People of Midgard, Thorsday will return next week with another new entry. This week our mighty thunderer Thor has granted us permission to discuss another topic, one which is almost as worthy as the god of thunder himself. I am speaking of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. That’s right these turtles in a half shell possess turtle power and are once again after a hiatus arriving back on the big screen at midnight.
Because alas, because of Michael Bay’s influence (he’s the producer on this film) on yet another sacred thing from our childhood, many fans of the green quartet await their arrival with fear and dread, while others are optimistic, while some want to surround Bay and the movie with their flaming torches and pitchforks. But I say thee nay!
Today we will celebrate these four green brothers! Today we are canceling the ninja turtle apocalypse!
Ahem.
Without further ado here are my top four (in honor of each brother) TMNT picks that fans new and old alike ought to check out.
1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1980’s Cartoon
This was my introduction to the green machine. It was silly and fun and just down right entertaining. I remember my sister and I playing with our cousin Alex. He owned many of the Turtle toys which included the van and the blimp. I even recall watching Michelangelo in the TV special Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue. It was where I learned the word Cowabunga and learned all about the numerous weird pizza toppings the turtles enjoyed.
Hearing the late James Avery voicing the Shredder was awesome and there were so many times where I laughed at old tin head’s plans failing and him and Krang butting heads. This show was definitely a great part of my childhood.
2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1990’s Films
Let’s get this out of the way we all know that out of the three the first was the best. But I gotta admit that I enjoyed watching the turtles dance and Vanilla Ice perform the Ninja Turtle rap (Go ninja, go ninja go!) no matter how corny it was. I have all three and they always bring a smile to my face.
3. Turtles Forever 2009 Animated Film
Whoever had the idea to bring the 2003 cartoon turtles and the 80’s cartoon turtles together was a genius. There’s even a surprise near the end which I won’t spoil for you which was even more genius. Seeing the 2009 Shredder and the 80’s Shredder onscreen in the same room was amazing. This was a fun film. The only downside to the film was that the voice actors for the 80’s cartoon characters weren’t the original ones. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s available on Youtube.
4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 Original Comic & Current Ongoing Comic at IDW
Growing up, I had no idea that the turtles I watched on TV originated from a darker version in a comic book. I found out on Free Comic Book Day a few years ago on the 25th anniversary for TMNT. At my comic shop they handed out the reprinted copies of the first comic book in which the four brothers made their first appearance. I’m glad I went and got my copy.
Fast forward a few years to 2011 where IDW started their ongoing ninja turtle comic. Along with new writers, original TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman is involved and the stories have been fantastic so far. I encourage you to check the main series and offshoots out. You won’t regret it.
And that my dear turtle fans is my top four. There is so much in the turtle multiverse to enjoy so go forth and explore! Your Lady Adina commands it! Let us give thanks for the turtles and pray that this film won’t be as bad as we think it might be with the following words:
“Cowabunga!”
“It’s ninja time!”
“Turtle power!”
“Go green machine!”
Happy Thorsday, happy Ninja Turtle Day! I leave you with this:
Come on, you know you liked it.
