TMNT Vol 4 (Peter Laird)

[Sewer Turd]

Who currently owns the reprint rights to Peter Lairds TMNT vol 4?
Peter Laird?
And if so,why doesn’t he have any plans to reprint the series in a collected format?
Even a crowdfunded set of Omnibus?
He must know us turtle heads are desperate to see these comics reprinted and collected no??

[CyberCubed]

Well Mirage doesn't exist anymore, but when they did I think he confirmed they couldn't put out any collections after the sale to IDW. He can put out new issues though, but again with Mirage gone I don't know how he can do it now.

[Andrew NDB]

As best as I understand:

* Nick/Viacom owns the rights to TMNT Vol. 4 #1-30. They do not own any rights to TMNT Vol. 4 #31 & 32 since they were made after the sale.

* IDW have the reprint rights for TMNT Vol. 4 #1-30 as part of their overall comic book license with Nick/Viacom. IDW have not shown any inclination to utilize these reprint rights yet, however.

* Peter Laird has total control and rights over TMNT Vol. 4 #31, 32, as well as any new Vol. 4 issues he creates.

* Peter Laird can print up to 18 TMNT comics a year entirely independent of Nick/Viacom and without their supervision or authorization. The only requirement is that he be heavily involved in said comics (he can't just be an editor, or a letterer, or so on). Since Vol. 4, #31 and 32 (which were already drawn out prior to the sale to Nick/Viacom in 2009), Peter sadly hasn't shown anything but a passing inclination to do so.

[CyberCubed]

It's a real shame that in over 10 years Peter Laird just had no motivation to continue/finish Vol. 4. Now he's probably too old to even want to revisit it.

[member_removed]

It's a real shame that in over 10 years Peter Laird just had no motivation to continue/finish Vol. 4. Now he's probably too old to even want to revisit it.

Hope springs eternal that IDW could put together a finale like they did for the Image run. Peter's notes handed to Jim, even ask Kevin to do layouts to help give it the extra razzle dazzle and make it feel like a can't miss event.

[Zog The Magnificent]

Hope springs eternal that IDW could put together a finale like they did for the Image run. Peter's notes handed to Jim, even ask Kevin to do layouts to help give it the extra razzle dazzle and make it feel like a can't miss event.

Well, even if they did a finale, and I'm not sure they'll be around long enough to do so even if they wanted to, they wouldn't be able to continue off of where the comic left off, because they wouldn't have the rights to #31 and #32. I'm not sure how well that would work out.

Beyond that, I'm not sure they have a financial incentive to make it. Vol. 4 is even more obscure than Vol. 3, and they'd probably need twice as many extra long issues to finish it up at least.

[frank_one]

I would love to see vol. 4 coming to its conclusion but not through IDW. It could be the last Mirage comics (even if Mirage is no more) so I would like to see it ending like it all started: something small, intimate, not like a big event. Just Kevin, Peter and Jim working together and self-publishing it.

[elgarlic]

Peter talked about this a bit in one of the recent Cartoonist Kayfabe interviews on YouTube. Seems he still has a bit of interest and hope in someday doing it. Of course, actually pushing forward and doing it is another story.

Ah, here it is. 49 minutes in if you want to skip to it. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4qnxXV3xE4k

For anyone who isn't aware, there are 7 other videos where they go through the first 7 issues of vol 1, usually with Kevin on the call, and tell stories etc.

[Andrew NDB]

Peter talked about this a bit in one of the recent Cartoonist Kayfabe interviews on YouTube. Seems he still has a bit of interest and hope in someday doing it.

Which is better and different than what he used to say, which was that he was uncertain if he'd ever even consider doing more down the road. But at this point, unless there is some sort of a verbalized plan or initiative or if we at least see him start blogging about Turtles again, it really doesn't mean much, I don't think.

If someone had told me in 2009 that by the year 2023 Peter would have put out no new Vol. 4 issues (I don't really count #31 and #32 since they were pretty much done prior to the sale) I would have said that person was crazy. But here we are.

[CyberCubed]

What's weird is Peter Laird doesn't even draw the comic, so I don't understand why he can't just put out a script. Like for example if PL drew all of Vol. 4 in addition to writing it, I can understand him not having the motivation. But it was all drawn by Jim Lawson, all PL has to do is put out a script/story ideas...and he just had no interest or lost interest in doing so.

He should of done this way back in 2011-2015 or so and Vol. 4 would have been finished back then.

[Andrew NDB]

What's weird is Peter Laird doesn't even draw the comic, so I don't understand why he can't just put out a script. Like for example if PL drew all of Vol. 4 in addition to writing it, I can understand him not having the motivation. But it was all drawn by Jim Lawson

PL drew a pretty big portion of Vol. 4. Not consistently, though, and less as it went on.

[Monty Mole]

PL drew a pretty big portion of Vol. 4. Not consistently, though, and less as it went on.

Kind of off topic, but I wonder if Peter Laird ever read your TMNT Odyssey book, and if so, what he thought of it.

I could see him reading it and being like "yup, this is cannon". But I could be dead wrong.

[Andrew NDB]

Kind of off topic, but I wonder if Peter Laird ever read your TMNT Odyssey book, and if so, what he thought of it.

I could see him reading it and being like "yup, this is cannon". But I could be dead wrong.

I sent him a copy. Never got his thoughts about it but he did once say he liked the trailer I made for it on his blog, and he liked that I was putting Jim to work.

[Monty Mole]

I sent him a copy. Never got his thoughts about it but he did once say he liked the trailer I made for it on his blog, and he liked that I was putting Jim to work.

Well that's still better than nothing. It'd be cool if Cartoonist Kayfabe coverd it with him and Eastman, even if it's just brief, but that will likely not happen.

[DK2]

PL drew a pretty big portion of Vol. 4. Not consistently, though, and less as it went on.

I don't recall Peter really drawing it. The first issues cover was by him. He inked it for awhile over Jim's pages and also the tones on the art. Then it was Eric Talbot on the inks more so, while Peter added the tones from the computer. Plus Peter was lettering every issue of this series practically too. You can tell when Eric's the inker. He leaves Jim's art the same. Peter actually rounds off the shapes of the characters being more roundish instead of it being all blocky, square like the way Jim draws now.

[Andrew NDB]

I don't recall Peter really drawing it.

Maybe that's mostly what I'm thinking of but I could've sworn at least large portions of random issues, Peter doing all the art duties. But maybe not.

[DK2]

What's weird is Peter Laird doesn't even draw the comic, so I don't understand why he can't just put out a script. Like for example if PL drew all of Vol. 4 in addition to writing it, I can understand him not having the motivation. But it was all drawn by Jim Lawson, all PL has to do is put out a script/story ideas...and he just had no interest or lost interest in doing so.

He should of done this way back in 2011-2015 or so and Vol. 4 would have been finished back then.

Peter wrote the comic, inked it to an extent until Eric Talbot inked it more later on while Peter added the tone shades. Peter was lettering it too. I guess when you do that much you might be a tad over worked or stressed and hence possibly his reluctance to do all that work again. Cant help but wonder? Wasn't he also like the editor too as I don"t think it was a duty from Dan or Gary on volume 4.

[Andrew NDB]

I just took a peek at Vol. 4 #20, a random sampling. Peter was still inking pages there.

Peter wrote the comic, inked it to an extent until Eric Talbot inked it more later on while Peter added the tone shades. Peter was lettering it too. I guess when you do that much you might be a tad over worked or stressed and hence possibly his reluctance to do all that work again. Cant help but wonder? Wasn't he also like the editor too as I don"t think it was a duty from Dan or Gary on volume 4.

It was a very unique method. Peter would write out the story for an issue, like a summary, and then Jim would do all the pages, then Peter would go in and add in all the blurbs.

[Galactus]

I doubt there is a huge market for it but a lot of the success of The Last Ronin was down to the (false advertising) marketing of it being a reunion of the turtles two original creators. I think there would be some interest in the return of TMNT's prodigal creator to wrap up his long unfinished story. You could sync it to IDW doing a Vol. 4 collection.

I just took a peek at Vol. 4 #20, a random sampling. Peter was still inking pages there.

I believe he stopped being credited as an inker shortly after #20. He definitely injected his own personal style over Lawson's pencils that starts to fade away a few issue after Splinter's funeral.

[Andrew NDB]

I doubt there is a huge market for it but a lot of the success of The Last Ronin was down to the (false advertising) marketing of it being a reunion of the turtles two original creators. I think there would be some interest in the return of TMNT's prodigal creator to wrap up his long unfinished story. You could sync it to IDW doing a Vol. 4 collection.

It's possible IDW could put some pressure on Laird for such a thing, I just don't see why Laird would bite outside of utilizing his own 18 comics a year clause he fought tooth and nail for. And obviously IDW can't tempt Laird with money. Unless it was like he releases it on his own terms through his own self-publishing (thus utilizing his clause) and then IDW collects it all up. But honestly, I don't think IDW at large cares about that right now. There is a reason the Tales V2 trades dried up and it's due to sales. It isn't profitable. Maybe they could drum up interest in "the finale of Mirage!" on a marketing level but it'd be a risk they probably aren't interested in taking, especially given their current condition.

Now, if Kevin fully reunited with Peter for a full-on Volume 4 maxi-series conclusion, that'd be heat. Though I'd also be sad that Lawson would be excluded from that, since he was there from day 1. Unless they did it like they did "Return to New York"... with Lawson doing ALL The pencils but Laird and Eastman taking turns inking him the whole way. That'd be badass.

[frank_one]

Unless they did it like they did "Return to New York"... with Lawson doing ALL The pencils but Laird and Eastman taking turns inking him the whole way. That'd be badass.Best-case scenario for me.

[member_removed]

Unless they did it like they did "Return to New York"... with Lawson doing ALL The pencils but Laird and Eastman taking turns inking him the whole way. That'd be badass.

I would not complain. 4 issues and wrap it up.

There would have to be more appetite for a on offical vol 4 wrap then a Vol 3 conclusion and we got that.

[CyberCubed]

PL is 69 years old. Once you turn 70 it's a well known fact your hands get arthritis and you're unable to draw or write anymore. It's either now or never.

[Monty Mole]

PL is 69 years old. Once you turn 70 it's a well known fact your hands get arthritis and you're unable to draw or write anymore.

It all depends on the person. My Grandfather is 84 and doesn't have it.

[CyberCubed]

I think with professional artists it's a bit different, they used their hands all their lives to draw and then their bones creak and hands turn to mush. It's like watching yourself turn into a mummy before your very eyes.

[DK2]

I really doubt Kevin would get involved with a Vol. 4 stint or any sort of conclusion to it, even if it meant working with Peter again. It was Peter's thing, just as it was Kevin's own thing being involved with IDW's TMNT series. His return to the TMNT was with this title, while Peter had his duration with Mirage Vol. 4. It was their chances with their creations away from each other. They've never gone back to work on TMNT again other than random pin ups/covers together. Even if Peter didn't retire, I don't think they would get together creatively. To work on Last Ronin couldnt even do that for him. They've split up all those years ago and clearly seen their own paths how they would handle the TMNT. I do wonder about Kevin's involvement with the IDW run. How much does he contribute to the stories? I can't help but wonder if its all Tom and now Sophie that come up with the plots or suggestions of stories, where they're going or the dialogue, etc. Kevin's been the sort of person that hears something and just agrees with it. We all know his poor business decisions with his financials in the past while Peter was just totally reserved to do anything else beyond TMNT personally. I mean the TMNT Next Mutation show was a key reason that help lead to the split up among other things. Thats my thoughts.

[Andrew NDB]

For goodness sake, I hope you all are hitting up Jim Lawson for his TMNT 2030 conclusion. It's maybe as close as we've come in a decade plus for Vol. 4-ish material purely from the people involved in it.

http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=62666

He's selling TMNT 2030 TPBs that include the 2030 #1 he did 3 years ago, plus two brand new additional issues never released until this moment. wth, guys?

[Mayhem]

Yep I ordered mine from him last week :)

[Monty Mole]

For goodness sake, I hope you all are hitting up Jim Lawson for his TMNT 2030 conclusion. It's maybe as close as we've come in a decade plus for Vol. 4-ish material purely from the people involved in it.

http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=62666

He's selling TMNT 2030 TPBs that include the 2030 #1 he did 3 years ago, plus two brand new additional issues never released until this moment. wth, guys?


Ordered mine last week

[Nortock Diab]

I got my copy already.
Magazine size and about 100 pages make the book something to chew on!

I'm glad I also have TMNT 2030 #1 to compare how the art differs between the two sizes.

Jim Lawson didn't not directly advertise for this book. Most people learnt about it when a fellow fan posted a picture of his copy and told people to contact Jim via his website.
For my part, I knew the book was getting released because I asked Jim about it at the right time.

I still need to read my copy though!

[LeotheLateBloomer]

I'm gonna order it right now.

[Topsu]

Just sent Jim a message about this, would've done it sooner if he had advertised it in some way.

[CyberCubed]

I don't see an "order" page. Where am I suppose to order this from? Just send him a random e-mail saying I want a book?

[Topsu]

I don't see an "order" page. Where am I suppose to order this from? Just send him a random e-mail saying I want a book?
That's what I presume, it would probably be better if it wasn't so hidden.

[CyberCubed]

Yeah I don't understand, why isn't there a simple link to place an order? Going back and forth through an e-mail seems weird.

[Andrew NDB]

I don't see an "order" page. Where am I suppose to order this from? Just send him a random e-mail saying I want a book?

Basically, yeah!

[CyberCubed]

So I don't get it, you send an email saying "I want a copy of the book" and have to give him credit card information through e-mail? Or something?

[Andrew NDB]

So I don't get it, you send an email saying "I want a copy of the book" and have to give him credit card information through e-mail? Or something?

He'd probably tell you to Paypal him.

[Mayhem]

Yeah payment is via PayPal

[Roseangelo]

My understanding is that it is now sold out.

[Zog The Magnificent]

I only found out about it from Andrew's post, after which I immediately followed the link and sent him an email. The book just got here today, which was incredibly fast. 79/100. Once I've read it, I'll probably have more to say about it.

[Mobius37]

I just missed out on it! Bummed out.

[Monty Mole]

I just missed out on it! Bummed out.

I'm sure Jim would sell you the digital version if you really wanna read it.

[Andrew NDB]

I only found out about it from Andrew's post, after which I immediately followed the link and sent him an email. The book just got here today, which was incredibly fast. 79/100. Once I've read it, I'll probably have more to say about it.

That's odd. Mine says 83/100.

[Topsu]

Probably missed out too then, never received an answer from Jim. That's a bummer.

[CyberCubed]

If this is sold out surely he'll print more copies wouldn't he? I mean I assume he wants to make a profit.

[DK2]

So its not available again? Just as I never had TMNT 2030 #1 from the previous kickstarter it only came with, now its last two issues are done and can't even get it again as a whole book? Its not even mentioned or advertised so I never felt comfortable asking him about in case it wasn't true. Ugh. So ridiculous. Jim can't be making a profit from this at all as a previous post had mentioned. He can't be making money off TMNT or Paramount/Nickelodeon will be on him. I think he can only make back his costs.

[Donnie]

If someone had told me in 2009 that by the year 2023 Peter would have put out no new Vol. 4 issues (I don't really count #31 and #32 since they were pretty much done prior to the sale) I would have said that person was crazy. But here we are.

Right?! I really thought he would have done something with V4.

[CyberCubed]

He probably just lost motivation or stopped caring. Which is strange because many a time (like back around 2014ish), he said he wanted to see Vol. 4 completed and had the story ideas planned out to wrap it up in about 6 issues, and then nothing came of it. My guess is he wanted to distance himself from TMNT for awhile after the sale, but then as time passed he just didn't have enough in him to return to it.

Now that he's literally 70 years old it's probably not going to happen.

[Topsu]

Interesting thing I just noticed, Peter& Kevin worked together on newest Usagi/Turtles #4 cover, with Lavigne doing colors. Has Laird done any other covers recently too?