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Venom
01-26-2009, 10:55 PM
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/kevineastman.jpg

Unfortunately he severed ties to the characters he created. :cry:

Seriously though, while I like Peter's high-concept stories, what the Turtle comics needed for the 21st century was the attitude his style brings. The first part of this decade saw the proliferation of comics becoming harder, grittier, and edgier than ever before and the Turtles made a complete 180 from that direction when it should have been embraced.

Many may disagree with me, but take a look at what comics sell strongly: those that deal with dark, gritty materials and whose characters have some demons to work out. Even mainstream publishers have a harder edge to them to the point where most comics are geared toward the mature reader.
To illustrate a more recent example is Tristan's stories in Tales being wildly popular. Why? Because it felt like the Turtles of old. He had the Foot, he had the grit.

If the Turtles had went back to their roots and relaunched, they may still be going strong. But instead we had a continuation of their story, and while I do like seeing the guys get older and getting a glimpse into their lives now, the majority of the public would rather see them as teenagers kicking ass and taking names.

Ryona
01-26-2009, 11:35 PM
I agree that Kevin Eastman needs to join forces with Peter Laird again for the best TMNT possible. But I disagree that the TMNT have to go back to being teenagers again in the comics. Everyone grows up. I like that the TMNT have aged. Makes them more real that way.

ZariusTwo
01-26-2009, 11:40 PM
Seriously though, while I like Peter's high-concept stories, what the Turtle comics needed for the 21st century was the attitude his style brings. The first part of this decade saw the proliferation of comics becoming harder, grittier, and edgier than ever before

You mean comics became nothing but shock-value bore-fests which have since come back to bite them in the ass?

TMNT did that for a very good reason: The major titles produce nothing but gritty and "edgy" nonsense over genuine substance and characterisation. Old-school titles which focus on high-concept or HONEST progression are far superior.

turkishproverb
01-26-2009, 11:52 PM
Agree with Zarius on this one, the direction comics are taking is the reason they started tanking even before the economic situation. The problems with Turtles aren't strictly grit related, although a little more might help, they're related to marketing and lack of fresh blood or even old blood. The turtles are anemic at present.

Archon_Turtle
01-27-2009, 02:08 AM
If Heavy Metal ever became the primary publisher of the turtles...I would pretty much **** a pile of bricks.

Sage Ninja
01-27-2009, 03:26 AM
not that I don't like Kevin, but why do so many people villify Peter and raise up Kevin so much?

trustno1
01-27-2009, 03:42 AM
what makes you think kevin would do any better? the only reason the comics are failing right now is because there is no flagship title. if ther were a main book, then tales has a reason to exist, as it supplements the core title. tales without the core title is a random mash of stories. if there was some continuity to the books instead of breaking the moo mesa story up over seven issue intervals then it migt do better.

VaughnMichael
01-27-2009, 06:24 AM
not that I don't like Kevin, but why do so many people villify Peter and raise up Kevin so much?
I'd say it's their difference in personalities that does it, I can't speak for everyone but that's how I see it.
Kevin seems more down to earth, while Peter seems to talk down to people more often than not.

Cipher
01-27-2009, 02:37 PM
God, this argument is as old as undue veneration of Eastman is ridiculous.

The best TMNT seems to come from both co-creators at the wheel (although there've been great concepts and writing from people like Murphy and Lawson).

Personally, I like the more subdued stories of Laird. I like the direction alot. I think that a more balls-to-the-wall Eastman direction might help the book sell more, but I still think the ideal is to have both men working on it, or even someone fresh.

I'd say it's their difference in personalities that does it, I can't speak for everyone but that's how I see it.
Kevin seems more down to earth, while Peter seems to talk down to people more often than not. Maybe that's because Laird still bears responsibility for the franchise, while Eastman does not. When people talk to Laird it's always something like "Boo, why are you doing this with the stories?", while when they talk to Eastman it's always "We miss you. Your Turtles were so awesome." How can you not expect differing reactions under those circumstances?

Venom
01-27-2009, 04:48 PM
First, I must apologize for not finishing a thought. I was distracted and realized the time and had to leave so I did not complete my post.

As far as the guys being teenagers, I prefer them aging as well, that was what I was going to say next. But to the general public, the best thing for the Turtles may very well be a reboot of sorts since they may not understand "Okay, why are they teens in this series but in this one here they're all in their thirties?".

You mean comics became nothing but shock-value bore-fests which have since come back to bite them in the ass?

Not entirely, no. Look at all the major events that have taken place over the last few years with the Big Two. Say what you will with Bendis, but he has crafted a pretty intricate story that has helped steer Marvel to the forefront of comics for the moment. DC also has had high-caliber arcs as well. Many of concepts were not meant for children, as many, MANY books out today are, and some even have rather graphic depictions of violence, but the way it was crafted into the story was done tastefully and was an integral part of the story rather than some squandered panel meant for shock. By no means am I saying turn the Turtles into The Authority or Kick-Ass. Perhaps more along the lines of Dynamite's Project Superpowers, which takes Golden Age characters and bring them to modern times, in a very literal sense, and present them to a world that is much like our own.

what makes you think kevin would do any better? the only reason the comics are failing right now is because there is no flagship title...

I mainly wanted a reason to use that topic headline. I never villified Peter not put Kevin on a pedestal, as I enjoy Peter's stories and the development he wishes to provide the guys. What I meant was the Turtles lack the harder edge they had when Kevin was part of the team. Kevin and Peter are yin and yang almost personified (if only one was female...er, scratch that:P.) in terms of what each brought to the team.

As far as writers and such, Murphy is probably my favorite writer as the very first Mirage book I picked up was written by Murph.

joe-eyeball
01-27-2009, 04:53 PM
I am not sure Kevin is the one to save the Turtles. I have no problem with Pete running the show, however, I do feel that maybe some new blood needs to injected to the Turtles. You know just change it up a little bit.

ZariusTwo
01-27-2009, 05:20 PM
Not entirely, no. Look at all the major events that have taken place over the last few years with the Big Two.

I'd rather not. There pretty much all the same s*it.

Say what you will with Bendis, but he has crafted a pretty intricate story that has helped steer Marvel to the forefront of comics for the moment.

I don't credit people with making people act out-of-character and granting several strong female characters ridiculous deaths and scizophrensic mood swings. Bendis' best stuff has been Ultimate Spider-Man, Alias, and ressurecting Mockingbird. That's it. He was stretched far too thin for the last three years, he wrote the ABYSMAL Avengers Dissassembled as well...which still makes anything by Jeph Loeb look like tears curing lukemia.

I don't reward stupidity. Marvel are only getting by on shock value and I don't rate market strategy like that. It's void of originality and intelligence.

Bendis is a flavour of the month sensationalist at his worst and a great character writer at his best in a liberated universe, keep him where he can do the most good, not places where he loses sight of his own horizons

Mr._Mutant_Man
01-27-2009, 07:55 PM
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/kevineastman.jpg

Unfortunately he severed ties to the characters he created. :cry:

Seriously though, while I like Peter's high-concept stories, what the Turtle comics needed for the 21st century was the attitude his style brings. The first part of this decade saw the proliferation of comics becoming harder, grittier, and edgier than ever before and the Turtles made a complete 180 from that direction when it should have been embraced.

Many may disagree with me, but take a look at what comics sell strongly: those that deal with dark, gritty materials and whose characters have some demons to work out. Even mainstream publishers have a harder edge to them to the point where most comics are geared toward the mature reader.

"Dark and gritty" does not necessarily make for a good book. Otherwise, every character created in the 90's would have had the same staying power as Marvel and DC's core characters.

To me a mature comic is one that takes the time to come up with a well thought out storyline and characters that make the reader want to pick up the next issue, as opposed to say...those silver age DC comics which had a lot of hokey stories that didn't apply to any ongoing storyline. There are tons of "dark" and "gritty" comics that are far from mature.

"Edginess" is not the answer. The current TMNT comics are not easy for new readers to get into. Other comics have many decades of back stories, but they also always have "jumping on" points for new readers. Someone trying to understand the TMNT comics now would be really confused: what's with all of the aliens? Casey has a daughter? Where are the foot clan? April is a drawing?

It also helps to have the older comics easily available for new readers in the form of graphic novels.

Dragon Turtle
01-27-2009, 08:22 PM
not that I don't like Kevin, but why do so many people villify Peter and raise up Kevin so much?


Kevin isn't involved with the turtles, and thus is free of any criticism that may currently be given at the handling of the TMNT franchise.

Roseangelo
01-27-2009, 08:30 PM
I don't know why I bother.

Jester
01-27-2009, 08:38 PM
I'll just say that Kevin has never been an ass to me or my friends, and Peter has.
Yes, but have you given him reason to?

I'm just saying, if roles were reversed and Eastman was sole owner of the TMNT and had some of us fans say to him the things we say to Peter, he'd probably be "an ass" to us too.

Roseangelo
01-27-2009, 08:43 PM
I don't know why I bother.

Jester
01-27-2009, 08:45 PM
Peter has a long history of being rude and disrespectful to people that goes beyond whatever you've witnessed.
I know Peter's history...but do you really think if Kevin Eastman had the same things said to him, he wouldn't also act the same, defencive way?

Roseangelo
01-27-2009, 08:55 PM
I don't know why I bother.

Mr._Mutant_Man
01-27-2009, 08:58 PM
Peter has a long history of being rude and disrespectful to people that goes beyond whatever you've witnessed.

Examples? I know he has been defensive in the last few years. I don't blame him for being defensive, but from what I've read he could have approached it in a nicer way.

Ryona
01-27-2009, 09:02 PM
I've met Peter Laird twice, and I can say that he's been nice to me. He even complimented my art and got a kick out of a drawing I gave him.

Unfortunately I haven't met Kevin Eastman yet.

Roseangelo
01-27-2009, 09:11 PM
I don't know why I bother.

Jester
01-27-2009, 09:22 PM
Soooo we're comparing Peter's web demeanor to Kevin's one on one personal demeanor? That seems like the results could be a bit skewed.

trustno1
01-27-2009, 09:23 PM
have you ever told kevin you didn't like his work?

Roseangelo
01-27-2009, 10:02 PM
I'm done with this.

I suck and am clearly not in sound mind. Fire away.

Machias Banshee
01-27-2009, 10:14 PM
Hang on a sec...

I've been reading and just want to say... I don't think their confusion of your personal thing with Peter means that they want to go after You. They just can't see why you're so vehemently against everything the man's done. I think the rushed decision editing your posts away is just going to confuse people more.

I know *some* of what's happened between the two of you. I just think it's a matter of not knowing the whole backstory of your individual experience...

Jester
01-27-2009, 10:20 PM
And I'm sorry if I came off as a tad snarky Rose. I consider you a friend, I really do, but the constant battle between you and Peter Laird has jaded your view of the man, and I'm sure it's jaded his view of you and maybe even other fans. Please understand that it can get pretty old when all you see is fawning over Eastman and constant nagging and griping being directed at Laird. 'Sall I'm saying.

Roseangelo
01-27-2009, 10:31 PM
Hang on a sec...

I don't think their confusion of your personal thing with Peter means that they want to go after You. They just can't see why you're so vehemently against everything the man's done. I know *some* of what's happened between the two of you. I just think it's a matter of not knowing the whole backstory...

I'm not vehemently against everything the man's ever done. My original statement was a fact that I shouldn't have to defend and it was not my intention or desire to go into length about the issues I do have with Peter. This happens every time I express any such opinions about him, and it's getting a bit old. I have my reasons and they're not all the business of the entire world to know, so I don't know why that expectation exists.

Do you think I ****ing like being known for virtually nothing else beyond hatin' on Peter Laird? No, I don't. It kinda really sucks more than any of you could ever realize. Obviously this hasn't stopped me from speaking my mind. I'm guilty. I suck. Etc., etc.

And I am so through with this conversation.

Machias Banshee
01-27-2009, 10:41 PM
I didn't say that you have to divulge everything. I just said that people aren't going to understand. And I Never Ever said you couldn't share your opinion. We get a lot of new people that visit who aren't going to understand. That's just how it is on forums.

You're welcomed to speak here just as much as everyone else. And that's all I'll say about this conversation as well...

turkishproverb
01-27-2009, 10:43 PM
Although the fact Eastman is more Hands on as an owner for Heavy Metal is a pretty good sign he'd have burned Gary by now...

GK Punk
01-27-2009, 10:49 PM
I agree, there is only one man that can save the TMNT

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm80/Twiztidminds/RobVanDam118.jpg

(I know a few of you saw that coming.)

Machias Banshee
01-27-2009, 10:50 PM
Amen, brother.... :thumbsup:

Venom
01-27-2009, 11:03 PM
Lol, say, did you know RVD owns a comic shop in Texas?

Andrew NDB
01-28-2009, 12:36 AM
I dunno about Kevin Eastman anymore. I mean, he's a great guy personally, met him in 99. Creative as hell, and a real man's man. If I had to have a beer and shoot the sh*t with either Kevin or Peter, I'd probably grab a beer and hang with Kevin for a few rounds.

As far as the TMNT go, though, I know he has the right idea in his head as far as the comics go (Kevin has always been the proponent of the Ronin-influence, the ninja stuff, the Miller-esque vibe at times... things Peter seems to have a distaste for)... but when left in charge of the larger franchise itself, he gave us Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation, which was 100% his baby (Laird quietly disowned it early into development). And he had a bunch of interviews before NT:TNM came out talking about how dark it was going to be, and the TMNT were going to be grittier than in the movies.

So yeah... that fiasco sort of strained his credibility with me as any kind of TMNT savior back then.

And then a few years later Kevin just goes and cashes his chips out and sells all the rights to Laird... literally selling out.

I know Kevin gets irritated when people say this because he still gets royalties on things pre-rights turnover (or shared reprint rights on his TMNT works, or whatever) but it still amounts to him legally being able to have zero to do creatively or production-wise with anything TMNT related ever again. Unless Peter so wishes it... and few people see that happening.

NameGoesHere1066
01-28-2009, 10:40 AM
I love both Kevin and Peter and I think the both of them together has produced great work. There stlyes in creativity really blend well and I think that is what makes the turtles comic as great as it is.

However I think when Kevin is on board his personal favorite characters tend to take over the story. I love Raphael, he is my favorite next Leonardo, but in the early comics Raphael (as well as Casey Jones) kinda became a spot light hog to the point where it was more like "Raphael and the ninja turtles", not just the ninja turtles. I notice Kevin's favorite characters tend to swallow the story as it where. Which is...ok, if you like Raphael, but his character really made the other turtles play second fiddle to him in a lot of ways.

I hear alot of my fellow Raphael fans complain how he didn't get enough attention in the new show, but to be honest what the new show really did was put Raphael as one of the main characters instead of the main character. I think to an extent we Raphael fans have been spoiled because we're used to our favorite turtle having the spot light and having every thing be about him and his thoughts and feelings, that when he is written as not being the sole focus and has to share his spot light with Leo, Don, and Mikey (which is fair because they are the title characters) we cry afoul because he's not getting the same focus as he did.

With Peter at the helm I think he does a better job of spreading the attention on all four of them more equally, and not just all the turtles but other characters as well.

Mr._Mutant_Man
01-28-2009, 07:39 PM
I'm not vehemently against everything the man's ever done. My original statement was a fact that I shouldn't have to defend and it was not my intention or desire to go into length about the issues I do have with Peter. This happens every time I express any such opinions about him, and it's getting a bit old. I have my reasons and they're not all the business of the entire world to know, so I don't know why that expectation exists.

Do you think I ****ing like being known for virtually nothing else beyond hatin' on Peter Laird? No, I don't. It kinda really sucks more than any of you could ever realize. Obviously this hasn't stopped me from speaking my mind. I'm guilty. I suck. Etc., etc.

And I am so through with this conversation.

I really don't mean to start anything, but I think if you're going to criticize someone it's good to give examples as to why. Otherwise someone is seemingly being called rude and disrespectful for no reason. I think that if people are reading that about someone, it makes sense that they are going to want to know why.

Otherwise it's probably best to go with what a wise rabbit once said: "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all".

With that said, that's my opinion on the matter and I'm going to drop it too.

Kendamu
01-28-2009, 08:03 PM
I always liked the stories they worked on together the best. I like their mix of sci-fi and gritty action. While I like gritty action more than sci-fi and love solo Kevin stories, Pete's sci-fi drama stuff really completes it all.

Jester
01-28-2009, 08:18 PM
That may just be it...only one man can save the TMNT...by coming back and working once again with the other co-creator to bring the TMNT back to what they were a wonderful mix of ninja action/grit and sci-fi/character progression.

Vegita-San
01-28-2009, 08:36 PM
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/kevineastman.jpg

Unfortunately he severed ties to the characters he created. :cry:



You mean more issues like Body Count? That piece of trash is the worst Turtles thing ever created...yes, even badder than Next Mutation. I'd rather see every episode of Next Mutation from here to eternity than read Body Count ever again...

Kendamu
01-28-2009, 08:54 PM
Aww, c'mon! I liked Bodycount! :P

Andrew NDB
01-28-2009, 09:37 PM
Body Count was awesome. Just good, random fun with Casey and Raphael in balls-out fashion. Though as even Kevin would probably agree, it never really was intended to convey any kind of "definitive Mirage TMNT" in any way, shape, or form. Just picking up the comic, shutting off your brain, and getting ready for a slick, gorey, violent and stylish orgy (if you're into such things) I think you'll enjoy it.

Jester
01-28-2009, 09:46 PM
I guess as styles come...I'm a Laird style fan. As many of you know I'm a huge movie fan...but when it comes to my personal tastes I loathe action movies (hated the latest Rambo flick) and like a lot of sci-fi. Heck, maybe that's why I came to Peter's defence eariler...since I'm more sci-fi over action.

Andrew NDB
01-28-2009, 10:25 PM
I'm a fan of good, solid storytelling over action or sci-fi. Whoever can make me care about the TMNT on the page and tell a well-crafted story from beginning to middle to end... that guy wins. As as far as pigeonholing TMNT into this genre or that genre, one of the things that I'd always loved about the earlier Mirage TMNT was how they seemed to transcend genres... one issue could be a fairly urban, gritty ninja-type fare... the next, maybe they'll be in outer space, or the next maybe caught in something supernatural in the woods. You know?

Back on point...

We've seen how Peter Laird is as a writer on his own for which people can draw their own educated conclusions. Now, apart from stuff that really doesn't count like "Body Count," we haven't seen how Kevin Eastman is as a writer on his own, however.

We've seen how they write together... and that seems to gel beautifully. Every time.

DK2
01-28-2009, 11:27 PM
I think Kevin returning to the TMNT isn't the overall solution. Its a matter of marketing the books and the commitment of quality. No Jim Lawson and bring back the duotone shades. All the somewhat downgrading of the TMNT Vol. 4 series has been whatever Peter Laird decides he doesn't want to to do on it anymore. He's gone from no more duotones, not inking the pages himself, no more Diamond Dist., no more released issues. But if Kevin and Peter worked together again one last time would be great. To think Peter almost thought of asking him to reunite on TMNT for the anniversary, but then changed his mind due to Kevins comments about Peter in an online interview. But would Kevin even had said yes to the notion? Yet Kevin has stated in his arto bio book that he still has TMNT stories to tell. But when we will we ever see these? He could simply do these in the Tales series. He's left the TMNT and I just don't see him coming back. Back in the early '90's they mentioned a story for a TMNT graphic novel of middle aged ninja turtles. I wished they'd do this, or if Peter had asked Kevin, would it even have been this story? The two have always acknowledged that things between them had changed by the time of City at War storyline, how they worked together, how they think. They drifted apart.
But if they ever did reunite I'd like to see this graphic novel, some sort of last piece of work from them. Maybe the 30th anniversary?

Venom
01-29-2009, 06:42 AM
That may just be it...only one man can save the TMNT...by coming back and working once again with the other co-creator to bring the TMNT back to what they were a wonderful mix of ninja action/grit and sci-fi/character progression.

This was basically my point. The Turtles were at their best, story-wise, was when the two worked together.

if Kevin and Peter worked together again one last time would be great. To think Peter almost thought of asking him to reunite on TMNT for the anniversary, but then changed his mind due to Kevins comments...Yet Kevin has stated in his arto bio book that he still has TMNT stories to tell..

You know, I've actually thought of joining Heavy Metal's forum to ask Kevin that very question: "Would he DO another Turtle story if Peter asked. Would he work together with Pete again on another story?" And bring up his response in his SuicideGirls interview and book stating he still had other Turtle stories to tell and perhaps mention how close Peter was to contacting him regarding doing something for the 25th Anniversary. It would be interesting to see his response, if any.

Andrew mentioned also that we haven't seen a pure Eastman story, but if memory serves correctly, wasn't "Stompers" in Shell Shock Kevin's first solo story? Talbot lettered/toned I think but Kevin wrote/drew it. "Unmentionables" was also Kevin's story (both are two of my favorite Turtle stories), so we have seen Kevin's writing style.

And for Next Mutation not being dark as Kevin hyped it to be, perhaps that was the plan but when Saban took ahold of the license he had to rework it to fit their particular campy style.

Samhain
01-29-2009, 12:00 PM
well kevin is one of my favorite comic book artists of all time so id love to see him come back. maybe someday....

Sage Ninja
01-29-2009, 12:58 PM
And for Next Mutation not being dark as Kevin hyped it to be, perhaps that was the plan but when Saban took ahold of the license he had to rework it to fit their particular campy style.

thats what I think probably happened with Kevin's TNM project. Imagine if he would have been able to deliver a live action tmnt tv series as gritty and mature as he planned it to be that was darker in tone than the actul movies. That would have been seriously badass, and probably what the franchise really needs than another cartoon or some fancy--shamancy CGI show.

BoggleKng
01-29-2009, 02:34 PM
I think Kevin returning to the TMNT isn't the overall solution. Its a matter of marketing the books and the commitment of quality. No Jim Lawson and bring back the duotone shades. All the somewhat downgrading of the TMNT Vol. 4 series has been whatever Peter Laird decides he doesn't want to to do on it anymore. He's gone from no more duotones, not inking the pages himself, no more Diamond Dist., no more released issues. But if Kevin and Peter worked together again one last time would be great. To think Peter almost thought of asking him to reunite on TMNT for the anniversary, but then changed his mind due to Kevins comments about Peter in an online interview. But would Kevin even had said yes to the notion? Yet Kevin has stated in his arto bio book that he still has TMNT stories to tell. But when we will we ever see these? He could simply do these in the Tales series. He's left the TMNT and I just don't see him coming back. Back in the early '90's they mentioned a story for a TMNT graphic novel of middle aged ninja turtles. I wished they'd do this, or if Peter had asked Kevin, would it even have been this story? The two have always acknowledged that things between them had changed by the time of City at War storyline, how they worked together, how they think. They drifted apart.
But if they ever did reunite I'd like to see this graphic novel, some sort of last piece of work from them. Maybe the 30th anniversary?


So what were these comments that Kevin said? You have a copy of that interview? Just curious....

Kendamu
01-29-2009, 02:57 PM
Body Count was awesome. Just good, random fun with Casey and Raphael in balls-out fashion. Though as even Kevin would probably agree, it never really was intended to convey any kind of "definitive Mirage TMNT" in any way, shape, or form. Just picking up the comic, shutting off your brain, and getting ready for a slick, gorey, violent and stylish orgy (if you're into such things) I think you'll enjoy it.
Exactly! In all actuality, the guy who worked with Kevin on Bodycount had never seen a John Woo movie before. So, one weekend they watched a bunch, then came to the conclusion that they wanted to make "the longest-running gunfight in comic book history." That was the whole reason for writing it. Why did they use Casey and Raph? I dunno. But, I still thought it was pretty cool.

Venom
01-29-2009, 07:13 PM
So what were these comments that Kevin said? You have a copy of that interview? Just curious....

Go here for the main one that miffed Pete:
http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=127540

Interestinly enough, here's another interview from this past August, conducted by RGB Filter, where he mentions making a clean break from Turtle ownership:
http://www.rgbfilter.com/?p=168 (video interview)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvht_iwPSlo (Same interview, but easier to navigate the timeline; Mirage is talked about during the first 3.5 minutes)

In it he mentions yet again that he still has a Turtle story "or two" to tell, but maybe when he's older because for now he is happy.

And here is his SG interview from mid-'07:
http://suicidegirls.com/interviews/Kevin+Eastman/

Andrew NDB
01-29-2009, 07:42 PM
And for Next Mutation not being dark as Kevin hyped it to be, perhaps that was the plan but when Saban took ahold of the license he had to rework it to fit their particular campy style.

Probably, but as the intellectual rights holder in charge of the deal Kevin had the right to go -- at any time prior to contracts -- "Oh, Saban, you want to make TNM a toddler crapfest? Go F yourselves... I'm pulling the TMNT out of the deal."

And before you say, "Well, after the contract was in place Saban fooled Eastman and just went and did their own thing!" the obvious rebuttal is... what was stopping Eastman from putting precautions in the contract(s) to avoid that from happening and to ensure he maintained a strong level of creative quality control in the beginning?

BigApple3AM
01-30-2009, 12:45 AM
I used to think Kevin's turtles were better than Laird, but I've changed my mind completely the last few years (this was back when the only TMNT thing was Laird's comic, which I actually like now). I have to say that both guys working together brings a great balance and their best work. It's like yin and yang. Like Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. On their own they skew a little towards one certain genre, and the fix for this was to let other people in on TMNT with Tales. If they ever collaborate on another project it could be the greatest thing to happen to the Turtles in a long time.

Peter is the one who brought us some pretty great stuff in the past few years, but it's nice to know Kevin still has some interest (the movie deal). Both have some marks on their track record, but when all is said and done it's the freakin Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles... it's awesome by definition.

I don't want to side with either, but I'd stand behind both.

Candy Kappa
01-30-2009, 03:39 AM
It's like yin and yang.

they completed each other combining what they do best and make a grand dish of awesomeness

Chrissie Terrapin
01-30-2009, 06:09 AM
I have't read much comics to have a valid opinion I guess, but I like the laird\eastman stories

Golden ShredHead
01-30-2009, 06:20 PM
The man seen in the image is Kevin Eastman?

Jester
01-30-2009, 07:46 PM
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y132/Jesterangelo/PDVD_011-1.jpg
"Bingo! We're dealing with a real mind here..."

Andrew NDB
01-30-2009, 08:34 PM
but when it comes to my personal tastes I loathe action movies (hated the latest Rambo flick)

That's it -- you're dead to me. ;)

ZariusTwo
01-31-2009, 07:04 AM
"Saban's particulary campy style"

...Oh, you mean the kind of "camp" where Zordon pressures Andros into assisted suicide so he can murder a whole contingent of terrorists and "purify" selected humans in the most racist display from him as a character yet?

7Kxe-qy8qzk

Yeah, THAT kind of campy?

VaughnMichael
01-31-2009, 08:48 AM
"Saban's particulary campy style"

...Oh, you mean the kind of "camp" where Zordon pressures Andros into assisted suicide so he can murder a whole contingent of terrorists and "purify" selected humans in the most racist display from him as a character yet?

7Kxe-qy8qzk

Yeah, THAT kind of campy?
http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/8/21/1368640/littlebritian_468x271.png

ZariusTwo
01-31-2009, 11:31 AM
Such a lonely gay in the village.:)

Andrew NDB
01-31-2009, 04:31 PM
"Saban's particulary campy style"

...Oh, you mean the kind of "camp" where Zordon pressures Andros into assisted suicide so he can murder a whole contingent of terrorists and "purify" selected humans in the most racist display from him as a character yet?

Yeah, THAT kind of campy?

Yeah, pretty much.

Jester
01-31-2009, 07:50 PM
...Oh, you mean the kind of "camp" where Zordon pressures Andros into assisted suicide so he can murder a whole contingent of terrorists and "purify" selected humans in the most racist display from him as a character yet?
Totally as serious and non campy as you claim...:roll:
http://www.judiciaryreport.com/images/short_circuit_3.jpg
No. No racism. Where see racism?

Venom
01-31-2009, 09:44 PM
Lol, I didn't get to see the vid but I'm sure if it was Power Rangers it was campy. Frantically waving baddies, sparkling battle wounds, characters who have to bounce their heads to make their mouth move...yeah. Poor Turtles, got sucked into the whirlpool of lame during Saban's reign in the late '90's.

And to poke fun at Jester's taste in movies, he does freely admit it under his name! :P But you can't deny that Johnny-5 was awesome! And the last Rambo flick was the best one in the series...he freakin' obliterated a dude into a puddle of guts with a .50 cal machine gun!!! Fave part for me: when he shot the merc through the head with an arrow, classic Rambo right there.

To make this Turtle related, imagine the guys in a heated battle with the Foot; they bear down on Mikey, who is lying on the ground; Raph sees what's happening, crushes a soldier's spot between the eyes and back-jabs one under the ribcage. He is clearly in no position to help his brother. He calls out to Leo as he slashes a Foot soldier; he clears through a few more with some awesome swordsmanship, flings some shurikens and takes out a Foot archer on a ledge who is about to shoot off an arrow at Don. Leo picks up the bow and arrow, takes aim at the Foot overlording Mikey and pops one through the chest and another through the head.

VaughnMichael
02-01-2009, 06:39 AM
Such a lonely gay in the village.:)
http://www.brightlightsfilm.com/51/51_images/1stabsdaff.jpg
How Can This Be! I Am The Only Gay On The Technodrome! So You Musn't Be!:lol:

ZariusTwo
02-01-2009, 07:16 AM
Lol, I didn't get to see the vid but I'm sure if it was Power Rangers it was campy. Frantically waving baddies, sparkling battle wounds, characters who have to bounce their heads to make their mouth move...yeah. Poor Turtles, got sucked into the whirlpool of lame during Saban's reign in the late '90's.

If you didnt see it, then you have no say in the matter, not to mention you'd probably only see the "camp" and not the intent

Ah the narrow-mindedness of youth...or just narrow-mindedness in general

Keep proving me right:roll:

There was nothing lame about Saban's hold on things in the 1990s. Fact.

Yeah, pretty much.

And with that, I win the argument.:roll:

VaughnMichael
02-01-2009, 07:25 AM
Zarius, just so you know the reason I posted computer Says no before was because the video doesn't work on here.;)

Jelly Bean
02-02-2009, 12:07 PM
http://www.brightlightsfilm.com/51/51_images/1stabsdaff.jpg
How Can This Be! I Am The Only Gay On The Technodrome! So You Musn't Be!:lol:

who is this dude in the red shirt supposed to be?

VaughnMichael
02-02-2009, 03:56 PM
who is this dude in the red shirt supposed to be?
Oh he's from a show called Little Britain
3IyhHC0k0Bs

Jester
02-02-2009, 05:50 PM
http://www.judiciaryreport.com/images/short_circuit_3.jpg
No. No racism. Where see racism?
I agree Jester. Does anyone see racism in that clip Zarius posted?

Cipher
02-02-2009, 06:15 PM
[If you didnt see it, then you have no say in the matter, not to mention you'd probably only see the "camp" and not the intent.But "camp" by its very nature has everything to do with execution, and nothing to do with intent (unless something is intentionally kitschy). "Plan 6 From Outer Space" was intended to be a somewhat serious sci-fi movie, but no one would argue it wasn't camp.

At any rate, the intent of sentai has always been to entertain small Japanese children with silly monsters and stylized fights. It's well within the territory of camp, or even kitsch because it never even pretends to be anything more. Nothing wrong with it, I myself love Godzilla movies, but you can't ask people to take it seriously.

I agree Jester. Does anyone see racism in that clip Zarius posted? Even if you can produce racist undertones from that clip, subtle racism does not a serious show make.

But wow, this is neither here nor there. All feelings about Saban aside, they made The Next Mutation suck. It was undeniably an awful show, and undeniably produced by Saban. I defy anyone to argue that point.

Jester
02-02-2009, 06:29 PM
*reads Cipher's post.*
Next Mutation....uh huh...Saban...mmm hmmm....

Ok, you're right...I can't argue with you.

jerome
02-05-2009, 04:56 PM
the one man who can save the ninja turtles is tristan Jones. More issues or an entire series along the same lines of tales #36 would lead to more sales which would lead to a more mature or older audience which would allow for a more mature live-action movie which could then be turned into another really good cartoon like 2k3 originally was. Bada Bing bada boom. Franchise Saved.

ps. there is no redeeming value in anything power rangers. its trash. Even as a 4th grader i could see that. And to think I went through all that trouble to tape the first episode while away at my soccer game...only to be disappointed.