The following interview was performed through e-mail on June 10, 2002. The subject of this interview is the status of upcoming TMNT projects, including the new animated series, video games and other merchandise.

MIKEY: First off, Mr. Laird, 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!

PETER: My pleasure!

MIKEY: I would like to begin by asking a couple of questions about the new cartoon series... This seems to be the biggest event for the TMNT since the revival of the Mirage book. At this time, the imdb.com listing for "Ninja Turtles" credits turtle co-creator Kevin Eastman and yourself as staff writers for the new series. Information on the imdb can be misleading, and I assume that withboth of your schedules, it would be nearly impossible for the two of you to collaborate as writers on this project... Will the stories be adapted from your earlier stories by a writing team for the cartoon, or will you and Mr. Eastman indeed create new stories for the show?

PETER: That information seems a bit out of whack. I am currently working with the head writer, Lloyd Goldfine at 4Kids, and we hope to adapt many of the original TMNT comic stories for these new episodes, as well as come up with all-new story ideas. Kevin is not working on this new show.

MIKEY: Now one thing that the Turtles are known for in the comic world is their serial plot. Although there were quite a bit of unrelated guest artist/writers in the original, there was always a specific time-line in the background. From the defeat of Saki, the TMNT's retreat to the country and return to New York, to a story-line spanning a year in which the TMNT really come of age. The original cartoon lacked in this respect (season 1 excluded). Do you plan on spanning story arcs across the season in the new series (an element popular in anime and live action television), or will they be individual episodes with a definite beginning and end in each?

PETER: The plan right now -- and, like most plans in life, it's subject to change -- is to have more of a serial feel to this series, with a lot of continuity from episode to episode, and an overall arc for the first season. That's the way we're working on it right now. Of course, there may be stand-alone shows here and there, but even they will have some connection to the continuity.

MIKEY: Additionally, we have heard a lot of a "return to the original TMNT" ... darker and edgier. Some fans are concerned that with a company like 4Kids Entertainment producing the series, it would be impossible to get that look and feeling. At this point, no one but test audiences and executives know exactly what feeling has been achieved with the initial product. What is your opinion; do you think the work done on the show so far relates closely to the "darker" and "edgier" TMNT?

PETER: With the caveat that one person's "dark and edgy" might be another person's "light and silly", I can say that we are trying to establish a much more dramatic tone to the new series, while keeping the integral humor which has been a part of the Turtles since the early Mirage TMNT comics. We'll have to wait and see to determine what the final result is.

MIKEY: Now that the turtles are on the fast track back into the limelight, you have a couple of new projects in the works ... which will probably evolve in to several projects! The TMNT video games have always been popular on all gaming consoles... Today, the market is much bigger than in 1989. GameBoy will undoubtedly be the first to announce a TMNT game, with GameCube and Playstation and X-box following close behind, perhaps even PC games. Any idea on game themes -- story/adventure or tournament style?

PETER: As long as it's done well, I would like either approach -- I'd even dig a racing game, especially if it had motorcycles in it. And I'd like to have a version I could play on my Mac.

MIKEY: If Digital Rim and Rainbow Studios are still on-board for the new movie, they'd be the most suitable candidates for these new games, in my opinion! From what I've seen, they do some awesome work!

A preview of the limited edition coldcast TMNT statues from Playmates Toys, which are going to be released over the next year. Click image for the full update.

PETER: No argument there! Though I can't say for certain that Rainbow will be involved, I would love it if they were... they did a wonderful job on the five-minute CGI "pilot" for the proposed CGI TMNT show last year, and their "ATV Off-Road Fury" game for the Playstation is flat-out one of the best games I've ever played, and maybe the best racing game I've ever seen.

MIKEY: NinjaTurtles.com webmaster Dan Berger has also alerted the fans to a possible release of brand new cold-cast TMNT statues. If this project is a go, it looks like we could have our first of four installments by August at Comic Con International in San Diego. I, for one, am totally excited about this. Not only will it be massive exposure to the TMNT's rekindled fire, but I'll actually have a chance to buy one! Could you possibly let us know anything more specific about this project?

PETER: I'm very excited about it... it's being done by Playmates Toys, and it's something that I have hoped for them to do for a long time. They are taking the first group shot of the Turtles from the first page of the first comic book and using that as the reference point for the look of the Turtles and their poses. Each Turtle will stand about a foot high, I believe (though I could be off on that measurement), and each will be on a base which can be fitted together with the others to form a cool arrangement similar to the layout of that panel from the first comic book. I've seen photos of one of the preliminary sculpts of Leonardo, and it really captures the look and feel of those early Turtles... it's wicked cool!

MIKEY: Well, Mr. Laird, it's been a real pleasure having you with us today! Thanks for taking the time to share this information. We're all looking forward to #4 of Volume 4 and, of course, the new animated series and the flurry of merchandise that comes along with it! Keep up the great work, take care and have a great day!

PETER: You're welcome, and thank you!