well-known in comic book lore, lasted until they reconnected in 2014 – specifically, for the Turtles’ 30th anniversary celebration at a comics signing event held in Rochester, New Hampshire.

The following day, I found myself at another signing in Dover, New Hampshire – and there, the creators of the documentary “Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” caught me in their lens, capturing moments of us spending the day as a team. We even paid a visit to the location that once was Kevin Eastman’s home, where these iconic heroes were first brought to life.

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2025-04-11 09:37