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As the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles get closer to the end of their 25th anniversary, the celebration’s conclusion is becoming more and more bittersweet. Last October, co-creator Peter Laird sold his remaining rights for the Turtles to children’s cable network Nickelodeon, a division of Viacom Inc. For many, myself included, it’s sad to think one of the most successful independent comics of all time will no longer be independent.

The Ninja Turtles have had many remarkable achievements for being originally conceived as just a one-off parody comic. The Turtles numerous licensing deals, including over 350 hours of TV programming, 4 profitable independent films, multiple Playmate action figure lines, and a ridiculous amount of other merchandising outfits, is perhaps their biggest achievement. Yet, to do this all over the last 25 years while only being operated by creators Kevin Eastman and Laird’s independent Mirage Studios is nothing short of miraculous. Though likely beneficial for the future of the Turtles, the acquisition is a blow to one of the biggest independent success stories of all time.

The Turtles will remain to have some autonomy throughout 2010 before the Nickelodeon acquisition takes full effect. If Peter Laird chooses to do so, Mirage Studios will have the rights to publish up to 18 issues of Tales of the TMNT throughout the year. However, they will not be allowed to sell graphic novels collections, which will perhaps making these issues collectors items because of their limited run. Also, 4Kids CW will be allowed to finish airing their Ninja Turtles cartoon throughout 2010 before their contract expires. The deal with Nickelodeon will not effect the Playmate toyline. Nickelodeon is expected to launch a new animated series and animated movie of the Turtles in 2010.

Mirage Studios will send the turtles out with a bang with the new animated TV film “Turtles Forever” which aired last Saturday, November 21. An encore showing of this will air November 28 and December 12, split into three 22 minute episodes. The film combines three sets of Turtles, the original, violent comic versions, The 80s goof-off Turtles, and the darker cast from 4Kids cartoon. Check out the trailer below.

Its been a radical twenty five years. Let’s hope the Ninja Turtles can have twenty five more with Nickelodeon, and avoid a Spongebob crossover.

Cowabunga Dudes!

-Jon

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