Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (or TMNT) is a multi-media franchise that extended into comics, television, toys, and movies. It is most popular for its original animated series, which ran from 1987 through 1996. It also had successful followup animated TV series, a live-action series, and several feature films.
The premise of TMNT is a simple one that has spawned many separate franchises, spin-offs, and merchandise: there are four teenage turtles that are human in nature but have ninja training and fight crime. The turtles Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael live in Manhattan sewers and feast on New York pizza, which is perhaps the main reason the food is still so popular in the city.
Aside from the main TV series, comics, and movies, there have been a number of spin-off products related to the series. Action figures were popular during the 90s, and there were many video games for different consoles. The first game was released for NES in 1989 and was followed by games for nearly every console and handheld system through the early 2000s. There were also TMNT board games, including a Dungeons & Dragons-style RPG called “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Other Strangeness.”
Among the more bizarre spin-offs include TMNT foods such as cereal and Pizza Crunchabungas as well as live concerts featuring small bands in turtle outfits.
Although TMNT is a decidedly 90s phenomenon, the success continues today. The third animated series is currently running on Nickelodeon, and a live-action film reboot starring Megan Fox is planned for release in 2014.
TMNT Characters
Michelangelo
Leonardo
Raphael
Donatello
Splinter
Shredder
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