User blog:ARTaylor/30 Years of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Today marks the thirtieth anniversary of the premiere of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Based on the cult favorite comic book, the series followed the adventures of four genetically altered turtles who learn fighting from their rat master while combating the forces of evil. It lasted one-hundred ninety-three episodes over ten seasons. The series was developed to increase awareness of the brand in order to sell the toy. The series became an instant hit and skyrocketed the characters into popular culture. It became one of the most popular animated series ever made and produced a large amount of merchandise. The series was so popular that the first live-action film was advertised as the cartoon come to life. The series was not without its criticisms. TMNT co-creator Peter Laird publicly voiced his criticisms wishing they had taken a different approach similar to the comics. The series also faced criticisms for its portrayal of violence and was heavily edited for airings in Europe. While the characters were adapted numerous other times, it is this series that is considered the most popular and iconic.

The series had Francis Moss, Michael Edens, Mark Edward Edens, and Larry Parr working as writers.

It featured the acting talents of Cam Clarke as katana-wielding turtle Leonardo, Townsend Coleman as nunchakus-wielding turtle Michelangelo and rat master Splinter, Rob Paulsen as sai-wielding turtle Raphael, James Avery and Dorian Harewood as the turtle's archrival Splinter, Jennifer Darling as secretary Irma Langinstein, Jim Cummings as mutated alligator Leatherhead, Dan Gilvezan as mutated scientist Bugman, Jack Angel as robotic police officer Rex-1, Bumper Robinson as mutated ally Carter, Alan Oppenheimer as mad scientist Dr. Polidorius, Tony Jay as alien warlord Lord Dregg, Beau Weaver as a newsreader, Elizabeth Daily as alien child Quarx, Jess Harnell as alien invader Zorax, Maurice LaMarche as Dregg's henchman Chronos, and Bob Bergen as alien parent Klatu.