"Finkle is Einhorn, Einhorn is Finkle"

[VaughnMichael]

Today in an environmental post on his blog Steve Murphy admitted that he is none other than Archie TMNT Adventures writer Dean Clarrain!
http://the-5th-turtle.blogspot.com/2008/09/fritter-and-waste.html
Dean Clarrain is Steve Murphy, Steve Murphy is Dean Clarrain!

[oldmanwinters]

Dang. Why didn't this cover get blown sooner?

BTW, Murph is pretty broken up about the environmental crisis. I know we have a big problem on our hands due to decades of human irresponsibility, but he seems absolutely devestated. That video is pretty disturbing.

[VaughnMichael]

Dang. Why didn't this cover get blown sooner?

BTW, Murph is pretty broken up about the environmental crisis. I know we have a big problem on our hands due to decades of human irresponsibility, but he seems absolutely devestated. That video is pretty disturbing.
Which is odd because I spoke with him earlier and he seemed fine, and yes that video is a huge wtf moment.

[PAAATE]

but he seems absolutely devestated.

Well, he isn't the only one

[Machias Banshee]

Well dang... this was a shock. :o

I liked "Dean"'s drawing style, and even the storylines with the travelling to South America and all those characters..

I just hope he doesn't get suicidal on us with all this environmental stuff that he posts in his blogs.. :(

[oldmanwinters]

Well dang... this was a shock. :o

I liked "Dean"'s drawing style, and even the storylines with the travelling to South America and all those characters..

I just hope he doesn't get suicidal on us with all this environmental stuff that he posts in his blogs.. :(

Amen. We need a new Mutanimals instead of despair. Get kids thinking about eco-friendliness at a young age!:)

[VaughnMichael]

I just hope he doesn't get suicidal on us with all this environmental stuff that he posts in his blogs.. :(
Writting style, and I'm with you I don't think he would he's to smart for that.
I hope he takes this in another direction and does something about it, killing yourself isn't doing anything.

[Jester]

As I said else where:
:o What a twist! It's worthy of M. Night!

and I too wish him the best...Dean's art you say, Machi?

[Roseangelo]

Come on, I can't be the only one who figured this out before today?

[oldmanwinters]

Come on, I can't be the only one who figured this out before today?

I'm much too naive.:P

Here's one other person who put the pieces together:
http://www.blogger.com/profile/04052981421298174847

From Ryan Brown's blog:
"Holy cowlick!!!!...

...

I am still a little surprised that so few people realized it before Murph «went out» with it. I myself made a few tongue-in-cheek comments about "Dean Clarrain" (on this and Murph's blog.

To be honest, the fact that Clarrain didn't own a single character from the comic he was supposed to write always bugged me, even as a kid (and who was that Murphy guy creating all the characters?!?). I didn't put too much thought into it for a long time, but when Murph started his blog, I quickly became convinced that Clarrain didn't exist at all.

Plus, you guys made a few mistakes... Like that Ninjara ad in Furrlough where Murphy & Allan were credited, instead of Clarrain & Allan. Or TMNTA #26, with edits by Murphy.

Not to mention the stylistic similarities between Murph's writing style in Puma Blues or Sons of the silent ages, and some of «Clarrain's» writing in some of TMNTA more serious issues."

[VaughnMichael]

Come on, I can't be the only one who figured this out before today?
I never thought about it to be honest.

[Jester]

I'm actually shocked I never put 2 and 2 together. :P

[oldmanwinters]

Does this mean Ryan Brown is Chris Allan, Clarrain's "Partner in Crime"?

I know both their art styles well enough to answer NO! on that one. Too bad I'm not so discerning with writing style.

But could Brown be Steve Lavigne? I don't remember Lavigne's style since he mostly does lettering.

[Roseangelo]

But could Brown be Steve Lavigne? I don't remember Lavigne's style since he mostly does lettering.

No. Ryan and Steve are most definitely different people. There's endless evidence of that.

However, there's zero evidence of Dean Clarrain existing beyond the pages of Archie.

[oldmanwinters]

No. Ryan and Steve are most definitely different people. There's endless evidence of that.

However, there's zero evidence of Dean Clarrain existing beyond the pages of Archie.

Yeah, I didn't really think Lavigne=Brown. I believe I have seen some of Lavigne's art. But thanks for clearing that up, Rose. I'd love to see that rare one of a kind photo of "Clarrain" that you said you have.

[Roseangelo]

Yeah, I didn't really think Lavigne=Brown. I believe I have seen some of Lavigne's art. But thanks for clearing that up, Rose. I'd love to see that rare one of a kind photo of "Clarrain" that you said you have.

I still have to dig out the book it's in, but I'll definitely get it posted sometime tonight. The photo looks like it's from the same photo shoot as the "Butterdog" photos Murph (and Ryan?) posted earlier this year/late last year (I ferget when exactly).

[Machias Banshee]

gahddamn computer... *throws it out the window*

Writing style, I meant... I looked back at the digests I had (#4 and 5), and the pencils were done by Ken Mitchroney. See how good my memory is...? :roll:

But all those stories... the mutated birds that put waste into the town's water, South America with Jagwar and Dreadmon, the Southern fisheries with Manray and Glublub - Maybe if Murph could talk with Mirage about doing some sort of revival of some sort (TBP? TPB?)... It'd be a small step towards Murph's original mission, even if HE may not believe there's any hope..

((Edit: Blasted typos!))

[oldmanwinters]

But all those stories... the mutated birds that put waste into the town's water, South America with Manwar and Dreadmon

Manwar? You mean Jagwar?


Maybe if Murph could talk with Mirage about doing some sort of revival of some sort (TBP? TPB?)... It'd be a small step towards Murph's original mission, even if HE may not believe there's any hope..

I agree. I'd loved to see those characters back and fighting the good fight of environmental responsibility.

[Machias Banshee]

Yeah, Jagwar... this was the third attempt to write the post after two BSOD's...

And I think with the fervor about climate changes and cycles, there'd be a BIG market for those stories.

[oldmanwinters]

Yeah, Jagwar... this was the third attempt to write the post after two BSOD's...

And I think with the fervor about climate changes and cycles, there'd be a BIG market for those stories.

Yeah, it'd sell like hot cakes. It was way ahead of its time back in the early 90s. TMNT/Mirage properties has been one of the few franchises which has pushed environmental responsibility and accountability almost almost 20 years non-stop since it's inception.

Examples:
"Turtle Tips"
Mighty Mutanimals
Conservation Corps

[DrSpengler]

Dean Clarrain = Steve Murphy = Captain Planet

The mystery is solved!

[oldmanwinters]

Dean Clarrain = Steve Murphy = Captain Planet

The mystery is solved!

"Captain Planet.. he's our hero!"

[Scandia]

I truly had no idea. Why did he use an alias?

[Cipher]

My respect for Steve Murphy has now doubled, since it appears he's written twice as many great Turtles stories as I previously thought.

As for his environmental messages in Adventures, while they may have been heavy handed, I think it's truly admirable that they're present. If you're in creative control of a hugely popular children's series, it almost seems irresponsible not to get them thinking about those issues in some facet.

Now, could someone clarify for me what the point is in using two different pen names for one property?

[CyberCubed]

Wow, I never knew this.

A 10 year plot-twist in the making?

[CudleyCowlick]

However, there's zero evidence of Dean Clarrain existing beyond the pages of Archie.

Yeah, I had kinda figured that Mr. Clarrain was actually Murph when I tried researching him about 3 years ago (when I got back into TMNT full swing). I found tons of info on all the other TMNT artists/writers but this guy... nothing. So who was he? I just looked at his stories, compared them to the styles of all the other writers, and he just had Murph's voice. It just made too much sense not to be true.

I was actually surprised about all this hubbub, 'cuz I thought this was more or less common knowledge:lol:

[Ecto Jedi]

So, um...Let's see if I understand this properly.

The planet, the species, everything we know and love and hold dear is utterly and irrevocably doomed to utter annihilation because of massive amounts of methane gas bubbling up from underneath the Artic sea. Millions will die, entire species will be wiped out, the planet as a whole is going down the can faster than a bad case of the Tijuana Trots, and there's nothing we can do about it because it's already too late.

And we're all talking about is Ninja Turtles Adventures?

[Jester]

Like you said...what can we do?

[Ecto Jedi]

F*ck it. I'm going to bed.

[Ninjinister]

So, um...Let's see if I understand this properly.

The planet, the species, everything we know and love and hold dear is utterly and irrevocably doomed to utter annihilation because of massive amounts of methane gas bubbling up from underneath the Artic sea. Millions will die, entire species will be wiped out, the planet as a whole is going down the can faster than a bad case of the Tijuana Trots, and there's nothing we can do about it because it's already too late.

And we're all talking about is Ninja Turtles Adventures?

It's because that's what this topic is about - Murphy revealing he used a pen name while writing Adventures. This topic is not about global warming.

[Cipher]

The planet, the species, everything we know and love and hold dear is utterly and irrevocably doomed to utter annihilation because of massive amounts of methane gas bubbling up from underneath the Artic sea. Millions will die, entire species will be wiped out, the planet as a whole is going down the can faster than a bad case of the Tijuana Trots, and there's nothing we can do about it because it's already too late.

And we're all talking about is Ninja Turtles Adventures?Not to be a massive dick or anything, but the irony here is atrocious considering your tirade was presented at no other place than an internet forum, sitting in front a computer in your apartment/dorm/house. And hey, I'm guilty of it too, but at least I'm not typing on the proverbial soap box. We may be in for some slow and nasty changes in the next few decades, but all you can do is your small part and try to be happy.

As for, you know, the issue at hand, an excerpt from Tales of the TMNT #6, which I just happened to glance at earlier tonight -

"This issue...is by Dean and Chris! We hope you like it...and we hope it marks a return to comics by the elusive duo! Until then you can check out Chris' blog at ak-studios.com. Dean, on the other hand, claims he doesn't even own a computer, never mind have a website."

Uh, huh. How did I ever swallow the idea that a writer wouldn't have a computer? And while the script of that issue was attributed to Clarrain, Murphy was credited with the plot.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Today in an environmental post on his blog Steve Murphy admitted that he is none other than Archie TMNT Adventures writer Dean Clarrain!
http://the-5th-turtle.blogspot.com/2008/09/fritter-and-waste.html
Dean Clarrain is Steve Murphy, Steve Murphy is Dean Clarrain!

If so, why not bring more cool Archie stuff into the 2003 show.

[PAAATE]

If so, why not bring more cool Archie stuff into the 2003 show.

Well, the scripts would have to be approved first...

[MrPliggins]

Wow, so I've actually met Steve before, when I thought it was Dean. I may have noticed this sooner had I actually thought about it hard, but I haven't. This happens quite often with writers, though...so it's not a big surprise.

[DrSpengler]

If so, why not bring more cool Archie stuff into the 2003 show.

Two words: Peter. Laird.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Two words: Peter. Laird.

But Peter Laird didn't dislike Archie? I thouht it was the 1987 cartoon he didn't like, except for the first two seasons.

[CyberCubed]

PL didn't really dislike the original toon either, its just not his vision.

[DrSpengler]

But Peter Laird didn't dislike Archie? I thouht it was the 1987 cartoon he didn't like, except for the first two seasons.

Laird has stated profusely that he "doesn't hate" either Archie and the Old Toon. However, since they aren't a part of "his vision", he will never include them in the New Toon outside of cameos and in-jokes. One of the pitches for proto-Back to the Sewers was for the series to incorporate lots of Archie and Old Toon characters, but Laird swiftly shot it down.

Quite frankly, it's a miracle beyond miracles we're getting the Forever War next year.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Laird has stated profusely that he "doesn't hate" either Archie and the Old Toon. However, since they aren't a part of "his vision", he will never include them in the New Toon outside of cameos and in-jokes. One of the pitches for proto-Back to the Sewers was for the series to incorporate lots of Archie and Old Toon characters, but Laird swiftly shot it down.

Quite frankly, it's a miracle beyond miracles we're getting the Forever War next year.

I would like to see Armaggon and Verminator X in "Fast Forward".

[VaughnMichael]

I would like to see Armaggon and Verminator X in "Fast Forward".
Well that won't happen now that FF is over.
They could have done so many things but stubborn people won't allow it.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Laird has stated profusely that he "doesn't hate" either Archie and the Old Toon. However, since they aren't a part of "his vision", he will never include them in the New Toon outside of cameos and in-jokes. One of the pitches for proto-Back to the Sewers was for the series to incorporate lots of Archie and Old Toon characters, but Laird swiftly shot it down.

Quite frankly, it's a miracle beyond miracles we're getting the Forever War next year.

What will the Forever War be about?

[DrSpengler]

What will the Forever War be about?

It's going to be the concluding chapter to TMNT Adventures that was canned back in the day due to editorial disagreements between Brown, Murphy, Allan and the Archie bigwigs (the Archie guys thought the book was getting too violent, the Mirage guys wanted to stay the course, their differences were irreconcilable and so the book was killed).

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

It's going to be the concluding chapter to TMNT Adventures that was canned back in the day due to editorial disagreements between Brown, Murphy, Allan and the Archie bigwigs (the Archie guys thought the book was getting too violent, the Mirage guys wanted to stay the course, their differences were irreconcilable and so the book was killed).

Too violent? Watch the 1987 cartoon if you want more fun and less violence. Archie was cool and good stories, but not just a lot of violence just because of the violence (which I suspect some read Mirage because of).

[PAAATE]

but not just a lot of violence just because of the violence (which I suspect some read Mirage because of).

Now, that's just not fair ;(

I admit, I do like a lot of violence in fiction, but never unless there's a good story to back it up

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Now, that's just not fair ;(

I admit, I do like a lot of violence in fiction, but never unless there's a good story to back it up

I said some people, not everybody.

[Galactus]

Laird has stated profusely that he "doesn't hate" either Archie and the Old Toon. However, since they aren't a part of "his vision", he will never include them in the New Toon outside of cameos and in-jokes. One of the pitches for proto-Back to the Sewers was for the series to incorporate lots of Archie and Old Toon characters, but Laird swiftly shot it down.

Quite frankly, it's a miracle beyond miracles we're getting the Forever War next year.

I believe the reason he turned down that particular pitch was that it was a reboot of sorts taking characters from different realities complete with Splinter being Hamato Yoshi transformed into a rat. He just didn't like that idea.

I'm guessing by you putting "doesn't hate" the Archie comic in inverted commas you think that he's either not being honest or doesn't like it. I can see why people think that given his vocal dissaproval of the OT but it seems to mostly stem from fans misinterpreting a comment on here by Murphy who even clarified that Laird doen't dislike TMNT Adventures.

Even if people missed him saying he liked the Archie books or that if the OT turned out like them he wouldn't have had a problem with it, surely fans of the series can look at plenty of the covers and look who drew them, we know he had some creative involvement with the series, hell we've even recently seen his initial Armaggon design. Back in the day he even wanted to do a crossover between the Mirage and Archie turtles.

The fact that he's reunited the team of "Clarrain" and Allen to do issues of Tales speaks for itself. Trust me if Laird didn't want to publish the Forever war, he wouldn't.

I would agree we are lucky to be getting it, but for other reasons.

[DrSpengler]

I'm guessing by you putting "doesn't hate" the Archie comic in inverted commas you think that he's either not being honest or doesn't like it. I can see why people think that given his vocal dissaproval of the OT but it seems to mostly stem from fans misinterpreting a comment on here by Murphy who even clarified that Laird doen't dislike TMNT Adventures.

I put "doesn't hate" in quotations because Laird never says that he "liked" the Old Toon or the Archive comic, but that he "doesn't hate" it, which always leaves me with the impression that he feels apathetic toward those continuities at best.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

It's going to be the concluding chapter to TMNT Adventures that was canned back in the day due to editorial disagreements between Brown, Murphy, Allan and the Archie bigwigs (the Archie guys thought the book was getting too violent, the Mirage guys wanted to stay the course, their differences were irreconcilable and so the book was killed).

I hope Archie will be a success again and continue.

[odupianist]

Kudos to VM for a witty title and great reference in the thread title

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Archie had many cool villains (like Armaggon, Verminator X) and a more deadly Slash than the 1987 cartoon.

[VaughnMichael]

Kudos to VM for a witty title and great reference in the thread title
hah thank you :)

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I believe the reason he turned down that particular pitch was that it was a reboot of sorts taking characters from different realities complete with Splinter being Hamato Yoshi transformed into a rat. He just didn't like that idea.

I'm guessing by you putting "doesn't hate" the Archie comic in inverted commas you think that he's either not being honest or doesn't like it. I can see why people think that given his vocal dissaproval of the OT but it seems to mostly stem from fans misinterpreting a comment on here by Murphy who even clarified that Laird doen't dislike TMNT Adventures.

Even if people missed him saying he liked the Archie books or that if the OT turned out like them he wouldn't have had a problem with it, surely fans of the series can look at plenty of the covers and look who drew them, we know he had some creative involvement with the series, hell we've even recently seen his initial Armaggon design. Back in the day he even wanted to do a crossover between the Mirage and Archie turtles.

The fact that he's reunited the team of "Clarrain" and Allen to do issues of Tales speaks for itself. Trust me if Laird didn't want to publish the Forever war, he wouldn't.

I would agree we are lucky to be getting it, but for other reasons.

But who came with the idea of Splinter being Hamato Yoshi for the 1987 cartoon? I think killing Hamato Yoshi off would be to violent for a 1980's cartoon.

[ToTheNines]

I never knew, you guys are smart.

Archie had many cool villains (like Armaggon, Verminator X) and a more deadly Slash than the 1987 cartoon.

Dude what does that have to do with anything.

[Roseangelo]

Finally dug out the old interview with "Dean Clarrain," Ryan Brown, and Dan Berger. (http://ninja-pizza.blogspot.com/2008/10/tmnt-flashback-comics-interview-83.html)

[Andrew NDB]

Holy sh*t, I had no idea he was him.

Next we're going to find out "Tristan Jones" is really Peter Laird. :)

[Jester]

Anyone have a picture of recent Murph?

[Roseangelo]

Who needs a recent pic? How about Butter Dog (http://the-5th-turtle.blogspot.com/2007/10/rare-vinyl-album-back-cover-art.html), which was obviously from the same photo shoot.

[Jester]

I wasn't doubting...just wanted to see how much he'd changed.

[Roseangelo]

Here's the best I could find quicky:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v36/roseangelo/murph.jpg

[Jester]

In that picture he bears a slight resemblance to Kevin...