In March 2020, TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles.com was looking to expand its media beyond articles and giveaways. One of the ideas thrown out was a podcast.
Seeing as I was the only one that had a background in podcasting, I made a “pilot” episode based on the crew’s suggestions. This podcast, “The Monthly Mutagen“, is all on me…from the name and logo…to the format, editing, coverage, and voice.
The response was shockingly positive. But others wanted a live/streaming direction (which I was uncomfortable with) and the crew proposed a new episode weekly. No one understood the work and structure going into creating something even as silly and trivial as this.
Then the pandemic hit and we all locked ourselves into our assigned sewers.
I came across the file earlier today and figured it might as well see the light of day since I had fun doing it. Anyway, Shellheads, enjoy (probably the only) episode of The Monthly Mutagen!
Here’s my concept on a Ninja Turtle cartoon that would be aimed at children. Despite what fans say, I really enjoyed Nickelodeon’s Rise of TMNT for what it was. It was a departure from what we got previously within the fandom of the TMNT, but sometimes you need change in order for decades old characters to evolve. It was fast, silly, and focused on comedy over action. Sort of a Teenage Mutant Titans Go! If you will. And the background art and animation was just fantastic.
I decided to take a lot of direction (visually) from what Rise gave us, but coupled it with more traditional character design. The pizza, Ninjitsu, and humor would still be present…but we’re dropping the “teenage” as the Ninja Turtles have been teenagers in every iteration of movie/television media so far. The idea of them being “celebrities” akin to say, Iron Man in the MCU, is another direction that could be explored. Social Media personally run by the Ninja Turtles and media appearances booked and handled by April herself could led to some very humorous and interesting storytelling. Not to mention something we’ve never seen before.
I also think social media could be a very serious danger to younger generations. And certain episodes could deliver the message to young viewers on using this “new” technology safely and responsibly. Akin to the old G.I. Joe or “Sonic Says” safety messages, but updated for a modern generation.
The series being titled “Shell Shocked!” is because that’s exactly what it is to the IP and something I always strive for in my “reimaginings”. Teenage Turtles? Nope. Now they’re adults. Splinter is dead. The Turtles are big celebrities. No Technodrome. No Dimension X. Shredder is a giant mutant freak. Keep shakin’ it up, dudes and dudettes!
The TMNT are one of my favorite close personal characters and have been for decades. Yet I’ve never had “my take” on them. So this little concept was a ton of fun for me to do. I believe the Ninja Turtles are characters that are going to be similar to Scooby Doo or the Looney Tunes. They’ll have their peaks and valleys, but always be around for the new generation. I think the concept of them is so bizarre yet gripping that every little boy (or girl) is going to be gripping an empty wrapping paper tube and yelling “Cowabunga!” for decades to come.
I’ve been doing something pretty difficult with my artwork lately: holding back. It’s not something I’m doing for good. It’s an experiment of sorts. I love drawing my dirt, grime, and grit. Basically, am I able to replicate the style of marketable IPs? If someone wanted me to draw streamlined styles…could I? That’s what I did here. I tried to replicate the style of the old 1988 Playmates Ninja Turtles packaging. Something you might find on an old lunchbox thermos or something.
Use the slider to slide between the ’87 cartoon figure turtles and the original Eastman and Laird take. I had fun doing this simple clean style. I might do more for sure.
ChrisDoesComics.com 