When I think back to some of my earliest superhero influences, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) are right at the top of the list. Growing up, I was a huge fan of the Turtles—Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael. These four ninja brothers, mutated into humanoid turtles, captured my imagination from the start with their incredible teamwork, martial arts skills, and love for pizza. 🐢🍕 Even today, my love for the TMNT remains just as strong, and I carry so many memories from that time with me.
Each of the Turtles had a distinct personality, making it easy for fans like me to connect with them on a deeper level. Leonardo, the leader of the group, was disciplined and courageous, always doing his best to lead his brothers with honor and responsibility. Donatello, the genius of the group, was tech-savvy and inventive, often coming up with gadgets that would help the team in battle. Michelangelo, the fun-loving party dude, brought the comic relief and kept the mood light with his constant jokes and laid-back attitude. And then, of course, there was Raphael—the Turtle I loved and related to the most.
Raphael was the brooding, tough, and sometimes rebellious brother. His fiery temper and fierce loyalty made him stand out to me as a kid. I admired how he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind and fight for what he believed in, even if it meant clashing with his brothers. His attitude mirrored my own in many ways growing up—I could be stubborn and passionate, but also deeply loyal to those I cared about. That’s why Raphael became my favorite Turtle, and he still is to this day.
Back in the late '80s and early '90s, we were living in the golden age of Turtlemania! From around 1987 to 1993, the Turtles were everywhere, and I was all in. If it had a Turtle on it, I had to have it! I collected everything from action figures, vehicles for those figures, video games, Hostess pies (yes, even those!), stickers, books, comic books, playing cards, VHS tapes, CDs, cassette tapes, and eventually Blu-Rays. I remember having stacks of comic books that I’d never even read before because, by the time the Turtles became popular on TV, they had already been in comics since 1984. I was just 2 years old when the first issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hit shelves, so my introduction to them came when the cartoon debuted on TV. I have since expanded my knowledge by reading and watching everything Turtles related.
One of the funniest things about being such a huge TMNT fan as a kid is how much of their habits I picked up. To this day, I still eat my pizza slices with three fingers, just like the Turtles did! There’s something nostalgic about it—it’s like I’m honoring the heroes who sparked my childhood imagination and love for pizza. And believe me, it’s not just about the pizza; the TMNT taught me about loyalty, sticking together, and looking out for the people you love.
My love for the Turtles wasn’t just limited to their personalities; it extended to everything they did. I was a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies and TV series, and I devoured every episode and film that came out over the years. Whether it was the 1990 live-action film (still a classic!) or the many animated series that followed, the Turtles never lost their charm or impact. In fact, the very first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie from 1990 remains not only my favorite Turtle movie but also one of my favorite superhero films of all time. There was something so gritty and real about seeing my heroes brought to life, battling the Foot Clan in the streets of New York City. I was captivated by the darker, more grounded tone of the movie, and it solidified my love for the Turtles as more than just cartoon characters—they were real heroes to me.
Another huge influence the Turtles had on my life was inspiring me to take up karate. In third grade, after being bullied, I felt empowered by watching my favorite ninja Turtles and decided to stand up for myself by learning martial arts. Watching these skilled ninjas in action made me want to learn how to defend myself and be strong. So, I took up karate with dreams of becoming as skilled as my heroes. I’ll never forget the confidence and discipline it gave me, and how that decision shaped me into the person I am today. While I didn’t become a ninja in the sewers of New York (though that would’ve been cool!), I learned so many life lessons from martial arts and the Turtles: loyalty, teamwork, and always standing up for what’s right, even when the odds seem against you.
I can still quote the Turtles from their movies, comic books, and cartoons. From Raphael’s iconic “I lost a sai!” in the first live-action film to Michelangelo’s “Cowabunga!” the TMNT’s lines are still etched in my mind. Each quote reminds me of why these characters were more than just entertainment—they were a part of my identity, a source of courage and confidence.
The Turtles are so popular that they have crossed over with other big superhero and pop culture brands, which only added to their appeal. They've teamed up with Batman, The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the world of Stranger Things, The Ghostbusters, The Savage Dragon, Yojimbo, Garfield, The X-Files, and most recently appeared in the Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl video games and even crossed paths with He-Man and The Masters of the Universe in action figures and comic books. These crossovers have made for some exciting stories and adventures, with characters I’ve loved for years working together to save the world. It’s truly incredible to see how the Turtles have continued to evolve and remain relevant across multiple generations.
Of course, the TMNT also played a huge part in some of my favorite childhood memories—especially Halloween. I’ll never forget the time I was invited to a Halloween party in third grade, and my mom made me a full Raphael costume. It was hands down my favorite Halloween costume of all time. She went all out, making sure every detail was perfect, from the red mask to the red ribbons on my arms and legs, to the shell on my back. I was so proud to walk into that party dressed as my hero. It wasn’t just a costume to me—it was like I had become Raphael for a night. That sense of pride and excitement still makes me smile to this day. My mom truly went above and beyond, and that Raphael costume will always be one of my fondest childhood memories.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have stayed with me throughout my life. From their classic catchphrases like "Cowabunga!" to their brotherly love and loyalty, they were more than just a cartoon or comic book to me. They embodied values I wanted to carry into my own life. And even now, as an adult, I still find myself going back to those old episodes, watching the movies, and reliving the adventures of these heroes in a half shell. The lessons they taught me about courage, standing up for your family, and being loyal have stayed with me throughout my life.
They were brothers who always had each other's backs, and that’s something I will always admire. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will always have a special place in my heart. I may not be in third grade anymore, but I still look up to them, and they’ll always be my heroes in a half shell. 🐢💥 Cowabunga!
I hope someday soon, the lean-mean fighting machine will cross over with my Soldiers of Light gainst Darkness™! While we wait for that to happen, you can purchase my novels and read about S.O.L.A.D.™ now at :
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