SDCC: Some Thoughts

Woo! I just got back late from SDCC late last night, and what a trip it was. This year was my second time attending, and I can never get used to how huge this event truly is. At times, the convention center felt like a total mad house with all the people crowding around. I'm going to post a few pictures within the next few days of some TMNT stuffs (mostly NECA) as well as a few TMNT sketches I was fortunate enough to get. For now, I just thought I'd write some observations.

- The NECA booth did a great job promoting the TMNT with huge banners and displays. I was thrilled to see the turtles with a strong toy presence at SDCC. On the other hand, GoComics didn't have much of a display, though I did pick up a flier that featured Mikey on the front. The 4kids booth was a royal pain in the ass to find, and when I did find it, the whole booth was decorated in nothing but Chaotic. You'd think that the company that's producing a brand new TMNT cartoon in the fall would want to promote it in front of thousands of kids, since they seem to aim for that demographic and ignore the older fans (me included). The only hint of TMNT were the passports (see Murphy's blog) sitting on the table. As a major sponsor of the 25th anniversary, they could have at least made some sort of banner. I wouldn't have even bothered looking for the 4kids booth if I didn't need to get my passport stamped by them.

- Speaking of 4kids, a rep I spoke to at the official booth saw my TMNT shirt and asked if I were a fan. I said, "of course." He asked me if I visited the blog, and I assumed he meant the 4kids blog (this was the 4kids booth, after all). However, he meant Murphy's "fifth turtle" blog, which caught me by surprise. Either this guy is a fan himself, or 4kids is back on good terms with Murphy. Irregardless, he plugged Murphy's blog and told me I should be reading it (which I already do).

- Four guys dressed in turtle suits, minus the masks but wearing colored bandannas, were walking around throughout the convention. They were constantly yelling "cowabunga!" and "turtle power!". I also noticed that they were using surfer lingo when speaking to other people. At first, I just thought they were a group of fans, but then I saw them handing out TMNT passports. My thanks to whichever sponsor decided to hire these guys to run around and make sure people were aware of the 25th anniversary. Too bad I couldn't get a clear picture of them.

- While waiting in line to get Kevin Eastman to sign my B&W NECA figs, a woman came up to the cash register to buy the same set. When the cashier told her that Kevin was signing the figs and that she should get in line, she told him "I don't care about that." The guy gave her an incredulous look as she walked away. Her loss (unless she's selling on ebay).

- When it was my turn to get my NECA figs signed, I asked Kevin if he was going to participate in any of the 25th anniversary events. He cracked a few jokes, then finally confirmed that he would be taking part. What kind of projects, he wouldn't say.

- Overheard at the NECA booth:
Guy 1: "Oh my God, the turtles are back?!"
Guy 2: "Hell yeah! Check out the detail on those action figures. That's insane!"
Guy 1: "It looks like they just stepped out of the comics!"

- Kevin Eastman is a very generous guy who truly appreciates his TMNT fans. He's also got a great sense of humor, and I enjoyed talking with him. Simon Bisley, on the other hand, is one crazy man, LOL!

Coming up next: NECA pics
Coming up soon: TMNT sketches from various artists
Coming up later: More sketches (not all TMNT)

SDCC... I'm Almost There!

Okay, so I'm getting ready to pack up and head on out to San Diego for one of the world's biggest Comic Cons! I want to take plenty of pictures, especially anything TMNT related that I manage to spot. I'm lookin' at you, NECA! Now I don't have a laptop, so I may have to upload pictures a few days after returning. But I hope to have plenty of stuff to share with fellow TMNT fans.

I'm still planning to dedicate this blog to TMNT-related art when I recover from SDCC. I'm hoping to convince some of my favorite artists (David Peterson, Todd Nauck, just to name a couple) to sketch out a turtle in their unique style. My fingers are crossed that I'll be successful. If not, I still have a few pieces of older art that I can upload. I know for sure that I will have at least one new sketch to add to my collection, as long as things go well with a certain rabbit samurai. :)

Oh, and a special thank you to Alex for visiting my disorganized blog. I didn't realize there was more than one person in this cave!

Revamp

I've decided to revive this blog, but I need something to focus on. I still want it to be TMNT-centric while showcasing something different. There are already a ton of great TMNT news blogs and behind the scenes stuff, so I'm thinking about focusing on something specific. Maybe artwork? I do have some original sketches and whatnot... we'll see when I get more time.

And the Oscar goes to...TMNT?

A new post on Murphy's blog reveals that the WB seems to be pushing TMNT to get nominated for an Oscar in the "Best Animated Feature Film" category. Pretty gutsy move, especially with Pixar's Ratatouille a shoe-in to not only get nominated, but to win the category. But I suppose getting a nomination would really help bolster TMNT's status in Hollywood and with the movie-watching crowd. We still have no official word about a possible sequel; however, if WB proves successful in getting TMNT an Oscar nod, then we can look forward to seeing the awesome foursome in action once again.

TMNT Sequel?

Steve Murphy reported in his blog that a TMNT sequel has yet to be confirmed or denied; however, several fans on the message boards are saying that it's just a matter of "when" and not "if". Apparently, some sources at various comic cons (including San Diego) have stated that we will be seeing another TMNT movie on the big screen.

For me, it's more of the old cliche "I'll believe it when I see it." I'm hopeful for a sequel, but I'm not going to be celebrating until I read an official announcement from Mirage, Warner Bros, or anyone else associated with the first film.

Random Ramblings

I went to the San Diego Comic Con last month for the first time ever. I'm still debating whether or not I want to write about it (three days worth is a lot to write about), but we'll see. It truly was an incredible experience, and I've still got a pile of goodies to sort through.

Steve Murphy recently posted an explanation about Jagwar's new look for the next release of TMNT action figures. Even though the original sculpt wasn't based on the Jagwar we know and love, I still think it'll be a good way to introduce an old character to a newer, younger audience. Who knows? If Playmates is satisfied with sales, maybe we'll get a retro action figure for every wave released. One can dream...

I recently discovered the blog of Tristan Huw Jones, a comic-book writer and big TMNT fan. He worked on Tales of the TMNT #36, which was an incredible issue. Paul Harmon's artwork and Tristan's writing really reminded me of the early Mirage issues, especially along the vein of "Return to New York". I know "dark and gritty" is such a cliched way to describe the TMNT, but I think this representation of them really fits the bill. I loved it, and I can only hope that we'll be seeing more from Tristan and Paul.

I'm a little nervous as we approach the end of the week. I really want to see the TMNT DVD do well in sales and rentals, but from initial reports I've read online, the guys in green may have their work cut out for them. With rumors swirling that a sequel is dependent on good DVD sales, I'm crossing my fingers. I loved the TMNT movie, but I will admit that I wish the characters were fleshed out more with some more action scenes for good measure. I was extremely disappointed that the "ninja tag" scene got cut. I think it would've set up the tension between Raph/Leo a little bit better, as well as give Don and Mikey some more screen time. Nonetheless, the movie was an enjoyable ride, and I want the ride to continue.

Mouse Guard

I first heard of Mouse Guard via word of mouth. Then, while I was at the San Diego Comic Con, I managed to speak to Mouse Guard creator/artist/writer David Peterson and get a few signed items. I had never read a single issue of Mouse Guard, but because I heard so many good things about it, I just dived in and purchased the collected volume 1 hardcover (which David signed and sketched in) as well as issue one of volume 2 (also signed). The guy was extremely kind, answering all of my n00bish questions without hesitation. If any of you get the chance to meet him, please do so. Not only is his work incredibly written and beautifully drawn, but he's a real class act as well. Thanks, David!