From Comic-Con Part 5 – TMNT San Diego Galabunga
By Sarah Kumley
We found the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ rockin’ Party Bus (which is touring around the United States) about a block from our hotel. Aboard the bus, there is a museum of TMNT toys and memorabilia from the 1980s and ‘90s. Many of the action figures and toy vehicles I remember playing with when I was a kid. The figures featured on the bus are even still in their boxes. On the outside of the bus, people could play the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-Up video game and even meet Raphael.
At the Party Bus, we received tickets to the Galabunga later that night. Other lucky fans also received tickets by collecting buttons at the convention center and the bus. The party was held in honor of the Turtles’ 25th anniversary “Shell-ebration.” The signature drink of the evening was called “Sewer Slime;” and there was cake and green popcorn for snacks. Of course, no TMNT party would be complete without pizza, and there was plenty on hand. All four Turtles were wandering around the party and available for pictures. There were some pretty amazing prizes being raffled, including original toys, comics and other memorabilia that is scarce today.
After the items were dispersed, fans witnessed the world-premiere screening of the Turtles Forever animation special, put out by 4Kids Entertainment and Mirage Studios Inc. In short, the movie was amazing. It brought together more than three generations of the TMNT we all know and love. The movie started with and featured a newer look for Turtles, who are a bit taller, more angular, and much more somber than the characters from the 1987-96 animated series. In the movie, the old animated Turtles must join forces with the new ones in an effort to stop the “one true Shredder,” who is trying to wipe out the TMNT for good by going to the source, Turtle Prime. When the two sets of Turtles reach Turtle Prime, they are confronted by the TMNT in their original glory from the 1984 comics, even maintaining their black and white tone.
Also making appearances in Turtles Forever are Master Splinter, Krang, Bebop, Rocksteady, Casey, April, and the clumsy Foot Soldiers. Many of the beloved catchphrases were also peppered throughout the special, such as “Turtle Power!” and “Cowabunga!” Watching this brought me back to my childhood and flying the inflatable Turtle Blimp around my basement…ahh, good times.
Coming Next…Boondock Saints II Panel
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