The following interview was performed through e-mail on June 10, 2002, and responded to on July 8, 2002. The subject of this interview is the status of upcoming TMNT projects, including the new and upcoming TMNT ventures, and Artobiography by Kevin Eastman.

Kevin Eastman

KEVIN: Hey Mike, Sorry it took me so long to get back to you--I've been very busy. Here's the answers to your questions:

MIKEY: First off, let me tell you that it makes me and all the other TMNT fans out there extremely happy that you would take the time out to answer a few questions. It really shows your loyalty to the fans... I hope everyone realizes how rare it is for creators to even give the time of day to their fans. Thanks!

KEVIN: No Problem, thanks for asking. I wouldn't be able to do all the wonderful things I get to do without such great fans--and I try to give back by doing free sketches at shows, and in otherways like through my Museum.

MIKEY: The TMNT have been around since 1984. From that time to 1987, the comic book gained so much popularity that a cartoon series was developed along with a toyline. Then, in 1990, came the first of three movies. The $4 Billion industry finally began petering out (no pun intended) after the failed "Next Mutation" series in 1997.

KEVIN: Just a couple quick things to mention about your perspective on the two above points---first the decline of turtle income started after the second turtle movie in 1991--and was on a steady yearly decline up to, and beyond the next mutation series. (Also the 4 billion dollar industry get bigger everytime someone else does an artical about the turtles, and I think if it even came close to that--which I didn't tink it did--those numbers are "gross amounts" allot of big companies, and agents made, our take was a fraction of that.) And lastly, the "Next Mutation" show was a number one show in most demographics, including girls, nearly across the board. Gary Richardson CEO of Mirage has copies of all these reports, so on a show I worked really hard on, I thought it was good to know kids liked it. Unfortunately, the toys didn't sell very well, mainly because Playmates chose NOT to make cool toys like everyone else was making at that time, and Saban, who was funding the show, was only getting a small piece of the action, instead of getting 95% of the action he could get by stealing a cool idea from a less savvy team of creators. Venus Rules!

MIKEY: Flash forward to 2002: a new comic, a new cartoon, new merchandise, and maybe a new movie and/or tv mini-series! What's your opinion of a TMNT revival happening now? Is it a good idea to bring them back now, or do you think they deserved a longer break from the spotlight?

KEVIN: I think it is a great time to bring the turtles back, and I hope they get hugely popular, and that we get all kinds of great new fans as loyal as you! Long live the turtles!

MIKEY: The IMDB listing of the new Ninja Turtles cartoon has you listed as a writer for the show. Through the past couple of years, I've learned to take information on the IMDB with a grain of salt. And I understand that Heavy Metal must take a huge chunk of your time. Not only that, Peter lives on the East Coast and you live on the West. Are you both really working on writing these 26 episodes for the FOXBox, or is there a team of writers employed by 4Kids Entertainment that will adapt earlier storylines for the new series?

KEVIN: What is the IMBD? I've never heard of it, and it sounds like they don't have their shit together. Regardless, Peter has full creative control over the series--I have seen nothing from it--no one has offered, and I have not asked, I do however wish them well. When it comes out I will try to catch it on air, regardless, I hope it does great, and I hope that all the people that work really hard to get it on the screen are happen about the work they have done on it.

I also hope they do more video games, more movies, and more comics--Mirage has sent me a few copies of the new comic--I have not read them--I'm going to wait until I get like 10 issue in a pile, and then I'll read through them all. I think Pete, Jim, and Eric make a great creative team, and hope they're having fun with what they're doing.

MIKEY: In all the reports that we've seen about a new series, the words "Back to their roots," and "dark and edgy" have been popped out at us loud and clear... or so we thought. More than a few fans are concerned that with a company like 4Kids producing the show, there will be hardly any room left for darkness and edge, what with all the built-in parent-pleasers crowding the half hour. I assume you've seen a screening or at least some cells of the show. What are your impressions of its initial look and feel?

KEVIN: As I mentioned about I have not seen anything from the show, and really would rather wait and be surprised when it is done. However--I have worked on allot of TV related projects, and have allot of friends that write for TV, and anyone who thinks they're going to do something "dark and edgy" for a saturday morning cartoon show is kidding themselves. They have this board of people that "rate" cartoons called, "Broadcast standards and practices" where every script, and show has to be approved for content before it airs, and Saturday morning is BY FAR the toughest of all rated spots, and anything dark and edgy will be cut instantly, if not sooner. However, I do think it is brave of them to try and hope they gain some ground.

MIKEY: "I was a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle" ... So was I apparently! I had to have everything from the breakfast cereal to hardcore comics. But that's not what you meant when you began this feature on metaltv.com. You've used the space to tell your story, and I have to admit, this is the most hilarious version yet! In addition, you have an art gallery attached to it, making it comparable to Peter's "Blast from the Past." Was this dive into nostalgia the reason you decided to release the new hardcover sketchbook? I think that many, if not all, of us would like to know more about the book! We can never have too many great pics of the TMNT, and we want to know where we can get a copy for ourselves!

KEVIN: My website guys are located in Northampton, where Pete and Mirage Studios are located, and as we were starting to build the "I was a TMNT" section as one of the channels on MetalTV two years ago, I had mentioned to a few folks around town I was going to make it a flash back section and that I had gotten the idea while I was beginning to pull together art for my book. I would never say my idea inspired anyone--I'd rather think that great minds think alike, and Pete and I had great ideas at the same time. I've never seen his section, and I'm sure he's neer seen mine. The book that will be out the end of July is very positve to all concerned, as it should be. There is no ill will between anyone, and there's allot of great memories. Perhaps it will inspire Pete to do his own book someday, and tell his perspective.

MIKEY: Well, it was great of you to let us in on your views of the upcoming Turtle resurgance! I wish you continued success in Heavy Metal and of course all things Turtle! Your views and statements are always welcome at MikeysTMNT.com ... Give my best to your beautiful wife, and the crew at Words & Pictures, and I'll be seeing you at Comic Con 2002 in August!

KEVIN: Thanks for your support--I hope you travel safe to the San Diego--and we'll see you there.