DOVER, N.H. — The iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a beloved pop culture phenomenon, have a surprising origin that many fans may not know about.
While the story often unfolds in the vibrant streets of New York City, where these turtles evolved into a crime-fighting team, their actual birthplace is a quaint city near the New Hampshire coast: Dover.
A new exhibit is shining a spotlight on Dover’s role in the Turtles’ legacy, aiming to attract dedicated fans and those nostalgic for the comics and TV shows. In the 1980s, the phenomenon was so immense it was known as Turtlemania.
“This is the birthplace,” said Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, who, along with Peter Laird, first brought these characters to life over 40 years ago. The duo lived together in Dover when they crafted their first comic, which hit the shelves a year later. “It’s remarkably historic and significant for us.”
The exhibit, which opened last month at the Woodman Museum, is a colorful homage to the franchise, featuring a mix of memorabilia from various eras of Turtle history, including action figures and interactive displays.
Beginning with the humble origins of Dover, where Eastman and Laird formed Mirage Studios, the exhibit highlights how their love for turtles and martial arts inspired the creation of the crime-fighting team, ultimately leading to their self-published comic debut in classic black and white.
“Our hope was to sell enough copies of our 3,000 printed, $1.50 comic books to pay back my uncle,” Eastman shared. He noted that there was no plan for a sequel until fans clamored for more.
“We loved our characters and aimed to tell a compelling story. We entered this journey with pure passion and never anticipated the immense success that followed,” he added.
Ralph DiBernardo, an early supporter of the Turtles from a nearby comic store, recognized Eastman and Laird and was the first to commercially distribute their comic by buying 500 copies. At that time, it felt more like helping friends than a sound business move, leading him to doubt their potential for profit.
“Witnessing their journey from struggling artists to multi-millionaires is a quintessential American dream,” he remarked, emphasizing his continued friendship with the creators.
The exhibit chronicles the Turtles’ evolution into a global sensation, showcasing their unique personalities and cultural impact, along with iconic phrases like “cowabunga” and “booyakasha.”
Among the attractions are a gaming console for playing Turtles arcade games, vinyl soundtracks from the films, and signed first-run comics, some valued at tens of thousands of dollars. The marketing prowess of the franchise is demonstrated through an array of merchandise, from holiday ornaments to innovative products like a talking toothbrush.
Central to the exhibit is a striking set of bronze statues of the four turtles—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael—alongside their mentor, Master Splinter. These statues were part of a fundraiser aimed at benefiting a museum in Northampton, Massachusetts.
“The Ninja Turtles represent a multi-billion-dollar franchise with roots right here in Dover,” stated Jonathan Nichols, executive director of the Woodman Museum. “It was a natural choice for us to honor their legacy. This exhibit celebrates their remarkable history from inception to present day.”
Eastman credits the Turtles’ broad appeal to their heroic qualities and familial camaraderie that resonates with fans. “Anyone can identify with being a Turtle; they’re not defined by race or background,” he explained.
“I love engaging with fans, discovering which Turtle they relate to, as it often reflects their personality,” he added.
The exhibit’s launch is part of a larger initiative by Dover to embrace its Turtles legacy. Last year, a historical marker was placed near the museum to designate Dover as the birthplace of the Ninja Turtles. Nearby, a decorative manhole commemorates the creators’ former residence.
“I grew up in Dover and had no idea I was living in the town where they were created,” Nichols remarked, highlighting the renewed interest in the Turtles’ origin.
Nichols noted that super fans have already visited dressed as their favorite Turtles, while many others stumbled upon the exhibit while exploring the museum, reminiscing about their childhoods with the Turtles.
“It brings back memories of the Turtles and their love for pizza,” said a visitor, sharing her experience with family.
Another visitor, a cook from Pennsylvania, fondly recalled attending a local comic convention where the original comic was unveiled and lamented trading away signed copies in his youth for something he now regrets.
