Do you think its strange...
 

Do you think its strange that you like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?
First of all, they are turtles. Nothing to exciting there.
Second, they are mutant turtles. OK, so they walk upright.
Third, they are teenagers. Turtles have long life spans.
Fourth, they have been trained in the ninja arts and fight crime.

So does anyone think this combination is strage at all and wonder why in the heck it is so popular? What is it about the TMNT that so many people adore? I can't seem to place why I like them so much.

The TMNT for me = favorite cartoon series all-time, favorite toy line all-time, and someday, favorite comic all-time (pity I haven't read ANY yet.)

Yeah.. there are days I ask myself the same question! :D

Then I often remeber this one online itnerview someone held with Kevin Eastman waaaay back in late 1997 (I think it was). His assumption on the matter was that the TMNT were so different, but yet also seen as adolescents. Most teeangers or fans seem to have a sense of understanding with the TMNT in that respect. They know what it feels like to be different, or have a desire to be different from the rest. That the world is suddenly changing and pretty soon they have to adapt or die.

Well, that's not exactly what Kevin said, but it's how I percieved his idea on the matter. I think they were also asked this question on the "Behind the Shell" making of the TMNT movies VHS.

So yeah, in a nutshell the fact they are so different, but yet so appealiong in many familiar ways, is what the turn on is.

Each has personality we all can relate with, each has a parential figure and family aspect, then throw in the coming of age and high stakes martial arts action (and villian rained in such) that compares to that of Star Wars and like sci-fi element... whala!

And a real good heaping of luck did a lot too. :P

The TMNT is a strange phenomenon. It has been always succesfull. The comic was a huge hit, it Spawned a cartoon wich became the Pokemon of early 90's, The first movie was a total Box office hit, hell even the crappy Next mutation became more popular than other Saban shows.

And Now the new wave, Volume 4 is selling very good, the toys are selling good, and Im sure the new cartoon will be popular too. What makes TMNT so popular? I don't think anyone has got the right answer.

Personally I think TMNT is just a good fun, absurd idea. Its an utterly ridiculous concept, yet it works somehow.

true, the idea is strange, but i think it has the same attraction that the x-men have: characters that, in personality, are the kind that we can relate to, but they have that one quirk that makes them special, and different from the rest. there's also the fact that young people often feel estranged themselves, and can relate to characters that feel the same thing. I think the TMNT could just have easily been, i dunno, bugs or something. only I probably wouldn't like them so much. Turtles are just... cool.

hmmmm
 

I think the four characters themselves are what makes the franchise popular.

They certainly are. all four represent types of personality that many people have: some are mechanically minded, some are ruled by their emotions. it's a good combo of characters. and of course we can't forget: there would be no cool heroes without cool villians!! :thyper:

Probly cause they are total opposit of their real life counterparts. Everything about them is just so diffrent that they have to draw you in, after that, I have no clue how they stay popular, thgey just do.

Why are they called appel jakes if they don't taste like appels, kinda thing

No. Turtles are awesome. Ninjas are awesome. That's why they're popular.

I think TMNT is so popular because it's such an absurd idea. I mean, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". It really is a catchy title that rolls off the tongue. It sticks in your brain, and gets you interested. Then, however you experience it, there's bound to be something that you like. The characters, interactions, situations, it's all so well-rounded with themes of family, isolation, being different, fighting evil, over coming obstacles, in such an interesting setting.

I have always loved shows with non-humans. Forever Knight, Gargoyles, TMNT, Star Trek. Add in kick-butt martial arts, cool space adventures, time travel... That's what makes the TMNT so great. ANYTHING is possible.

I think I got hooked by the personalities of the characters. I care for them in some way and that links me to them.
I identify with Raph because I used to feel like he does when I as a kid. I wansn't a fighter or a loner, but I did feel like I didn't belong in most places. I wanted to break stuff on occasion. I lived vicariously through Raphael because he acted out in much the same way I wanted to.

I've never really questioned it. If i ever have, i would just think back to when i was 2 and all teh memories i ahve had with them.

Like Kali said, I first watched it because the title was just absurd... then I got hooked on the characters... their personalities and the daft jokes and humour.
Once I fell in love there was no turning back... they're always there in the back of my mind....

... I hear them talking sometimes.... :sweatdro: :D

Took the words right out of my mouth, EOS :wink:

I definitely agree that the TMNT became so popular because people can relate to them in many ways especially personality wise.

yes
 

Yes, i know.
TMNT are so popular in the 20/25 age people because everybody has a little part of the caracter (in italian carattere) of the Turtles for example italian Mike is famous for his simpaty, Leo is famous because is the leader, Donatello is the engeneer of the group, Raph is hironic. That's the reason we think the TMNT were so popular across the entire globe,
because everyone, no matter where they're from or what they do, can relate
to the Turtles in one way or another.

Right on, yo!

Re: yes
 

besides they are named after ITALIAN ARTISTS :wink: :D :lol:

I don't think it's strange. I've always loved the TMNT, but I guess it's mainly because they're strong characters. Each one has a distinct personality, making them all the more believable. :)

Re: yes
 

In Italy also for that! :P

I have often wondered this myself. What is it about these four Turtles that I love so much? How come I never fell in love with Teenage Mutant Ninja Rabbits, or Teenage Mutant Ninja Gophers?

A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sounds just as absurd.

I guess my response to this question would be: I don't question my love for the Ninja Turtles. They have been in my back pocket since I can remember, and I am still quite comfortable leaving them there.

You never forget your first loves, and the Ninja Turtles certainly fall into that category. I'll be 60 years old and still watching the Ninja Turtles. And that's just fine by me.

"Boy, am I a glutton for punishment, or what?" - Raphael, from "Blast from the Past"

"Boy, are we gluttons for punishment, or what?" - Raphael, from "Cyber-Turtles"