Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, Donatello. These four names combines will undoubtedly evoke a response in generations of avid cartoon watchers. Of course everybody who loves cartoons will know about The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The fearsome ninja four have undergone some serious transformations over the years. They face their deadliest challenge yet: being usurped by children cartoon mega-giants Nickelodeon.
How will this affect The Ninja Turtles direction and heritage?
First off I have to say Nickelodeon doesn’t completely inspire feelings of confidence, as far as The Ninja Turtles are concerned. Granted they have one or two kid’s cartoons of merit, such as Spongebob Squarepants and Jimmy Neutron, but these examples are a far cry from “Ninja Turtle territory”.
The latest addition to the Nickelodeon family that gives me hope is the award winning Avatar series…which gives a bit of oomf to the kids cartoon market.
While Nickelodeon has mentioned that the turtles will be used in further animations, video games and live action, there is no word on its release as a comic. Which is particularly strange considering it was originally a comic back in the day before it blew our minds on the telly. Have The Ninja Turtles been defeated as a viable comic format?
