Kickstarter: TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia

[Nortock Diab]

I cannot say I am the biggest TMNT Action figures collector but this project really deserves to be more visible within our communauty.

The guy behind this project is basically making an attempt at an exhaustive TMNT action figures book.
That is impressive.

KICKSTARTER: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES TMNT-ACTION FIGURE ENCYCLOPEDIA (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/139596288/tmnt-action-figure-encyclopedia?ref=user_menu)

From the look of it, the project seems to be rather well handled: pictures are good quality, figures list is extensive...

+ the guy already succesfully completed other Kickstarter campaigns.
That speaks for him.

And to put the lid on it, shipment outside of the US now is affordable :D.

Anyone else is backing this project?
What are your thoughts about it?

[RaphaelinSTL]

Lots of discussion about this already over here.

http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=58408

[Raptor86]

I am in! :D

[Nortock Diab]

Lots of discussion about this already over here.

http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=58408

The topic you are referring to is about another book.
Even if the Kickstarter is addressed in the comments, I believe it deserves its own thread.

Does anyone know more about the guy behind this project?
He probably has an extensive action figure collection himself so I doubt he is a complete unknown in the fandom. Especially since he's been working on this project for 3 years.

[Rewdog]

Will watch the film and read it properly when I get home from work, but looks like I will be in for this. Pretty amazing stuff, thanks for posting or I may have missed it.

[Candy Kappa]

Looks nifty

[I Crave Pizza No More]

Lots of discussion about this already over here.

http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=58408

Not the same book.

[RaphaelinSTL]

Not the same book.

It's being covered in the thread though ... but yes, I guess it's getting its own now.

[TheCanadiandrome]

I'm gonna seriously consider backing this at a later date

[Panther10]

I'm gonna seriously consider backing this at a later date

This campaign launched just a little less than 24hrs ago. He'll have all the funding he needs in less than 5 days at this rate.

[The Deadman]

I would buy this if it got funded and released.

[Nortock Diab]

Usually these things are not released. It's a one-shot.
Yoy may still hope a second campaign for a reprint but if you are sure you want the book, you should pledge now :tgrin:.

[TurtleWA]

Does the book only cover the toys and statues?

I would love a book that covered everything and anything you could possibly find. Clothing, bootlegs, food tie-ins, prototypes, dollar store merchandise over the years, books, movies, games and so forth. Everything! :tcool:


edit: forgot Convention Exclusives and mail away/fan club stuff.

[TatooineSandworm]

Does the book only cover the toys and statues?

I would love a book that covered everything and anything you could possibly find. Clothing, bootlegs, food tie-ins, prototypes, dollar store merchandise over the years, books, movies, games and so forth. Everything! :tcool:


edit: forgot Convention Exclusives and mail away/fan club stuff.

Pledge for $1 and then ask the project creator directly. If you don't like the answer, cancel your $1 pledge.

Or ask him a question by sending an e-mail here: [email protected]

[TurtleWA]

The books mock-up for the Technodrome page has similar looking background to http://www.tmnttoys.com/90vehicles/technodrome/index.html
must be a common background in photography.

[tmntman]

Does the book only cover the toys and statues?

I would love a book that covered everything and anything you could possibly find. Clothing, bootlegs, food tie-ins, prototypes, dollar store merchandise over the years, books, movies, games and so forth. Everything! :tcool:


edit: forgot Convention Exclusives and mail away/fan club stuff.

It should be more or less limited to just the toys/statues, essentially the same range as what is on tmnttoys.com

[Andrew NDB]

wtf? This book needs $58,000? For what?

[oldmanwinters]

This book needs $58,000? For what?

Uh... shipping? Yeah, of course! For which... folks are charged an extra $15 for anyway? :tlol:

[marcelangelo]

hahahaha, now that you mention it:)...hmm, never payed much attention to the financial goal:)
I guess telephone book sized hardcovers with lots of full color fotos in it cost a lot these days:)
...anyway, I backed this project and hope it gets made:)
love the idea of seeing all the toy art again:)aaaaaaaaah my childhood:)

[Powder]

New drinking game, take a shot every time Marcelangelo uses a smiley face in a single post, then die of alchohol poisoning.

[TurtleWA]

It should be more or less limited to just the toys/statues, essentially the same range as what is on tmnttoys.com

An all encompassing TMNT merchandise book would also be cool. I'm not sure I would pay for toy specific book when I have a great website like yours for free. But I understand the need to have both types of books as well as physical and virtual resources.

[predaking000]

Was really happy to see the news on this. Hope it gets fully funded.

[TurtleWA]

It should be more or less limited to just the toys/statues, essentially the same range as what is on tmnttoys.com

Just found out today that you are writing the foreword to this book if successfully funded. Considering you have some involvement it makes sense why some of the photos resemble the ones from your website. Hope it works out! :)

[marcelangelo]

New drinking game, take a shot every time Marcelangelo uses a smiley face in a single post, then die of alchohol poisoning.

cheers man:)

[***First of Two Latin Kings***]

I'm gonna seriously consider backing this at a later date

How? I thought you didn't have any money :tlol:

[Powder]

You are not looking like the bigger man by ghosting his posts with that sort of antagonistic comment.

[OA]

Looks pretty sweet. A book this big is bound to have a ton of errors, but seeing some of the picture captions on the KS page...Techno Drone Scout Drone

Anyways, wish them the best!

[TheCanadiandrome]

You are not looking like the bigger man by ghosting his posts with that sort of antagonistic comment.

rofl of course not, but he's not going to care Powder, that's just how he is. meanwhile I just go about my own business and ignore his childishness

[Nortock Diab]

Campaign seems to be going well reaching half the funding at its pace.

I wonder if never released figures will be addressed through prototypes, I think about the second half of the Warriors of the Forgotten Sewers line.

By the way, I received the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Collectables Paperback (https://www.amazon.com/Teenage-Mutant-Ninja-Turtles-Collectables/dp/1445665603) and even if this official book is pleasant it clearly does offer enough for the true fan : photos are not particularly well shot, it is rather incomplete...
We can clearly see that the choice was too release a low budget book targeting as many people as possible (from fans to casual readers)
While my wishes would have been a definitive encyclopedia that can be a reference for the years to come.

In other words, this Kickstarter project is a blessing :tgrin:.

[marcelangelo]

Campaign seems to be going well reaching half the funding at its pace.

I wonder if never released figures will be addressed through prototypes, I think about the second half of the Warriors of the Forgotten Sewers line.

By the way, I received the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Collectables Paperback (https://www.amazon.com/Teenage-Mutant-Ninja-Turtles-Collectables/dp/1445665603) and even if this official book is pleasant it clearly does offer enough for the true fan : photos are not particularly well shot, it is rather incomplete...
We can clearly see that the choice was too release a low budget book targeting as many people as possible (from fans to casual readers)
While my wishes would have been a definitive encyclopedia that can be a reference for the years to come.

In other words, this Kickstarter project is a blessing :tgrin:.



I have backed this project and as a backer you get updates from time to time.the guy doing this sent an e mail a few days ago that said that playmates has contacted him upon seeing this kickstarter campaign and they were pretty excited about it and assured him they would support his book.

so, I guess it does look good for that tmnt toys encyclopedia...

I am looking forward to seeing all that wonderful packaging art work again.

[funatic]

+ the guy already succesfully completed other Kickstarter campaigns. That speaks for him.

It looks like his other campaigns were for a similar giant hardcover showcasing every Air Jordan ever produced. The fact that they actually got printed is a great sign... though there are a lot of complaints in the comments sections on those campaigns which makes me a bit leery. I guess that's to be expected in a huge production like that though: people will share 99% problems, 1% praise.

A book this big is bound to have a ton of errors, but seeing some of the picture captions on the KS page...

Yeah the subtle syntax and grammar problems in the description, even in the video, raise some red flags. If he assured some extensive proofreading I'd be much more inclined to pledge.

I would love a book that covered everything and anything you could possibly find. Clothing, bootlegs, food tie-ins, prototypes, dollar store merchandise over the years, books, movies, games and so forth. Everything! :tcool:

The page count would be staggering. I think that book's binding would be taller than the coffee table trembling beneath it. :tlol:

[mikey0]

Looks pretty sweet. A book this big is bound to have a ton of errors

I already spotted one on his Kickstarter page. Krang's Android Body was released in early '92.

[TurtleWA]

The page count would be staggering. I think that book's binding would be taller than the coffee table trembling beneath it. :tlol:

I'm not a Star Wars guy but this book looks amazing and similar to what I am talking about. It's 568 pages. I really think the table of contents is cool. I like how each title ends with the word "it." I don't understand Spanish but still watched the video. Perhaps if this TMNT book is successful the makers could produce a second volume of all merchandise.

Zh2DPKgnPCg

https://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-1-000-Collectibles/dp/0810972913

:tsmile:

[easyemoney]

So the campaign is being cancelled and restarted with a few changes and lower goal.

Unsure if I want to re-pledge as I'm feeling a little buyer's remorse. Will probably keep an eye on the campaign though.

[oldmanwinters]

So the campaign is being cancelled and restarted with a few changes and lower goal.

Unsure if I want to re-pledge as I'm feeling a little buyer's remorse. Will probably keep an eye on the campaign though.

Wow, it was really getting money in a hurry too. Already up to over $34k. But $58k always seemed unbelievably excessive for a book campaign.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/139596288/tmnt-action-figure-encyclopedia/posts/1963150

[DonnieLaForge]

IMO this guy didn't need to relaunch the campaign. He was getting pretty close, and Kickstarter campaigns are known for having big 1st days and big last days. On the last day, it's featured by Kickstarter again and all kinds of people pitch in to push it over. So I was pretty sure he was going to make it.

I'm also worried that some people will not re-pledge for whatever reason. So now he might lose some of us.

But, still, seems pretty likely to happen the 2nd time too! I will be right back in as soon as it's live! I wonder if the photos/names of 'donors' in the book is still a thing or if it was cut as well to reduce page count....

[RaphaelinSTL]

IMO this guy didn't need to relaunch the campaign. He was getting pretty close, and Kickstarter campaigns are known for having big 1st days and big last days. On the last day, it's featured by Kickstarter again and all kinds of people pitch in to push it over. So I was pretty sure he was going to make it.

I'm also worried that some people will not re-pledge for whatever reason. So now he might lose some of us.

But, still, seems pretty likely to happen the 2nd time too! I will be right back in as soon as it's live! I wonder if the photos/names of 'donors' in the book is still a thing or if it was cut as well to reduce page count....

Hopefully he'll still keep that ... just pledged and sent him an e-mail with my name and photo for the donor page. :tlol:

[DonnieLaForge]

Here's the new link...
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/139596288/tmnt-action-figure-encyclopedia-hardcover-and-soft

It's only going to run for 11 days! Wow... Well, come on people, climb back aboard!

Hopefully he'll still keep that ... just pledged and sent him an e-mail with my name and photo for the donor page. :tlol:

It does say that is still part of the rewards.

[tmntman]

IMO this guy didn't need to relaunch the campaign. He was getting pretty close, and Kickstarter campaigns are known for having big 1st days and big last days. On the last day, it's featured by Kickstarter again and all kinds of people pitch in to push it over. So I was pretty sure he was going to make it.

I'm also worried that some people will not re-pledge for whatever reason. So now he might lose some of us.

But, still, seems pretty likely to happen the 2nd time too! I will be right back in as soon as it's live! I wonder if the photos/names of 'donors' in the book is still a thing or if it was cut as well to reduce page count....

It's quite possible that the first campaign would have gone forward. But I the person putting this together has been working on this project for three years (though not exclusively) So seeing it not go through would have been VERY disappointing for him. When you add that to all the feedback that he received with helpful suggestions about what the fan base actually wanted (getting rid of the price guide, large format so photos could fit on a single page & the soft cover option) all of which allowed him to reduce the printing cost, it's not hard to see why he would make the changes to ensure that the project will go forward.

[Casey]

https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/13/16140820/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-action-figure-toys-guide-encyclopedia-kickstarter

[The Deadman]

According to the Kickstarter page, he only needs 2K to reach his goal.

[TheCanadiandrome]

Wow, hopefully he does

[EddieNES]

If I bought the 2 books for $65, think I could put both my kids for pics? Or still just 1 picture still?

[TheMasterTurtle]

If I bought the 2 books for $65, think I could put both my kids for pics? Or still just 1 picture still?

I'd think 1. He's accepting questions via email so why not just email and ask to be certain?

[oldmanwinters]

I didn't back a book, but seems like the project was a great success the second time around. Hope it ends up being a great volume.

[inaheap]

I hope he ends up doing another run for those of us too stupid to back the first one.

[RaphaelinSTL]

So pumped on this. This is gonna be something I'm never gonna wanna put down.

[tmntman]

I hope he ends up doing another run for those of us too stupid to back the first one.

It looks like Kevin Eastman is going to be buying some in bulk to sell on his site. So that may be an option eventually. Of course, they would be signed copies so they would be more expensive.

[Powder]

I don't think this will be anywhere near as comprehensive as it could/should be.

[oldmanwinters]

I don't think this will be anywhere near as comprehensive as it could/should be.

Yeah, I was hoping this might have an official involvement with the Playmates Toys archival department. Now THAT would be a book I'd buy!

[tmntman]

Yeah, I was hoping this might have an official involvement with the Playmates Toys archival department. Now THAT would be a book I'd buy!

From what I know, there is no archival department at Playmates Toys.

[Ninjinister]

From what I know, there is no archival department at Playmates Toys.

I can add my experience in trying to get in touch with such a department as having been useless.

[oldmanwinters]

From what I know, there is no archival department at Playmates Toys.

I can add my experience in trying to get in touch with such a department as having been useless.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkP_oMe-rWw#t=00m27s

[inaheap]

I thought he said some where that Playmates was supporting him. I could be wrong.

[tmntman]

I thought he said some where that Playmates was supporting him. I could be wrong.

After he launched the Kickstarter I contacted a rep at Playmates to make them aware of the project. They did send back a response in support of the project. But to my knowledge, they were not involved with the project previously.

[TheCanadiandrome]

Missed my chance on this, but Grats to all who got involved

[tmntman]

Does the book only cover the toys and statues?

I would love a book that covered everything and anything you could possibly find. Clothing, bootlegs, food tie-ins, prototypes, dollar store merchandise over the years, books, movies, games and so forth. Everything! :tcool:


edit: forgot Convention Exclusives and mail away/fan club stuff.

You might want to order this: Ninja Turtles Collectibles (https://www.amazon.com/Teenage-Mutant-Ninja-Turtles-Collectables/dp/1445665603)

It's not comprehensive or even close to it. But it does dedicate most of the book to non-toy merchandise.

[Panther10]

So this book should begin shipping soon. Anybody think that their copy of this book will be waiting for them under the Christmas tree? I know there have been a number of setbacks because of the new format and the hurricanes too managed to slow everything down. But I wonder if that managed to delay the release at all.

[wpugh2424]

Are there any extra that anyone knows about
Would love to grab one

[Roseangelo]

I would not expect this to land before Christmas. Nickelodeon has actually picked up this book to publish it officially. Backers will still get whatever they pledged for, but I assume there will be an extra delay in the publishing process.

[oldmanwinters]

I would not expect this to land before Christmas. Nickelodeon has actually picked up this book to publish it officially. Backers will still get whatever they pledged for, but I assume there will be an extra delay in the publishing process.

Haha, sounds like I made a decent decision to pass on the fan-funding. :tcool:

Even at a retail price, I can't say for sure that I'm sold on this thing. I do hope folks like tOkKa, who clearly contributed lots of his own scans are gonna get compensated.

[Ninjinister]

Nickelodeon has actually picked up this book to publish it officially.

Oh, word? That's the first I've heard of that!

I'm fine with a delay if it's official.

[DonnieLaForge]

Hmm, it would be nice if we could get a proper backer update about this news...

[Ninjinister]

Hmm, it would be nice if we could get a proper backer update about this news...

For some reason, even the most transparent of people have the toughest time updating their Kickstarter news feeds.

[funatic]

That's interesting to hear it's being officially published. Gives me a little more hope for the proofing on the final product.

[Powder]

Unless the proofing is being done by people from here (or of similar passion/knowledge) I wouldn't get my hopes too high. :tlol:

[Roseangelo]

Even at a retail price, I can't say for sure that I'm sold on this thing. I do hope folks like tOkKa, who clearly contributed lots of his own scans are gonna get compensated.

Indications from Tokka point to yes, although I don't know specifics.

[TheMasterTurtle]

Hmm, it would be nice if we could get a proper backer update about this news...

While I don’t have the link, we were sent an update about all those things about a month ago

[DonnieLaForge]

While I don’t have the link, we were sent an update about all those things about a month ago

Yes, I have the update you speak of. It's very vague and doesn't mention Nickelodeon and basically says "can't talk about it now, maybe official release in future, not sure of dates, something something".

So not exactly the latest if what's been posted here is correct.

[Rewdog]

We are due a decent update considering the book is due this month. If we don't get one soon, questions need to be asked. All for giving people space to crack on but fair is fair.

[RaphaelinSTL]

I would not expect this to land before Christmas. Nickelodeon has actually picked up this book to publish it officially. Backers will still get whatever they pledged for, but I assume there will be an extra delay in the publishing process.

Hrmm. Besides what was vaguely mentioned in the last month email update, what confirmation is there that Nickelodeon picked this up?

[TheMasterTurtle]

Yes, I have the update you speak of. It's very vague and doesn't mention Nickelodeon and basically says "can't talk about it now, maybe official release in future, not sure of dates, something something".

So not exactly the latest if what's been posted here is correct.

Hrmm. Besides what was vaguely mentioned in the last month email update, what confirmation is there that Nickelodeon picked this up?

Yeah while I dont doubt there might be some official involvement now, there hasnt been full disclosure of all the detail. Im sure part of it is an inability to share certain information however it does make one question how the involvement will change release times and I guess price? If I paid for the basic tier and there were going to be 500 books produced, now with the license holder involved I would think the book would have a larger number of books published, thus bringing the price down. Itll be a a little bothersome if I could get the same thing for $20 cheaper on Amazon with an official release.

[RaphaelinSTL]

Yeah while I dont doubt there might be some official involvement now, there hasnt been full disclosure of all the detail. Im sure part of it is an inability to share certain information however it does make one question how the involvement will change release times and I guess price? If I paid for the basic tier and there were going to be 500 books produced, now with the license holder involved I would think the book would have a larger number of books published, thus bringing the price down. Itll be a a little bothersome if I could get the same thing for $20 cheaper on Amazon with an official release.

Yeah, I agree. At this point, until it actually comes from the official Kickstarter page I'm going to assume it's just rumors. His updates tend to always be once a month towards the beginning of the month, so I'm hoping he'll be sending something our way soon.

[DonnieLaForge]

Well, if you buy it cheaper off Amazon your name & photo won't be in the back so at least there's that...unless Nick gives that section the axe in the official version which I could see them doing.

[RaphaelinSTL]

Well, if you buy it cheaper off Amazon your name & photo won't be in the back so at least there's that...unless Nick gives that section the axe in the official version which I could see them doing.

Exactly ... that was another big selling point of the fan involvement for this thing for me too. Again, it's just very vague information until something official comes out so I'm going to assume it's business as usual until we hear otherwise.

[MikeandRaph87]

I am interesting in this. What do you all think of this that bought it already? I was wondering if it was worth the purchase. If so I will get it off of Amazon.

[Ninjinister]

S'not out yet mate. Nobody has one.

[Powder]

People really should read the threads they post in.

[MikeandRaph87]

If it is not out yet then why does it say its in stock? I looked it up after I discovered this thread earlier this week and it showed as in stock.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1445665603/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

[wpugh2424]

I don't believe that Is the Kickstarter book

[RaphaelinSTL]

I don't believe that Is the Kickstarter book

It’s not ... two totally different books.

[Ninjinister]

If it is not out yet then why does it say its in stock? I looked it up after I discovered this thread earlier this week and it showed as in stock.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1445665603/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

That's not this book. The book being discussed here is a massive encyclopedia depicting over 3500 action figures, statuettes, and the like. The book you linked covers more than just toys, but doesn't go as in-depth.

[MikeandRaph87]

I don't believe that Is the Kickstarter book

RaphaelinSTL cleared me up in PM. It is odd having something similar coming out the same quarter of the same year. That is what confused me when looking for the product advertised in the kickstarter. Also, to clarify I did not have time to read every single post which may have added to the mix up.

[RaphaelinSTL]

New update went out today. Book is expected to see a release date of February now. He mentions Nickelodeon, but only that they're expecting a copy like us.

Everyone, I sincerely apologize for the radio silence on here this past month. This update should address everything. First, let me say that no one is more eager to receive the book than me. There is also Nickelodeon, along with you backers, waiting to receive a copy.

Originally, I planned on receiving the books in late December to ship out after Christmas going into January. However, I decided to adjust the book a relaunched the campaign. So everyone gets the same material and information in a sleeker refined book. The revision alone took 4-6 weeks. In addition to that, my area and home were severely affected by the hurricane as everyone knows. All of this pushed the book back 4-6 weeks. The problem is, printing in late November is the busiest time of the year. So, the printing queue was pushed back due to other orders from other businesses.

The book cover - As always, I had one mission with the book. It was to create one of the greatest action figure books ever made. So, I chose to have an embossed cover. Embossed meaning that you can feel the skin and grooves on the cover graphics. One side in particular features NECA movie Raph. I believed that this addition would take the book up another notch. The embossing process took longer than expected.

Blister Packaging - I also envisioned this book with a blister or foil packaging. The blister packaging process involves a molding process. This process is done by an entirely different company. They have to actually make a custom mold that will support the book weight and card back.

I could not update anyone with any new shipping dates because everything was ongoing in real time. There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes, trust me I'm working day and night to make this memorable. So please keep in mind that this will not be an ordinary book. Honestly, there may less than 50 additional copies available for purchase. The value and eBay resell prices maybe 4 to 6 times the price you have paid.

As for anyone with any doubts about the books, I’ve attached photos of book printing in the past. I’ve printed over 13,000 books and magazines independently. Every book, magazine, and project has sold out. This is by far the smallest print run that I've ever done. The shipping process for these will be a breeze. It is the holiday printing, packaging, logistics, and possible customs inspections that might cause delays.

Again, I know that everyone is upset, but please understand that the books will be worth the wait. The new timeline for the books to arrive will be in February. Once they arrive, I will fly out and ship the books accordingly. It really depends on how fast customs can clear the cargo. Customs can take as little as 1 week or up to 7 weeks for clearance. From there it is transported to a holding warehouse for pickup. From there, it is then picked up by me and my crew and then shipped from a rented space or warehouse. I will keep everyone updated on the entire process. I will also have a proper review and photos of the soon to arrive samples.

[Raptor86]

It's a Kickstarter campaign, delays are expected. Especially after a hurricane...

[Panther10]

Yeah. And to be honest we should be pretty grateful that despite these setbacks, the release date has only been pushed back by about 7-8 weeks. That delay could have been a lot more substantial.

[Roseangelo]

If it is not out yet then why does it say its in stock? I looked it up after I discovered this thread earlier this week and it showed as in stock.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1445665603/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

That is not the book we are talking about. No idea what is in that.

[RaphaelinSTL]

Alright ... now this is worrisome.

It's almost the end of February (the timeline of when the books were expected to be released) and we haven't gotten any updates since December.

I can be patient (Last year, I waited six months for a vinyl that was supposed to be delivered in two weeks) but at least some kind of updates would be nice. I know this is usually the norm for some kickstarters, but I'm hoping we hear something soon.

[DonnieLaForge]

Been wondering about this myself the past few days.
We might already be past the point of getting money back out of Kickstarter...

[RaphaelinSTL]

Been wondering about this myself the past few days.
We might already be past the point of getting money back out of Kickstarter...

I think so as well. I looked into his other Kickstarters and it seemed those were delayed a bit as well, but ultimately ... I just want the thing as opposed to a refund. =/

Hopefully we get some news within the next few days.

[Roseangelo]

Been wondering about this myself the past few days.
We might already be past the point of getting money back out of Kickstarter...

You obviously don't understand how Kickstarter works. It's not a retail shop that offers refunds.

[Ninjinister]

Bruh.

I've had Kickstarters go two years without an update and it finally came out eventually.

[Spidergreg]

I'm late to the party but can i just buy the book?

[DonnieLaForge]

You obviously don't understand how Kickstarter works. It's not a retail shop that offers refunds.

My wife runs her own Kickstarters, but I don't get involved. The campaign owner can certainly issue refunds. But I know how credit card disputes over goods promised and not received work, broski!

You may be interested to read about the 2015 Washington state ruling about crowdfunding theft.

There's nothing wrong with a delay. There's something MAJORLY WRONG with someone taking money from numerous people on a promise and then not finding the 5 minutes to write even a small update for a nearly two month period.

[Panther10]

Is there anyway we can contact him directly via a direct email or phone number? Seems like we should at least have that right in the event that this delay keeps up.

[tmntman]

I'm late to the party but can i just buy the book?

That is unknown. In theory and based on what was said in the Kickstarter, the plan was to print enough books for the backers and a minimum number of extras to cover any issues with copies lost in shipment, print errors etc... There would be a few extras, but you probably wouldn't get a chance to buy another.

[utromx]

Is there anyway we can contact him directly via a direct email or phone number? Seems like we should at least have that right in the event that this delay keeps up.

[email protected] That is the email I used when talking to him before the Kickstarter was finished.

[mikezilla2]

So this is unobtainable ?

only Just Found out about this

[tmntman]

So this is unobtainable ?

only Just Found out about this

That has yet to be determined. The plan for the Kick Starter campaign did not include inventory for a wider release. But I suspect that there will be a few people who change their minds about the book by the time it comes out and will be looking to sell a copy. And there was some talk from the person running the campaign that Kevin Eastman may have been buying copies in bulk to sign/sell at conventions as well as rumblings Nickelodeon getting involved, so perhaps it will see a more official release later.

[Spidergreg]

The problem with these kinda book is........... it gets outdated.

http://www.tmnttoys.com/ to the rescue !!!

[TheCanadiandrome]

well anyone who got this book good luck, I wish i'd have scooped it up

[wpugh2424]

well anyone who got this book good luck, I wish i'd have scooped it up

Me too bruhman

[RaphaelinSTL]

New update went out this afternoon ...

Hello everyone. I apologize for the late update. I will address each of your questions and concerns over the weekend directly. As far as he next update, that will come Monday or Tuesday of next week.

I'm not sure if any of you are familiar with Chinese New Year, but it's a massive holiday. It is unlike any national holiday of ours here in the states. China is a huge country by population and has complex travel roads /routes roads due to mountains.

Chinese New year for one is celebrated for weeks to a month (3-6 weeks) by most. The factories usually shut down a few weeks prior to the holiday to allow time for travel. Another thing is that it has no set date. Last year it was celebrated in January and this year it is February. I've attached photos and information about the holiday straight from Google. I've also posted an article that explains the holiday.

I will have an update for everyone Monday or Tuesday since we are on opposite time zones. I will also answer all questions and emails sent this weekend directly by Monday of next week. Trust, the book will be worth the wait.

https://i.warosu.org/data/tg/img/0392/98/1428838367439.jpg

[Toitlefan]

I received that email also. Was the whole Chinese New Year thing supposed to be some kind of excuse why it’s late? I didn’t have a good feeling while reading that. It felt like a distraction although supposedly next week we should get a proper update.

[DonnieLaForge]

It's why he has no new information, he must be using a Chinese factory for part of this. I have experience with this and can tell you it's true. If you have work in the pipeline with a Chinese factory, then for what feels like almost an entire month each year they do literally ALL shut down and there is nobody to answer any inquires whatsoever. Then one day they all magically come to life again as if nothing happened. I think that day is actually going to be tomorrow this year, or soon anyway. They've been shut down for most of February.

Still, that doesn't explain why there was no update in January. If I ran this project I'd be sending an update at LEAST once a month, even if there was no news to report, because the fact that I wasn't dead or running off to the Turks and Caicos with all my Kickstarter money would itself be an update.

[RaphaelinSTL]

Welp ... a full week with no new information. Ugh.

[oldmanwinters]

Welp ... a full week with no new information. Ugh.

I'm a backer of the TMNT Blood Brothers fan film. It often goes dark, information-wise. And it doesn't bother me at all.

[Lordmylar06]

I got an email with a new update this morning:

"Instead of the traditional update, I wanted to email everyone directly. In my last update, I explained about the delay in the shipment, mainly due to the Chinese New Year holiday schedule, which itself is a month long holiday where everything is shut down. The books did not make the sail cut-off date as posted in the last update. This was due to a multitude of issues from shipment scheduling to a packaging issue. Originally I wanted to use a blister packaging, but in the end, it would have delayed the books even further. There was another delay with the molds and transporting them to the manufacturer. Therefore, I made the conscious decision and opted for a foil-like packaging that is often used with trading cards and blind box vinyl. It is still unique. It consists of a simple heat seal and looks amazing.

No one is more upset about the delays than I am. As upset as I am, it does not change the issue at hand. I did not want to give an update without concrete confirmation. I had to personally make sure that there were no further delays before updating you this time. So here it is.

I do have confirmation now that they will be shipped this week. Mailing the books by air is not feasible, the weight of the books and price would cost more than the amount raised. So now it is again a waiting game. However, I ensure you that there will not be any other shipment delays from overseas. Shipment to the US will be 6-7 weeks (roughly two months) after which they will be processed by customs.

The proper unveiling of the book is also finally upon us with the proper packaging. Again, it will be by one of the biggest YouTube vloggers. I will be doing a final review of the extras and the packaging in about three weeks, maybe sooner.

I think I have addressed everything here. However, my contact number is below for anyone who feels the need to reach out. The purpose of the number is for the same purpose of the personal email. I could have done a general update, but I am emailing directly. This is by far my most rigorous project to date. Mainly due to the pressure that I put on myself. There will be a many execs awaiting the book. So I created something that both your and Nickelodeon would be proud of. This book, especially this version will never be available again. I could not be happier with the final project and soon you will appreciate it as well.

Finally, I want to thank you all for your patience and understanding through this situation which will hopefully be resolved soon

Best Regards,"

I'm not including his number, but I did want to share the new information.

[Panther10]

Christ, at this rate we wont see the book until June or July....

[eastlos217]

well i hope you all get it soon. i missed out, but definitely want a copy of it too =/ as soon as someone gets it please post. curious on how it came out.

[DonnieLaForge]

I don't know what to make of the current situation with this. Anybody?

[RaphaelinSTL]

I don't know what to make of the current situation with this. Anybody?

Hell, the last I heard update nearly a month ago ... it's a little obnoxious that we're nearly a full year almost.

Backers, I apologize for the late update. It has been a long week. I did not make it home in time for a proper update with photos. There will be two important updates over the next week or two. This week, I will post an update on spreads and photos that outline the entire book. The following update will be photos of the physical book. I know that everyone is anxious and many may have concerns about the book, but trust it will be worth the wait.

There have hundreds of emails about obtaining a copy or extra copy of the book. There may be less than 40-50 books leftover. Many books have been promised to individuals that helped with the project. The other remaining copies will be made available to current backers and individuals who emailed shortly after the campaign. I want to thank all of you for your patience and understanding. Trust, the final book will be worth the wait. More photos of the spreads are coming this week.

^^^ This was on May 20th.

Who knows if they'll drop this summer, I'm not even holding my breath for this fall either.

[tmntman]

I got an email from Jay last week saying that he should have books in hand in 9-10 days. So hopefully we will see progress shortly.

[wpugh2424]

I really want one of these books ��

[I Crave Pizza No More]

I don't mind the wait, but the poor/often misleading communication has been frustrating. Hopefully the book lives up to its potential.

[DonnieLaForge]

Well, the book pics came out in an update today. Finally! Looking good to me...nice embossed slipcase with NECA 1990 Raph face on the front and shell on the back! Sad to see they are only the samples though...makes me think we could be waiting a lot longer.

[I Crave Pizza No More]

Well, the book pics came out in an update today. Finally! Looking good to me...nice embossed slipcase with NECA 1990 Raph face on the front and shell on the back! Sad to see they are only the samples though...makes me think we could be waiting a lot longer.

If they're samples, then perhaps it means they're ready to do the mass printing. I have no idea how long that sort of thing happens, but I'm hopeful that we'll get these by the end of the summer.

[tmntman]

If they're samples, then perhaps it means they're ready to do the mass printing. I have no idea how long that sort of thing happens, but I'm hopeful that we'll get these by the end of the summer.

My understanding is that the books have been printed. These were samples from that production run which would have been shipped out by a faster method to be used for promotion. (There would be no reason to produce 30 copies if it were only a test print.) So the rest should already be en route. Though it's hard to guess how long it might be before they actually arrive to be processed and shipped.

[easyemoney]

pictures looked good to me, and I even saw my name on the backer page

[Dragnskull]

for anyone interested I ordered 2 of these and have been considering selling one. Not 100% sure if I will or not, but if you missed out shoot me an offer and I'll take it into consideration

[Nortock Diab]

A few pictures from the most recent update:

https://i12.servimg.com/u/f12/19/48/76/20/1ere10.jpg https://i12.servimg.com/u/f12/19/48/76/20/4eme10.jpg https://i12.servimg.com/u/f12/19/48/76/20/int10.jpg

[NAG!!!]

:teek: upload more picture please!!!!!!

[eastlos217]

i wish they showed carded variants too. idk how i feel about the loose pictures =/

[Cyrian]

i wish they showed carded variants too. idk how i feel about the loose pictures =/

And it doesn't look like any accessories either. That was one of the more useful parts of some of the Transformers figure encyclopedias out there. =/

[I Crave Pizza No More]

And it doesn't look like any accessories either. That was one of the more useful parts of some of the Transformers figure encyclopedias out there. =/

That's a good point, and a missed opportunity.

[mikey see]

Is that the full extent of the listing for each figure? If so, that's pretty darn bare-bones. The photos aren't great either.

Maybe someone can convince Mark Bellomo to tackle a TMNT book.

[TheCanadiandrome]

A few pictures from the most recent update:

https://i12.servimg.com/u/f12/19/48/76/20/1ere10.jpg https://i12.servimg.com/u/f12/19/48/76/20/4eme10.jpg https://i12.servimg.com/u/f12/19/48/76/20/int10.jpg

dayum! me like :o

[DonnieLaForge]

And it doesn't look like any accessories either. That was one of the more useful parts of some of the Transformers figure encyclopedias out there. =/

Supposedly there was going to be a section full of packaging. If it's exhaustive, which who knows if it will be (or even if that section made the final cut), the card backs will show accessories. Although often times the actual accessory differed from what was pictured.

[Panther10]

Never thought I'd be on the verge of owning this years SDCC TMNT exclusive before this encyclopedia arrived when it was first announced. And yet, here we are.....

[RaphaelinSTL]

Yeah, this is getting god damn ridiculous.

I'm sure we won't get these till winter at the earliest.

[wpugh2424]

I'm still looking for one of these
Hoping there will be some left over

[cloud]

I'm still looking for one of these
Hoping there will be some left over

Me too. Missed out on the early chances.

[Sabacooza]

Front and back covers look cool but the interior pages look boring. There's too much negative space and it looks incomplete. It's still cool that this is being done though.

[Danakin]

I'm still looking for one of these
Hoping there will be some left over

If I ever get mine I'll most likely be turning around and selling it. This project got progressively worse with each update, not even counting the never ending delays. It's visually uninteresting and empty in design and, most likely, actual content. The vintage line looks to be represented by 1" thumbnail images of each toy. I mean really, dude?

[eastlos217]

If I ever get mine I'll most likely be turning around and selling it. This project got progressively worse with each update, not even counting the never ending delays. It's visually uninteresting and empty in design and, most likely, actual content. The vintage line looks to be represented by 1" thumbnail images of each toy. I mean really, dude?

yea i agree. it sucks that its only one thumbnail image. it would be nice to see the cardback, and variations. especially for the price and long wait.

[Danakin]

Personally, I feel that the vintage line should have been the focus of a book like this. Sure, the newer stuff is neat to have in it (and sure is easier to find photos of, which seems to have been his priority) but I could have done without in exchange for an exhaustive, all inclusive look at the vintage toy line.

[DonnieLaForge]

Check every nook and cranny of your e-mail inboxes, folks. An update went out on an unofficial channel, via MailChimp, NOT from KickStarter, about this book. August 4th, subject: TMNT BOOK KICKSTARTER.

First of all it sounds like Nickelodeon's involvement was more of a "what the heck do you think you're doing, we need to discuss laws" situation than a "wow what a cool book lets throw our support behind it" situation as it was sort of made to sound originally.

The most important update is that now these are apparently being redirected on the water to a Miami port, and as such, the new "arrival date" is late November. I suspect by arrival he does not mean arrival to our homes, but arrival to Miami.

Also important: there is a link to a web form for backers to submit their address for shipping. I presume we all need to find the e-mail and follow the link and do this or we will not receive anything.

The author will be shipping them out one by one manually with the help of some friends and will use this information to link up what he has from the KS DB with the delivery info. Having known people who have run KickStarters it is correct that the sellers need to collect this information, and it is true that sometimes they use a 3rd party backerkit to do so, but this does not look like backerkit. Some people in the comments section of the KS are complaining that this looks shady. I think I understand why.. trying to keep the final part of this more under the radar per settling with Nick to avoid losing the books entirely would be my guess. But I believe it to be legit and will fill it out. But I won't link it here so that you will have to find your own e-mail and make your own decision and not have me to blame.

Anyway, what a ride, and now we are asked to wait 3-4 additional months.

I noticed the e-mail opens up with a picture of the 2019 calendar that is to be included with the book. The very first photo shows a giant typo in the month name "FEBURARY"... d'oh. I hope that is not a sign of typos galore in the book (spoiler alert, it probably is)...

I still think this will be pretty awesome, if we get it. I can even see my photo in the little THANK YOU page pic in the e-mail. Apparently the author had early access to Rise and other figures so there are some new things that made the cut.

[Lordmylar06]

Check every nook and cranny of your e-mail inboxes, folks. An update went out on an unofficial channel, via MailChimp, NOT from KickStarter, about this book. August 4th, subject: TMNT BOOK KICKSTARTER.



I've received no such email.

[I Crave Pizza No More]

I've received no such email.

I'll check again, but I didn't see it, either.

[TheMasterTurtle]

I saw it this morning and it was stuck in my spam. Be sure to check there

[Nortock Diab]

It was in my SPAM too.
I really don't know what to think at this point. I'm not particularly encline in filling this new form...

By the way, I can see my picture too in the "Thank you" double-page.

[cinzel]

I supported this project. At first I thought the delays were normal. Now I think this went very wrong or it was a scam from the start. Does anyone have any information about the status of the project?

[Kujakoo]

I just recieved an email status today from the creator, that mentioned the following...

Backers, let me first start off by saying thank you to everyone who has been patient with the process. It has been a long ride, the longest and bumpiest campaign ever for me. As many of you understand, Kickstarter is not a store and delays can happen. A quick visit to various popular projects and you'll most likely see delays and complaints. in no way shape or form is this an excuse for the delays, but delays can happen and I've delivered before. So hopefully that counts for something. Also, this will not be something that can be bought in stores a year from now. Over 1000 new customer requests and counting will not be able to purchase the book that you will soon have. As stated in my last update, the end of next month and December can't get here fast enough. I've been down this road before where some have lost hope of no books and then "voilà", crates of books arrive. This is not a scam and this project was far from inexpensive. I will update everyone at the end of next month. This update may not please everyone, but once the books arrive, hopefully, each and every one of you will appreciate the books that much more, considering that it will be a rarity with no reprints.

I’m still a believer that we’ll get these books despite the months of silence. “Patiences is a Virtue” someone once told me. :twink:

[RaphaelinSTL]

Yeah, when I texted him sometime at the end of summer or so he was thinking the book was going to be a December 2018 release ... but I guess we'll see. Hopefully this thing ends up being worth the wait.

[Ninjinister]

I honestly forget about this from time to time, like most of the other things I've backed. It'll be a surprise when it's finally out.

[oldmanwinters]

I honestly forget about this from time to time, like most of the other things I've backed. It'll be a surprise when it's finally out.

Heh, I know the feeling, I'm currently awaiting two print magazines, a fan film on DVD, and Andrew's Odyssey! I'm most optimistic about Odyssey being delivered first.

[Panther10]

The longer we wait on this book makes me wonder why Nickelodeon hasn't stepped in on the release schedule and publishing duties themselves? Why are we still dealing with Jay at all? For all intents and purposes, the moment that Mr. Lawrence agreed to sign over the project rights to Nickelodeon since they are the licensor of the TMNT property, then from that point on he should have just said "Okay, sayonara...it's out of my hands now and Nick is now handling all matters regarding this book..I'll sign the check over to them. Done". Instead..it seems like Jay is the one delivering all the news and all of that news is coming through kickstarter. So if it's out of his hands, then what the hell is he even doing here? Where's the peaceful transfer of authority?

Moreover, Nickelodeon has the funds necessary to hand the rights over to any publishing company they want and they can finance as many copies of the TMNT encyclopedia as they want too. IDK...but it seems like the longer we wait the less sense this whole arrangement starts to make. And also just to put it into perspective: If you track how Mr. Lawrence has been handling the release of this book compared to how other companies like Playmates or Bandai or Neca typically conduct themselves when they make an arrangement with Nickelodion, this whole process is a sh!t show. Either Mr. Lawrence is very bad at following instructions (especially in the wake of a cease and disist gag order), or he's a sociopath and this whole thing has been a con job from the beginning. And by making repeated promises on the delivery of this book and failing to deliver each time, we are falling for this con over and over again.

[tmntman]

The longer we wait on this book makes me wonder why Nickelodeon hasn't stepped in on the release schedule and publishing duties themselves? Why are we still dealing with Jay at all? For all intents and purposes, the moment that Mr. Lawrence agreed to sign over the project rights to Nickelodeon since they are the licensor of the TMNT property, then from that point on he should have just said "Okay, sayonara...it's out of my hands now and Nick is now handling all matters regarding this book..I'll sign the check over to them. Done". Instead..it seems like Jay is the one delivering all the news and all of that news is coming through kickstarter. So if it's out of his hands, then what the hell is he even doing here? Where's the peaceful transfer of authority?



You seem to be working off of a lot of information I've never heard of. Where did you get the idea that Nickelodeon has taken over the project?

[Panther10]

You seem to be working off of a lot of information I've never heard of. Where did you get the idea that Nickelodeon has taken over the project?

It was during one of Mr. Lawrences updates this past spring when he made the announcement that Nickelodeon would first be "interested in a copy of the book." But by August that quickly escalated to shipping multiple copies of the book to Nickelodeon's warehouses in Miami where most of the batches will be delivered by them, and only a handful of books will be sent to Mr. Lawrence, along with friends and family. He also claimed that he had to hire an attorney and that he had to keep most of the details quiet.

So if you read between the lines, that says to me that he had some kind of injunction filed against him on behalf of Nick, and thus he was forced to turn over the rights of the books over to the company. Meanwhile, he seems to still somehow would be the mouthpiece for the release of this book, despite the fact that it is now in Nickelodeon's hands. So continued actions regarding this project by Mr. Lawrence would violate the terms of their agreement if such an agreement actually took place. I know he is technically the author in this situation but so far it seems like Nickelodeon has hamstrung him by force out of necessity to protect their trademark. So as it stands right now, as of August 4th, 2018, this project has been out of Mr. Lawrence's hands.

[tmntman]

So if you read between the lines, that says to me that he had some kind of injunction filed against him on behalf of Nick, and thus he was forced to turn over the rights of the books over to the company.

Interesting story. But from what I know, you're very much wrong.

[Dragnskull]

im a backer of the project

He never said nick "took over" the project, he said he wound up in contact with nick and was working "very close" with them (maybe not an exact quote) on the project now.

My guess is the project probably gained enough exposure to show up on nicks radar and they hit him for copyright/licensing fees, hes mentioned that the costs of this project have been extreme and stated it in a way to suggest he possibly even lost money on the end result, which could have easily happened if he had to lawyer up to handle licensing agreements without expecting it.

As for the "turn over rights to the book", we know 100% that didn't happen because he's still manning the helm for the kickstarter.

I've dealt with various forms of investment and project backings and online partnerships and a couple KS campaigns before, and I've been the victim of scams when doing so as well so I'm familiar with these processes and what can happen during them.

Ultimately I think this is not a scam and we will eventually receive a product of some kind.

[DonnieLaForge]

My guess is the project probably gained enough exposure to show up on nicks radar and they hit him for copyright/licensing fees

I doubt they made him pay them anything.

This has happened before in the enamel pin community. A pin maker on Instagram named @primalpins made a set of 4 TMNT pins (produced in a low quantity like 100 each or so) and got enough exposure that Nick (or someone) found out and tried to use them to make an example. @primalpins went radio silent for months leading everyone who preordered to start screaming "scam!" and demanding their money back. Eventually they gave an update that there was a settlement, the terms of which were that they were allowed to honor their preorders, and I forget but I think also they were allowed to sell their remaining inventory, but they could not openly market/promote the product and they could not make any more. It was not stated there were any payments made as part of the settlement but I suppose that is possible. But I think Nick probably took the lighter handed approach to fan projects, meaning "we appreciate your passion but don't do it again and don't confuse the marketplace". I would bet the financial hit was purely cost of lawyering up after the initial cease and desist scare. And...the pins indeed shipped. Even to people who had gotten refunds for their preorders via CC/PayPal disputes.

I believe the exact same thing is happening with these books.

[tmntman]

DonnieLaForge is pretty close to what I've heard/know. I'm pretty sure Nickelodeon knew of the project to start with though in this case. But they ended up coming back and wanting changes to clarify that this is a fan project and not an official release. Unfortunately they decided that they wanted this change after the books were produced.

[cinzel]

Promised an update in late November, it's mid-December and we still are in the dark...

[I Crave Pizza No More]

Promised an update in late November, it's mid-December and we still are in the dark...

Saw this thread bumped and got my hopes up. I was just thinking about this yesterday, in fact, since when I had originally ordered it, it was with the intention of giving it as a gift.

[RaphaelinSTL]

Yeah, not sure what the hell is going on with this now. Texted Jay a week ago and totally ignored my message ... not that I should be surprised as it seems like he goes dark a lot. Either way, very disappointing this won't be in our hands for a second holiday season now.

[cinzel]

DonnieLaForge is pretty close to what I've heard/know. I'm pretty sure Nickelodeon knew of the project to start with though in this case. But they ended up coming back and wanting changes to clarify that this is a fan project and not an official release. Unfortunately they decided that they wanted this change after the books were produced.
I'm sorry to bother but have to ask if you had any contact with Jay lately and if you know anything about the current state of the book? We're waiting for an update for a long time now :s

[Meow]

Does anyone know would there be any chance to get one of these besides Kickstarter? In case those aren't for what fans are recently concerned about of course.

[Lordmylar06]

Does anyone know would there be any chance to get one of these besides Kickstarter? In case those aren't for what fans are recently concerned about of course.

You can't get one of what doesn't exist. So probably not.

[The Deadman]

So did this turn out to be one of those "take the money and run" type deals?

[RaphaelinSTL]

So did this turn out to be one of those "take the money and run" type deals?

Man, I would like to think not ... but who knows at this point. Jay's been ghosting any texts I've sent and it looks like the last time he even logged in to Kickstarter was almost three months ago in October. Apparently there was a huge delay for his Air Jordan encyclopedia book too (https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/139596288/created) ... but still, enough time has passed now for some answers and updates.

[fellowcello]

I think it will eventually show up. But I don't even think I'll care when it does. Hype/excitement aside, I still expect a ton of typos and oversights just judging from the teases and Jay's communication.

[I Crave Pizza No More]

I think it will eventually show up. But I don't even think I'll care when it does. Hype/excitement aside, I still expect a ton of typos and oversights just judging from the teases and Jay's communication.

I share your concern about the typos, but always figured I'd be getting the book for the pictures more than anything.

[IRMacGuyver]

So is there any official word why it was canceled?

[Cyrian]

I'm just amazed that no one had already done this book. There are ones just like it for other toy lines like Transformers or GI Joe or Starwars. And they all did great jobs without kickstarter. I don't get how it's never happened for TMNT, unless Nickelodeon stomped down on them before they even started.

[mikey0]

I'm just amazed that no one had already done this book. There are ones just like it for other toy lines like Transformers or GI Joe or Starwars. And they all did great jobs without kickstarter. I don't get how it's never happened for TMNT, unless Nickelodeon stomped down on them before they even started.

The 1977 Kenner Star Wars, 1982 Hasbro G.I. Joe, and even 1984 Hasbro Transformers lines were all iconic action figure lines based off of smash hit movies, cartoons, and best-selling toys from the years before. Each one of those lines resonate with adult collectors and vintage toy sellers. Properties like The Real Ghostbusters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers all had successful lines one to three years after programs for them premiered on television. The Jim Henson live-action movie was responsible for bringing the original Playmates toys from number three on the most wanted toys for Christmas in 1989 to number one in 1990; not the cartoon.

I, like most toy fans, would much rather see a Masters of the Universe Action Figure Encyclopedia than a TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia. And I think it’s safe to say there won’t be a ‘Wicked Sweet 90s Toys’ book by Mark Bellomo in the future either. 90s collectibles do not click with true action figure or pop culture lovers the way that trinkets from the 80s do. While we were living in the ‘90s, it seemed like every toy maker was going overboard with bulky, cartoony, muscular, extremely detailed, colorful, slightly poseable and gimmicky action figures in new and old lines. I think adult toy collectors missed the simplicity of the lines made in the 60s, 70s, and 80s in the 1990s.

Besides, I have not ever met a TMNT fan or adult toy collector of all different kinds of sets that had that much of an affinity for the first Turtles line in general. Though, The Toy Scavanger from the UK has produced a VHS Toy Flash Back Pin Giftset for anyone interested. It’s here: https://www.thetoyscavenger.com/vhs-toy-flash-back-pin-giftset-volume-1--vintage-turtle-action-figures-4154-p.asp

I imagine The Ultimate Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figure Encyclopedia would be akin to a Batman Action Figure Encyclopedia. There were so many renditions of the Turtles that some people asked for and others didn’t.

[The Deadman]

I'm just amazed that no one had already done this book. There are ones just like it for other toy lines like Transformers or GI Joe or Starwars. And they all did great jobs without kickstarter. I don't get how it's never happened for TMNT, unless Nickelodeon stomped down on them before they even started.

There's this
https://www.amazon.com/Official-Teenage-Mutant-Turtles-Treasury/dp/0679734848/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547431444&sr=8-1&keywords=tmnt+encyclopedia

[Cyrian]

The 1977 Kenner Star Wars, 1982 Hasbro G.I. Joe, and even 1984 Hasbro Transformers lines were all iconic action figure lines based off of smash hit movies, cartoons, and best-selling toys from the years before. Each one of those lines resonate with adult collectors and vintage toy sellers. Properties like The Real Ghostbusters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers all had successful lines one to three years after programs for them premiered on television. The Jim Henson live-action movie was responsible for bringing the original Playmates toys from number three on the most wanted toys for Christmas in 1989 to number one in 1990; not the cartoon.

I, like most toy fans, would much rather see a Masters of the Universe Action Figure Encyclopedia than a TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia. And I think it’s safe to say there won’t be a ‘Wicked Sweet 90s Toys’ book by Mark Bellomo in the future either. 90s collectibles do not click with true action figure or pop culture lovers the way that trinkets from the 80s do. While we were living in the ‘90s, it seemed like every toy maker was going overboard with bulky, cartoony, muscular, extremely detailed, colorful, slightly poseable and gimmicky action figures in new and old lines. I think adult toy collectors missed the simplicity of the lines made in the 60s, 70s, and 80s in the 1990s.

Besides, I have not ever met a TMNT fan or adult toy collector of all different kinds of sets that had that much of an affinity for the first Turtles line in general. Though, The Toy Scavanger from the UK has produced a VHS Toy Flash Back Pin Giftset for anyone interested. It’s here: https://www.thetoyscavenger.com/vhs-toy-flash-back-pin-giftset-volume-1--vintage-turtle-action-figures-4154-p.asp

I imagine The Ultimate Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figure Encyclopedia would be akin to a Batman Action Figure Encyclopedia. There were so many renditions of the Turtles that some people asked for and others didn’t.

:lol: :roll:

[Cyrian]

There's this
https://www.amazon.com/Official-Teenage-Mutant-Turtles-Treasury/dp/0679734848/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547431444&sr=8-1&keywords=tmnt+encyclopedia

Ooohhhh that's good, thanks!

[mikey0]

There's this
https://www.amazon.com/Official-Teenage-Mutant-Turtles-Treasury/dp/0679734848/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547431444&sr=8-1&keywords=tmnt+encyclopedia

The Treasury was good for its’ time, but it is a retro item now. There are black and white pictures of rare items from the late ‘80s and very early ‘90s in the Treasury, but I think you’ll like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Collectibles by Matt MacNabb and Robert Barbieri better. It’s a pickle to find images from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Collectibles book online outside of the two pages featured on the CollectorBookStore website though.

[DonnieLaForge]

Besides, I have not ever met a TMNT fan or adult toy collector of all different kinds of sets that had that much of an affinity for the first Turtles line in general.

You appear to be from the UK.
You also sound like you are probably 5-10 years older than me, or more.
You really need to understand that age has everything to do with what adults later have affinity for.
You also need to understand where you are at. You are on a forum likely mostly populated by people in the US, likely mostly adult collectors with an affinity for the first Turtles line.
Everything you've been saying lately in this thread and the other thread sounds like you came here to crap on everyone else's favorite hobby and reminisce about your own age group's favorite toys instead -- for that let me direct you over to he-man.org.
Maybe open up Instagram and discover there is a huge following of the original line right now, with people collecting the entire run, and with all of the mid 90's figures you loathe commanding much of the attention (because the earlier ones are so easy to get).
You appear to be VERY out of touch with the huge, huge nostalgia for TMNT in the US right now.
And when you say things like "the movie was responsible, not the cartoon" ... you sound pretty self-important. All this stuff works together. I can promise you, I loved the toon before the movie -- and then I loved the movie -- which made me love the toon more -- which made me love the movie more -- all of which made me love the toys more. TMNT fever mounted, rose, and subsided like all other fevers, and for those of us that had that fever, the original line is pretty much *our* definition of toys and action figures. In my opinion those lines you hold such high regard for are pretty boring compared to the turtles as far as toys go!

Now about this book....I have a lot of patience but I feel like I am coming near my breaking point. Not that I can do anything about it. But it's seriously time for this to show up at my door....

[mikey0]

You appear to be from the UK.
You also sound like you are probably 5-10 years older than me, or more.
You really need to understand that age has everything to do with what adults later have affinity for.
You also need to understand where you are at. You are on a forum likely mostly populated by people in the US, likely mostly adult collectors with an affinity for the first Turtles line.
Everything you've been saying lately in this thread and the other thread sounds like you came here to crap on everyone else's favorite hobby and reminisce about your own age group's favorite toys instead -- for that let me direct you over to he-man.org.
Maybe open up Instagram and discover there is a huge following of the original line right now, with people collecting the entire run, and with all of the mid 90's figures you loathe commanding much of the attention (because the earlier ones are so easy to get).
You appear to be VERY out of touch with the huge, huge nostalgia for TMNT in the US right now.
And when you say things like "the movie was responsible, not the cartoon" ... you sound pretty self-important. All this stuff works together. I can promise you, I loved the toon before the movie -- and then I loved the movie -- which made me love the toon more -- which made me love the movie more -- all of which made me love the toys more. TMNT fever mounted, rose, and subsided like all other fevers, and for those of us that had that fever, the original line is pretty much *our* definition of toys and action figures. In my opinion those lines you hold such high regard for are pretty boring compared to the turtles as far as toys go!

Now about this book....I have a lot of patience but I feel like I am coming near my breaking point. Not that I can do anything about it. But it's seriously time for this to show up at my door....

The basic figure template pretty much stayed the same for the 1977 Kenner Star Wars line, 1981 Mattel Masters of the Universe line, and 1982 Hasbro G.I. Joe line. That is a big part of what makes them so collectible to completists and non-completists of all ages. They’re action figure lines!

I do not mean to cause any discomfort to TMNT fans on here. It’s just that the original 1988 Playmates line was all over the place like the LEGO line has gotten to be in recent times. There were so many turtles variants in the 1988 line that children of the late 80s and 90s who loved the cartoon forgot about the multitude of toys targeted to them after a while and moved on completely. The mid and late ‘90s toys are better than anything on the market today, but ironically enough, they do not hold a candle to the mass produced toys of the 1988 Playmates line. I deeply apologize for this, but it made no sense whatsoever for there to be a Pizza Thrower and Pizza Tossin’ Turtles when the Fred Wolf, Archie Comics, and live-action movie turtles all enjoyed eating pizza. And since when did the turtles have time to dream of themselves as Warriors of the Forgotten Sewer, Star Trek characters, and Universal Monsters?!

The year 1990 is best remembered by pop culture fans for the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film being the highest-grossing independent film at the time and ninth-highest-grossing film worldwide; not Fred Wolf Films winning the best cartoon category for the 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards from that year. The front cover to the 1990 Consumer Guide Turtle Power Unauthorized History Collectible Book and back cover to the 1991 The Official Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Treasury both give away how important the Jim Henson flick was to Turtles fans in the very early 1990s. In 1990, most consumers wanted the characters featured in the first live-action film and not Bebop, Rocksteady, or Genghis Frog. I guess you had to be there to know what I’m talking about. A large number of 1987 TMNT cartoon fans then had the whole set of characters from the syndicated animated series by mid 1990 (tops) to late ‘91.

The 1988 Playmates line is a cute and fun toy line to female and male toy buyers. The ‘88 line suffered from what the 1982 Hasbro G.I. Joe and 1984 Hasbro G1 Transformers lines before it did. All lines spanned into the 1990s!!! Each one of them ended in the 1990s. I must say the 1986 Kenner The Real Ghostbusters line cleaned up quite nicely before the line was cancelled in 1991. I wish the 1988 Playmates Turtles line had wrapped up in 1992 or 1993. It seriously went on for too long. I mean, come on, Stretch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?! In 1997?! One to two years after new releases for 1993 CAP Toys Stretch Armstrong were in stores?!

The original Playmates toys are great to act out scenes from the toons, comics, and movies with for almost an hour. Sadly, none of those toys, vehicles, and playsets have the play value of the 1983 Kenner Star Wars Return of the Jedi Ewok Village, 1985 Hasbro G.I. Joe USS Flagg Aircraft Carrier, 1986 Mattel MOTU Eternia Playset, or 1987 Hasbro G1 Transformers Fortress Maximus. Everything I mentioned in the last sentence made one time toy-obsessed children into the adult collectors of today. It’s really a shame that Playmates Toys never included the part of the sewer that the Technodrome was located in to go with their 1990 Technodrome playset. When a Mega Bloks Technodrome Set from 2016 is more spacious and in scale than the original 1990 playset from the 1988 toy line, you know you’re in trouble!

Getting back on subject, it would be nice to see a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figure Encyclopedia for the 1988 to early 1991 Playmates toys. It’s cool that an encyclopedia is being made for the fans, but there should be one for picky toy collectors and sellers also. If my ideal encyclopedia did well, then others for the fall 1991 to early ‘94 and late 1994 to 1997 selections could be made. There are currently several unofficial TMNT collectors guides for the 1988 to 1990 collection and one for the 1991 to 1993 sets from the UK. None of them are eye grabbing like Mark Bellomo’s G1 Transformers Identification and Price Guide, The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Transformers Action Figures, and Totally Tubular 80s Toys books though. As of right now, The Virtual Ninja Turtles Museum is still the best place to get information on the original 1988 Playmates TMNT toy line.

Despite all of this huge nostalgia for all things Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles you speak of, passion for the original 1988 line does not appear to be anywhere. I think the original 1988 Playmates line is too messy to measure up to those action figure lines that are all boring to you. The 1988 Playmates TMNT line is not only the messiest toy line of the 1990s, but of all time thus far!!!! Seriously, the 2k3 Playmates line and 2012 Playmates lines stack up better than the first Playmates line from 1988. There were regular and giant sized Troll Turtles, for crying out loud!!! Troll Turtles!

[I Crave Pizza No More]

There were regular and giant sized Troll Turtles, for crying out loud!!! Troll Turtles!

You take that back! I love those trolls! :trazz: (no, seriously, they're sitting on a little ledge in my basement)

[mikey0]

You take that back! I love those trolls! :trazz: (no, seriously, they're sitting on a little ledge in my basement)

The 13’’ Giant Trolls TMNT are a bit scary, but I’m sure the 6 1/8 Inches Troll Turtles in 1988 toy colors in the Classic Collection would sell better than the 1991 to 1993 variant reissues did in 2016. The re-released Turtle Troll weapons being the same color as the ones for the first wave turtles from 1988 would be an excellent bonus for TMNT fans and adult collectors who grew up in the mid ‘90s.

[Roseangelo]

Not sure of the ages of the people make the recent comments, but unless you lived it, it's hard to express what the TMNT phenomenon was like in the early 90s. All those crazy figures you have no nostalgia for exist because Playmates couldn't come up with new toys fast enough. TMNT was literally a whole aisle at TRU and it was all constantly selling out.

At the same time, you have Mirage and Playmates. Mirage has no experience licensing game and while Playmates had had moderate success with some other toy lines, it was nothing like this. So Mirage funneled toy ideas to Playmates and a lot of wacky stuff got made. And there was never a coherent strategy behind what got made, just "more, more, more."

Playmates also acquired the license for Star Trek, so they combined the two.

Trolls were also a huge fad, so they combined the two.

They are silly, but that's how the 90s were.

[mikey0]

The 1988 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy line is one of the longest running toy lines for boys in any time period. The advent of children’s programming block known to children of the 1990s as Fox Kids and the action figure lines that went with the shows on there were to the 1990s what 30 minute toy commercials and their respective toy lines were to the 1980s though. The Turtles could not be the best-selling toys during holiday seasons for every year of the 1990s. Even while we were in the early 90s, some adults saw the Turtles as an “80s thing”. It was time to move on towards the future before 1999 or so. The Playmates Turtles line was stuck in 1988 when action figures like the ones for The Real Ghostbusters, Battle Beasts, Super Naturals, and Silverhawks were all last acceptable as popular toys. Late 1988 to 1999 was the gaming age, so it was only a matter of time before digital toys like the 1991 Super Nintendo Entertainment System, 1992 Tiger Electronics Home Alone 2 TalkBoy, and 1996 Bandai Tamagotchi took over completely.

The original Playmates toy line seemed to evolve quite rapidly in the 1990s also. I’m with Original TMNT Cartoon Fan on this, toy buyers should have gotten more Archie Adventures comic book secondary characters from 1992 to 1997 instead of Troll Turtles, Dino Turtles, and Stretch TMNT toys. The Archie Adventures comic book influence on the original line should have been heavier when the 1990 CBS Saturday morning Fred Wolf series did not take off. But, because that never happened, toy lovers are restricted to two areas with the first toy line, take the whole 1988 toy line as it is or revisit the original toy line up to a point. I imagine it’s difficult for there to be a Star Wars Vintage Action Figures A Guide for Collectors, The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Star Wars Action Figures, or Plastic Crack A Beginners Guide To Vintage Star Wars Collecting book for TMNT toys. The Turtles were not ever really on anyone’s radar long enough to reach Kenner Original Star Wars, Mattel Original Masters of the Universe, or Hasbro G1 Transformers levels of dedication from fans and ordinary people. Most die hard pop culture fans and shellheads alike would much rather watch deleted scenes to the 1990 Jim Henson flick than go through an entire hardcover book for all things TMNT. I apologize deeply for this, but Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is not Star Wars, Barbie, G.I. Joe, or Transformers.

The creators of the TMNT lucked out because the ‘80s into the 1990s was the spoof age. Elderly adults were already taking jabs at the writer of the 1984 Mirage Comics comic book in the very late ‘80s and early 1990s. Turtlemania was a short lived craze in the US. The hype was not there for Secret of the Ooze in 1991 like it was for Empire Strikes Back in 1980. The Turtles were at one time America’s favorite wisecrackers in ‘89 and ‘90, but there was nothing to hold people’s interest in them past those years. At the time, some people thought of the turtles as actual superheroes and not spoofs of superheroes. Believe it or not, there are comic book stores that do not have copies from any comic book series for the Turtles. I’m sure some sellers are still asking who was the intended audience for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles products all these years later.

[DonnieLaForge]

I apologize deeply for this, but Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is not Star Wars, Barbie, G.I. Joe, or Transformers.

You forgot to praise He-Man again.
But the point you are missing is that it doesn't have to be. Few things are Star Wars or Barbie. For a time, TMNT came close enough as to be what mattered most to a generation of boys (with apparently much better imaginations than you can imagine, as I played for much more than "an hour" and didn't even have the playset)... Now what nonsense is all this about tearing down this book? The world is big enough for all books, man. Let people live.

[mikey0]

You forgot to praise He-Man again.
But the point you are missing is that it doesn't have to be. Few things are Star Wars or Barbie. For a time, TMNT came close enough as to be what mattered most to a generation of boys (with apparently much better imaginations than you can imagine, as I played for much more than "an hour" and didn't even have the playset)... Now what nonsense is all this about tearing down this book? The world is big enough for all books, man. Let people live.

To shellheads, the Turtles are, in fact, Barbie and Star Wars. Non-shellheads do not see what elevates the Turtles to being something so memorable that TMNT fans have such dedication, investment, and love for this spoof of
short-running Marvel and DC Comics superheroes, of which not many ordinary consumers are familiar with at all. As you mentioned in this post I’m responding to, the Turtles toys only came close to be significant to a generation of boys for a time. The Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System held the interests of that generation of boys much longer than even one Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy in that era. In the very early 1990s, TMNT toys were going fast in stores, but mainly for display value and nothing else. The 1990s, to this day, are best remembered as the time of Nintendo. Whether you look back to the 1990s for the inventions first sold in the decade or the activities people regularly did in them, Nintendo is going to come up one way or another. That is not always the case for the Turtles, despite having the ninth highest grossing movie of 1990.

Does that mean there should be a The NES Encyclopedia (Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System) and not a TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia? No, of course not. The NES Encyclopedia will be far more elusive though and not library reference book material like the TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia. As exciting as it would be to glance inside of the TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia, the awe would wear off rather quickly after a while. As I’m sure you have discovered, each different renditions of the Turtles speak to different generations of individuals. Not all versions of the Turtles appeal to casual toy and comic book buyers like they do to shellheads. And I’m sorry to say this, but a long withstanding passion is just not there for any one of the Turtles toy lines like it is for Barbie, Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Nintendo, or even Masters of the Universe. Before you know it, the TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia will be up for bid or sale online because none of the Turtles toys made from 1988 to 2017 help to stimulate the imagination of anyone but shellheads.

The Turtles were a one year phenomenon, whereas gaming, hunting down Star Wars collectibles, and owning Barbie merchandise are not. It’s as simple as that. The Jim Henson movie hit one year after the year of the cartoon, so the franchise was still standing tall. TMNT toys are “90s” to Baby Boomers who were parents and store clerks in the 1990s, but “80s” to children and teenagers of the early 1990s looking to get away from ‘the 80s side to the 90s’ and move towards the future. I believe that is another problem with the original toy line, sellers do not know which party to group them with. Were they 80s action figures or 90s action figures? The original Playmates line went on for too long.

[TheMasterTurtle]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but I’m really failing to understand what purpose it serves for you to come here and try to prove that TMNT is lesser than all the franchises you prefer. The people here are here because they love tmnt. Not sure why you’re here other than boredom. Let’s assume one of your arguments are valid, you’re not in the right place to make said arguments. I’m a fan of a non tmnt franchise that barely anyone cares about or remembers but I don’t care that it doesn’t hold a candle to other 80s properties. Why should you care why all these people love tmnt and try to justify your preferences being better.

Just an FYI, tmnt was not a one year success story. That’s just being ignorant

[mikey0]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but I’m really failing to understand what purpose it serves for you to come here and try to prove that TMNT is lesser than all the franchises you prefer. The people here are here because they love tmnt. Not sure why you’re here other than boredom. Let’s assume one of your arguments are valid, you’re not in the right place to make said arguments. I’m a fan of a non tmnt franchise that barely anyone cares about or remembers but I don’t care that it doesn’t hold a candle to other 80s properties. Why should you care why all these people love tmnt and try to justify your preferences being better.

Just an FYI, tmnt was not a one year success story. That’s just being ignorant

Try to prove?! The Turtles have missed the National Toy Hall of Fame quite a few times already. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were not even in the first or second seasons of Netflix’s The Toys That Made Us at all. Let me reiterate that. One of the longest running toy lines not in a recent web series on America's greatest toy franchises…Yet, I’m the only person who believes TMNT is lesser than the franchises that came before it?!

I like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles also, but everything from the original Playmates toy line to the 2017 2k12 Playmates line is a character toy, not an action figure!

Although the Turtles were on Christmas lists from 1989 to 1993, the character toys by Playmates Toys were never as big as they were in 1990. The novelty of the Turtles wore off with The Coming Out of Their Shells broadway show and the second movie, Secret of the Ooze. Despite the 1987 Fred Wolf cartoon gaining all of the attention it did in 1989, only one award went to Murakami Wolf Swenson in 1990 (Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Cartoon).

I’m sincerely apologetic for my posts and for any offence that was taken.

While the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are best known for the 1987 syndicated cartoon series, many fans and non-fans alike see the 1990 Jim Henson turtles as the definitive turtles. The Turtles were, in fact, a one year success story because the 1990 movie sold the toys better than either one of the Fred Wolf cartoons. The Turtles are more of ‘a 1990 thing’ than 80s and 90s lovers would have you to believe. And that is a fact.

[TheMasterTurtle]

Try to prove?! The Turtles have missed the National Toy Hall of Fame quite a few times already. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were not even in the first or second seasons of Netflix’s The Toys That Made Us at all. Let me reiterate that. One of the longest running toy lines not in a recent web series on America's greatest toy franchises…Yet, I’m the only person who believes TMNT is lesser than the franchises that came before it?!

I like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles also, but everything from the original Playmates toy line to the 2017 2k12 Playmates line is a character toy, not an action figure!

Although the Turtles were on Christmas lists from 1989 to 1993, the character toys by Playmates Toys were never as big as they were in 1990. The novelty of the Turtles wore off with The Coming Out of Their Shells broadway show and the second movie, Secret of the Ooze. Despite the 1987 Fred Wolf cartoon gaining all of the attention it did in 1989, only one award went to Murakami Wolf Swenson in 1990 (Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Cartoon).

I’m sincerely apologetic for my posts and for any offence that was taken.

While the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are best known for the 1987 syndicated cartoon series, many fans and non-fans alike see the 1990 Jim Henson turtles as the definitive turtles. The Turtles were, in fact, a one year success story because the 1990 movie sold the toys better than either one of the Fred Wolf cartoons. The Turtles are more of ‘a 1990 thing’ than 80s and 90s lovers would have you to believe. And that is a fact.

Opinion... you know what else everyone has?

Im not offended. I barely come here anymore. It just boggles my mind that you are trying to justify your preferences of other toy lines over TMNT on a TMNT forum. Its laughable. Seems like an immense waste of time. Waste away sir, waste away.

[cinzel]

...And that is a fact.
So just prove it. Show evidences, numbers, articles, documentos. Show whatever can sustain what you are saying. Without it, it's just your opinion. And opinions are not facts.

[mikey0]

So just prove it. Show evidences, numbers, articles, documentos. Show whatever can sustain what you are saying. Without it, it's just your opinion. And opinions are not facts.

The Australian 60 Minutes episode on Turtlmania from 1990: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-Cs0rPk2aE

Most Popular Christmas Toys Since 1983 Business Insider article: https://www.businessinsider.com/popular-christmas-toys-2016-12?r=UK&IR=T

Los Angeles Times Report on the Falling Toy Sales in 1991: http://articles.latimes.com/1991-12-23/business/fi-809_1_toy-manufacturers

As TheMasterTurtle brought up, this may not be the best forum to post this information on. I’m listing my sources anyway because it seems there are a handful of shellheads on here who are in serious denial of the facts complained of.

[TheMasterTurtle]

I think what it comes Down to is you seem to be the only one who cares.

We don’t need Turtles to be Star Wars, joes, etc. it’s Turtles and that how we like it. We don’t like it because of how it performed against other brands/ shows. We like it because we like it. Because it’s nostalgic.

It’s not that it “may” not be the right forum, it’s not. We are just here to eat pizza and have radical turtle talk.

Cowagunga!

[mikey0]

I think what it comes Down to is you seem to be the only one who cares.

We don’t need Turtles to be Star Wars, joes, etc. it’s Turtles and that how we like it. We don’t like it because of how it performed against other brands/ shows. We like it because we like it. Because it’s nostalgic.

It’s not that it “may” not be the right forum, it’s not. We are just here to eat pizza and have radical turtle talk.

Cowagunga!

I’m still sticking to the belief that the TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia should have had a cover similar to the one used for Rank & File A Guide to 4’’ G.I. Joe Figures Vol 1.1 for the 25th Anniversary and Resolute lines by James M. Kavanaugh Jr. and not a look similar to Star Wars The Ultimate Action Figure Collection by Stephen J Sansweet that was published in November of 2012.

In the meantime, I’ll be looking at Collecting TMNT Action Figures 1988-1990 from DaddaRuleKonge in Norway. The information in that PDF book may not have been factually correct, but I like the page layout and images he used over everything I saw for the TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia on Kickstarter.

Jay Lawrence, the creator of the TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia, should have enlisted the help of Chris Nielsen (TMNT Action Figures Reference Guide), Christopher Lee (The Beast is Back), WarriorPins on Instagram, and The Toy Scavenger in the UK for this book.

[funatic]

In the meantime, I’ll be looking at Collecting TMNT Action Figures 1988-1990 from DaddaRuleKonge in Norway.

Have a link?

[mikey0]

Have a link?

You can download the 2014 e-book for free here: https://daddarulekonge.itch.io/collecting-tmnt-action-figures-1988-1990

It’s shame DaddaRuleKonge has not gotten around to releasing a Collecting TMNT Figures 1991-1992 book and e-book yet. I would have loved to have seen that.

[TatooineSandworm]

The Australian 60 Minutes episode on Turtlmania from 1990: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-Cs0rPk2aE

Most Popular Christmas Toys Since 1983 Business Insider article: https://www.businessinsider.com/popular-christmas-toys-2016-12?r=UK&IR=T

Los Angeles Times Report on the Falling Toy Sales in 1991: http://articles.latimes.com/1991-12-23/business/fi-809_1_toy-manufacturers

As TheMasterTurtle brought up, this may not be the best forum to post this information on. I’m listing my sources anyway because it seems there are a handful of shellheads on here who are in serious denial of the facts complained of.

Holy cow man. Did you actually read the sources you cited?

From the LA Times article:
a whopping total of about $1.1 billion at retail over the past four years

"We recognize that nothing goes on forever," said Richard Sallis, Playmates Toys' president. "But we're entering our fifth year, and if you get to five years, there's probably no reason you can't grow to 10. The trick is in managing it."

The total is enough to make the Turtles, in just four years, one of the three top-selling toy figures ever, along with G.I. Joe and the "Star Wars" characters.

But any obituaries for the Turtles are decidedly premature. Despite their cooling, analysts still expect Turtle merchandise sales to reach at least $200 million next year--down from $300 million in 1991--and to remain the top-selling character toy among boys, just as they have been for the past two years.

"Turtles can still have a 50% decline in sales next year and be twice as large as anything out there," noted John Taylor, a toy analyst for L. H. Alton, a San Francisco brokerage. "The growth may be gone, but this thing has a long way to run."

I could add a bunch of my own thoughts, but your own sources are doing enough on their own to discredit your points - so I will just let them stand.

For your next trick are you going to go on a Barbie website and criticize the members there because they play with "fashion dolls" and not "action figures"? Talk about not being able to read the room - let alone a url.

[mikey0]

Holy cow man. Did you actually read the sources you cited?

Yes I did. Each one of the sources I listed proved my point quite well. I apologize for striking a chord with my posts in this thread. That was never my intent and I’m deeply sorry for having you feel this way.

I could add a bunch of my own thoughts, but your own sources are doing enough on their own to discredit your points - so I will just let them stand.

For your next trick are you going to go on a Barbie website and criticize the members there because they play with "fashion dolls" and not "action figures"? Talk about not being able to read the room - let alone a url.

How was I not able to read the room or my url? :-?

It’s well known fact to Barbie fans and all owners of Barbie dolls that they are fashion dolls. That is not the case with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys. Not every wave of the 1988 Playmates Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line consisted of articulated mannequin-like toys of the turtles, their allies, and foes. Compare the 1995 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ninja Shooters and 1997 Stretch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [and Shredder] to a 1964 Hasbro G.I. Joe Action Soldier and you will see what I’m talking about. The 1992 Sewer Spitting Turtles, 1992 Movie Star Turtles, and 1992 Bodacious Birthday Turtles sub-lines all lack the traditional masculine traits directed at boys also. As a result of this, most adult action figure collectors tend to forget about those toys. Sellers, on the other hand, know carded 1992 Movie Star Turtles toys go for a lot on the black market.

Once again, I apologize if I upset anyone on this board.

[DonnieLaForge]

The 1992 Sewer Spitting Turtles, 1992 Movie Star Turtles, and 1992 Bodacious Birthday Turtles sub-lines all lack the traditional masculine traits directed at boys also.

LOL...he basically called these figures the G word... Man, he can really spout nonsense faster than anyone can respond to it all! Wonder if he has considered a career as a Russian troll?

[mikey0]

LOL...he basically called these figures the G word... Man, he can really spout nonsense faster than anyone can respond to it all! Wonder if he has considered a career as a Russian troll?

My apologizes to you, but the 1992 Sewer Spitting Turtles, 1992 Movie Star Turtles, and 1992 Bodacious Birthday Turtles are not what comes to mind for many people when someone says Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And there are adult toy collectors and sellers that do not want to know that the Sewer Spitting and Bodacious Birthday Turtles exist either.

[Cyrian]

My apologizes to you, but the 1992 Sewer Spitting Turtles, 1992 Movie Star Turtles, and 1992 Bodacious Birthday Turtles are not what comes to mind for many people when someone says Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And there are adult toy collectors and sellers that do not want to know that the Sewer Spitting and Bodacious Birthday Turtles exist either.

..........

[Ninjinister]

So is there any official word why it was canceled?

It... wasn't? Granted it's been eons since the last update, but it's never been deemed dead, either.

[mikey0]

..........

Can we please stay on topic?

[DonnieLaForge]

Can we please stay on topic?

Yeah, let's get back to the original topic of whether mikey0 likes Space Cadet Raph or not (SPOILER: he doesn't). That's what every post in every topic should ultimately be about! :lol:

We honestly don't really know how good or bad this book is going to be. We backed it because it looked like a fun compilation of info, and I don't know why you keep insinuating it doesn't pay tribute to all lines, because I'm pretty sure it does. Not just the original run, but the 2K3 series, and everything else up until publication as well. It's not meant to be a pricing guide or a definitive archive of packaging photos, although supposedly they tried to get as many as they could from members of the community. IMO it was meant to be a coffee table tribute to TMNT collectibles from the beginning through 2018, that is what I paid for anyway. Hope it shows up before I die.

[I Crave Pizza No More]

Hope it shows up before I die.

+1 :tgrin:

[mikey0]

We honestly don't really know how good or bad this book is going to be. We backed it because it looked like a fun compilation of info, and I don't know why you keep insinuating it doesn't pay tribute to all lines, because I'm pretty sure it does. Not just the original run, but the 2K3 series, and everything else up until publication as well. It's not meant to be a pricing guide or a definitive archive of packaging photos, although supposedly they tried to get as many as they could from members of the community. IMO it was meant to be a coffee table tribute to TMNT collectibles from the beginning through 2018, that is what I paid for anyway. Hope it shows up before I die.

The TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia does not pay tribute to the original 1988 Playmates toy line in the way it that could, but that is not what the authors were going for by making this encyclopedia. My dream of there being an Official Ultimate Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Retro Action Figure and Memorabilia Collectors Guide that is a notch above the Visionaries Collectors Guide and the guides released by author Mark Bellomo for vintage Kenner Star Wars, Hasbro G.I. Joe A Real American Hero, and G1 Transformers is just that, a dream. It would take too much time to make this dream Official Ultimate TMNT Retro Action Figure and Memorabilia Collectors Guide of mine. For that reason alone, it will not ever exist.

The TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia is perfect for what it supposed to be to most of the general US population - a resource book of TMNT toys sold from mid 1988 to sometime in 2017.

I hope more copies of the TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia are published and delivered to everyone who wants one, also.

[cinzel]

The TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia does not pay tribute to the original 1988 Playmates toy line in the way it that could

It doesn't pay tribute to anything. There is no TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia and I don't know if there will ever be. Sigh

[mikey0]

It doesn't pay tribute to anything. There is no TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia and I don't know if there will ever be. Sigh

The sample pages of TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia on Kickstarter reminded me of the LEGO Star Wars The Visual Dictionary book. Still, I prefer the TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia to the World of Springfield Encyclopedia Unofficial Guide that was on Kickstarter last year. As someone who thought the 1988, 1989, and a few of the 1990 Playmates Turtles toys were awesome, I cannot help but think that shellheads deserve better than the TMNT Action Figure Encyclopedia. The Collecting TMNT Action Figures 1988 to 1990 by DaddaRuleKonge is the best there is for now. The e-book for Collecting TMNT Action Figures 1988 to 1990 can be found here: https://daddarulekonge.itch.io/collecting-tmnt-action-figures-1988-1990

[RaphaelinSTL]

I still can't believe this damn thing isn't out yet and we haven't had any updates since October of last year.

My first time pledging to something on Kickstarter and it had to be THIS. :tcry:

[Panther10]

I still can't believe this damn thing isn't out yet and we haven't had any updates since October of last year.

My first time pledging to something on Kickstarter and it had to be THIS. :tcry:

If you need a good fix I highly suggest you listen to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Minute podcast from dueling genere's. It really takes the sting out of having to wait for this book

[RaphaelinSTL]

If you need a good fix I highly suggest you listen to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Minute podcast from dueling genere's. It really takes the sting out of having to wait for this book

Whoa! Will do! Thanks for the recommendation, much appreciated. :)

[Panther10]

Whoa! Will do! Thanks for the recommendation, much appreciated. :)

I absolutely recommend this show to everyone. It is hands down the most consistently hilarious podcast I have ever listened to. Turtles are almost besides the point in this podcast. It's just funny to listen to on its own merits.

And of course while I was listening to the show the boys decided they wanted to pose for a family photo

https://i.imgur.com/5MRx3Go.jpg?1

[Raptor86]

Sooo...We all got scammed, guys.

[Lordmylar06]

Sooo...We all got scammed, guys.

Yup.
I'm just waiting for someone to file a class action I can get in on.

[Shedder]

How do we know this? Has it come out somewhere I haven't seen or is this because no one has heard anything in a lifetime

[cinzel]

I would like to know something, anything.... But unfortunately it seems we can only speculate on what went wrong

[Raptor86]

https://scontent.fams2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/54268480_969743999760_2044493119675695104_n.jpg?_n c_cat=102&_nc_eui2=AeHWNwisa-iR9ngwvgKBbzN7su9aYtwRXrTXKAyo0MtayzIy1A_utwtsOyz0 Gp67yWvVLA4RJFp_ISC_bRoEW9ICCk_H-Umg-oYDU_WkGxmW4Q&_nc_ht=scontent.fams2-2.fna&oh=83f2e3d0e21dbf51f123e02b996e6506&oe=5D1E7EB2
https://scontent.fams2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/54514696_969744009740_1220140869525438464_n.jpg?_n c_cat=111&_nc_eui2=AeHx7Ig49xqjt30By_4jU8XewjnYHCp8wqQ7Rtfl3 nJgi1Dss2P8vm2XBk_PyVSdGjtCpWqleOSUJ98s4huFR6wS8ne WrWAYF58g1SFzoKR5Kw&_nc_ht=scontent.fams2-1.fna&oh=1b3a9dcb93d4f97a03cb5a73250e4dac&oe=5D2123F2

[Powder]

Honestly, you could tell this thing was a bum job from the jump. Just sorry for all the decent turtle fans getting burned.

[EddieNES]

But I wanted you all to see my beautiful face in the backer pages.

:tsad:

[Panther10]

Yeah this is bad. A lot of us gave him our credit card numbers, our street addresses, paypal info. God knows what else....I think I speak for everyone that this is no longer about the book. It's time we got our pound of flesh. Someone has to file a lawsuit, or have Jay formally charged on behalf of the State of FL. He cannot be allowed to get away with what he has done.

[I Crave Pizza No More]

Yeah this is bad. A lot of us gave him our credit card numbers, our street addresses, paypal info. God knows what else....I think I speak for everyone that this is no longer about the book. It's time we got our pound of flesh. Someone has to file a lawsuit, or have Jay formally charged on behalf of the State of FL. He cannot be allowed to get away with what he has done.

I won't go so far as to say that I need a pound of flesh, but it would be helpful to get some kind of official word from Jay himself, even if it's just admission of what went wrong and why. That would be something. Anyway, if someone does decide to file a class-action suit, I'll sign my name and provide whatever other information I can, but this isn't the hill I want to die on. It's really unfortunate, especially because it does seem like Jay had the intention of making and releasing the book, and more than anything because I've been looking forward to it for quite some time.

[RaphaelinSTL]

Yeah, this is ****ing annoying. Man, it's even worse considering this was the first Kickstarter I donated to. I texted him again yesterday and once again, no reply. Hasn't replied to me since August so who the **** knows if this number is even active anymore.

I don't know the full extent of rules for Kickstarter projects falling through and what legal action/refund can be done (I constantly hear that people can just take off with your money if a project falls through) but if anything comes up ... sign me up and let's make sure we let Jay know what's up.

Would rather just have the damn book, but alas.

[Miles]

I was initially excited about this book when it was announced, but after seeing the comments section on the creator's previous Kickstarter, I wisely decided to stay far, far away. I really feel for those of you who took that 'leap of faith', however.

[The Deadman]

Yeah, this is ****ing annoying. Man, it's even worse considering this was the first Kickstarter I donated to. I texted him again yesterday and once again, no reply. Hasn't replied to me since August so who the **** knows if this number is even active anymore.

I don't know the full extent of rules for Kickstarter projects falling through and what legal action/refund can be done (I constantly hear that people can just take off with your money if a project falls through) but if anything comes up ... sign me up and let's make sure we let Jay know what's up.

Would rather just have the damn book, but alas.

Since it was fully funded, the only way to get a refund is through the people who set it up to begin with. Since he seems to be MIA, good luck with that.

[RaphaelinSTL]

Since it was fully funded, the only way to get a refund is through the people who set it up to begin with. Since he seems to be MIA, good luck with that.

Yeah, that's why I'm feeling like any outcome legally will be dead in the water, unfortunately.

[Roseangelo]

Yeah this is bad. A lot of us gave him our credit card numbers, our street addresses, paypal info. God knows what else....I think I speak for everyone that this is no longer about the book. It's time we got our pound of flesh. Someone has to file a lawsuit, or have Jay formally charged on behalf of the State of FL. He cannot be allowed to get away with what he has done.

Kickstarter and Amazon have your payment info, not Jay. Yeah, he probably has access to the shipping info, but that's a big meh. And if you are familiar with how Kickstarter works, the fact that he hasn't and probably won't deliver a product isn't grounds for a lawsuit.

The situation sucks, but there really isn't anything that can be done about it.

[Andrew NDB]

This really pisses me off. Between "Odyssey" and "Origin" I work really hard to make sure what is promised in the crowdfunds gets delivered, and this stuff gives a bad name to it.

And yes, "Origin" is a little behind schedule but I give updates and can always promise that everything that can be being done, is being done.

[oldmanwinters]

this stuff gives a bad name to it.


It does, indeed.

Speaking of which, anybody remember "Dawn of the Ninja," the would-be fan-film, turned incomplete fan-comic? :tlol:

[oldmanwinters]

For anyone interested, here's a fully-funded book with a TMNT chapter just about ready to go to print and now accepting pre-orders for non-backers:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/712321210/toys-that-time-forgot-vol-2-a-book-about-unproduce/posts/2507558?ref=ksr_email_backer_project_update_regist ered_users

[Dragnskull]

Kickstarter and Amazon have your payment info, not Jay. Yeah, he probably has access to the shipping info, but that's a big meh. And if you are familiar with how Kickstarter works, the fact that he hasn't and probably won't deliver a product isn't grounds for a lawsuit.

The situation sucks, but there really isn't anything that can be done about it.


I'm no lawyer, but 99% sure this is flat out wrong

The only reason legal action is impossible atm is because he's vanished and hasn't been located yet.

when you take on investors to fund X, you are legally obligated to follow through with the agreement, if it fails then-

A. you must provide sufficient evidence that you actually tried to do what you claimed
B. not give false or misleading information
C. make every reasonable effort to hold up your end of the deal
D. be transparent about the details of the operation, where in the process you are, where issues occur, what caused the failure, etc

If you don't do these things then there ARE grounds for legal action and you will be required to prove these in court to defend yourself. KS project owners have to adhere to legal liability as it's a business agreement, funds are obtained specifically for that purpose, and there was no signing of liability release by backers.
The hardest part is that this was an internet project and as such those negatively affected are scattered across the country (globe?) and will either have to go to his town or have proper representation (i think) which could get tricky

From kickstarter's terms of use:
"The creator is solely responsible for fulfilling the promises made in their project. If they’re unable to satisfy the terms of this agreement, they may be subject to legal action by backers."

source: https://www.kickstarter.com/terms-of-use (Last lines of section 4)

[RaphaelinSTL]

Well ... I think it’s time to do something about it?

[Dragnskull]

like I said, the first and biggest issue to deal with is actually locating him. "Jay Lawrence in Florida" and a phone number that's likely a google voice number is all that's known at the moment. There's even question if his first names actually even Jim (his profile claims both "jay" and "George")

The best chance anyone has is probably to backtrack in his previous kickstarter (the air jordan encyclopedia) and see if backers / assocaites who worked on it have any solid info on him (verified name, address, phone number, etc). It got a decent amount of traction in the shoe collecting community, I assume it's a small and tight nit group so with some digging one could probably find some solid connections through shoe enthusiast forums / subreddits / youtubes / etc

sadly I don't have the time to hunt down and send out emails/respond to all the backers and whatnot so someone else needs to lead the charge

[Sobble]

I cant wait for the day that this Kickstarter will go on kick scammers that's all I'm gonna say I guess

[I Crave Pizza No More]

I think the worst part is the lack of communication. Like, if the project imploded for whatever reason, then at least have the guts to release a statement explaining what happened and apologize. That wouldn't bring us our books or our money back, but it'd be something.

[Dragnskull]

I think the worst part is the lack of communication. Like, if the project imploded for whatever reason, then at least have the guts to release a statement explaining what happened and apologize. That wouldn't bring us our books or our money back, but it'd be something.

Agreed. as a businessman and entrepreneur myself I know what it's like to have plans fall through. It's extremely poor form to just ghost on people especially when this much money was on the line.

it's also illegal, so...

[DonnieLaForge]

So do any of the forum members who were sorta involved in this project have any new information at all?

Dragnskull, someone posted what might be his full address in the comments on the kickstarter page recently....

[Raptor86]

No news. It's pretty clear we got scammed.

[DannyBoy7783]

The only reason legal action is impossible atm is because he's vanished and hasn't been located yet.

People in the KS have found his home address and I just found some more info on google:

"Lawrence, George Alfred was born 26 October 1981, is male, registered as No Party Affiliation, residing at 724 27Th St Nw, Winter Haven, Florida 33881. Florida voter ID number 113730343. His telephone number is 1-863-583-5343. This is the most recent information, from the Florida voter list as of 30 April 2019" (source (https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:yIHBc1AHN5sJ:https://flvoters.com/pages/l102249.html+&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us))

We have a name, address, phone number, and date of birth. People on KS seem confident that his real first name is George, not Jay, and about the phone number. They found the address from his name and phone number and I found the above info from searching all of that online. Seems likely that this is the guy.

[Andrew NDB]

Not a peep, not a whisper about this thing?

[The Deadman]

I just realized the dude's personal information was put in the post by someone who made one post and never came back.

[Andrew NDB]

DOX and run?

[The Deadman]

DOX and run?

Pretty much. I'm surprised nobody caught on to it.

[Andrew NDB]

But 659 backers and $43,951 and not even one update since October 2018... sheesh! :o

https://i.ibb.co/x7czH4k/ss.jpg

[The Deadman]

That's the risk you take with Kickstarter, and not to mention you don't get the money back if the goal isn't met.

[Lordmylar06]

That's the risk you take with Kickstarter, and not to mention you don't get the money back if the goal isn't met.

That's not true. If the goal isn't met on Kickstarter, the project doesn't get funded at all and you won't be charged.

[Andrew NDB]

That's not true. If the goal isn't met on Kickstarter, the project doesn't get funded at all and you won't be charged.

Yeah, Indiegogo is the one that lets them keep things if it isn't met. But it's all in the open about that. Though I have no idea if Kickstarter has introduced other options after all these years.

[I Crave Pizza No More]

Got burned on this. First time it's ever happened. I know we'll never get our books, but I'd love to get the full story someday.

[Raptor86]

Probably issue with licensing...

[MikeandRaph87]

Probably issue with licensing...

That was why I held onto my money until it was more official. Just glad Forever War got the clear.

[oldmanwinters]

That was why I held onto my money until it was more official. Just glad Forever War got the clear.

I tend to weigh the risk/reward ration on these things. If an actual creator is involved in a crowdfund (Andrew's TMNT stories, Doug TenNapel's Earthworm Jim, etc.), I'm more willing to pay more money, but if it's just some ambitious people without a track record, I usually won't go more than $30 for a project.

[EddieNES]

Wouldn’t TMNTman have some sort of contact info? I thought he actually had a part in the book.

[tmntman]

Wouldn’t TMNTman have some sort of contact info? I thought he actually had a part in the book.

I do have contact information for him from before the Kickstarter when I was providing him photos to use. And he was in touch with me with updates through roughly the first year after the Kickstarter. But he stopped responding me at about the same time as he stopped updating the Kickstarter.

[TheCanadiandrome]

so i should be happy i didn't back this thing then

[mikey0]

To this day, I’m surprised there was not A Guide to Collecting TMNT Merchandise from the 80s and 90s in the late 90s or very early 2000s like Collecting Simpsons! An Unofficial Guide to Merchandise from 'The Simpsons' (1999) and The Simpsons’ Collectibles A Handbook and Price Guide (1998 ).

Turtlemania was one of the first biggest events of the 1990s and the only item fans have to show for it is the The Official Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Treasury (1991). TMNT fans deserve more, in my honest opinion.

Also, there is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Collectibles by Matt MacNabb and Robert Barbieri from 2017, but I do not believe it made it to brick and mortar stores like The Official TMNT Treasury did in early 1991.

[tmntman]

To this day, I’m surprised there was not A Guide to Collecting TMNT Merchandise from the 80s and 90s in the late 90s or very early 2000s like Collecting Simpsons! An Unofficial Guide to Merchandise from 'The Simpsons' (1999) and The Simpsons’ Collectibles A Handbook and Price Guide (1998 ).

I suspect the issue is finding all the materials. There are a few collectors who could put together a complete guide for the vintage line. But the only sources for all the lines through the years would likely have been Playmates or Mirage. Playmates didn't really save much from what I understand. Mirage started with their toyline guide. But that's gone now and would be missing everything post sale anyway.

Actually, I may to be to blame as well. I started tmnttoys.com because there weren't any other guides available. For all its faults and oversights, the site has enough information that most who might likewise be inspired to do the same may look at it and decide that there isn't really that much of a need or market for it. Or that replicating everything there is just too much work.

[RaphaelinSTL]

Thinking about the money lost from this project still pisses me off. Oh well.

[Raptor86]

Well, I am not falling for this AGAIN. And good luck in selling this with those international shipping costs.

http://radplastic.com/

[mikey0]

Well, I am not falling for this AGAIN. And good luck in selling this with those international shipping costs.

http://radplastic.com/

I like the cover art.

[Redrumh2o]

I like the cover art.

Me too!!

Is this from the same person? Won't LiveJournal catch up to them as well? I'll buy one maybe once they are published, no pre-orders