In Dover, New Hampshire, a new exhibit at the Woodman Museum is celebrating the birthplace of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a pop culture sensation created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird 41 years ago. The exhibit showcases the humble beginnings of the Turtles in Dover, where Eastman and Laird founded Mirage Studios and self-published their first comic book in black and white. The exhibit features a colorful display of action figures, video game consoles, and signed comics that highlight the emergence of the Turtles as a global phenomenon. With catchphrases like “cowabunga” and “booyakasha,” the Turtles became a multi-billion-dollar international franchise known for their heroic nature and teamwork.
Ralph DiBernardo, a local comic book store owner, was among the first to support the Turtles by purchasing 500 copies of their comic book when it was first released. He witnessed Eastman and Laird’s journey from struggling artists to multi-millionaires, calling it a true American dream story. The exhibit at the Woodman Museum also includes massive bronze statues of the four Turtles – Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael – along with Master Splinter, the mutant rat and sage. These statues were created as part of a fundraiser by Eastman to benefit a museum in Northampton, Massachusetts, showcasing the Turtles’ lasting impact on popular culture.
According to Jonathan Nichols, the executive director of the Woodman Museum, incorporating the Ninja Turtles into the exhibit was a natural choice due to their origins in Dover. The exhibit provides a comprehensive look at the history of the Turtles, from their creation to their present-day status as iconic characters. Fans of the Turtles are drawn to their relatable and diverse qualities, as they are green, mutated turtles without any specific race, creed, or color. Eastman, who now lives in Arizona, remains deeply connected to the world of the Turtles and enjoys interacting with fans at comic conventions to discuss their favorite Turtles and what they love about the characters.
The opening of the Turtles exhibit in Dover is part of a larger effort by the city to embrace its connection to the beloved franchise. A state historical marker recognizing Dover as the birthplace of the Ninja Turtles was installed next to the museum, and a decorative manhole was placed in front of the creators’ former home. This acknowledgment has sparked interest among both super fans and casual visitors to learn more about the origins of the Turtles and the creative process behind their creation. Visitors to the Woodman Museum, some clad in Turtles’ attire, have expressed nostalgia for the characters and memories of their childhood adventures with the crime-fighting quartet.
For those like David Sarge, a comic book collector from Pennsylvania, the exhibit serves as a reminder of the cultural significance of the Turtles and the impact they have had on generations of fans. Sarge vividly recalls attending a comic convention in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he purchased signed editions of the first two Turtles comics. While he may have traded them away in a moment of youthful indiscretion, the exhibit at the Woodman Museum allows visitors to reconnect with the Turtles’ enduring legacy and celebrate the creative genius behind their creation. Overall, the Turtles exhibit in Dover offers a nostalgic journey through pop culture history and honors the enduring appeal of these pizza-loving heroes for fans of all ages.
