http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=127540
The link takes you to a newsarama interview with Kevin Eastman.
Interesting stuff.
MikeM
Talking to Kevin Eastman
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Todd Shogun
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I just read the interview. WOW. Intriguing read. I had no idea Kevin still had partial ownership of the Turtles (just no "current" creative rights -- even though he still maintains what is being created now is based on his creativity in the past).
He really bashes the heck out of Peter Laird in the first part of the interview as well. Crazy. He even goes so far as to compare Peter to Stan Lee in Lee's treatment of Jack Kirby, which once upon a time Eastman and Laird were staunch advocates against. I don't actually remember Peter saying he is sole owner of the TMNT, but it is true that he has control over what happens with them now, and Eastman confirms this in a way. I guess the assumption was that by selling off creative power to Peter, so too went everything else. Guess that wasn't really true. It was a smart move by Kevin to maintain some level of ownership over the TMNT, in any case.
Too bad the interviewer didn't address the selling out of the Turtles to the kids' market and thus shunning fans of the original comics (myself included). I wonder what his reaction would have been. I'd often heard that it was Kevin who pushed for the mass-marketing and complete reinvention of the Turtles, and that Peter went along reluctantly. It'd be great to see Peter's reaction to this interview. I got the faint impression that Kevin wasn't really putting everything out there. Creative control over one's comic creation is super-critical to its success (a big example is Stan's control over Usagi). It almost sounds to me like Eastman and Laird allowed for too little creative control over their creations back in the late 80s with the cartoons and stuff...and now Laird is trying to make up for it while Kevin has moved on after raking in the dough (and continues to do so).
So, is Kevin's comparison of Peter to Stan Lee appropriate? That's a huge slap in the face, if I'm any judge.
He really bashes the heck out of Peter Laird in the first part of the interview as well. Crazy. He even goes so far as to compare Peter to Stan Lee in Lee's treatment of Jack Kirby, which once upon a time Eastman and Laird were staunch advocates against. I don't actually remember Peter saying he is sole owner of the TMNT, but it is true that he has control over what happens with them now, and Eastman confirms this in a way. I guess the assumption was that by selling off creative power to Peter, so too went everything else. Guess that wasn't really true. It was a smart move by Kevin to maintain some level of ownership over the TMNT, in any case.
Too bad the interviewer didn't address the selling out of the Turtles to the kids' market and thus shunning fans of the original comics (myself included). I wonder what his reaction would have been. I'd often heard that it was Kevin who pushed for the mass-marketing and complete reinvention of the Turtles, and that Peter went along reluctantly. It'd be great to see Peter's reaction to this interview. I got the faint impression that Kevin wasn't really putting everything out there. Creative control over one's comic creation is super-critical to its success (a big example is Stan's control over Usagi). It almost sounds to me like Eastman and Laird allowed for too little creative control over their creations back in the late 80s with the cartoons and stuff...and now Laird is trying to make up for it while Kevin has moved on after raking in the dough (and continues to do so).
So, is Kevin's comparison of Peter to Stan Lee appropriate? That's a huge slap in the face, if I'm any judge.
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Leonardo-san
- Shinobi<Special Ninja Agent>
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I would like to comment that meeting up with Kevin E every year at Comic Con...Kevin has always been totally gracious to all the TMNT fans that visit him. Always. Above and beyond.
And Kevin has every right to have decided he had other projects he wanted to work on. Some creators don't feel a need to stay with the same series the same characters for decades.
Peter...well, any of us that read the letters columns in the TMNT comics....there are a lot of fans that are unhappy over Peter's attitude, to put it simply.
And unless you live on the east coast and are able to catch Peter at the rare local appearances out there, no chance to meet him. Would be nice to have a chat with him....
Kevin has guarded his words for many long years, and it seems he's decided to finally say a few things. I found it very interesting. I'm sure it's been painful for him.
As a fan, it makes me sad there are clearly large differences that prevent the two from collaborating. I think they balanced each other out nicely in what still remain some of the best issues from the whole series.
And Kevin has every right to have decided he had other projects he wanted to work on. Some creators don't feel a need to stay with the same series the same characters for decades.
Peter...well, any of us that read the letters columns in the TMNT comics....there are a lot of fans that are unhappy over Peter's attitude, to put it simply.
And unless you live on the east coast and are able to catch Peter at the rare local appearances out there, no chance to meet him. Would be nice to have a chat with him....
Kevin has guarded his words for many long years, and it seems he's decided to finally say a few things. I found it very interesting. I'm sure it's been painful for him.
As a fan, it makes me sad there are clearly large differences that prevent the two from collaborating. I think they balanced each other out nicely in what still remain some of the best issues from the whole series.
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Todd Shogun
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I totally agree. I recall a great analogy once cited by a fan in a letter column of one of the old issues, where he compared Eastman and Laird as a team like a Reese's peanut butter cup. You can't have one without either the chocolate or the peanut butter. Likewise you can't have the TMNT without both Eastman and Laird...Leonardo-san wrote: As a fan, it makes me sad there are clearly large differences that prevent the two from collaborating. I think they balanced each other out nicely in what still remain some of the best issues from the whole series.
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Maka
- Daimyo <High-Ranking Lord>
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I loved the Tundra books (the artist sketchbooks, Taboo, madman, The Crow, Understanding Comics, big numbers, cages, etc.). Too bad Mr. Eastman lost $14 million on that project. But I love getting those comics.
I'm glad Mr. Eastman is still getting royalties for TMNT.
BTW, I've never read the turtles. You folks here seem to love them. What is the best way to get the first 10 issues to read. eBay? I don't care about condition or print.
Peace, maka
I'm glad Mr. Eastman is still getting royalties for TMNT.
BTW, I've never read the turtles. You folks here seem to love them. What is the best way to get the first 10 issues to read. eBay? I don't care about condition or print.
Peace, maka
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Mayhem
- Daimyo <High-Ranking Lord>
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As a long time TMNT fan (started reading them almost 20 years ago now!), I've always suspected this to be fair. If anything, it reminded me I hadn't gotten hold of a copy of Kevin's Artography book, gone and ordered that now.
You should be able to get most issues from online or eBay, usually second or further prints, as the firsts of the early issues will be slightly expensive (ho ho on the first issue). I'd almost recommend getting the four graphic novels available (highly convenient auction on eBay for all four together) as they combine the first 11 issues and the Leonardo one-shot. You'll spot an awful lot of ideas used in the movies if you read these
You should be able to get most issues from online or eBay, usually second or further prints, as the firsts of the early issues will be slightly expensive (ho ho on the first issue). I'd almost recommend getting the four graphic novels available (highly convenient auction on eBay for all four together) as they combine the first 11 issues and the Leonardo one-shot. You'll spot an awful lot of ideas used in the movies if you read these
With a breeze comes a storm, but then you'll all be washed away...
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Leonardo-san
- Shinobi<Special Ninja Agent>
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