**Tokka skateboards, Last min. Kickstarters:TMNT Figure Encyclopedia,Shadow of the West, Drawing Blood,TMNT ORIGIN**

SDCC 2016 :: FEAR BEAR & TMNT
SDCC 2016 :: FEAR BEAR & TMNT


** GGM on Facebook, Follow & like or just check it out. This facebook page is always open and free to the public with frequent #TMNT updates !!**

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t2z – the tOkKA bootlegz :: “MONI-ONI” & “Say Everything” SKATEBOARDS (( 2016 )) **src

–>> Hey, Snapper-Keepers and Turtle Legions – happy Solar Eclipse Day, hope it ECLIPSES Tokka’s grumpy birthday. Been struggling for weeks to come up with as decent post to start this final quarter year of incredible contention off to a decent start. Especially when the final quarter of LAST year ended in such a hostile thud. And that kinda happened to everyone.

t2z - the tOkKA bootlegz :: MONI-ONI iIn the uncertain cloud of smoke many of us get lost in  — in the “War of Words”, it’s a good time for your old snapper-pal here to take stock of the good things past & present while moving forward. I’m not good with mincing cliches, but if they are true – what can ya do ??

t2z - the tOkKA bootlegz :: MONI-ONI iiThat being stated – 2016 wasn’t ALL bad. ’16 marked a pivotal year in many regards for the world, on a personal level – – i personally was given solace in some regards to the difficult path i’ve chosen to continue on into my 20th year in industry.

SDCC 2016 :: SDCC 2016 :: Gwendoline Yeo with Tokka & "MONI-ONIskateboardSpecifically with Nickelodeon’s TMNT Animation & Vocal Talent team. Two examples included here are part of that constant distribution of my work to industry talent, writers, designers, acting talents, charity causes, ect. This has to an important aspect on perspective i’m trying top take into 2018. If you reading this can get something inspirational out of this or at least something positive internally, all the better.

The deck posted above was made specifically for Gwendoline Yeo. Many know my obsession with TMNT villain lore, and  the latest FOOT CLAN addition to the animated canon is Gwendolin’s Shinigami.  Likely taking slight design influence from the FOOT CLAN MYSTICS, Shini is becoming an important foil and ally to both the Teen Turtle Team and the Foot Clan itself. All good, bad, lethal humorous, lovely, and loyal to her best friend, Karai.

Details in the first and second quarters of last year about her character were rather nil at least design wise with her general look. Tho’ SHINIGAMI is an important  type of spirit in Japanese culture and in religious beliefs. Also being made popular in Anime & Manga franchises like DEATH NOTE, these “gods of death” seem to have a very mysterious and antagonizing name, so i chose 1/2 and 1/2 portrait of a menacing ONI ( the famous Yokai of Japanese lore ) to face off against Raphael, as a menacing substitute to absence of design reference for the beautiful, funny but deadly Shini.

t2z - the tOkKA bootlegz :: SAY EVERYTHING i

t2z - the tOkKA bootlegz :: SAY EVERYTHING iiGwendoline became surprisingly enamored with her deck, and a wonderful friendship was struck. This is what it’s all about. Making people happy and helping as many as i can. I’m going to try, in the coming months to do more ground work for the Hero Initiative as well.

The second deck here was granted to friend & supporter Sean Astin, who is the recipient of many “TOKKA” works, even a couple to honor his legendary actress of a Mom. The great Patty Duke !!

SDCC 2016 ::Sean Astin with Tokka & "SAY ANYTHING" skateboard


SDCC 2016 ::Sean Astin & "SAY ANYTHING" skateboardMore, quick work examples from this years portfolio :

t2z - the tOkKa bootlegz :: ZoRAPH i

t2z - the tOkKa bootlegz :: #FISHFACE INFERNO i

#TMNT / t2z - the tOkKa bootlegz :: Kickboxin' Leo i

t2z - the tOkKa bootlegz :: USAGI year 1 iMost pieces do glow in the dark, enhanced in some shots by black lights.

t2z - the tOkKa bootlegz :: USAGI year 1 iii

 

Other recent works include pieces again of recycled nature utilizing vintage VHS cassettes.t2z - the tOkKa bootlegz :: PENGUIN COMMANDO, VHS

t2z - the tOkKA bootlegz :: VHS glow sample
t2z - the tOkKa bootlegz :: CASEY JONES, VHSt2z - the tOkKa bootlegz :: MONA LISA, VHSIDW, Nick Animation, Varner Studios, Playmates Toys, NECA, METTAL MEGA BLOKS & then some are among Tokka’s beneficiaries.

SDCC '17 x #tOkKa

SDCC '17 x #tOkKa

SDCC '17 x #tOkKa@Regrann ? ?? @gavinhignight - " Totally floored by the awesomeness of this #handpainted #tmnt #skateboarddeck of #donVizioso by @tokka_oroku !!!" #tokka thanks so much sir!!! #teenagemutantninjaturtles #tmnt2012 #thedon #likeaturtSDCC '17 x #tOkKa
t2z - the tOkKA bootlegz :: SHINI i

Actress #GwendolineYeo with her #Shinigami #skateboard, her character in #Nickelodeon's #TMNT.

Gwendoline Yeo eventually did receive her legitamate Tokka designed “Shinigami “skatedeck this summer.

**In the next several hours i shall be offering your chance for a custom, recycled-art skateboard or so & hopefully one of the video cassettes for top-tier backers for Jay Lawrence’s HIGHLY in-demand TMNT ACTION FIGURE ENCYCLOPEDIA Hardcover and Softcover Kickstarter program which has under 6 days to finalize. Watch this link closely !!

 

 

Further #TMNT related crowd-funding campaigns in their final days & / or worth your time & monetary flexibility and some incredible rewards  !!::

Another TMNT comic project from the influencial & infamous A. Modeen. His non-canon TMNT, indy-comic stories, particularly this one invites back Mirage Studios talent Jim Lawson, Dan Berger & others – these hypothetical adventures are so close to the creators’ original MIRAGE canon, they become a “Hypothetical – canon” & might as well be CANON. He’s the scoop on his latest project.

From the same team that brought you the Image TMNT conclusion (Vol. 3 #24 & 25) as well as “TMNT: Odyssey” comes a brand new graphic novel. This one takes place after a couple of years after Mirage TMNT Vol. 4, with Donatello leading an excursion to the center of the universe both to save it (an unknown energy is breaking down all life on a cellular level) as well as get answers for himself, his brothers and the others in his group along the way. Answers will be had, secrets revealed and consequences will be suffered.

 

TOKKA may have missed the draw on this one, as when this post publishes, this Passion Project of TMNT & TICK alumn, Dave Garcia may be up & plumb out of juice. But it’s not like Dave to just up and keel over like a dead horse at a dried up waterin’ hole. I’ll keep you guys updated on further developments & potential re listings of this SCI-FI WESTERN Graphic Novel project, a decade in the making !! **Check out Dave’s site for more info & to read S.O.T.W. yourself !!

Join the Black Ghost and Old Man Coyote “the Trickster” on their perilous adventures. Learn why the Masked Man used silver bullets.

 

 

As usual, thanks for your patience !! I’m workin; best i can with my skeleton GGM crew to keep ya updated on the latest n’ greatest & BEST TMNT related news bits as my poor ol’ tiny dinosaurian typin’ tips can tap out on the keyboard !!

 

Ok – more later. Heysave some of that 7 day old pizza from behind the couch for me and sticka candle in it n’ wish this grizzly ol’ Snapper the Grumpiest of birthdays NEVER !! !!

 

** mumble grumble **  

 

~ t

 

MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (ORANGE MASK EDITION) (( 2016 ))

MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (ORANGE MASK EDITION) i (( 2016 ))** GGM on Facebook, Public & Free **

*** FOLLOW TOKKA on INSTAGRAM for Further TMNT OCD ***

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**The First Turtle Figure (Color Version with Orange Mask)
By Mondo

–>> ** The first 4 editions of this figure are sold out on MONDO’s shop site & need to be purchased 3rd party at this point.

In 1983, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird were doodling on napkins, playing around with an idea that initially began as a joke. Little did they know what started as a sketch, would turn into the phenomena known as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Mondo is proud to honor the history of the Turtles with a figure based on the very first illustration of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, as drawn by Kevin Eastman. Featuring 5 points of articulation, and illustration-accurate details, The First Turtle is perfect for TMNT and comic history fans alike!

This version features a color paint scheme with an orange mask.

Note: This item is a PRE-ORDER and is estimated to ship the 4th Quarter of 2015.
material: PVC
size: Approx. 6.5″

MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (ORANGE MASK EDITION) / ..box i (( 2016 ))

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MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (ORANGE MASK EDITION) / ..box ii (( 2016 ))

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MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (ORANGE MASK EDITION) / ..original EASTMAN Ninja Turtle sketch reference (( 2016 )) [[ Courtesy of MONDO ]]MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (B & W EDITION) (( 2016 )) [[ Courtesy of MONDO ]]MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (B&W Deluxe Version, RED Mask head) (( 2016 )) [[ Courtesy of MONDO ]]MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (B&W Deluxe Version, Orange Mask head) (( 2016 )) [[ Courtesy of MONDO ]]MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (RED MASK EDITION) (( 2016 )) [[ Courtesy of MONDO ]]

MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (ORANGE MASK EDITION) iii (( 2016 ))

MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (ORANGE MASK EDITION) iv (( 2016 ))

MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (ORANGE MASK EDITION) v (( 2016 ))

MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (ORANGE MASK EDITION) vi / ..articulation (( 2016 ))

MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (ORANGE MASK EDITION) vii (( 2016 ))

MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (ORANGE MASK EDITION) viii / ..with Original Playmates MICHELANGELO '88 (( 2016 ))

MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (ORANGE MASK EDITION) ix / ..with NECA B+W Comic MICHELANGELO 2008 (( 2016 ))

MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (ORANGE MASK EDITION) x / ..with Playmates 11" Battle Shell SHREDDER 2014 (( 2016 ))MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (ORANGE MASK EDITION) xi / .. vs. Playmates 11" Battle Shell SHREDDER 2014 (( 2016 ))

MONDO1stMIKE-11

MONDO; Nickelodeon TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ; THE FIRST TURTLE (ORANGE MASK EDITION) xii (( 2016 ))

• •

As promised, this post will be largely designated to comics ::

IDW :: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #50 // Cover RE Hero Initiative A - "HERMAN & Mondo Gecko; Peace & War" by tOkKa (( 2016 ))

Tokka’s MUTANIMALS cover for the 100 project will be featured at this show..i’ve lighh

COMIC FEST 2013 :: LANGDON FOSS & TOKKA

You may remember Langdon Foss’s IDW TMNT #20 Cover – Bobby, Tom and crew incorporated Langdon’s “KRANG MECH” design on the cover into the story-line of Krang’s war with the Neutrinos as the giant robotic-holographic BRAIN-Beast attacked Zak & the Turtles.

IDW :: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #20; COVER RI - "KRANG MECH" art by Langdon Foss (( 2013 ))

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Foss’s design is now has been utilized in last week’s TMNT:MUTANTS IN MANHATTAN big video game release & is now known as MEGA KRANG !! 

TMNT-MIM-MEGAKRANG

  • Bebop and ROcksteady 1 variantTMNT ENTITY :: 

My artist buddy Timothy Lim (Ninjaink) and I have done some officially licensed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles t-shirts and merch designs before, but this is our first foray into the TMNT comics!  This is our variant cover for TMNT: Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything! #1.We did this as a joint venture with Heroes & Fantasies (San Antonio’s largest comic shop) and the Palladium IMAX theater (hence the movie parody; you can guess the source material).  The cover will be released on June 1st.  Tim will be at the Palladium IMAX in San Antonio on June 4th for a signing, coinciding with the release of TMNT: Out of the Shadows.  (Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, I won’t be able to make the signing.)If you can’t make it to Heroes & Fantasies or the Palladium IMAX, then Tim will be selling copies directly via the Ninjaink Facebook page.  Just shoot him a PM and he can hook you up.

It was a lot of fun; thanks to the guys at IDW and Nickelodeon who approved the design and were such good sports for the parody! —

..or order form HEROES & FANTASIES

May, 2016

25TMNT Amazing Adventures: Carmelo Anthony Special; TMNT Amazing Adventures #10; Batman/TMNT #2 4th printing; Batman/TMNT #3 3rd printing; Batman/TMNT #4 2nd printing

June, 2016
01TMNT Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything #1
08TMNT Amazing Adventures #11; TMNT Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything #2; TMNT Color Classics: The Works, Vol. 5 HC
15TMNT Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything #3; TMNT Villains Collection HC
22TMNT #59; TMNT Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything #4
29TMNT Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything #5

July, 2016
06TMNT Animated, Vol. 08 TPB
13TMNT Amazing Adventures #12; Deviations TPB; TMNT Amazing Adventures, Vol. 2 TPB
20TMNT #60
27TMNT: The Kevin Eastman Notebook Series – Raphael HC

August, 2016
10TMNT Amazing Adventures #13; TMNT: The IDW Collection, Vol. 3 HC
17Batman/TMNT HC; TMNT #61
24TMNT Universe #1; TMNT Shadows of the Past Game

 

http://www.neatoshop.com/product/Henchmen-Forever-Forever-Forever-Ever-Forever-Ever
Aaron Morales’s “Henchmen Forever. Forever? Forever Ever. Forever Ever?”

.. more Tokka-TURTLE toy  insanity & more next post !!

 

~ t

Nickelodeon “HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES” FEATURING LEONARDO – COMIC BOOK LEONARDO (( 2015 ))

Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO i (( 2015 ))

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Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO iii / ..original PLAYMATES office model (( 2010 ))

–>> Now that the major Holiday Hurricane is marginally over, least the worst of it is – – as we CAREEN towards 2016, perhaps Santa left you this BIG GUY of a display piece as a memento of 2015 & a sampling of Leo figures of recent of Playmates’ days of yore.

The TRU Leo set is based on the original “History – ” display at the PLAYMATES offices in California. The 2007 Movie Leo toy is in this original display piece, as well as the unreleased 2010 COMIC Book Leo based off the Michael Dooney MIRAGE style.

Due to the massive undertaking on breaking down this piece we’ll compliment it by posting the trusted Pixel Dan E.’s review of the entire piece, then one by one break down and compare the reproduction figures in the set with original carded vintage & recent versions – one post at a time. This is a decent set, but modifications were made partly due to stabilization for the purpose of semi-mass manufacturing a retail piece based on an original IN-OFFICE Playmates model. Originally conceived presumably in 2009, this model I believe is featured lightly in 2014’s “TURTLE POWER” documentary. But the Turtle’s licensing and multimedia world has changed dramatically, and even exploded since the franchise changed hands in 2009. The TRU model reflects these changes,  — thus – — –

Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO iv (( 2015 )) [[ Courtesy of TRU ]]

** TOYS R US EXCLUSIVE **

Leonardo is the leader of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He aspires to be Brave, Decisive and the Perfect hero. In this one of a kind collection of The History of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, now fans can have 8 historical versions of Leonardo, starting with 1984 Original comic book Leonardo and going through the 2014 live action Movie Leonardo.

Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO vii (( 2015 ))

Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO v (( 2015 )) [[ Courtesy of TRU ]]

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles History of Leonardo Action Figure 8 Pack Features:
8 Collector Leonardo action figures

Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO vi (( 2015 )) [[ Courtesy of TRU ]]

Each Leonardo figure comes fully articulated and includes his iconic Katana swords

Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO ii (( 2015 ))

Each figure comes with their own sewer lid display platform identifying the year and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brand logo the action figure was released

Display platforms connect with each other to create one ultimate Leonardo collector display.

“R”Web#:376459
SKU:740A598C
UPC/EAN/ISBN:043377908166
Manufacturer #: 90816
Product Weight:5.1 pounds
Product Dimensions (in inches):32.8 x 9.2 x 6.5

Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO box i (( 2015 ))

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Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO box iii (( 2015 ))

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Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO box iv (( 2015 ))

Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO box ii (( 2015 ))

Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO - COMIC BOOK LEONARDO i (( 2015 ))

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Let’s take a quick look at the first in line in this set ::  Varner Studio’s  COMIC LEO with the same figure released last year ( 2014 ) with the tOkKustom paint wash .

Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO - COMIC BOOK LEONARDO ii (( 2015 ))

Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO - COMIC BOOK LEONARDO iii / with COMIC LEO tOkKustom wash '14 (( 2015 ))

Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO - COMIC BOOK LEONARDO iv / with COMIC LEO tOkKustom wash '14 (( 2015 ))

Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO - COMIC BOOK LEONARDO v / with COMIC LEO tOkKustom wash '14 (( 2015 ))

Nickelodeon "HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" FEATURING LEONARDO - COMIC BOOK LEONARDO vi / with NECA TMNT , B+W Comic LEOs '08 (( 2015 ))

I’ll break apart the set, one figure at a time for each post and we’ll take a closer look “year by year” and compare each LEO reproduction with their original released counterparts ( and then some ).

• •

Related notes ::

COWABUNGA CORNER  ::

SecretsoftheSewersCheesePhone

Holy Crud,Holiday Haul reviews –

~ t

MIRAGE PUBLISHING :: Note to Tokka from Dorothy Sloan, Former Publishing Assistant at Mirage (( April 12, 1993 ))

 

MIRAGE PUBLISHING ::  Note to Tokka from Dorothy Sloan, Former Publishing Assistant at Mirage / ..letterhead logo (( April 12, 1993 ))

–>> As i set this letter up, keep in mind that i used to go by my birth-name “David”. With the exception of family and certain close individuals i usually prefer not to go by this name anymore as i have been working on legally changing my name to “Tokka”. But in 1993 i was still under my parents care, so it was different time and case.

MIRAGE PUBLISHING ::  Note to Tokka from Dorothy Sloan, Former Publishing Assistant at Mirage (( April 12, 1993 )) ** View LARGE On Black **

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Actually this letter from Dorothy Sloan, the former Publishing Assistant at Mirage Publishing during this time was correspondence sent on my behalf from a letter mailed back East by my Mother. I don’t recall the contents of that original letter nor do i recall my Ma mentioning that she had sent it initially. It may have been a surprise planned on her part. There were times my family played an active role in trying to help me obtain my goals. Maybe this was part of that. Tho’ based on this note, my ma also indicated that we would be going on a trip to Northampton, Massachusetts and the Coast inquiring about vising Mirage Studios itself. That trip would never manifest, well not right away. My Ma may have also stated about my wishes to pursue a work in industry.

Terrorpin -tokka

 

In the 1990s, early on in my career at Cartoon School – many of my own medical issues would collide with my education in the field presenting a constant need for inspiration and direction, advice and counsel as the road ahead for me would be very “Rocky” to say the least. Cliche or not, or whether Dorthy picked up on this need for a little guidance from my Mom’s words — the suggestions in the note are as relevant today as they were over two decades ago. Perhaps an aspiring young comics professional, a student just out of school, or the struggling comics pro or artist in industry may find a little bit of solace from this letter. If anyone ANYWHERE can gain some positive influence and encouragement from it..by ALL MEANS, please do !! Tokka is right there with you. While my career is slightly taking flight, it’s no where it could be.

Rat_King_and_Jim_Lawson_by_tOkKa

Thus, maybe that is the nature of any type of career in the arts field, design, comics, animation ect. But then again in 1993 i had no idea that my past experiences in industry good or bad would manifest the remarkable ways they would have. I have been actively trying to recover Dorothy’s letter for several years now and am happy to finally be able to share it with everyone digitally. On a final note, the ill-fated trip of 1993 to the East Coast to visit Mirage Studios WOULD happen near 20 years later for Tokka in 2012 and we would go to the sites of Mirage Studios and a few other places and landmarks in Northampton. The places that would make up pivotal grounds for the creation of the TMNT, their friends, enemies and stories. Especially in those important early years of the Teens’ comic book development.

~ t

 

• •

 

On to the related Notes ::

 

TOYARK ::

 

Prime1MIKEpeek2

ZeroThree-Movie-Leo-peek

Over at Figure Hobby Club, a member there got a tour of the ThreeZero studio. They were allowed to snap a bunch of photos, and they showcase a few new 1/6 scale figures.

 

Nickelodeon::

Bebop and Rocksteady Join Shredder on his Quest to Defeat the Turtles During

a Brand-New Episode of Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Premiering March 8 at 11:00a.m. (ET/PT)

Franchise-favorite villains, Bebop (J.B. Smoove) and Rocksteady (Fred Tatasciore) hit the small screen when brand-new episodes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles return Sunday, March 8, at 11:00 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.  In the action-packed episode, “The Pig and the Rhino,” Donnie finishes a new batch of retro-mutagen, in hopes of saving Karai, while the Turtles find themselves hunted by Shredder’s new vengeful henchmen, Bebop and Rocksteady. Beginning March 8, Turtle fans can watch the special hour-long premiere “Battle for New York” pre-released on Nick.com and the Nick App through March 15. The episode will premiere on Nickelodeon Sunday, March 15, at 11:00 a.m. (ET/PT).

 

Also beginning March 8, Turtle enthusiasts can participate in “TMNT Mutation Madness,” an interactive bracket-style tournament that will give fans everywhere a chance to cast their votes in four rounds of mutant match-ups counting down to the Ultimate Mutant Champion.  While Nicktoons airs mutant-driven Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles episodes, the tournament starts online with sixteen mega-mutants including: Fishface, Spider Bytez, Tiger Claw, Slash, Bebop and Rocksteady, among others competing for the title of Ultimate Mutant Champion.  As part of Nicktoons’ “Mutation Madness” each round, will reveal the brackets narrowing from 16 to 8 to 4 to 2, with the Ultimate Mutant Champion debuting March 23.  Along with casting a vote every round, fans can enter special sweepstakes for prizes and unlock exclusive content to learn more about each mutant through bios, gifs, images and videos.

 

For more TMNT action, viewers can logon to Nick.com for full episodes, quizzes and games, including “Shadow Heroes” and the recently release, “Mikey’s Day Off.” In the new game, crime has taken the night off, but that doesn’t stop Mikey from relieving his boredom by sneaking around the turtle lair to throw paper balls at his bros.

 

 

Tomart’s Action Figure Digest #xx :: pgs.26, 27 TOY FAIR ’97, PLAYMATES “NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION” (( April 1997 ))

Tomart's Action Figure Digest #xx :: pgs.26, 27 TOY FAIR '97, PLAYMATES "NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION / ..early N.M. logo  (( April 1997 ))

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–>> Here’s some more Ghosts come to haunt the sewers from Toy Fair’s past !!

This artwork and early N.M. logo was being used by Mirage and Saban early on in the development of the live-action show. I recall seeing it multiple times on the official TMNT website.

Tomart's Action Figure Digest #xx :: pgs.26, 27 TOY FAIR '97, PLAYMATES "NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION (( April 1997 ))

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This has been rescanned at a higher rez, and broken down to hi-light a better look at the prototypes and such presented within’ the magazine spread.

There’s a bit going on here including early prototypes of Venus and Dragon Lord, logos, and a very “DARTH VADER” – like, early Shredder prototype that’s quite pointy.

Pink-bandanas on Venus and a really cool paint job on DRAGON SKULL a.k.a The Dragon Lord.

The very comic-book, “DOONEY STYLED” Elite Guard in this line was the first “Shredder Elite Ninja” ever to be sculpted into a toy.

The Elite Guards don’t look like this in the show at all as they do on the fig.

It’s not mentioned much, but the story was supposed to go in that after Venus defeated Shredder and the N.Y. Foot Clan was disbanded, the Shredder’s Elite were to join Dragon Lord’s “THE RANK” army in lieu of the absence of the FOOT. Hopefully when Oroku Saki was to return, they would have rejoined him once again betraying their new Dragon master.

Tomart's Action Figure Digest #xx :: pgs.26, 27 TOY FAIR '97, PLAYMATES "NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION / ..early "VADER-esque" 'SHREDDER'  (( April 1997 ))

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Connotations between “SHREDDER” and “Darth Vader” drove me nuts growing up – i heard it many times. But it’s pretty hard not to think of the Dark Lord with this early proto and SHARP version of Saki. The final figure looks immensely cool, one of my all time favourites.

Tomart's Action Figure Digest #xx :: pgs.26, 27 TOY FAIR '97, PLAYMATES "NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION / ..early "pink-bandana" Venus  (( April 1997 ))

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Venus’s proto included pupils and a pink coloured banadana and wrappings.

NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION :: VENUS ..card backer ii  ; signed by Mitchell A. Lee Yuen - "RAPHAEL"  in N.M.  (( 1997 ))

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Tomart's Action Figure Digest #xx :: pgs.26, 27 TOY FAIR '97, PLAYMATES "NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION / ..early "DRAGON SKULL" the 'DRAGON LORD'   (( April 1997 ))

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★ ★

One of my favourites from the Teens’ Rouges Gallery. One has to presume that the Dragon Lord’s final facial look was not ready by the time he went to sculpt. The masked version would be the only version EVER to be manufactured and the same sculpt is used on his TURTLEFLAGE deluxe figure. He never wore the mask in the show, as you may recall. A “sculpted dragon-head” was promised for a future figure, maybe it was even sculpted at one point. But who knows. Again, the line went away after the second wave.

The cool paint wash on this highlights the sculpt a bit better on the prototype than on the manufactured figure. You can even see the upper “GREEN” portion of his face just a bit peaking above the face mask. The final figure just makes it look like he’s wearing a full, white head mask.

NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION :: "CAMO-CAPE TURTLEFLAGE" DISGUISING DRAGON LORD ..card backer ii (( 1997 ))

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Tomart's Action Figure Digest #xx :: pgs.26, 27 TOY FAIR '97, PLAYMATES "NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION / ..Eastman, vehicles & 'THUNDER THRASHERS TMNT'  (( April 1997 ))

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Tomart's Action Figure Digest #xx :: pgs.26, 27 TOY FAIR '97, PLAYMATES "NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION / ..early Cycle assortment & 'Mutant Marauder'  (( April 1997 ))

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★ ★

The Biker , MEGA MOTORIN’ “Elite Guard” looks suspiciously like he’s wearing similar looking garb to the Rank Warriors. And none of the villains on the show ACTUALLY get a souped up ride like the cool red n’ purple, stealthy lookin’ speedster. Raph’s bike looks kinda similar to how it looks in the live show.

The big fat Mutant Marauder would be rereleased in the TMNT 2003 line tho’ it was redecorated a bit and didn’t feature in the animated show.

Tomart's Action Figure Digest #xx :: pgs.26, 27 TOY FAIR '97, PLAYMATES "NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION / ..early 'THUNDER THRASHERS' asst.  (( April 1997 ))

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★ ★

Early “T. Thrashers” protos include a pink-bandana Venus again, and she is wearing a top which actually looks cool on her.

For whatever reason, her final DLX Thrasher toy removed the top ( *GASP* ) and e’rythang just all umm — hangs OUT free-flowin’ in the breeze at the skate park.

Tomart's Action Figure Digest #xx :: pgs.26, 27 TOY FAIR '97, PLAYMATES "NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION / ..early 'THUNDER THRASHERS' "pink bandana & tank top" 'BLACKTOP BOARDIN' VENUS" Venus (( April 1997 ))

Tomart's Action Figure Digest #xx :: pgs.26, 27 TOY FAIR '97, PLAYMATES "NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION / ..Eastman in the showroom sewers  (( April 1997 ))..and there’s your buddy wandering his way thru’ the Toy Fair’s very own sewer system.

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N.Y. Toy Fair ’15 has wound down, but the hunt is just beginning for the collectors, kids, moms n’ dads EVERYWHERE !! ::

Back at Wonder Festival 2015, Prime 1 Studio showcased all four of their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2014 Statues. Now we get a close up look at the Donatello Statue. **Prime 1 Studio has posted some official photos and some info for the upcoming release…-

Check out the full gallery on **TOY ARK and click ***Prime 1 Studio here for release info.

~ t