Saturday, November 23, 2019

How 'Toys That Made Us' Reunited the Feuding Creators of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Anyone who’s ever daydreamed of kicking it with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles may be shell-shocked to learn its creators haven’t always gotten along. Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, two misfit best friends and comic book creators who took pop culture by storm have been split for nearly two decades. And it took Netflix’s The Toys that Made Us to finally put them in the same room again.


For the documentary series creator Brian Volk-Weiss, it was an experience unlike any other.

“It’s what I like to call a Forrest Gump situation,” he tells Inverse. “You’re there in a moment in history.”

Now streaming on Netflix, the first episode of The Toys That Made Us Season 3 explores the history of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; from its origins as a gritty, underground comic book, to the number one children’s cartoon and toy line from Hong Kong manufacturer, Playmates. There have been a half-dozen cartoons and a handful of movies that have grossed over $1 billion at the worldwide box office. The 2012 reboot series alone took in $475 million in merchandise sales.

But the sky-high success led to turmoil for Eastman and Laird, both of whom saw their prosperity differently.

“One of them perceived the Turtles to be this amazing, one out of a thousand hit, shepherd it minute-to-minute guy,” Volk-Weiss says. (That was Laird.) “The other guy was, The first time I went with anything, I knocked it out of the park. I bet I can knock other things out of the park too.” (That was Eastman.) “There’s a nice age gap between Peter and Kevin. They were in different places in their lives when success hit.”


Peter Laird, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, in the third season of 'The Toys That Made Us.'

TMNT’s success also took time away from what brought the two together in the first place: making comic books. Ultimately, running a multi-million business got in the way of the one thing that originally brought these two friends together.

“It wasn’t any one thing [that split them] but those things added up,” Volk-Weiss says. “Things took a toll on the relationship.”

The straw that broke the turtle’s shell came in 1996, during preproduction of the live-action reboot series, Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation. As owners of the property, Eastman and Laird had to sign off on a new concept invented by the producers: Venus de Milo, the first female Ninja Turtle. While Eastman saw potential, Laird was against it.

“It was the biggest disagreement we’d ever had,” Eastman recounts in the series.


Original concept art for the Ninja Turtles, but Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.

Eventually Laird yielded, but it was all for naught. The show flopped hard with critics and audiences, and was canceled after just one season. Not long after, Eastman surrendered his rights to the franchise to Laird, which marked the official divorce from his friend and professional partner.

“I wish things had been different,” laments Laird in the documentary. “I wish we had remained as tight as we had been in the early days.”

Laird continued to shepherd the franchise through new cartoons (and new toys), until Viacom came knocking. In 2009, he sold the Turtles to the media conglomerate for $60 million, and the Turtles continue to thrive under the Nickelodeon brand. Though Eastman “got nothing,” he continues to act as consultant on the new movies, shows, and wrote several volumes of the reboot comic under IDW.


Kevin Eastman, also creator of the Ninja Turtles who surrendered his rights to the franchise to Laird in the late '90s.

But Laird and Eastman hardly, if ever, saw each other. It wasn’t until The Toys That Made Us Season 3 brought them back together, in the same New England neighborhood where they first sketched out a turtle with nunchucks. A reunion that only happened after ceaseless “begging, pleading, and crying.”

“We convinced Kevin to get on an airplane to fly back to the Mirage Office,” says Volk-Weiss. “He had not been to Mirage in years and he had not written or inked or penciled with Peter in over twenty.”

It wouldn’t be the first time the two had been in the same room. They did meet one other time, “and from what I heard it was not an intimate encounter,” says Volk-Weiss. “It was in a big room an it was awkward and weird and they didn’t get to talk.” The Toys That Made Us was an opportunity for two former friends, both responsible for countless people’s childhoods around the world, to finally talk and hang out. The episode ends with Eastman and Laird once again drawing the Ninja Turtles like they used to.

“You feel blessed to be in a situation where you see stuff like that,” says Volk-Weiss. “You’re at a moment in history.”

The Toys That Made Us Season 3 is streaming now on Netflix.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the current iteration of the long-running franchise, airs regularly on Nickelodeon.

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JoJo's D.R.E.A.M. Concert | NEW SPECIAL, Nov. 29 @ 6pm E/P | YTV

JoJo's D.R.E.A.M. Concert | NEW SPECIAL, Nov. 29 @ 6pm E/P | YTV



JoJo’s D.R.E.A.M. Tour has all been building to her homecoming show in Omaha, Nebraska! This hour-long special is packed full of live concert performances, surprises, heart, and all the magic of JoJo Siwa's D.R.E.A.M. The Tour! You can catch the all-new special Friday November 29th at 6pm E/P, and again Saturday November 30th at 5pm & 8pm E/P on YTV Canada!

JoJo's D.R.E.A.M. Concert SNEAK PEEK | YTV



JoJo’s D.R.E.A.M. Tour has all been building to her homecoming show in Omaha, Nebraska! This hour-long special is packed full of live concert performances, surprises, heart, and all the magic of D.R.E.A.M. The Tour! You can catch JoJo's D.R.E.A.M. Concert Friday November 29th at 6pm E/P! Plus watch it again Saturday November 30th at 5pm & 8pm E/P!

More JoJo Siwa: https://www.ytv.com/shows/jojo-siwa/

More Nick: YTV Canada to Premiere 'Top Elf' on Friday, December 6, 2019!

Originally published: Saturday, November 23, 2019.
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First Look at 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3

The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers are teaming-up with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for the first time thanks to Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a brand-new five-part comic miniseries from BOOM! Studios, under license by Hasbro, Inc., in partnership with IDW and Nickelodeon, and to shellebrate the release of Part 3 on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, BOOM! Studios has released a Turtley Awesome first look at the third issue!


In MMPRxTMNT #3, Rita Repulsa faces off against Shredder for control of the weapon that will change the Power Rangers forever! No matter who wins, the world will never be the same! As the two villains battle, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers must find a way to storm the Foot Clan base to save Tommy, as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles step up to help their new allies in an unexpected way.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3 (of 5) is written by Necessary Evil writer Ryan Parrott and drawn by Beyond The Grid artist Simone di Meo.

As you can see in the gorgeous artwork below, the series will boast a main cover by Power Rangers and Buffy the Vampire Slayer artist Dan Mora, and the series will also feature Turtle Ranger Helmet variant covers by Mighty Morphin Power Rangers cover artist Goñi Montes. Each copy carries an SRP of $3.99.

Check out the sneak-peek and find out more about MMPRxTMNT #3 below!


MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #3
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artist: Simone di Meo
Cover Artists:
Main Cover: Dan Mora
Leonardo Variant Cover B: Goñi Montes
Raphael Variant Cover C: Goñi Montes
Michaelangelo Variant Cover D: Goñi Montes
Donatello Variant Cover E: Goñi Montes
Incentive Cover F: Goñi Montes
Incentive Cover I: Goñi Montes

Make sure to pick up a copy of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, arriving in stores on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, followed by Part 2 on Wednesday, January 8, 2020!

Connect with Power Rangers: powerrangers.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

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Who Was Your Favorite Family Band in 'America's Most Musical Family' Episode 4? | Nickelodeon Fan Poll

Who was your favorite family band in episode four of Nickelodeon's brand new music competition series America's Most Musical Family? Vote in the poll and sound off in the comments below!

The MR. KRABS Family Tree 🦀💰 #SpongeBobSaturdays | SpongeBob SquarePants Official

The MR. KRABS Family Tree 🦀💰 #SpongeBobSaturdays



Long eyes? Big Meaty Claws? You must be a Krabs. Meet all of the members of the Krabs family including King Krabs, William Krabs, Great Great Grandpa Krabs, Great GrandPappy Krabs, Grandpa Redbeard, Victor Krabs, Pearl, and of course, Eugene Krabs!

Watch more SpongeBob SquarePants on Nickelodeon!

CALLING ALL GOOFY GOOBERS! (ROCK!) Are ya ready for a deep dive into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants? The SpongeBob YouTube channel is THE PLACE for all fan-favorite SpongeBob moments! We’re serving up everything from legendary scenes to remixes of classic songs to deep dives into Bikini Bottom lore. Be sure to check back every week for Music Mondays, Wumbo Wednesdays, and Flashback Fridays! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!

Join the OFFICIAL SpongeBob SquarePants Facebook Group here!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpongeBobSquareFans

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Annie LeBlanc & Jayden Bartels Clown Around! 🤹‍♀️ Expert Attempters: Ep. 3 | Nickelodeon

Annie LeBlanc & Jayden Bartels Clown Around! 🤹‍♀️ Expert Attempters: Ep. 3 | Nick



Send in the clowns! When the birthday party entertainment falls through, it’s up to Annie & Jayden to grab some red noses, rainbow wigs and put on a show. Will they facepaint their way into a corner or can they juggle their way to success!?

Watch Annie Vs. Hayley!: http://nickalive.blogspot.com/search/label/Annie%20vs.%20Hayley%3A%20LeBake%20Off

More Nick: Viacom Digital Studios Readies Facebook Watch Slate, Including Three New Shows for Nickelodeon!
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Mutt & Stuff Trailer (2017) Special Cut | Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures

Mutt & Stuff Trailer (2017) Special Cut



A special cut (unreleased) trailer of Mutt & Stuff from 2017!

» Watch Mutt & Stuff at http://www.nickjr.com/mutt-and-stuff/

From the minds of Sid & Marty Krofft and Bradley Zweig. Mutt & Stuff is a preschool show that follows Calvin Millan (Son of Cesar Millan "The Dog Whisperer") who runs his Dad's wacky and whimsical school just for dogs! Assisted by his larger than life yellow dog, Stuff, and an ensemble of unique guest stars, Calvin teaches the dogs about managing emotions, building personal awareness, developing social skills, and respecting the bond between dogs and humans.

» SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/SidAndMartySub
» Watch Mutt & Stuff at http://www.nickjr.com/mutt-and-stuff/
SID & MARTY KROFFT WEBSITE: http://www.sidandmartykrofft.com
SID & MARTY KROFFT ON SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/sidandmartykrofft | https://www.instagram.com/sidandmartykrofft
MUTT & STUFF ON SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/MuttNStuff | https://www.instagram.com/muttnstuff

CREDITS:
TM & © Nickelodeon Viacom (2015)
Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures Corp.

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Power Rangers Beast Morphers Episode 18 | "Rewriting History" Highlights Playlist

Power Rangers Beast Morphers Episode 18 Preview | "Rewriting History" Official First Look



Exclusive First Look of Power Rangers Beast Morphers Episode 18. "Rewriting History" premieres Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 8 a.m. ET/PT on Nickelodeon USA!

The Rangers are brainwashed to think that Blaze (Colby Strong) and Roxy (Liana Ramirez) are part of their team.

What did you think of Power Rangers Beast Morphers Episode 18, "Rewriting History"? Vote in the poll here!: http://nickalive.blogspot.com/2019/11/what-did-you-think-of-new-power-rangers_23.html

Red Ranger vs Vargoyle Battle | Power Rangers Beast Morphers Episode 18 "Rewriting History"



Red Ranger vs Vargoyle Battle.

Beast-X Megazord Battle | Power Rangers Beast Morphers Episode 18 "Rewriting History"



Beast-X Megazord vs Gigadrone Fight. The Power Rangers summon their Zords and form the Beast-X Megazord.

Blaze and Roxy: Original Power Rangers | Power Rangers Beast Morphers Episode 18 "Rewriting History"



Blaze and Roxy are the original Red and Yellow Power Rangers. Vargoyle rewrites everyone's memories for his latest plan to sneak into Grid Battleforce.

Power Rangers Beast Morphers Episode 18 Ending Theme | Hasbro Superheroes



Power Rangers Beast Morphers Episode 18 Ending Theme Credits and Theme Song.


Striker Morpher | Power Rangers Beast Morphers Compilation



Gold and Silver Rangers use the Striker Morpher in their battles against Evox and his army of monsters.

Connect with Power Rangers: powerrangers.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

More Nick: The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Team Up with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in New Comic Series from BOOM! Studios!

Originally published: Wednesday, November 20, 2019.
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What Did You Think of the All New 'SpongeBob SquarePants' Episodes 'Dirty Bubble Returns' & 'Handemonium'? | Nickelodeon Fan Poll

What did you think of the brand-new SpongeBob SquarePants episode segments "Dirty Bubble Returns" and "Handemonium"? Vote in the polls and sound off in the comments below!

What Did You Think of the New 'Power Rangers Beast Morphers' Episode 'Rewriting History'? | Nickelodeon Fan Poll

What did you think of the brand-new Power Rangers Beast Morphers episode "Rewriting History"? Vote in the poll and sound off in the comments below!

What Did You Think of 'JoJo’s D.R.E.A.M. Concert'? | Nickelodeon Fan Poll

What did you think of JoJo Siwa's brand-new Nickelodeon television special, JoJo’s D.R.E.A.M. Concert? Vote in the poll and sound off in the comments below!

Hey Arnold! How to Make Thanksgiving GRANDMA'S Stuffed Peppers! | Feast Of Fiction

Hey Arnold! How to Make Thanksgiving GRANDMA'S Stuffed Peppers! | Feast Of Fiction



HEY FEASTERS! Here's a perfect recipe for the Thanksgiving holiday, and it's taken straight from one of our favorite shows - Hey Arnold!

Happy Thanksgiving Feasters! We are all thankful for all of you- the Feast community, who makes our channel possible and inspires us everyday! Today we've got a Thanksgiving twist to a Hey Arnold recipe you can serve at your Thanksgiving dinner!

Ingredients:
1/2 lb. ground turkey
4 green bell peppers
1/3 sweet onion, chopped
1/3 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup chopped yams, small cubes
1 cup brown rice
2 garlic cloves, minced
15 ounce can tomato sauce
Salt & pepper to taste

1. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. Place the peppers in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a simmer and cook 3 minutes, just until the peppers are slightly soft. We didn’t show this step in the video but the peppers will be cooked more thoroughly if you do this. Drain, rinse with cool water and set aside on paper towels.

2. In a skillet, heat the ground turkey, onion and yams, and cook until no pink remains. Drain.

3. Add the salt, pepper, rice, cranberries, garlic and half of the tomato sauce.

4. Stir well and spoon into the peppers.

5. Top with the other half of the tomato sauce.

6. Bake in an ungreased dish with a little water at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Serve warm.


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44 Cats | Santa's Little Helper [FULL EPISODE] | Rainbow Junior - English

44 Cats | Santa's Little Helper [FULL EPISODE] | Rainbow Junior - English


In the brand new 44 Cats holiday special, when Santa's helper cat, Glitter, crashes in the garden, the Buffycats must help him save Christmas for all! (#121B)

Premiering: Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 7:30 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon USA!

Visit the official 44 Cats show website at 44cats.tv to find out more about the show and its musical stars, as well as watch exclusive video clips, play pawesome games and download purr-tastic activities!

More Nick: Rainbow's '44 Cats' Renewed for Season Two!
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Good Burger Fan Gets the Ultimate Surprise: A Role on All That | Episode 5 | Make My Nickelodeon Dreams Come True

E5 Good Burger Fan Gets the Ultimate Surprise: A Role on All That | Episode 5 | Make My Nickelodeon Dreams Come True


Good Burger superfan Kal Smith gets to be part of All That and his reaction is priceless 😭

Was one of your 6th grade #goals to run the Double Dare obstacle course? To get slimed? Nickelodeon has the BEST fans and fans inspire Nick every day. So they're returning the favor by making mega Nickelodeon fans' dreams come true! Get ready to make your Nick dream come true, hosted by Joey Graceffa!

Watch Make My Nickelodeon Dreams Come True grant more Nick wishes!: http://nickalive.blogspot.com/search/label/Make%20My%20Nickelodeon%20Dreams%20Come%20True


Watch all your ‘80s, ‘90s, and ‘00s Nickelodeon favorites on NickRewind, your late-night destination for your favorite childhood Nickelodeon cartoons and live-action shows! NickSplat doesn't question football-shaped heads, but embrace them - along with Reptar bars, a Big Ear of Corn, orange soda, and even slime for Pete (and Pete's) sake. Make your slime-covered Nickelodeon childhood dreams come true every night on TeenNick USA, and anytime you want on NickSplat on VRV AND NOW ON Nick Pluto TV!

Like NickRewind on Facebook, subscribe to the NickRewind YouTube channel and follow NickRewind on Twitter and Instagram for exclusive digital content from all of your throwback favorites like Rugrats, Hey Arnold!, iCarly, Victorious, Kenan & Kel, CatDog, Doug, Rocko’s Modern Life, The Amanda Show, Clarissa Explains It All, The Ren & Stimpy Show, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, and so much more!

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More Nick: SpongeBob Fan Meets the REAL SpongeBob | Make My Nickelodeon Dreams Come True!
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What Did You Think of 'America's Most Musical Family' Episode 4? | Nickelodeon Fan Poll

What did you think of the fourth episode of Nickelodeon's brand new music competition series America's Most Musical Family? Vote in the poll and sound off in the comments below!