Originally created as a new cover for the second printing of TMNT (Vol. 1) #4 (recreating the original Eastman/Laird cover), it would eventually become one of the most reused pieces of art within TMNT merchandising.
If you recognize it from anything, it's most certainly as the box artwork for the first NES TMNT game by Konami:
The art would go on to be used for Tiger Electronics handheld games, on cabinets for Konami's TMNT Arcade game and just about every place else. Thanks to being recycled for merchandising to such a vast extent, it's easily one of the most recognizable bits of Turtle art ever, not to mention one of the best.
There's so much kinetic energy going on in that print, the art nearly leaps off the page and nunchakus you right in the face. And knowing that it was hand-painted the ole fashioned way and not with computers only makes it that much more impressive.
I'd love to own a print of this thing. I'd frame it and hang it right next to my poster of the original NES Castlevania box art.
6 comments:
I had Dooney autograph my NES cartridge a few years back :-)
@Anonymous
That's awesome.
Thanks.
Interesting to think they never changed the bandanas to the colors that kids knew at that time. Kinda neat the reds made it through on the cover art.
Memory might be a little fuzzy, but I'm almost certain there were posters of this image, as well.
I bought one of these prints from Mike a few months ago. He didn't advertise it on the blog but I asked what prints he had stocked and this was one of them. He may still have more.
@Exscind,
Thanks for the info, man! I'll see if I can hit Dooney up and hopefully he has some left (and they're in my price range). Definately a gotta have for me. I appreciate the tip, man!
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