TMNT politics

[jenna]

Hi guys & gals of the loyal ninja turtle fan variety!

I've been logging on here every so often to keep up to speed on the ninja turtle news and the things I have read have led me to a difficult decision:

For the good of my sanity, I've had to stop caring about future developments about TMNT in all mediums for the pure and simple reasons of politics!

I've read so much about the creative powers behind TMNT being in the hands of:

1. Playmates - whose sole objective is to come up with as many as possible editions of toys to sell

eg. movie edition of Raphael with a machine gun!

2. Peter Laird - who, bless him, has allowed the TMNT to evolve into something which has become rather self-indulgent, and doesn't seem to be able to learn from his mistakes

eg. Fast Forward, comic stories filled with monsters and aliens with poor quality artwork. Tales # 36 was perfect and created interest and sold out, yet as since there has been no sign of Mirage pursuing this route

3. Studio execs. - whose only interest is capitalising on who they see as the most profitable audience - kids, and who aren't open to the idea that most of the loyal TMNT fans are adults

eg - Fast Forward is 2k3 tailored for the kiddie audience and the butchering of the new film by Warner and its kiddie criteria.

In addition, none of the powers that be ever seem to listen to the fans (I'm thinking Lionsgate here and Mirage) and as long as they refuse to acknowledge the market, I can't see the point.

So, whilst I'm really glad that a film sequel is still a prospect, and that there is a new series coming etc, I can't come here any more and read things which end up making me angry - because the phenomenon I fell in love with is a narrative about 4 individuals living in New York City, who have to hide from society and living in isolation because they are different and they are ninjas which makes them cool. These factors made TMNT an original and fascinating story.

What it's become are stories about time travel, monsters, aliens, multiple dimensions, space travel where the turtles in the comics and FF can just walk around freely - it's rare to see a ninja or the city (which I feel in the beginning was a great character in itself). And I've realised, that I just don't like that aspect of it and sadly, that is now all there is.

In fifty years, what will be remembered about TMNT? Vol1, Film 1 and 2k3. The rest will disappear, but what remains will continue to be hailed as classics and quality.

Ninja turtles is a phenomenon that has inspired a huge amount of artistic talent (not least of all a lot of you who are members here) and I really believe that the turtles could be hugely profitable again without selling out, if Mirage would look past the end of their own noses and recruit some new blood, and make the most of the existing fan base. And they need to learn from their mistakes: they are not making a profit releasing a small selection of comics about vampires with badly drawn artwork, yet they continue to do it. They have allowed the TV series to become just another children's programme about a bunch of weird creatures and aliens walking around in a society together. It's not special anymore.

I know some of you agree with me, and I know there are those of you who will roll your eyes and accuse me of whinging and complaining again and that's fine - I AM complaining - because I am gutted and I'm sad to have reached this decision.

I will continue to watch the turtles when the new series / films come out and will continue to support Mirage by buying and reading the comics, but I can't subject myself to the rumours and speculations anymore which appear on here, because I get so angry at Mirage and Playmates. I'd rather live in blissful ignorence and then deal with my disappointment when the events take place, or be pleasantly surprised. But it feels to me like Mirage have a wonderful product and they are throwing it away, which makes me sad.

But I will always love the turtles most as the early Mirage comics - the first film, 2k3 (most of it) and elements from the new film and that is what I'll always hold dear. I'd rather remember the best of it.

So... this is my final post here.

I really respect a lot of you and hope that you don't think too badly of me for bailing like this. Please feel free to email me if you would like. I've really enjoyed being a member here and think that some of the discussions have been truly awesome and a testament to the sould of TMNT. I hope I've contributed well in the 10 months since I joined.

Lots of love,

Jenna

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