Official Info on the Nick TMNT Series - Page 23

*Master Splinter* · 04-15-2011, 08:45 AM

JoeGro was fortunate enough to be invited to the TMNT even at Nick. He does not have a blog or anything like that so he sent me his write up on the event to be posted here so it can get the same love (or hate) that others who have attended received...

-ms

Quote:

Joe Gro's trip to the Nickelodeon TMNT fan preview event:

I arrived at LAX in California early on Tuesday (the 29th), it was about noon. I was picked up at the airport and brought to the hotel. When I entered my room I found a nifty little gift box full of surprises, a nice sentiment on Viacom/Nickelodeon's behalf, not to mention the room wasn't half bad and had a big flat screen TV. Later that afternoon I finally got to meet quite a few of the goers of the Technodrome forum, I enjoyed meeting everyone and had a blast that evening. The next morning we were all driven to the Nick animation studio where breakfast and Nickelodeon staff members were waiting. After breakfast, an introduction by everyone and a tour of the studios, we were treated to a sneak peak (in animatic form) of the new TMNT series. Though the repeating them throughout this whole event was "Mutation in Progress" I can only hope that more progress is made before the release of this series. I'll save my comments on that for the end. We were also treated to a display of Playmates toys' collection of TMNT toys from over the years as well as a look at prototypes of the new toy line. Later we were treated to a table read by the working voice cast, which was pretty entertaining. Afterwards we had lunch with the cast, everyone in the cast made sure they spoke to everyone there. So a lot of great stuff. When we were broke up into focus groups, things got a bit harry on my end. Though I think many had issues with things like; April being sixteen years old, and the Turtles with an extra front toe, those things were but the tip of the iceberg for me. There I was stuck in a painful situation. I wanted to love this new series more than you can possibly imagine, I was pumped especially with all of the build up prior to the event, being around so many other Turtle fans, we were getting to experience something before anyone else. Such excitement. Then..... the heartbreak of a lifetime.... I hated almost all of it. With the exception of digging the voice cast, and thoroughly enjoying what we were shown of the designs of Shredder....it tore me apart watching it. Though I love Jason Biggs' voice as Leonardo, the way he was written was, well, simply put, goofy....not the heroic, skilled leader as I've come to love him as. Raphael was cool, but crude (or rude, depending on how your ears heard the theme.) Though I liked Michelangelo's voice, his character seemed dumber than has ever been....the biggest disappointment was Donatello. Voiced by my most favorite voice actor of all time, Mr. Rob Paulsen. Rob did an amazing job, I wasn't quite sure how he'd pull it off, but I knew he would, and he did. However, the appearance of Donatello vexed me. He was quite a bit taller and lankier than the other Turtles, he was head over hills for April, and I wasn't feelin' it. The biggest hearbreaker for me out of everything was the way Splinter was portrayed. He was monstrous, much taller than the four green brothers and he came off as younger than his previous incarnations (though some will argue with me on that.) Splinter is small, almost frail, old and wise. He gained the respect of his disciples and his opponents because of how skilled he was. Splinter is intended to be much like teacher characters from the past such as Yoda from Star Wars. Nickelodeon's explanation for the change was to make him a better match for the Shredder and to be a more intimidating father figure to the Turtles. Size doesn't always equal might in the world of martial arts.
When our group was broken up into focus groups I mentioned all of this bluntly and with emotion. It truly bothered me and I felt terrible having to do it. The folks at Nick were so nice and generous and I was greatly appreciative for that, but I felt like they messed up my family and I had to let them know. I know a lot of folks that attended will probably look at me like I'm nuts, that maybe I'm looking into things too much, or that I'm griping about minor things and thinking I should just be grateful that TMNT is continuing on and I totally understand that. However, TMNT is no longer Eastman and Laird's TMNT, I'm having trouble dealing with that, but I was willing to give Nick the benefit of the doubt and brace myself for changes I might have to get use to or deal with, but this just went too far (in my opinion). This isn't dismissing the amount of talent, fine artwork, writing, etc. I would have considered it beautiful if it would have been a different show, but this was my (and our) TMNT they were dealing with. Despite all the passionate, negative emotion that I felt when viewing the sneak peak, I had an amazing time, I enjoyed meeting everyone and I'm very thankful for the chance to experience something such as this. Was it worth going? Absolutely!

deadpoolRKO · 04-15-2011, 09:13 AM

that kind of sucks if it's as bad as he describes some of it , did he quit the forum?

*Master Splinter* · 04-15-2011, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadpoolRKO

that kind of sucks if it's as bad as he describes some of it , did he quit the forum?

At one point he said he was going to because a bunch of people were giving him a hard time for having an opinion...

-ms

*Kendamu* · 04-15-2011, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadpoolRKO

that kind of sucks if it's as bad as he describes some of it , did he quit the forum?

And some people describe the same stuff as being absolutely fantastic.

*Master Splinter* · 04-15-2011, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goongasnootch

And some people describe the same stuff as being absolutely fantastic.

Yeah to each their own... That is why I felt he deserved to get his opinion heard, whether or not people agree is up to them...

-ms

*Kendamu* · 04-15-2011, 09:51 AM

We weren't all being big jerks and he was being sort of repetitive at a time when there wasn't much to say.

This is a fan forum. The Internet already cranks people's a**hole tendencies into high gear to begin with. Now add something people are passionate about to it and you get this place.

He should man up, come back, and tell people who get on his case to lay off. It's not like we all wanted him to leave and, while you were very nice to post his words for him, if he wants his words to reach us then he should be here to let us know on his own.

I know how it feels. I'm not normally on the popular side of opinion here. He just needs to suck it up and keep moving.

**Jester** · 04-15-2011, 09:52 AM

Wait...it was just posted here, and not on Mutant Ooze? I guess I figured he's sent it to you to post there, not just here. I still don't know how to take Joe Gro's report. Machias Banshee, who seemed to be fairly straight forward and non biased...but I could be wrong and biased myself, said that the height difference between the Turtles was negligible.

One thing we've not really talked about though is the depth of Donnie's crush on Teenie Bopper April. So, guys who were in attendance, was Donnie "Head over heels" or was it a harmless puppy dog crush? Was it played up way too much, or fairly low key?

FearlessLeader · 04-15-2011, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Master Splinter

At one point he said he was going to because a bunch of people were giving him a hard time for having an opinion...

-ms

I just want to point out that a lot of us respected his opinion and his passion it was the way he presented it that rubbed some the wrong way.

Above what he sent you was well written and thought out. Unfortunately on here he started to pull out the "true fan" or "real fan" card while explaining things.

Nothing will get people aggravated faster then telling them they are not a "real fan" because their opinion doesn't agree with yours.

That said I actually rather enjoyed talking to Joegro and wish he wouldn't have left, but he needed to do what was right for him!

*Master Splinter* · 04-15-2011, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jester

Wait...it was just posted here, and not on Mutant Ooze? I guess I figured he's sent it to you to post there, not just here.

Nah I sent him a PM here asking him to either post a more detailed version of his trip so I could link to it or send over info for me to post for him... As you can see, he did the latter... So I posted it up... No need to post on Mutant Ooze as well, I already got a link to Rose's write up which I think is perfect in every way...

-ms

*Kendamu* · 04-15-2011, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jester

Wait...it was just posted here, and not on Mutant Ooze? I guess I figured he's sent it to you to post there, not just here. I still don't know how to take Joe Gro's report. Machias Banshee, who seemed to be fairly straight forward and non biased...but I could be wrong and biased myself, said that the height difference between the Turtles was negligible.

One thing we've not really talked about though is the depth of Donnie's crush on Teenie Bopper April. So, guys who were in attendance, was Donnie "Head over heels" or was it a harmless puppy dog crush? Was it played up way too much, or fairly low key?

My personal guess (which is what everything I say is at this point) is that there's his crush on April is likely something for comedic effect. It's probably a parody of actual teen crushes. I'll b surprised if it somehow turns into some sort of real relationship in the series.

*Master Splinter* · 04-15-2011, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader

Above what he sent you was well written and thought out. Unfortunately on here he started to pull out the "true fan" or "real fan" card while explaining things.

Very true, this write up is good, but in the Pizza Box thread he was getting too caught up in his explanations... No worries though, I think he will be back...

-ms

*Master Splinter* · 04-15-2011, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goongasnootch

My personal guess (which is what everything I say is at this point) is that there's his crush on April is likely something for comedic effect. It's probably a parody of actual teen crushes. I'll b surprised if it somehow turns into some sort of real relationship in the series.

In Catwoman from Channel 6, Donatello actually says something about April liking him the best when a stray cat jumps in his arms... I thought it was funny he said that with what is being talked about with the new show and him having a crush on April of sorts...

-ms

FearlessLeader · 04-15-2011, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Master Splinter

Very true, this write up is good, but in the Pizza Box thread he was getting too caught up in his explanations... No worries though, I think he will be back...

-ms

That's good to hear! Sometimes we all just need a little time to cool down and reflect so that we can return and have fun again

*CyberCubed* · 04-15-2011, 10:31 AM

Maybe they should just scale Splinter down a bit?

I don't mind him being taller than the Turtles as long as he's not that tall. I think scaling him down to the point where he doesn't, "tower over them" would be a better idea.

Is Splinter a full head taller than the Turtles?

*Kendamu* · 04-15-2011, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberCubed

Maybe they should just scale Splinter down a bit?

I don't mind him being taller than the Turtles as long as he's not that tall. I think scaling him down to the point where he doesn't, "tower over them" would be a better idea.

Is Splinter a full head taller than the Turtles?

I'd actually have to see everyone standing together to get an idea of height before I could decide whether Splinter is too tall. To stay on the safe side, I'd drop his height at least a few inches. I'm not too worried about Nick playing it safe, though. If I need things to be the way they were I'll bug IDW about it.

*Cure* · 04-15-2011, 04:29 PM

That Joe guy needs to work on his paragraphs.

k_lala · 04-15-2011, 06:04 PM

Old for you guys, new to me. This image of the turtles looks so much better than anything i've seen so far. If they look like this i'm down with it.

k_lala · 04-15-2011, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goongasnootch

My personal guess (which is what everything I say is at this point) is that there's his crush on April is likely something for comedic effect. It's probably a parody of actual teen crushes. I'll b surprised if it somehow turns into some sort of real relationship in the series.

I wonder how Don's jealously will play out when he see's Casey take her away from him. Don's not really the type to hold grudges, Raph is and he do something about it.

Also why is it taking so long to find voice actors for Raph and Mikey? Those two should be the easiest ones. We all know what they should sound like, i think Don and Leo would be the toughest because they don't have a universal standard voice like say...Batman and Wolverine do. We all know what those two should sound like.

**Jester** · 04-15-2011, 07:05 PM

Oh, but Steven Blum is Ralph and Tom Kenny is Mickey....

I thought everyone knew...

Spoiler:

1984TMNT · 04-15-2011, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k_lala

Old for you guys, new to me. This image of the turtles looks so much better than anything i've seen so far. If they look like this i'm down with it.

From the actual cgi images we've seen, which isn't much, they won't look much like this picture....I wouldn't get your hopes up.

04-15-2011, 09:13 AM	#442
deadpoolRKO Stone Warrior Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: I can't wait until i can have a custom user title Posts: 782	that kind of sucks if it's as bad as he describes some of it , did he quit the forum? __________________ ( TMNT Clothes , DVD's , Accesories , ect. ) Red Bubble ( My Tee Shirt Designs )

04-15-2011, 09:52 AM	#447
Jester Rat-faced Dude-guy Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 26,294	Wait...it was just posted here, and not on Mutant Ooze? I guess I figured he's sent it to you to post there, not just here. I still don't know how to take Joe Gro's report. Machias Banshee, who seemed to be fairly straight forward and non biased...but I could be wrong and biased myself, said that the height difference between the Turtles was negligible. One thing we've not really talked about though is the depth of Donnie's crush on Teenie Bopper April. So, guys who were in attendance, was Donnie "Head over heels" or was it a harmless puppy dog crush? Was it played up way too much, or fairly low key? __________________ "Clearly, you're Ninja Turtling incorrectly." - Leo656

04-15-2011, 04:29 PM	#456
Cure Y'all need Jesus Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 8,938	That Joe guy needs to work on his paragraphs. __________________

04-15-2011, 07:05 PM	#459
Jester Rat-faced Dude-guy Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 26,294	Oh, but Steven Blum is Ralph and Tom Kenny is Mickey.... I thought everyone knew... Spoiler: Nah, I'm jestin'. I don't know who they are either... __________________ "Clearly, you're Ninja Turtling incorrectly." - Leo656

04-15-2011, 09:51 AM	#446
Kendamu Sewerhead Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 2,890	We weren't all being big jerks and he was being sort of repetitive at a time when there wasn't much to say. This is a fan forum. The Internet already cranks people's a**hole tendencies into high gear to begin with. Now add something people are passionate about to it and you get this place. He should man up, come back, and tell people who get on his case to lay off. It's not like we all wanted him to leave and, while you were very nice to post his words for him, if he wants his words to reach us then he should be here to let us know on his own. I know how it feels. I'm not normally on the popular side of opinion here. He just needs to suck it up and keep moving.

04-15-2011, 10:31 AM	#454
CyberCubed Overlord Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 43,778	Maybe they should just scale Splinter down a bit? I don't mind him being taller than the Turtles as long as he's not that tall. I think scaling him down to the point where he doesn't, "tower over them" would be a better idea. Is Splinter a full head taller than the Turtles?

04-15-2011, 06:04 PM	#457
k_lala Hench Mutant Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 413	Old for you guys, new to me. This image of the turtles looks so much better than anything i've seen so far. If they look like this i'm down with it.