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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Major Releases
Marks and highlights major events and releases in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle franchise that makes the name so popular with so many generations. -
First Comic is Published
This date marks the publishing of the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book. Since the original concept was that it would be a one-shot parody, the initial printing was limited to just 3,000 copies. When it hit the stands though, it became so popular so fast that four reprintings soon followed. Over 1,000,000 were eventually sold, making it the most popular, independently published comic of its time. -
First Animated Series Premieres
The Turtles hit the screen for a CBS Holiday Special and end up staying there for 10+ years! The 1987 animated series is more lighthearted and geared towards a younger audience with its corny jokes and quips. This was the start of a beautiful franchise. -
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie"
The Turtles hit the big screen in their first live action movie! With the support of a fast-food promotion by Burger King, the movie was a hit and was soon followed by a musical show tour! The movie follows the lighthearted story of the 1987 animated series. Its plot revolves around April O'neil's and Casey Jones' introduction to the Turtles and each other. It also spurs the battle between them, and the Shredder. -
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secret of the Ooze"
Only one year later, the Turtles are back in theaters with their second live action adventure. With another promotion from Burger King and a growing fanbase, the movie was yet another hit! The plot revolves around the Turtles' origin and their continued battle with the Shredder. -
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time"
Back on the big screen the Turtles go back in time to feudal Japan to save their pal April O'neil. This film, although the third in a series of TMNT live action movies, was met with speculation. Fans claimed the action, plot, costumes, and acting did not live up to expectations and were an embarrassment to the two preveious films. Burger King promoted them again anyway and although it was met with speculation, it became another hit in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. -
"Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation"
Not long after the initial 1987 animated series ended, Fox Kids launched their live action television series, "Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation". Although this series was based off of the original characters, it was so different that not many fans caught on. It only lasted for two years and twenty-six half hour episodes. -
Second Animated Series
4Kids Entertainment, after a multi-year investigation and planning period, premiered their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series that ran for more than seven seasons. This series was popular with multiple age groups because it more closely followed the events in the original comic book and kept it darker than the lighthearted story everyone was accustomed to. -
TMNT
TMNT was a CG animated movie that had nothing to do with any previously existing storylines. It's kind of the "black sheep" of the franchise but it was still a hit when it went into theaters. The plot revolves around Leonardo's return from a multi-year training period in South America. Upon his return, he and Raphael have a falling out that results in Leo's kidnapping. Not only do the Turtles' have to save their brother and leader, but they must save the world while they do it. -
25th Anniversary
25 years of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles entertainment and merchandising, and promotional success! Fan-appreciation was marked with a huge shell-abration!! -
Third Animated Series
A couple of years after Nickalodeon bought the TMNT rights, they launched their own version of an animated series. This show has its own feel and includes more than a few plot twists from the original storyline, but it has become one of the many beloved TMNT animated series within the franchise. -
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"
After a big screen break, the Turtles return in a CGI live-action film directed by Michael Bay. Although it's more realistic than its predecessors, the Turtles size and appearance are slightly altered to take away the cartoon feel. The plot revolves around April O'neil discovering the Turtles and them working together to save the world from the ominous Shredder. -
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2"
This, recently leaked, is the release date for the upcoming sequel to the 2014 CGI live action film. It is going to be directed by Michael Bay and Megan Foxx will continue her role as April O'neil.
