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Unboxing the Mirage themed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle LootCrate

by Kyle Tobey
written by Kyle Tobey

LootCrate announced a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mystery box series set for release throughout the year.

Each crate would have a specific theme; the Mirage era, video games, and a cartoon theme. The big perk for most collectors is an exclusive NECA Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles not available anywhere else. All of the items are exclusive, but an exclusive NECA figure is a big deal.

These boxes sold out very quickly, but we were able to get our hands on the entire series! The first crate has arrived, so let’s see what came in the Mirage era themed LootCrate.

TCRI T-SHIRT

Up first is an exclusive TCRI T-Shirt. The design is a deep cut for the comics fans, featuring a design for the ‘84 company picnic. It feels like a really good quality, and the design won’t wear out quickly.

TCRI Travel Mug

The same design is featured through most of the products. The TCRI travel cup is BPA free and feels sturdy.

Fugitoid Pin, TCRI Tote Bag, Chet’s Toys Keychain, TCRI ID Card, and TCRI ID Holder

These are what I usually call the “Extras.” But these do stand out from other mystery boxes I’ve received. The keychain is a deep cut and features original artwork from the Mirage series. The Fugitoid pin is an absolute stand out. It’s high quality enamel with instantly recognizable artwork. Fugitoid’s inclusion only makes me hope that NECA makes a figure for him down the line as well.

The tote bag is a bit shallow and awkward. The ID Card and Card holder are fun extras, but nothing to get excited over.

Exclusive Mirage Era Shredder figure from NECA.

I love this figure. The original set of NECA’s TMNT figures based on the Mirage artwork has become a highly sought after addition to any collection.

Shredder features his classic weapons as accessories, this figure stands out in every way. From his deep purple color way, to the comic style ink shading, every detail on this figure is set to make it a joy for both in box and out of box collectors.

And the box is amazing. Usually, I won’t gush over a box, but matching the original font with original artwork with a foil color over black makes it hard to want to take this from its packaging. In fact, I still haven’t.

Overall, I really love what NECA is doing since taking over LootCrate.

This series is a huge bonus for TMNT fans who have long waited for different versions of their favorite turtles. While the crate definitely had a few “lesser” items, the figure, shirt, and pin alone are well worth the money. The figure is sure to make any future TMNT fan who didn’t get their hands on this jealous. I wish the re-used design featured a character rather than company logo, but I also understand that license rights might be tricky to work out. I like what they’ve come up with for the Mirage series, and I’m already excited for what will come in the next crate.

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Cowabunga Christmas Comics!

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

To many the holidays could bring a lot of stress due to the hectic hussle-bussle of Christmas shopping, family get togethers, or just the general onset “scrooge-ness” attitude. But there can be a relaxing side to the season such as curling up in front of a warm fire, listening to some gentle holiday music, and watching the silent snowfall outside your window. This all sounds well and good but, if you’re like me, you’re wondering how can the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles be inserted into this? 

Well, my brothers and sisters, if you rely on your Turtle Power anything can be accomplished. And in the realm of TMNT comic books, I managed to dig and find some retro stories that involve our favorite Heroes in a Halfshell and the Christmas holiday. So sip some eggnog and hang up your stockings with care within your precious sewer lair as I present you with four Ninja Turtle Christmas tales that’s guaranteed to get you in the truly tubular holiday mood. 

Ladies Home Journal “Twas the Fight Before Christmas” December 1990.

This is a short n’sweet four page comic found in Ladies Home Journal of all things. I couldn’t tell you if having comic *ahem* much more a Ninja Turtles comic in this magazine was something normal. But coming across it felt downright bizarre. A couple of thugs steal a little girls Christmas gifts so the Ninja Turtles decide to go beat the ever loving hell out of them. They find out these crooks have a stockpile of stolen toys, so the Turtles end the adventure by dressing up as Santa and handing out the toys to all the children.  

The standout of this comic is Michaelangelo explaining his “Special Christmas Pizza” which consists of sausage, mushroom, turkey, ham, yams, sugarplums, and plenty of cheese. Even in the simplest of forms, the TMNT always make sure to bestow you with at least some killer pizza ingredients. If anybody wants to make that pizza this Christmas season, I’d seriously crown you TMNT-King/Queen. I’d like to thank GoGreenMachine.org for sharing this awesome tidbit of TMNT comic culture with the world. 

TMNT Magazine “Twas the Night Before Christmas” Winter 1993.

This short tale stems from the Welsh TMNT Magazine and involves BeBop and Rocksteady pulling a “Home Alone 2” by robbing street Santas of their charity cash. How low! Making their escape on a rooftop they come across the real Santa Claus as the TMNT arrive and proceed to pummel the heck out of their gross mutant faces. 

Santa thanks the Turtles by giving them gifts as well as gifting Bebop and Rocksteady. This makes the Turtles a bit miffed but Santa explains that the holiday season isn’t just about being naughty and nice, but about forgiveness and compassion. Bebop and Rocksteady apologize to the Toitles as Santa flies into the night. 

This simple 6 page comic is pretty to look at (TMNT Adventure’s Brian Thomas helms it) as it packs a lot of personality, color, and pizazz but I find the lesson to be a little muddled. Bebop and Rocksteady steal from charities on friggen Christmas. I understand forgiveness and compassion, but maybe they shouldn’t really be given gifts and instead some community service and jail time. 

But, then again, perhaps New York’s legal system doesn’t have anything in place regarding large mutated warthogs and rhinos. That would explain a lot about the TMNT universe actually. 

Thanks to the always amazing TMNTEntity.Blogspot.com for being an amazing resource.

Tales of the TMNT Vol. 2 Issue 40 November 2007

Out of the previously mentioned comics, I’d probably recommend this one first and foremost. With story by Murphy, Diego Jourdan, and Martin Casanova (Bossanova? Chevy Nova?) as well as art by Diego Jourdan this issue of Tales of the TMNT shows you how powerful and minimalist the comic medium can truly be. With very little dialogue the story is told almost solely by its visuals, and Jourdan’s art echoes the original black and white grittiness of the Mirage run, yet with a more Manga style. 

The story takes place on Christmas day in Tokyo 2060. Raphael finds an abandoned baby and comes across ladies of the night, mutants, and robotic foot soldiers who all seem to be after the child. The payoff is interesting as the story doesn’t need much buildup or insight. It’s sort of a one shot “elseworlds” tale and does enough to make it an interesting one.I love the look of Raph in this issue: Leather jacket, eye patch, and using the katanas of Leonardo (which makes you wonder if his brother met his demise previously). 

It’s a bleak and interesting issue that any Turtle fan should pick up (especially if you love Raphael). It’s nowhere as “fluffy” or “Christmas-y” as the comics I previously mentioned but it gets the point across just fine and is probably the one that will stick with you the most. 

That is if you’re still not wondering why the Ninja Turtles are featured in Ladies Home Journal. 

IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #65 November 2016

We now go from bleak and gritty to bright and cheery with this fantastic IDW issue. Written by Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, and Tom Waltz accompanied by Mateus Santolouco’s always beautiful artwork, this is TMNT silliness and fun at its best. Michelangelo decides to throw a Christmas par-tay and everyone is invited (whether the brothers like it or not). Not only is it a sharp and beautiful issue with a lot of visual gags (I love that Mikey has “The Great Pumpkin” on at his Christmas party) but the writing of inane party chatter between characters makes this issue gold. Whether it’s Mondo Gecko just zoning out at the star on top of the tree or Pigeon Pete rocking to the “12 Days of Christmas”, the writing really nails the vibe of a mutant Christmas party. We don’t always see our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles simply being teenagers, and what I really love about this issue there’s no high stakes or heated battles…it’s just a couple of mutant teens putting together a party for their buds.

You can also read this issue on it’s own without any need to know the current story arc either. So if you want some light turtle-reading to get your head in the holidays you have that option with issue 65. It also has Pepperoni eating pepperoni and this Donatello face:

With the Ninja Turtles being such icons in popular culture for decades now, it’s no surprise that even the Christmas season plays a role in their comic book adventures. And, of course, Christmas expands beyond just their comics…the 2003 animated series adapted the Mirage story “The Christmas Aliens”. And, if you’re simply a glutton for punishment, you can always check out 1994’s direct-to-video We Wish You a Turtle Christmas online. It ain’t pretty, but as a TMNT diehard it’s just something you have to endure. The 2012 Nickelodeon show also released some Christmas themed storybooks called The Santa Snatcher and Merry Mutants! for the younger Turtle fans. 
 
So I hope you enjoyed reading about some of our Ninja Turtles’ Christmas adventures. Perhaps you’ll dig these out and give them another read on a brisk winter’s night. Or maybe even add these titles to your letter to Santa. Either way, there’s always time for Turtles this holiday season! Merry Christmas dudes and dudettes! And have a radical New Year!

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Comic BooksReviews

Retro Christmas Review: Michelangelo Micro Series

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

Michelangelo: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle 

Story and Art: Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird 

First Printing: December, 1985 

Second Printing: December, 1990

“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the town, Turtle Santa drove like crazy to not let the kids down. Instead of a sleigh, a truck full of toys, destined to be the presents for good girls and boys. But evil thieves wanted to steal the toys at all costs. Poor, poor Turtle Santa, all hope was lost..” 

It’s Christmas time, dudes and dudettes! That means we’re gonna meet up with the Ghost of Christmas Past and travel back to December 1985. At this time, each Turtle brother was given their own single “micro series” (one full size issue). Today we’re looking at Michelangelo: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle because, you guessed it, it’s a Christmas story! Maybe not your typical Christmas tale as there’s gunfire, high speed chases, and mutant turtles…but Gremlins was already a thing so I think it counts. 

Michelangelo finds himself taking in the holiday sights and sounds one New York evening when he decides his “disguise” is doing so well he might as well do some Christmas shopping for his brothers. After befriending a stray cat Mikey heads into a local toy store and discovers a toy delivery being hijacked by thieves. Being the admirable hero he is, Mikey intervenes which leads to a high speed chase through the snowy streets of New York. After defeating the crooks and taking control of the truck (now being pursued by police cars) Mikey loses the 5-0 and reaches out to his brothers and April about his day. The Turtles and April decide to dress as Santa and his merry elves as they head to the local orphanage and hand out the stolen toys to every girl and boy for a turtle-y awesome Christmas. 

Of course, that is just a brief synopsis of the plot as I don’t want to take away too much. There’s something so incredibly charming about the original Eastman and Laird TMNT run that I just cherish as a fan of comics, art, and storytelling. They’re crude looking yet so earnest and entertaining. Whenever I read an early issue of TMNT I have a smile on my face from ear to ear. And this issue is no different. Michelangelo may not have his party attitude or surfer lingo just yet, but it’s Mikey nonetheless. I love the somber start of this comic, this mutant turtle taking in casual holiday festivities and daydreaming to himself. I loved the panels in the toy store seeing what influenced Eastman and Laird (I see Stormtooper helmets, Han Solo Blasters, and a Fugitoid mask!) .

This comic really nails a Christmas feeling as well as having a bit of everything as a TMNT fan. Eastman and Laird’s art style have a huge influence on this as the snowfall really cuts into their usual gritty black cross hatching and linework. For this review, I read a 2012 IDW reissue with colors by Tom Smith’s Scorpion Studios. It’s a great alternative look to the issue and though it gives the story a slightly different personality, I still enjoy the classic black and white look of the Mirage comic. I recommend reading both if you can and seeing what you prefer. Eastman and Laird’s writing is tight, as in most of their early comics, and is linear and focused storytelling. It may be nostalgia talking, but I can never get enough of the original TMNT comic run. So if you haven’t delved into any of it, from one fan to another, you should get on that any way you can.

  

The 2003 television series actually adapted this issue as a Christmas episode titled, “The Christmas Aliens” . The episode does a stellar job adapting the comic. Of course liberties are taken with the violence as it’s a kids show. And the other Turtle brothers are involved slightly more, but overall it’s charming to see this early one shot comic come to life 19 years later! 

All in all, I recommend all of the TMNT Microseries issue that ran from 1986-86, but I’ve decided to touch on the Michalangelo issue because of the Christmas season. And I’m glad I did, and I think you’ll be glad you did as well. As Turtlefans, this is a great way to see the roots of where our TMNT came from. And the heart and independence of the comic may even inspire you to go and create your own in some form. Lastly, cracking open this issue in front of a toasty fire with some hot cocoa is a great way to spend the Christmas season. It maybe not be Charles Dickens, but it’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles which is something I think we can all agree on being just as close to our hearts. 

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UNBOXED! – TMNT Box August 2018

by Kyle Tobey
written by Kyle Tobey

The August TMNT Box features a backpack with comic versions of the 4 brothers on the front.

This black nylon pack has a great design. I love the comic versions of the turtles and it’s always rare to find merchandise with this version. The shape of the bag is similar to a turtle shell. It has 2 pockets, a larger and a smaller, to help compartmentalized your stuff. It also has a strap on the outside to hold a hat or towel.

It’s a bit smaller than other backpacks and doesn’t feature a padded area on the inside for a laptop or tablet. But you paid $10 for this! It’s a great deal. I plan on using mine for toiletries on trips! It’s great for the beach or the gym. I still wish the box had more officially licensed products, but I think Id rather have 1 nice thing than a few mediocre things.

I think the August TMNT box was great! But what do you think? Was this month worth $9.99? Let us know in the comments!

If you want to get your own TMNT Box, there’s still time to sign up! Check out TMNTBox.com for more info!

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NewsToy/Action Figures

SDCC Recap – Mondo Displays Upcoming TMNT Figures

by Kyle Tobey
written by Kyle Tobey

Mondo gave everyone a preview of what they have in store for the coming year at SDCC.

They’re releasing a line of 1/6 scale figures based on the original mirage comic appearances. They displayed 4 figures at SDCC; Casey Jones, The Shredder, Foot Soldier, and Foot Elite. All look to be available for pre-order in Winter 2018, with release date and pricing TBD.

Toyark out some great preview images up on their site. Check that out here for more pictures!

Mondo as a history putting out great TMNT merch for collectors, including an awesome “First Turtle” figure.

SDCC is the best chance for collectors to get a preview of what manufacturers have planned for the coming year. Mondo showed off these and other great lines, including a new Mecha Robot series that looks fantastic! But let us know what you think?

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