From Dover to Ninja Turtle Stardom: The Humble Origins of an Iconic Franchise

In the quaint New England town of Dover, New Hampshire, there's a hidden gem that not many people know about. Nestled among the cobblestone streets and historic buildings lies the birthplace of one of the most beloved pop culture phenomenons of all time: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! That's right, the sewer-dwelling, pizza-loving crime-fighting quartet actually got their start in this unassuming town, far from the bustling streets of New York City. The story begins with two creative visionaries named Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. In the early 1980s, they shared a house in Dover and decided to create something that combined their love for turtles and martial arts. Little did they know that this simple idea would grow into a massive multi-billion dollar franchise! At first, it was just a humble black-and-white comic book self-published by the duo. They printed 3000 copies hoping to pay back Eastman's uncle who had loaned them money. But then something magical happened: fans demanded more! The Turtles' unique blend of humor, heart, and heroism struck a chord with readers. Fast forward 41 years later and the Ninja Turtle craze shows no signs of slowing down. From video games to movies to merchandise galore, these mutated brothers have captured imaginations worldwide. And now Dover is celebrating its role in bringing these pizza-eating heroes into existence. A new exhibit at the Woodman Museum takes visitors on a journey through the history and evolution of this beloved franchise. You'll see everything from rare first-edition comics to signed vinyl records to Turtles-themed Christmas ornaments! There's even a chance to play classic arcade games starring our favorite green crime-fighters. But perhaps the most impressive display is the set of towering bronze statues depicting Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donatello alongside their wise rat sensei Master Splinter. These larger-than-life sculptures are a testament to the enduring appeal of these characters who come from all walks of life - quite literally in this case! So next time you're driving through New Hampshire, make sure to stop by Dover and pay homage to the birthplace of one of the greatest pop culture phenomenons of our generation. You might even spot a few locals dressed up as their favorite Turtle! After all, anyone can be a Ninja Turtle - no matter your race, creed or color