The worldwide popularity of the ‘Teen Accoutred Shellback Heroes,’ colloquially known as the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,’ often overshadows the humble beginnings of these battle-ready reptiles. They did not come to life in the often depicted sewers of New York City, rather they were created in a small coastal town in New Hampshire. The pop culture significance of Dover, the birthplace of these beloved characters, was often overlooked until now. An innovative exhibition endeavors to put Dover back onto the map by focusing on its integral role in the creation of the Turtles, captivating not only fans but anyone who found joy in the comics, films, and TV serials.
The ‘Turtle phenomenon,’ memorably termed ‘Turtlemania,’ gripped the world in the 1980s. Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird were the masterminds behind the creation of these pizza-loving, foe-conquering ninja turtles. The iconic characters came to life 41 years ago, within the confines of a shared home in Dover. A year after their conception, the world was introduced to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles when their inaugural comic issue hit the stands. The house in Dover has etched its place in history as the location where these legendary characters materialized, claiming a significant place in the creators’ hearts.
The doors of the Turtle exhibition were opened in the Woodman Museum last July. With a collection noted for its eccentricity – ranging from a preserved polar bear to a fully set up Victorian funeral display, complete with a horse-drawn carriage – the museum offers an enigmatic canvas for the Turtles’ tale. The vivid burst of colours and display cabinets filled with action figures, transform the exhibition into a paradise for Ninja Turtle fans. From the earliest conceptualization in Dover to worldwide recognition, every aspect of the Turtles’ journey is touched upon in this exhibition.
Mirage Studios, the origin of the Ninja Turtles, came into existence in Dover. The studio’s name suggests grandeur, but in truth, Mirage Studios were nothing more than the creators’ living room. Eastman’s peculiar love for turtles and martial arts gave way to the fantastical proposition of crime-fighting anthropomorphic turtles. The idea came to fruition as a self-published, black and white comic, which marked the debut of these beloved characters.
The initial plan Christening the Turtles was a modest one. Eastman and Laird only envisioned selling their $1.50 comics, a collection of 3,000 prints, with the hope of making enough to repay their debts. They never considered taking to the drawing board for a second issue until they bumped into their fans and the fans’ clamoring for more. The massive following the Turtles garnered was beyond Eastman’s wildest dreams; he confessed that the idea of a single comic leading to such a phenomenon was unfathomable.
Two men embarked on this journey from obscurity to fame, starting their quest as struggling artists only to metamorphose into self-made millionaires. Ralph DiBernardo, the owner of a comic and games store in the neighbouring town of Rochester and a close friend of the creators, witnessed their ascent firsthand. Eastman and Laird were regular customers at his store, garnering his support for their creation. Later, DiBernardo became the first to commercially sell the Turtles comic, acquiring 500 copies for the purpose.
The Woodman Museum’s exhibition meticulously unravels the chronology of the Turtles’ rise to becoming a global sensation. Being pizza-aficionado and uttering phrases like ‘cowabunga’ and ‘booyakasha’ added a unique charm to these characters. The displays in the exhibition vary vastly: from a gaming console featuring Turtles arcade games, vinyl records of movie soundtracks, signed first-run comics worth thousands of dollars, to a spate of Turtles-inspired merchandise.
The testament to the marketing prowess of the Turtles is evident in the exhibited materials, encompassing everything from themed Christmas decorations and floor mats to backpacks and, notably, a talking toothbrush. The literal heavyweight exhibits are the life-sized bronze statues of the four ninjas – Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael, accompanied by their mentor, Master Splinter, the mutant rat.
The significance of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is far-reaching: from a comic, they grew into a multi-billion-dollar global franchise. They all originated in the humble town of Dover, as Jonathan Nichols, the executive director of the Woodman Museum, remarks. Incorporating the Ninja Turtles into the museum’s collection to celebrate their powerful history and ongoing legacy was a natural choice. The term ‘no-brainer’ aptly encompasses the decision.
The extensive appeal that the Turtles have garnered is truly marvellous, as Eastman opines, attributing it to the characters’ heroism, familial bond, and enjoyable squabbles. Aside from this, fans are drawn to the Turtles because they could represent anyone, irrespective of their race, creed, or color. Eastman adds, ‘Anyone could be a Turtle.’ Robert in the heart of Arizona today, Eastman was eagerly awaiting his return to New Hampshire for a comic convention.
Interactions with fans offer a glimpse into their personalities through their preferred Turtles. Eastman finds joy in engaging in conversations about fans’ favorite Turtles, and how these choices align with their personalities. ‘What they love about their Turtle,’ ‘what their favorite Turtle is,’ and ‘who they relate to,’ provides insightful aspects about their character traits.
The city of Dover is recognizing the Turtles’ importance more and more. Last year, a historical marker was erected adjacent to the Woodman Museum in honor of Dover being the birthplace of the Ninja Turtles. A few blocks away, a decorative manhole marks the location where the creators’ house once stood, a mute testimony to the town’s contribution to the world of comics.
Despite growing up in Dover, Nichols was oblivious to the fact that it was also the hometown of the Ninja Turtles. As this fact emerged, Dover seized the opportunity to amplify its connection with the Turtles, becoming a town symbol.
Journey of Ninja Turtles: From Dover to Global Fame appeared first on Real News Now.
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