How did a violent indie comic become a $15,000,000,000 franchise?

[@benmalsky9834]

TMNT’s origins is one of the most inspirational stories of any major, popular franchise. How two guys’ work turned into something beloved by millions of people for four decades. The lesson: never have doubts about your ideas, no matter how silly or ridiculous they may be, it just might the next big thing.

[@retropulse03]

The other lesson is stick by your friends. This story reminds me of a project my best friend and I played with for years. I really wanted to make it into something special, and he just sort of gave up, and after a big fallout we don't speak anymore. I still think it could have been something amazing.

[@Flairis]

@@retropulse03 what was the project about?

[@retropulse03]

@@Flairis It was a comic, we called it "The Farce". Kind of hard to describe, but it was about 3 guys who, through a series of farcical events, end up working with what was sort of a parody of Sean Connery's James Bond - but in advanced age and arguably suffering from a bit of dementia. It sounds bizarre at best, but the pull was the character interactions and the events that would unfold from their choices. For instance, in the first chapter its' primarily the spy characters goal to 'train' everyone up, but none of it makes any sense, and one character convinces the other 2 to just go with it - through that series of events their nosey neighbor loses his job, his son loses a kidney, and their kitchen is blown up. It just had a kind of weird magic that came together, and it was truly born out of that same situation of just trying to make eachother laugh. Eventually I drew some of it because I felt like we had something. I wrote a whole bunch of it down too. There's a whole chapter where they end up expsoing an alien invasion at the heart of the mormon church, and an origin story for a recurring villain that involved Richard Nixon and a parody of Jerry Garcia. We just had fun with it.

[@Flairis]

@@retropulse03 def sounds very wild and crazy lol. I like the idea though

[@snipeuminusthesniper]

“If You Have an Idea that You Genuinely Think is Good, Don’t Let Some Idiot Talk You Out of It.” -Stan Lee.

[@TahniZCat2]

Knowing how Mikey was the original/first Turtle made by the creators as a tongue and cheek joke, the relationship of the turtles being based on the deep friendship of the two creators, and in the end, talking about how they miss their friendship and using the first turtle as the last turtle that stayed alive saying how he missed his brothers. . . 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

[@darschpugs4690]

Poetic irony in literature at it's finest.

[@tikitakaboyz5050]

So the Ronin is Mikey? I definitely need to read the original run + Ronin

[@nimascolari1508]

But the Ronin/last remaining turtle has 2 Kitanas. Leading me to think it's Leo.

[@TahniZCat2]

@@nimascolari1508 the last ronin had a combination of all the weapons. It is confirmed to be Mikey, as well as detailing how Raph, Leo, Donatello, and many of the others died. You should definitely read it, it was a wild story that had me at the edge of my seat

[@TahniZCat2]

@@tikitakaboyz5050 oh the story is SOO worth it. It highlights so much that makes the TMNT series soo great and the two authors chemistry shines amazingly in this story

[@bound2thefloor1]

That episode of "The Toys that made us" was a real tear jerker. You could see the pain / hurt that Peter had.

[@sandracastillo2652]

I almost cried

[@K2SonicFan]

I haven't seen it - what happened?

[@victuz]

@@K2SonicFan Yeah I also want to know.

[@sandracastillo2652]

@@victuz they have Eastman meet laird for the “first time in years” and they make it really sad and dramatic

[@MichaelWaisJr]

@@sandracastillo2652Do they like shoot heroin together or make a suicide pact or something? You make it sound like they play violins over the encounter and it’s manipulating everyone’s emotions.

[@limmynade]

this video is making me want to read the original tmnt comics...

[@GingerBreadSed]

In less than twenty minutes you made me care so much about the friendship between two guys who just wanted to draw comics together that I genuinely teared up at seeing them reunite in the end. Amazing job!

[@easternpromises7991]

That comic with Donatello and Kirby must have been the first TNMT I've ever read. It's still one of the best I've encountered. What a gem.

[@jaybo2099]

That is one my all time favorite comics and why Donatello has always been my favorite.

[@bossdoor]

One of the episodes of the 2003 show follows that arc

[@comicsboy]

It was a great time💔

[@thisissketchy9339]

​@@bossdoorthe episode also has a deleted ending which is very gutpunching

[@ivanw2080]

Peter Laird had recently shared this in a recent interview about that Donatello issue: Around the time the TMNT comics started to take off in the 80's, Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird lived in Connecticut and wanted to do the Donatello Issue, most of which was primarily done by Peter Laird (he did the story, the layouts, and the pacing, etc.). However he first wanted to get Jack Kirby's permission before doing anything as mentioned in the video above, Jack Kirby is a character in the story. Anyway through a friend of his, he was able to get Jack Kirby's address, and he sent a very nice and sincere letter asking for his permission along with everything else for Kirby to review and green-light the comic. Eastman & Laird even offered to split the profits for the comic with him 50/50. A couple weeks later, Jack Kirby called Laird on the phone (which in and of itself was very surreal for Laird, and was starstruck by that) and Kirby gave him the green light to proceed with it. Kirby was very kind and generous about it and declined the offer to split the profits, but requested one small change to the comic. Laird drew Kirby smoking a cigarette in the comic, but asked to have that removed for the final version. The reason he asked for Laird to do this is because while it actually IS true that Jack Kirby WAS a very heavy smoker and smoked cigarettes, cigars, and pipes ever since his youth, he really did NOT want to promote young people to take up smoking like he did, because in his final years that would become Jack Kirby's biggest and deepest life regret. Peter Laird of course obliged his request, and he has even cited that as being one of his most favorite and sweetest memories of the TMNT 80's era

[@channingchills]

If it wasn’t for Peter Laird, the Turtles would’ve ended up being given over to one of the large toy/animation companies very early on. Even after Laird ultimately sold his share, the contract he negotiated ultimately stipulated he would be able to publish his own TMNT comics. Laird truly lived by the Biggie quote “don’t chase the paper, chase the dream.”

[@Dracobyte]

I 100% recommend that you read the IDW comics. The characters and stories are awesome!

[@filipbabic4913]

​@@Dracobyteyeah until we get to Sophie Cambell and the whole mutant town arc, don't get me wrong Im ok with slice of life stories but that overstayed its welcome after the first year passed

[@ludotoyhunter8492]

That’s so real. Chase the dream the money comes with it! If they had held on to it and licensed it out properly they’d be BILLIONAIRES today no question. The sad thing is I remember Eastman having to work at Heavy Metal magazine because he “needed the money”. Bro….YOU CREATED NINJA TURTLES!!! You are hurting for money and you are the reason why ninja turtles exist?! This is why creators should understand business before making a deal with anyone or signing anything! The favorite line of business snakes is “you signed it.” Most contracts basically just say “how can we get most of the profits and get you to take pennies?” Knowing that, you would do better putting the work in and grinding it out. I can’t even think of the amount of creators who were bilked out of money that they would rightfully be entitled to because they signed the wrong contract.

[@TheScribeScribe]

@@ludotoyhunter8492 Simply don't sign anything. If you believe in your creation stick by it. Write the stories, draw the art, (if it has any), compose the music, (if it has any), make the site, handle your payment processors and finances. You gotta do it all if you want to keep all the profit of your creation.

[@ubertechie7374]

This's the first time I've been brought to a tear by a totally random narrative. What prodigious storytelling! Respect.

[@thomasbuttigliero6752]

same, wasn't expecting it at all

[@Covenant-R]

+1 on that.

[@ramsay2234]

+1 dude.

[@shaunybonny688]

Ditto.

[@fennten8338]

right, i was gettin so pumped

[@gezi0752]

If anyone wants to see a pretty accurate adaptation of these comics I’d recommend the 2003 tv show. It’s pretty amazing how accurate it is to the original, obviously more directed towards kids but still has the soul of the original.

[@Vospader21]

I loved that series. That one to me was the best of the adaptions ever made.

[@rageofsaturn]

I remember waking up on Saturday just to watch it

[@PennysCollectiblesAV]

Don’t forget to read the Saturday morning adventures that are ongoing currently the art is amazing

[@ArchLars]

Or you could just read the original comics?

[@gezi0752]

@@ArchLars you could say that about any adaptation? it’s cool to see things in different mediums and styles

[@Altorin]

the original transformers were designed and created by a literal genius japanese artisan toy maker, and weren't part of any sort of marketting campaign. They were just AMAZING toys that were unlike anything anyone had ever seen because this Japanese guy was INSANELY talented. Should do a full video on it.

[@PTMonger_Spade]

Weren’t they created by Marvel?

[@turnadraco]

@@PTMonger_Spade nope

[@PTMonger_Spade]

@@turnadracoBut if you look it up it says it came for the Marvel Comics.

[@_somestuff]

@@PTMonger_Spade Og comics were made by Marvel, yes. But the series was created by Takara Tomy and Hasbro.

[@bigboi5545]

​@@PTMonger_Spade Marvel was commissioned by Hasbro to develop a comic book based on transforming robot toys they licensed from Japan. These robots would make up the first year or two of the Transformers toyline in the United States.

[@Kagiso22]

The fact that The Last Ronin is also the First Turtle that they ever drew is so powerful.

[@JCShadow0202]

Exactly what I was thinking 🥲, out loud I went “MICKEY WAS THE FIRST TURTLE!?”

[@artnull13]

@@JCShadow0202cowabunga dude

[@TW86]

The Last Ronin blew me away, I vaguely followed TMNT growing watching the cartoon in the 90s, watched the movies, played the videogames. Thank for this video, I coincidently read The last ronin a few months ago just browsing chapters with my nephew and decided to pick it up. Incredibly beautiful comic. Those of you who havent read the last ronin, its an amazing storytelling of the last turtle fighting a hopeless war with the footclan with a great ending

[@manu_elle_arg]

That final comic destroyed me, what an amazing story, thanks for this video I’ve always loved TMNT as a kid and even today it brings me back good times seeing their stuff

[@erdood3235]

What final comic?

[@manu_elle_arg]

The Last Ronin, when he says “I miss my brothers”. Is that actually called a ‘frame'?

[@erdood3235]

@@manu_elle_arg thanks

[@lowlowseesee]

pizza time yall

[@Ave_Satana666]

They have done a good job

[@CaseySipe]

Bro just casually said “he bought a tank” 💀

[@lowkeorion9536]

Its so him lol

[@crippninja4664]

Fuck this made me cry at the end. my brother and I grew up with the turtles it was actually the first movie that we ever saw in the theater. Now hes serving 25 to life in prison. I was so excited to send him a copy of the last Ronin. When he called me to talk about it it was a wonderful way to bring us back to our childhood and forget about all the bullshit that life has thrown us since even just for a moment. Great video man thank you

[@Willie-b8o]

what the heck did he do to serve 25 years to life in prison????

[@diddlypoop]

@@Willie-b8o probably murder or rape

[@GlizzyGamingGod]

spraypainted himself green and started beating up a guy in a ninja cosplay while saying stuff like “cowabunga!”@@Willie-b8o

[@patriceaqa288]

​@@Willie-b8oI'm assuming murder sadly. Lots of good people do bad things, and lots of bad people to very bad things and never get caught

[@Joshua-xw8oi]

yo keep your head up, im rooting for you

[@patrickowens4294]

I'm digging how well researched, well polished, and well thought out your videos are. The obvious passion you have for the topics is the cherry on top.

[@101iswhatsup]

Straight up. Bro went in heavy. Commendable.

[@elliottvaughn]

literally a documentary about this very subject officially interviewing the creators

[@RolyGuacamole]

Being 40, growing up with this franchise as a huge part of my life, I thank you for this video. The end made me tear up and think of my best friend I’d creatively make music with since we were kids, who passed away years ago. I miss my bros who have passed already. Thanks for this amazing video my friend.

[@fourcolorcommentary2909]

Believe it or not, as a 55-year-old lover of the medium, your video has made me want to read the original TMNT lore, which I’ve never done. Thank you!

[@turtleanton6539]

It is cool 😊

[@shytendeakatamanoir9740]

It's really interesting how every generations only got a fraction of the TMNT story. My only experience is the cartoon, as a 90s kid, but it seems I have a lot to catch on.

[@JoaquinTazabi]

I've told a few people that I read TMNT for the first time as a kid and it was in black and white and was definitely NOT for kids, very violent. When I saw what it became just a few years later, I have to admit I was disgusted by the commercialization. The recent graphic novels, The Last Ronin, took me back, read all of them. Edit: As much as I was initially disgusted by the changes, I still watched and enjoyed the cartoons and movies.

[@EthanGreene-n7h]

Yep. That was when I found out what selling out was. I loved those violent comics. Certainly NOT for kids. I was 9.

[@FirstnameLastname-my7bz]

Imagine being boomer, reading Action Comics 23 Superman, what they were feeling

[@jeffjeff9037]

Look at it this way, there are kids who got to enjoy and grow up with them who wouldn't have been able to otherwise due to the original's obscurity and maturity. This franchise has the best of both worlds now as a result, like Batman.

[@saviordream]

Yup, I loved those original comics. Was never able to really get into what they became afterwards. Guess I'll need to pick up The Last Ronin though, seeing as how it's a direct continuation of those original stories.

[@Wickedmadman366]

@@saviordream It's not through it's set in it's own continuity.

[@claudesouza2641]

Johnny Sins is an amazing narrator.... you can really feel the enthusiasm and emotion in his voice

[@wesleypatterson2284]

God, even as someone who never really got hardcore "into" TMNT (I watched the '03 series but was still pretty young at the time), this is making me tear up. That footage from The Toys that Made Us is heartbreaking

[@stiglapoint5672]

Oh… Oh my god They did Last Ronin as a continuation of the original run that’s actually ingenious

[@Wickedmadman366]

That was the original idea but it was changed to it's own universe.

[@drex_668]

TMNT 2012 was so important to me as a kid it will always be one of my favorite franchises

[@dahasolomon7314]

The 2003 tv show will forever be the most amazing kids show ever. It had everything a kid would want out of a story.

[@crowns9966]

I love that show, I remember watching it with my 2 brothers as a kid, really good show and it still holds up really well today imo

[@eastwoodrufus3763]

🐐

[@tristanburgos1]

Loved the 2003 series and the video games that went along with it lol so many good memories

[@brodiestephens419]

I'm 41 years old (born in 1983), so I was the EXACT right age when "Turtlemania" hit in the late 80s here in Australia. I was obsessed, like every other kid my age. Unfortunately, I was the exact WRONG age for the 2003 TV show.... as I was an energetic, social 20-year-old. I now have a daughter who loves superheroes, so she might be a good excuse the check out the 2003 series! 😅😅 TMNT is so nostalgic for me, that I'm sure any iteration will pique my curiosity and attention. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@dahasolomon7314]

@brodiestephens419 You're welcome. This reminds me about watching the 2012 show. I was in my early teens, but I honestly couldn't watch it all, and I'm sure there are people on here who would argue with me that the 2012 version was their favourite! Another really good kids show that I think would appeal to a young girl with a superhero phase is a show called Jackie chan Adventures. It's a show about a cartoon Jackie chan (along with his niece), a martial artist and secret service operative who deals with all sorts of magical villains. Honestly, I think I need to have kids ASAP to have a valid reason for going back to those shows 😅

[@Tekknight007]

This was SO good, not only because it sheds background on a franchise I absolutely loved as a kid but never knew all the background details about, but also this video is just so well done. Turtles Forever.

[@BrianWisti]

That first black and white issue was basically my introduction to indie comics at age 13 (well, non Heavy Metal indie comics anyways). I never got into the cartoons, toys, or movies, because they weren't that comic. But I was pretty happy that the artists got to be successful with it. Thanks for filling in more of the story!

[@Dhakadice]

Fo' real-real? Das like...beyond cool! :D

[@robertlawson7329]

Same Those originals I still have them

[@BrianWisti]

@@robertlawson7329 I'm a little jealous. My surviving originals collection goes straight from Elfquest to Johnny the Homicidal Maniac. Rather a big cognitive leap without those in-between years to show the path my young brain was taking.

[@cainthemerciless]

Do you like Evan Dorkin's comic books?

[@ryangarcia3729]

Another fantastic and well thought video! I absolutely love the turtles. I grew up with the 2003 Era, and I honestly don't know where I'd be without the turtles.

[@ihavespoken9871]

I grew up with the 2012 turtles, with some exposure to 2003, and have recently been digesting every single iteration of the TMNT. The TMNT franchise is definitely one of the most innovative franchises out there, which is why I love it so much.

[@petermgruhn]

In an executive suite with a happy family and good golfing buddies.

[@dwainsimmons3447]

The 2003 version was made by 4kids

[@adoboFosho]

Didn't you get hit by tank the other day 😂

[@teddybeer6206]

8:28 That comic was very faithfully adapted into an episode of the 2003 cartoon and it even started with a dedication to Jack Kirby.

[@ramsay2234]

What a surprisingly emotional video for me. I grew up with the first wave of turtle mania, and I was recently browsing in my local comic shop and found “The Last Ronin” - great read.

[@smallaify]

I moved to Dover about 13 years ago, I grew up infatuated with the turtles. They were my childhood franchise of choice. I was bewildered when I found out years after I moved there, I been passing by the very spot the thing I loved was created. Fun fact we just put in a manhole cover, and the canonical pizza of choice is the local dominos

[@honaleri]

This made me cry. I'm so glad this friendship was able to be rekindled. True friends always comeback to you, no matter how long it takes.

[@floobersman]

Knowing this history just makes reading The Last Ronin so much better!

[@jwalkrr2710]

not even a comics fan, but your videos are so well put-together that it makes me kinda want to go and read tmnt lol. you're absolutely killing it!

[@seronymus]

Define "comics fan"

[@jwalkrr2710]

@@seronymus I haven't read a graphic novel or comic in the past maybe 5 years. As a kid I was into them though.

[@Dracobyte]

I 100% recommend that you read the IDW comics. The characters and stories are awesome!

[@seronymus]

@@jwalkrr2710 what about manga?

[@kamaruaziz]

​@@seronymus sure they both are kinda the same thing with manga being made in Japan but nowadays in the internet these two are like separate categories. When people say "comic" they most likely mean western comics and manga is manga

[@antopolskiy]

growing up in Russia in the 90s, TMNT (or as we called them "cherepashki ninzja") were a huge part of my childhood. they probably formed a lot of patterns of friendship and collaboration I feel core to my character today. thank you for sharing this story, I never knew how they came to be.

[@FirstnameLastname-my7bz]

оригинальный комиксы-то классные, уже есть и в цвете вариант.

[@GamerSketch]

I’ve only seen a couple of your videos, but your passion for what you’re covering really makes your stuff special. You’re a great storyteller and editor and I can’t wait to watch more of your stuff!

[@johnnydidonna6081]

Agreed. Too many KZbinrs and *shudders* 'influencers' are talentless hacks who only care about easy money and treating their audience like rubes. These video essays have been surprisingly insightful, well researched, educational, and heartfelt. As a former Kubert school student, I say Well done sir!

[@maryz9319]

Well, wasn't expecting a random yt recommendation to pull me in so deeply that end and "as he laid their weapons down for the last time" bit literally brought me to tears. Good job, cannot wait to see how this channel grows!

[@spartan2188]

I'm still a big fan of the TMNT even after all these years. What a great creation by Laird and Eastman!! May TMNT live on forever!

[@crowns9966]

I hope it lives forever, I've been out of the loop for a few years now but this video makes me wanna watch the shows again and read the comics, I do have a question since you said you're a big fan, are there any comic series from TMNT that are good and were not mentioned here?

[@skribblestyle]

@@crowns9966 If I had to recommend just one, it would be 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Vengeance'. Honestly some of the best action sequences you'll ever see in a comic; some of the splash pages are jaw-dropping. 'Attack on the Technodrome' is also well worth your time. And if you're more like Laird and enjoy high-concept scifi stuff, I wholeheartedly recommend 'Trial Of Krang'.

[@TheMetalkon]

your youtube avatar made me think a cat hair was on my screen, i literally blew on my screen because of it lmfao.

[@spartan2188]

@@TheMetalkon Hahaha, works every time!

[@crowns9966]

@@skribblestyle Awesome, thank you

[@jankoleon3785]

8:20 I like how he just said they bought a take like it's just a regular thing

[@anthonybranch4712]

I'm kinda speechless. I knew a little of this story, but didn't know the details of how bad it got. And I really had NO IDEA Eastman and Laird had finally gotten back together. (I've gotta go get some copies of The Last Ronin, now.) This was a beautiful story of two guys with a VERY relatable dream, who lost their way but finally found each other again before it was all over. Well done, man. Well done.

[@fatherlucid4995]

The violent comic needs a movie adaptation. That’s the real tmnt tone

[@MrParkerman6]

The first movie DOES have that tone.

[@fatherlucid4995]

I’m talking closer to Logan level violence. The first comics are bloody and gruesome. But that’s not all. It’s a real somber vibe too. The original movie definitely leans closer into the original comics for sure I think that’s why it’s still the best movie. They won’t make a movie like I wish they would because they want kids to see it too unfortunately. Why not have your kid friendly Ninja Turtles and then also have a more adult oriented series maybe? The image of the franchise has become so synonymous with children and young teenagers. Or maybe back then they didn’t care if kids were exposed to that level of violence because it concerned turtles not humans.

[@SendU2Jesus]

Uh interupting here- still have my original Eastman & Laird comics, fan all along, whole life, more than most kids - No, Nooooooooo000000oooooooooooooooo the first movie does NOT have the tone this gentleman is talking about. While yes, dark-ish / gritty-ish - it was indeed made for children. The Turtles, by the time the film was made, had long congealed into the Turtles you know today, a huge money making franchise for kids - sweet, innocent, gentle nice boys helping old ladies across the street and "bonking" the bad guys. The original comic books were not made for children. Heads were decapitated, horrific monsters fought, real bodily damage, blood, blood, and more blood and no cute colors for headbands. All red, baby. Leo was a mean bastard back then, not the boy scout leader you know. They were more "mutant" than "teenage." And in the 80s, films like Toxic Avenger, Mad Max, Six String Samurai, Nuke' Em High - the word "mutant" had a much different connotation to 80s nerds. You simply haven't read the original comics if you think the first movie was like them. And a few glances at a YT doc ain't enough. So Yes. YES Fatherlucid - we do need this movie. Recent The Last Ronin is a nice push in this direction. What makes the original comics so great is: a.) few understand how adult they were b.) few know they even exist c.) they are rooted in originality, dark indie comics, and maturity d.) it has never been re-done in the original fashion

[@radicalrikki-oh4323]

The first comic was briefly done in the animated Turtles Forever.

[@jevinday]

I agree. I would love to see an R rated TMNT film kind of like The Crow or Joker

[@unfathomable3434]

the 2003 TMNT show adapted that comic into a great episode, one of my favourites and that series is so good as a whole

[@analyticswithchris]

My brother and I are massive turtles fans. This video was amazing and without a doubt one of my favorite videos on the platform. The turtles were a huge part of our childhood and you put their history together perfectly. Thank you.

[@6lbsofshrimp]

This is the video that will get me to read the entire comic run. I'm honestly crying from their journey and story. I still love TMNT 2003 and had a fantastic time with Rise of the TMNT. This series means a lot to me and I'm excited to see what happens next and I hope the original creators keep working together

[@victuz]

I'm yet to see every TMNT version after Season 4 of 2003, aside from the 2007 movie, which is a bang btw.

[@6lbsofshrimp]

@@victuz S5 of 03 is incredible. Without a doubt. Go check that one, Fast Forward onward isn't great of 03, but I can't recommend Rise Enough as an 03 fan.

[@tkhilker4696]

As a 90s kid, I loved TMNT. I watched the show on Nickelodeon, I made it a point to watch the live action movies, I played the heck out of the video games, and I had all the action figures. My son is only 2, but he loves watching the TMNT cartoons with me. I plan on buying him all the action figures when he's finally old enough to appreciate them.

[@Graywing]

I met Laird at 2008 NYCC and I bought a comic from the new series he was doing at the time (I think it was issue 28). The book was amazing and I bought the previous issues. I feel bad for both of them as I can see that Eastman who was young was seeing his creation grow and wanted to probably move on but I could tell that Laird wanted it to be about the comic and loved the turtles more than any money. Eastman was in his early to mid twenties while Laird was in his early thirties. They were just at different points in their lives. Peter being content with where he was at while Kevin wanted to grow and move forward. Happy that they worked together for Ronin which is a great ending to their series!

[@heyyou9137]

Really interesting history of the tmnt! And its was really cute to see them interact and talk with each other through comic’s narratives

[@ThisAnastasiya]

I honestly always dismissed TMNT - but your love of all comics with this video has truly opened my eyes and I respect Laird and Eastman so much, for their original creations, for not going into super crazy drama and too big ego trips, for being able to walk away when things don't work, and reconcile so beautifully, to rediscover the purpose of their lifes work. Goosebumps! Great coverage Matt! So glad I found your channel!

[@anon_laughing_man]

Read the OG TMNT comics. It's not for kids and is a serious story.

[@AlunG28]

I truly absolutely stumbled into your channel completely accidentally. It is really fantastic. (I remember when the first printings of issue 1 was out. Was a huge daredevil fan and thought, “…this is dumb.” 😭)

[@AnonPython]

I haven’t kept up with comics much since DC New 52 era, but your videos have singlehandedly gotten me excited about the hobby again. Thanks for making such killer work, excited to see where this channel and your stuff goes!

[@mbii7667]

New comics are shit, stick with the classics

[@CreativeStoryteller35]

I'm 16, so I never read the comics, but the 2012 TV series will always have a special place in my heart.

[@keeleycarrigan]

TMNT was such a defining point in my life. The toys and creativeness of the story really shaped me.

[@user-vq5px3ji1o]

Brilliant - I've been reading comics for nearly 50 years and you're teaching me things I've overlooked. TMNT was childish by the time it made it to the UK, but I'm digging out the Laird & Eastman stuff now. Keep it coming, dude!

[@Aluminum.K]

"Everything was going well, but it soon would not. I'll get to that later" a million times Like dude I get it their happiness was short lived you don't gotta remind me every sentence

[@ianbrown4914]

I am loving these angles to your stories so far. I like that the jokes were dialed back and the focus was more on the passion... It's what we all gravitate to on these I think.

[@beejls]

Dude, you're really doing a great job of building your new channel. It's obvious you put time in, you had to do a lot of research and writing. As with the previous videos, this was was very interesting. Nicely done.

[@natealbatros3848]

cant stress this enough, your video, script, idea and everything is of the highest quality, keep on 😄

[@Ave_Satana666]

Tmnt was so big it's sad how they went out

[@OddOneOut665]

This guy had a previous channel? Where???

[@beejls]

@@OddOneOut665 really?

[@OddOneOut665]

@@beejls I dunno, did he?

[@BenedictGillespie]

Knowing how Mikey was the original/first Turtle made by the creators as a tongue and cheek joke, the relationship of the turtles being based on the deep friendship of the two creators, and in the end, talking about how they miss their friendship and using the first turtle as the last turtle that stayed alive saying how he missed his brothers. . .

[@jackvalentine5784]

No exaggeration I got a little emotional at the end of this video. I recently just finished "The Last Ronin"(side bar I've had the pleasure of meeting both Laird and Eastman at conventions, great spirited people)and that's how I felt exactly. Not only was it a comeback/reunion but a love letter to all they have done together. Life long Turtle fan and I could go on and on about how important/impactful these 4 radical dudes from NYC are to me but I just wanted to say this video was awesome. Hopefully others find this video and give the Turtles are chance. Such a great IP

[@smatchimo55]

amazing comment on an amazing video.

[@ARXZ777]

ay man can i know from where did u read it coz i wanna read it too

[@jackvalentine5784]

@@ARXZ777 my local comic book shop has the trade paperback. So i bought myself a hardcover copy.

[@ARXZ777]

@jackvalentine5784 oo there is no place where i can read it for free then 🥲

[@erikvaldez2627]

I’m not even a TMNT fan, but the story of it really goes to show that we work best when we’re doing it with the people we love.

[@HelloMisterJAMWAH]

First of all, really enjoying this channel for how well balanced it is, no angry rants etc. like 90% of comics KZbin. Secondly, the story of Eastman & Laird's early years is an inspiration. I regularly rewatch the Turtle Power documentary and read the TMNT Visual History book. Of course, the chances of this kind of lightning striking twice are miniscule, but if you make fun stuff with your friends, you don't need an empire at the end of it. In fact, maybe it's better if you don't.

[@PhelesDragon]

3:10 "a goody reference to the thing they loved" I think is, by definition, exactly what a parody is. What makes this unique is how rarely the use of parody leans on the love the creators have for what they are parodying that is so present here.

[@JacobC42069]

I don't know who you are matttt, but WOW, I was in tears watching this! Never really knew the story of Peter and Kevin, but seeing that scene with Peter explaining the window in his office really broke me. I certainly have a new found respect for them as well as the Turtles as a whole. Can't wait to watch more of your videos!

[@chrislestermusic]

I grew up in Dover, NH and had the first comic. I used to draw as a kid so my mom bought me the comic to show that local artists had created something. Amazing how massive it became.

[@aaronpalmer6364]

My first issue was #6 bought from my LCS in 1986. I cut out pictures of the 4 turtles and wrote about them in the school newspaper. The halls were filled with kids talking about that one page. In 1990 my best friend and I used to pump quarters into the 4 player TMNT game at a Pizza shop in Williamsburg. In 1991 all my friends cut school to see the 1st TMNT movie. So many fond memories.

[@theotherjared9824]

When the TMNT multiverse inevitably became a canon thing, this comic was labeled the turtle prime universe. It is the source dimension where all the other versions splinter off from. It's a fun way of paying respects to what started it all. It's definitely a shame that this particular version hasn't had a new installment since 2014.

[@FarticusSnottington]

As someone who used to read so many comics seeing that reading guide in the description with all the links is amazing, you are one of the few youtubers who talk about comics but also actually reads them!

[@yellowstarproductions6743]

I Agree.

[@MakeVarahHappen]

I find it so amazing and so rewarding that the great eras of the turtles come from their creators actually feeling invigorated to create. It says something about the personal nature of art.

[@ve_maiku]

This channel is making my love for comics grow more and more. Please keep on with these videos, they always make me feel so moved.

[@enloopious]

As someone who bought the first issue when it came out I can tell you the best thing about the comic was the art. The black and white art had a connection to kids and made you feel like you could have drawn it yourself. The amazing story and twists when they went into space was secondary but also really good.

[@lenakan8990]

This video alone was kind of an emotional overload, seeing the history of the creators of one of my most beloved pieces of childhood as they go through their own roller coasters on life - and I'm young, my childhood was pretty much only the 2012 series but god did it make me love it. And look where it began and how it's standing strong on its feet! Genuine love and creativity and here it is. I can only thank them for this amazing story they gave us.

[@Sir_Sethly]

Dude, these videos have been really good so far. I don’t know if the algorithm will recommend them, but I would love more deep dives into indie comics. Either way, keep up the good work!

[@Sunflowerboi728]

Such a wonderful story. Glad they got to finish what they both started together so many years ago.

[@Valentino016]

I grew up on TMNT. I remember coming home and watching them all night. I wanted to be like them. The characters are wholesome and they are so adventurous. The characters were written from alot of emotions rather then just being written for money. It was created with passion.

[@ianmcwilliams1275]

I honestly don’t understand how this doesn’t get more views I love your dedication to storytelling so much, keep up the great work, your videos genuinely look forward to your next videos

[@williambray3569]

I remember seeing a black and white TMNT in a math class during the mid 1980s. Years later, nobody would believe me when I told them about it.

[@SuperRamtin]

8:31 No way! I had no idea that episode of the 2003 show was exactly based on one of the comics. That episode was great and now it feels even more special. Okay, so I finished the video, and now I get why the 2003 and 2012 shows were some of the best tmnt things we got. It all makes sense now. Phenomenal video! Very underrated channel.

[@PapikinsAB]

Much of the 2003 Turtle run was based directly on the comics (with tweaks made), which is why in my opinion, it's the best iteration we've ever gotten, and I'm saying this as someone who was born when the original cartoon dropped.

[@Nate_the_Nobody]

8:19 That escalated quickly 🤣🤣

[@Daviticus042]

I first saw a TMNT comic, before anyone knew who they were, in a local bookstore. It did stand out to me, but I don't think I seriously considered buying it. Frankly I'm not sure I could have afforded it. I'm still not sure I could!

[@cainthemerciless]

Have they always been too expensive? These black and white editions were released in Brazil by an independent publisher.

[@jimhaeseker5111]

Great video. Well-paced and densely packed with interesting details. I was in college at Ohio State when the first issue of TMNT came out. I was ordering comics for myself and a dozen other friends directly from the distributor - pooling our orders so we could all get our comics at wholesale prices. I remember reading the solicitations for new comics and laughing out loud when I saw the TMNT title. After all, the most popular comics at the time were about teenage mutants (i.e. The X-Men) and ninjas (in Daredevil), so the idea of combining these and merging them with turtles sounded like a joke. I ordered copies of the first few issues (which had to be done months in advance of their actual release) - and I still have them in my personal collection. I read them when they arrived and was amused by the stories, but I was more interested in other characters/comics and didn't follow the Turtles beyond the early 80's. Years later, I was amazed at how the characters caught on and I still enjoy telling the tale of how I first heard about them. (BTW: I also laughed at the first TV commercial promoting an obscure and quirky sci-fi movie called "Star Wars" back in the late 70's. It just goes to show that you never can tell what will become popular or a huge, valuable property.) Keep up the good work.

[@samfrito]

That was a great video, Mattt. I just met Todd Langen about a month ago, writer of the first and second movie, and he was interesting. The way Eastman and Laird built this universe with passion and teamwork is incredible and your video is exceptional at delivering that. Last Ronin is great and very sad. Way to go! Compelling work again, sir.

[@skidmok6481]

Man, you bring the nostalgia back to when I was in Jr High when I was DEEP into comic books. Thank you! Your videos are top notch. Keep the content coming!

[@yellowstarproductions6743]

I Agree.

[@razorfett147]

Man, what a laser focused, comprehensive, emotional recounting of the Turtles phenomenon ❤ I knew most of the early years beats, but it was wonderful to see how the 2 original creators' involvements evolved over the decades. I missed out on the original comics, but i was there as a teen when when the TMNT first blew up in pop culture. A part of me beams that my 12 yr old son is now enjoying something that was a huge phenomenon when i was a kid The Turtles have made it. Theyve transcended the fad stage and have forever become a part of pop culture fabric. Fantastic video, dude. A new sub well earned 👏

[@Red-Wolf-Ben]

Man, I knew a video telling the story of the Turtles would be interesting, but I didn't expect to feel so many things. Beautiful video, man. I've loved the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles since at least first grade, but there was so, so much I didn't know about, clearly. Thanks for doing this.

[@levisays7676]

6:36 dude rented a suit an tie, mans really knew what he wanted and went all in with his pocket change to make it happen❤

[@misterelom]

Man, I thoroughly enjoyed this! As a fellow artist (mostly a painter these days but also a lifelong comic book fan) the early part of their story especially is truly inspiring! Happy to see them come back together again after the down periods. I clearly remember seeing the rise of the TMNT franchise and the early 90s era of the toys and cartoons becoming a huge phenomenon. Well done video!

[@hahaharithz]

The excitement and "scratching that itch" vibes that this channel, cool bald guy and these impeccable videos give me is reminiscent of Every Frame A Painting. Keep it up guys

[@mattwith4ts]

Wow what high praise! Every Frame a Painting is one of my all time favorite channels. I miss them so much.

[@ledgekindred]

I actually own the entire first run (2nd printing of #1, but first of #2) and I'm scared to think of how much it might be, or might not be, worth. That was one of the most original and I like to think influential for other indie comic artists.

[@griztorc]

You're three for three with this channel, I'm loving these.

[@pattongilbert]

Knowing the full story about how TMNT came to be, man, does The Last Ronin ever hit hard.😭

[@rovers141]

Dude, awesome job with this video. There's a hell of a lot of history involved with this topic to shrink down to 17 minutes while still giving the audience a good overview but you nailed it. Some youtubers don't understand how brevity can make or break a video. I skipped past at least 20 other videos because they were all 30+ minutes long and I'm sure many other people do the same!

[@Kusanagikaiser999]

Dude first than all, amazing job editing and telling this story.....as a TMNT fan that grow up on the 87 cartoon and discover the comics in little recut strips that where published in the paper on my country.....hearing the entire story and friendship and the heartbroken ending of the Eastman and Laird collaboration on the TMNT, really make me tear up dude, that little clip with Laird talking about that window they never put.......dude I was sobbing hard, TMNT inspired me in so many ways as an artist, and is so happy to hear that this was the reason why LAST RONIN was made eventually, such a happy ending in a way to the original run of the TMNT mirage comics.

[@AndreasArianto]

thank you for this piece, it's really beautiful. I never realized how impactful these turtles were (and still are) to my generation!

[@workrase1]

Watched a few of your videos back to back. And i gotta say that you are my new favourite comic Chanel. Please keep on doing this, and videos like this with history and all. Such a blast to watch. Thank you!

[@femiolowofoyeku5852]

This was an exceptionally good video, and holistically educative and inspiring for me as an underdog comic creator myself.

[@deadalready7467]

Unfortunately comics were never a part of my childhood (no cash) much less adulthood (less cash), but I do enjoy hearing individuals rehash story arcs, recount the pleasure of the experience w/them, as well as life in the community. TY for ur post. Many Blessings 🙏🇺🇸

[@Alley00Cat]

A year ago I went to ToysRUs to buy a TMNT action figure for my son like I had when I was a kid. There was only one in the whole store. I was shocked, but really sad. “Oh no, a whole generation will miss out on this beautiful creation”. I was so happy to see that not only a new animated film has come out, but that it has stunning reviews. The legend continues. Looking forward to reading the Eastman/Laird comics, which I had not known about.

[@JohnVanderbeck]

I'm more shocked you found a Toys R Us a year ago.

[@user-lc5of7jh5g]

​@@JohnVanderbeckthey're only closed in US

[@mbii7667]

The new animated film is garbage

[@WildTonyAppears]

This was wonderfully presented, researched and paced. In under 17 minutes, you got a lot more done than I feel as though I could have managed in twice that amount of time. Crisp, succinct work, and I'm looking forward to checking out more!

[@Deedo_67]

I feel so fortunate to have found this channel so early in its conception. I subscribed and was surprised this wasn’t a channel with several million subscribers. Your narration is so good and interesting.

[@ILVGwebmaster]

This one gave me tearful chills. Definitely need to check out those original comics and the new collaboration. I literally binged your entire channel today, you have an amazing skill for telling stories about stories and I'm eagerly awaiting your next vid!

[@nickrodriguez3850]

I'm crying 😢 literally i was born in 1991 and watched the show in Brazil played the games watched the movies damn i never really read the comics but i will definitely look for them now 😮 to see the creators story and how they get back together one more time after all these years is a movie in itself ❤