Hero_777

Hero’s first ever Fan-art. (1990)

Over the years, I’ve lost various bits and pieces of my Ninja Turtles collection. I lost mostly comics and collections of various artwork I drew in celebration of my favorite halfshell heroes. .

This is why I am proud that I still have the first ever TMNT Drawing I produced in 1990 at the age of 12 during ‘8th Grade’. Despite being 26 years old, going through various home moves and survived a bottle of aftershave being spilled on it (the smell has gone now!) I have been able to immortalize this for more to see.

Ninja Turtles back then for me was at times more of a closet thing. I was dictated to by peers and adults that 12 was not an appropriate age to be liking ‘this sort of thing’. I defied that Status Quo, but at times hedgehogged away with my love of drawing and these characters – just to keep the peace from the ‘populars n plastics’. There is only so many times one can serve detentions and suspensions.

Pop Culture that many years ago seemingly wasn’t as accepted as it is today. Looking back, I can’t help but be smug about also being told I would grow out of ‘this sort of thing’ in the next 20 years.

So, I proudly showcase once again my simple ‘from reference’ illustration of Raphael popping up from the ‘Manhatten’ Sewers. I am just as proud of the Ninja Turtles brand today as I was back then, only without the occasional ‘hedgehogging’.

-HERO

TMNT Charlton 2015 Christmas Ornaments

Never too early to plan for Christmas! (say’s I anyway)

Now available through Hooked on Hallmark are the 2015 TMNT Christmas Ornaments from Charlton, featuring the Nickelodeon designs stood atop a smashed bauble ($14.95 ea) and a classic design ‘MAGIC’ Donatello ($24.95) that plays the original theme song.

All items are currently pre-order and set to ship September 7th.

http://www.hookedonhallmark.com/search.asp?keyword=Turtles&search=GO&sn=160462956

Dr. Cluckingsworth, Ice Cream Kitty & Spike figure 3pk spotted.

At last…

The long awaited 3 figure pack consisting of Dr. Cluckingsworth, Ice Cream Kitty & Spike has been found listed on Target’s website retailing for $8.99.

Early days yet. It certainly won’t be too long before this set begins to crop up at other retail outlets.

UK Latest: Giant Leo Playset, Turtle to Weapons released

The much talked about transforming Giant Leo Playset has surfaced in Blighty! Listed on Amazon and Tesco Direct for £99.99/£100 ($155 USD). With 30 different play features and other mod cons, this is a beast or all beasts!

“Leo stands 24 inches tall, but then opens up to 30 inches wide with nine rooms: Turtles living room, Splinter’s meditation area, skate park half-pipe, Mikey’s pad, street level lookout tower, Turtles’ dojo, Donnie’s workshop, computer lab and a Turtles’ jail. The playset includes over 30 different features including skateboard, street light catapult, multiple sneaky sewer trap doors, weapon racks, climbing ladders and fold out bridges. “

Also out are the Mikey, Raph and Leo transforming Turtle to Weapons figures. Spotted in ASDA and Tescos. Each retailing for around £18.00 ($27.99) each.

EXTRA:
Asda.com currently have the Turtle Blimp for a mere £8! ($12 USD) Be sure to grab one before the scalpers do!
http://direct.asda.com/Teenage-Mutant-Ninja-Turtles-High-Flyin%27-Blimp-Vehicle/000705681,default,pd.html

SDCC 2015, TMNT Exclusives Round-Up

Wooohoo! It’s San Diego ComiCon week!

Even though I’m stuck here in England (and in the rain), Hero here can still grab a pizza the action and round up the awesome TMNT exclusives surfacing at this years event.

Diamond Select Toys. TMNT Mirage-style Minimates set. 3,000 pieces.

Featuring the awesome foursome each with their signature weaponry and 14 points of articulation. A must for minimates enthusiasts! Available from Diamond Selects’ Booth (#2607) for $20. The set is also available for pre-order in the UK via Zavvi.com for £13.99.

Playmates. 11″ Metal Mutants Leonardo.

Available for $50 from the Nickelodeon booth (#4113), a limited chrome-edition and preview of the upcoming Dimension-X edition figures set to hit the shops later this year. Based on the Turtles’ appearance in and theme of season 4. Leonardo is kitted out with all new space exploration tech and armed with souped-up laser katanas. Buzz Lightyear never had a better ally!

Loyal Subjects. Vinyl Figures Sets. 500 pieces (Stealth and Battle Tested sets)

In addition to a solo 5” Leonardo figure, Loyal Subjects are offering 3 different Action Vinyl 4-packs in the usual 3” scale. The 4-packs range from Stealth, Battle Tested and Comic coloured themes. Stealth and Battle Tested sets available from the Loyal Subjects booth (#5050), Comic set and solo Leonardo available from Nickelodeon (#4113).

IDW Comics. TMNT #44 (signed, 50 pieces) and Casey & April #1 (exclusive cover, 300 pieces)

IDW TMNT #44 available in a $40 set featuring two cover variants signed by the man himself – Kevin Eastman! Casey & April #1 is available for $5. All obtainable from the IDW booth (#2743).

Factory Entertainment Key Chains set. (500 pieces). Raphael Monochrome Sai set. (100 pieces)

3D foam keychain set featuring the Turtles and green jumpsuit variant April. $45 from Factory Entertainment (#3645). Also available is a monochrome variant of the Raphael replica sai set with a limited release at $350.

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To all those attending ComiCon this year, “Avva Good un'” as we say in Bristol. July 10th on a personal note is also my birthday, and its awesome to have a little extra that day to look forward to seeing even in the capacity of an internet spectator. I will certainly be watching the TMNT Panels.

Enjoy the event, the collectable clutter you can bring home, but most importantly the company of the people you mix with whether ‘fan’ or ‘famous’.

I’ll join you one day.