A Pithy Portmanteau!

I remember it distinctly, the name "Mutanimals" just hit me one day, out of the blue, and I decided to develop a concept around this ( what I thought was a catchy) portmanteau. The premise would be simple, a mutant animal group whose mission it was to save the planet from mankind. I then set about the task of picking the team members and designing the logo at which time I added the "Mighty". Upon completion and with these in hand I then ran the whole thing by Murph who responded with whole-hearted, enthusiastic gusto. And while Murph thought the team was strong he suggested adding two more members. Jagwar was the first of the two with Murph creating him as a sort of a lord of the rainforest. I suggested a tasmanian wolf which Murph christened "Dreadmon".


With all our ducks in a row now, we then began to weave the story of the mighty mutanimals into the rich, resplendent tapestry of the TMNT Adventures title.



Above, Leatherhead battles his doppelgänger, Nether-dead the Doppelgator! Pencil art courtesy of Fernando!

World's Deadliest 2 - The Sequel!

A while back I submitted a story that continues immediately after the events of Tales 50 and, as luck would have it, Dan has just informed me that it has been approved! More details as they become available.

Dramatic Effect

When Paul sent this page in for final approval I suggested adding a shaft of lightning in the last panel for dramatic effect.

Paul cheerfully obliged but for some reason it didn't make it into the book.
So here it is. Didn't want Paul's extra effort to go unnoticed.

7 Lovefield Street

Want to thank my good buddy Dan Berger for snapping this pic of where Leatherhead was created. I occupied the basement apartment on the right.





So when you're on your TMNT pilgrimage to western Massachusetts be sure to stop by 7 Lovefield St.in the beautiful town of Easthampton. It sets directly across from the abandoned Rat King factory. At least it did way back in the late 80's.




































In the Utrom tongue, the name Leatherhead translates as "Moment of cognizance, birth of understanding."

Threads

Sneak peek at the up-coming back-up story that will be in Tales of the TMNT #50. This story is culled from my file of old, unused Tales ideas from back in the late 80's. What's old is new again.

Order Up!

Just a friendly reminder that if you want a copy of Tales 50 be sure to order it right now!

Japanese Leatherhead

If you collect variants here is the 1989 Leatherhead figure released in Japan with 1992 packaging.

Final #50 Leatherhead

Here is the final design for Leatherhead for the 50th issue of Tales of the TMNT! Awesome!

Preliminary Leatherhead

Here's Paul Harmon's second rough design for the character Leatherhead. I like his style. What do you think?

Unchain My Heart

April is in big trouble here. Have a great weekend. Looks like her's won't be...


April & Leatherhead TM ©2008 Mirage Studios

One Step Closer

First off we want to sincerely thank everyone for the wonderful cards and well wishes you sent to us for the holidays!
We truly appreciate all your time and trouble! We'll say it again...Turtle fans are the best!

Hope 2008 is a fantastic year for all of you!


The inks are finished on my Leatherhead story and Joe Rubinstein did an excellent job. Still have lettering and toning to go and then Dan can schedule it for publication! What do you think? Do you like?

Can you tell how Leatherhead will fit into the story?

Leatherhead's 8 Page Story

Here's a sneak peek at my up-coming story about Leatherhead.
This plot is years old, back from my Tales days.
I've always wanted to do it, but the time was never right until Murph felt it would fit nicely in issue 38. Needless to say, after finishing the layouts and sending them off to be penciled by Fernando Pinto, I was
not able to complete the inks on time so it got shelved.
Meanwhile, my other freelance workload was increasing so that in order for it to ever see print I had to give it up.
Enter inker Joe Rubenstein, who stepped in to help out.
Scripting chores went to my good friend Doug Brammer, who you might remember, wrote a few issues of the Archie Adventure series back in the early 90's.
Dan will schedule it as soon as everything is done. I can't wait.

Sharper Image

The Image run of the turtles was a fun read and we loved it. A big thanks to Gary Carlson who did a great job writing the title. Gary is the nicest person in comics. Honest. And he knows his craft. When we collaborated via phone on the Leatherhead/Dr. X storyline that ran through issues 17 -21, I had such a great time.

I want to thank Frank Fosco for the wonderful gift I received in the mail...these two original pages! Wow! I just love it when Casey whacks Leatherhead with his bat , breaking it in half, while Leatherhead doesn't feel a thing. The Triceraton getting his throat torn out by Leatherhead is priceless also! I sure appreciate the pages Frank, thanks so much!

And while we're on the subject, do you fans care to comment on the Image run ? Up for some hearty discussion?

Leatherhead Eat Krang

I inked this old drawing by Steve this morning (then laid in some color just for fun) and will be dropping it in the mail to him on monday so that he can hand-color it in the style of the First graphic novels. Then we were going to put it on Ebay and split the dough if it sells.

Back in the late '80's at conventions we'd sell 8" by 11" sketches for around $10-pencils, $10-inks, $10 quick color. We thought we'd start the auction off at $24.99 ? This drawing is 8" by 11".

Good idea?





Leatherhead & Krang TM & © Mirage Studios