It is no secret that Marvel and DC Comics have had some disappointment in terms of comic book sales and at the box office for their theatrical films. The speculation over the reason is a recurring discussion in the mainstream media and on social media, but to Kevin Easton, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it is the end of the “dominance” for the big two comic book companies.
“To a certain extent, yes,” Eastman answered when asked by NME if Marvel and DC are floundering in dominance. “They’ve done it so well for so long. I remember when Captain America: The First Avenger came out [in 2011]… It was perfectly done with Chris Evans as the Captain and it was done in a very sincere and serious [way], recognizing the importance of the [comics] fanbase… right up through to Avengers: Endgame [in 2019] and some of the TV series. They’ve hit the big marks and made all of us original fans happy.”
“So I think it’s now off to other territories to come up with interesting stories… there’s lots of room for other kinds of comic book movies, you know… I’m curious to see where it all goes, for sure,” he said.
Eastman co-created the Turtles in a Half-shell with Peter Laird in 1984. Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello would make their first appearance in the black and white first issue that they independently published before the pair launched Mirage Studios. Later the TMNT would transition to Image Comics, then to Archie Comics, followed by Dreamwave Comics, and is currently being published by IDW Publishing.
There have been several films based on the TMNT as well as several animated television shows. The only live-action series was ‘Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation’ in 1997. The show was panned by critics and fans leading to its cancellation after only one season.
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