Why are the turtles so important to us? How have they managed to turn our heads?

[Davetello]

Originally Posted by arkangel

For me, as a 14 year old in 1985, I was initially drawn to the comics as there was absolutely nothing to compare it to. The concept was completely off the wall, but the storytelling didn't feel campy, like it was a spoof of other comic characters (even though it was to a degree). There was a level of seriousness, honesty and fearlessness in how Eastman and Laird approached the characters, the setting, and storylines that made me feel like this world they created could actually exist in the gritty, urban sprawl of modern day New York. It had a feeling of realism that surpassed anything I was reading from Marvel or DC at the time. You didn't know if the Turtles were going to make it through their next encounter. There was a sense of palpable danger and anxiety provoking intrigue. You couldn't wait till the following issue to route for them. They also had very distinct and well thought out personalities. With other comic heroes, there was always a disconnect. They were all 2 dimensional pictures on a page, requiring a strong suspension of belief. With TMNT you didn't have to. You bought it right away. Lastly, it gave me a feeling that I was special. I was part of a hidden world where secret battles waged to which the average New Yorker was completely unaware. Ancient vengeance from Ninja masters and their clan, a scheming robotics genius, unknown alien plans under the guise of a legitimate corporation, vigilantes with golf clubs and baseball bats crossing rooftops at night and a caring and loving family of mutants at the centre of it all, giving hope that they would persevere, despite the odds. This was cool at 14 and remains cool at 42.

Fantastic post mate. Great insight and lovely to have the view of someone who was old enough to experience Mirage as it came out