Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation
Encyclopedia
Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation (abbreviated to NT:TNM) or Saban's Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation is an American
live-action television series produced by Saban Entertainment, which ran on the Fox Kids
network from 1997 to 1998. The short-lived series was based loosely from Mirage Studios
' Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
. As of September 16, 2011, The series is currently distributed by Saban Brands
and MarVista Entertainment, as Saban has recently regained the rights to the show from Disney
.
The series introduced many new elements to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles saga, including new central antagonist
s, an army of humanoid dragons known as "The Rank" led by the vicious Dragonlord. It was touted (in some of the promotional material) as a continuation of the 1987 TV series
, but by the period of time it aired it turned apparent that this was not the case. Instead, the series apparently followed the continuity of the live-action films
. The Turtles lived in the same abandoned train station featured in the second
and third film
s, and Splinter's ear is slashed as it was in the original film. However, most fans tend to regard the films and the series as two separate entities, citing differing styles, The Shredder being alive (and no longer Super Shredder), the absence of April O'Neil
and Casey Jones.
In a departure from other TMNT continuities, Leonardo states in the second episode that the Turtles are not blood-related, while other media either explicitly states that the Turtles are biological siblings or avoids the issue altogether.
The most prominent new element was the inclusion of a female mutant turtle called Venus de Milo; named after the famous statue
. Other notable differences were found in the Turtles' weapons; Leonardo carried one double-bladed ninjatō
instead of two katana
(though he was shown to own two in a few episodes); Raphael's twin sai
could combine to make a staff; and because nunchaku
are outlawed in several places, Michaelangelo's signature weapon in this series was a pair of tonfa
. Similarly, the name of the series was amended in several countries to Hero Turtles: The Next Mutation under censorship ruling.
in Power Rangers in Space
. The end of the episode "Save Our Ship" leads directly into "Shell Shocked," where the Turtles are summoned and brainwashed by Astronema to fight the Rangers. Her control over them is later broken, and they team-up with the Space Rangers to battle Astronema's forces. Before returning to New York, the Turtles have one request from the Rangers: space surfing on the Galaxy Gliders.
(initially named Mei Pieh Chi), was skilled in the mystical arts of the shinobi
and wears a light blue mask that was braided in the back, giving the appearance of a ponytail. Venus was portrayed by Nicole Parker and voiced by Lalainia Lindbjerg
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
live-action television series produced by Saban Entertainment, which ran on the Fox Kids
Fox Kids
Fox Kids was the Fox Broadcasting Company's American children's programming division and brand name from September 8, 1990 until September 7, 2002. It was owned by Fox Television Entertainment airing programming on Monday–Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings.Depending on the show, the...
network from 1997 to 1998. The short-lived series was based loosely from Mirage Studios
Mirage Studios
Mirage Studios is an independent American comic book company founded in 1983 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, based in Northampton, Massachusetts and best known for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book series.-History:...
' Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are a fictional team of four teenage anthropomorphic turtles, who were trained by their anthropomorphic rat sensei in the art of ninjutsu and named after four Renaissance artists...
. As of September 16, 2011, The series is currently distributed by Saban Brands
Saban Capital Group
Saban Capital Group is a global private investment firm based in Los Angeles, California focused on media, entertainment, and communications investments. Formed in 2001 by Haim Saban, Saban Capital Group owns Saban Brands, part of Univision Communications, and part of Tiger Gate Entertainment...
and MarVista Entertainment, as Saban has recently regained the rights to the show from Disney
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company is the largest media conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Founded on October 16, 1923, by Walt and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, Walt Disney Productions established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into...
.
The series introduced many new elements to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles saga, including new central antagonist
Antagonist
An antagonist is a character, group of characters, or institution, that represents the opposition against which the protagonist must contend...
s, an army of humanoid dragons known as "The Rank" led by the vicious Dragonlord. It was touted (in some of the promotional material) as a continuation of the 1987 TV series
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987 TV series)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is an American animated television series produced by Murakami-Wolf-Swenson. The pilot was shown during the week of December 28, 1987 in syndication as a five part miniseries and began its official run on October 1, 1988...
, but by the period of time it aired it turned apparent that this was not the case. Instead, the series apparently followed the continuity of the live-action films
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (film series)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a film franchise based on the comic book series of the same name by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles :...
. The Turtles lived in the same abandoned train station featured in the second
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze is a 1991 American live-action film, It is the second Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, being the direct sequel to the 1990 film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Secret of the Ooze was then followed by a third film in 1993, and a fourth...
and third film
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III is a 1993 American live-action film, the second sequel of the 1990 live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film. It was produced by Clearwater Holdings Ltd. and Golden Harvest. This was the last Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film released by New Line Cinema and...
s, and Splinter's ear is slashed as it was in the original film. However, most fans tend to regard the films and the series as two separate entities, citing differing styles, The Shredder being alive (and no longer Super Shredder), the absence of April O'Neil
April O'Neil
April O'Neil is a fictional character in the Mirage Studios franchise Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In each of the many TMNT continuities, she is a good friend of the Turtles: Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo.-Comics:...
and Casey Jones.
In a departure from other TMNT continuities, Leonardo states in the second episode that the Turtles are not blood-related, while other media either explicitly states that the Turtles are biological siblings or avoids the issue altogether.
The most prominent new element was the inclusion of a female mutant turtle called Venus de Milo; named after the famous statue
Venus de Milo
Aphrodite of Milos , better known as the Venus de Milo, is an ancient Greek statue and one of the most famous works of ancient Greek sculpture. Created at some time between 130 and 100 BC, it is believed to depict Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love and beauty. It is a marble sculpture, slightly...
. Other notable differences were found in the Turtles' weapons; Leonardo carried one double-bladed ninjatō
Ninjato
The , also known as or , is the most common name for the sword that the ninja are portrayed to have carried by ninja in television and movies. Historically, there is no physical evidence for the existance of this weapon. In reality, the katana was probably the ninja's weapon of choice...
instead of two katana
Katana
A Japanese sword, or , is one of the traditional bladed weapons of Japan. There are several types of Japanese swords, according to size, field of application and method of manufacture.-Description:...
(though he was shown to own two in a few episodes); Raphael's twin sai
Sai (weapon)
The sai is a traditional Okinawan martial arts weapon. The basic form of the weapon is that of a pointed, dagger-shaped metal truncheon, with two curved prongs called yoku projecting from the handle...
could combine to make a staff; and because nunchaku
Nunchaku
is a traditional Okinawan weapon consisting of two sticks connected at their ends with a short chain or rope.-Etymology:The Japanese word nunchaku is the Kun'yomi reading of the Kanji term for a traditional Chinese two section staff....
are outlawed in several places, Michaelangelo's signature weapon in this series was a pair of tonfa
Tonfa
The tonfa , also known as tong fa or tuifa, is an Okinawan weapon. It is a stick with a handle, and is about 15-20 inches long. It was traditionally made from red oak and wielded in pairs...
. Similarly, the name of the series was amended in several countries to Hero Turtles: The Next Mutation under censorship ruling.
Turtles & Allies
- Leonardo (portrayed by Gabe KhouthGabe KhouthGabe Khouth is a Canadian voice actor who works for Ocean Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.-Biography:Gabe Khouth is the younger brother of voice actor Samuel Vincent. He has played several roles in anime, most notably Nicol Amalfi in Gundam SEED. Khouth also acted in the...
, voiced by Michael Dobson): - Michaelangelo (portrayed by Jarreed Blancard, voiced by Kirby MorrowKirby MorrowKirby Morrow is a Canadian actor. He currently resides in Vancouver, British Columbia.- Filmography :2011 Mortal Kombat: Legacy King Jerrod– Kitana & Mileena: Part 1 … King Jerrod...
): - Donatello (portrayed by Ricard Yaw, voiced by Jason Gray-Stanford):
- Raphael (portrayed by Mitchell A. Lee Yuen, voiced by Matt HillMatt HillMatthew "Matt" Hill is a Canadian voice actor. He is known for several roles, including Kevin Keene/Captain N in Captain N: The Game Master, Kira Yamato in Gundam Seed and Gundam Seed Destiny, Ed in Ed, Edd n Eddy, Raphael in Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation, Ryo Sanada in Ronin Warriors and Artha...
): - Venus de Milo (portrayed by Nicole N. Parker, voiced by Lalainia LindbjergLalainia LindbjergLalainia Lindbjerg is a Canadian voice actress who works for Ocean Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.-Biography:...
): - Splinter (portrayed by Fiona Scotty, voiced by Stephen MendelStephen MendelStephen Mendel is an actorUpon graduating from Bishop's University with a degree in theater he began his acting career appearing at the two English language professional theaters in Montreal, Canada. He appeared in a number of Canadian television shows and movies as well as theater in other parts...
): - Chung I (portrayed by Chong Tseng, voiced by Dale Wilson): Venus de Milo's adopted father.
Enemies
- Shredder (portrayed by Patrick Pon): The Shredder appeared in the five-part episode "East Meets West" when he and the Foot discovered the Turtles' hideaway. When Venus de Milo came into view, she uses her shinobi abilities to defeat the Shredder presumed for good and the Foot was disbanded. His alias of Oroku Saki was later found on the streets when Dragon Lord's soldiers attack him in order to obtain a ninja amulet. After Dragon Lord's forces were busy fighting the Turtles, Oroku Saki was defeated and later seen in an deserted alley with the amulet in his possession where he has appeared to have unlocked the power of the ninja amulet and laughs maniacally. Yet the series was cancelled before another season revolving around this can be made.
- Dragon Lord (portrayed by Gerald Wong, voiced by Christopher GazeChristopher Gaze-Biography:Gaze is a the founding Artistic Director of the annual Bard on the Beach Shakespeare festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.Best known as Artistic Director of Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, Christopher Gaze has performed in England, the USA and across Canada...
): Leader of the Rank and the King of all DragonDragonA dragon is a legendary creature, typically with serpentine or reptilian traits, that feature in the myths of many cultures. There are two distinct cultural traditions of dragons: the European dragon, derived from European folk traditions and ultimately related to Greek and Middle Eastern...
s. He and his forces were trapped in an enchanted glass years ago and have now escaped.- Wick (portrayed by Adam Behr and Bill Terezakis, voiced by Lee TockarLee TockarLee William Tockar is a Canadian voice actor and visual artist who works for several studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He is also a writer of children's literature, a musician, sculptor, illustrator and collected painter...
): A small dragon who is Dragon Lord's sidekick. - Rank Lieutenant (portrayed by Andrew KavadasAndrew KavadasAndrew Kavadas is a Canadian voice actor who works for Ocean Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He has played several roles in anime, most notably Patrick Zala in Gundam Seed...
): The head of Dragon Lord's army. - Dr. Cornelius Quease (portrayed by Simon Webb): A world renowned scientistScientistA scientist in a broad sense is one engaging in a systematic activity to acquire knowledge. In a more restricted sense, a scientist is an individual who uses the scientific method. The person may be an expert in one or more areas of science. This article focuses on the more restricted use of the word...
and expert on mutation. He works with Dragon Lord to find out what made the Turtles big.
- Wick (portrayed by Adam Behr and Bill Terezakis, voiced by Lee Tockar
- Silver (portrayed by Gary ChalkGary Chalk (actor)Gary Chalk is an English-born Canadian actor, tri-national US-Canadian-UK citizen and voice artist. He has lend hit voice in over 30 animated television series and has been in films such as The Fly II and Freddy vs. Jason....
): The last of the YetiYetiThe Yeti or Abominable Snowman is an ape-like cryptid said to inhabit the Himalayan region of Nepal, and Tibet. The names Yeti and Meh-Teh are commonly used by the people indigenous to the region, and are part of their history and mythology...
s. Instead of living on top of the mountain, he makes his life by going into the crime business and starting a gang of humans who think of him as the smartest boss around.- Monkey Thief Mick (portrayed by Michael Dobson): One of Silver's henchmen.
- Monkey Thief Dick (portrayed by Ronnie Way): One of Silver's henchmen.
- Vam-Mi (portrayed by Kira ClavellKira ClavellKira Clavell is a Canadian actress based out of Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontario. She attended the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada....
, voiced by Saffron HendersonSaffron HendersonSaffron Henderson is a Canadian voice actress and singer and the daughter of Bill Henderson of Chilliwack fame. She has voiced various characters from anime series...
): A 10,000 Year Old female vampireVampireVampires are mythological or folkloric beings who subsist by feeding on the life essence of living creatures, regardless of whether they are undead or a living person...
from China. She was previously defeated by Chung I who tore out her heart plunging her into a long sleep. Her henchmen Bing and Chi Chu used a magic potion to awaken her.- Bing (portrayed by Justin Soon, voiced by Colin Musback): A small vampire and one of Vam-Mi's henchmen.
- Chi Chu (portrayed by Lauren Attadia, voiced by Sherry Thorson): A female vampire and one of Vam-Mi's henchmen.
- Simon Bonesteel (portrayed by Scott McNeilScott McNeilScott McNeil is a Canadian actor and voice actor. He currently resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada...
): A big game hunterBig game huntingBig game hunting is the hunting of large game. The term is historically associated with the hunting of Africa's Big Five game , and with tigers and rhinos on the Indian subcontinent. In North America, animals such as bears and bison were hunted...
who specializes in hunting endangered animals. He has collected things off of endangered animals like elephantElephantElephants are large land mammals in two extant genera of the family Elephantidae: Elephas and Loxodonta, with the third genus Mammuthus extinct...
ivories, baby sealPinnipedPinnipeds or fin-footed mammals are a widely distributed and diverse group of semiaquatic marine mammals comprising the families Odobenidae , Otariidae , and Phocidae .-Overview: Pinnipeds are typically sleek-bodied and barrel-shaped...
pelts, dolphinDolphinDolphins are marine mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises. There are almost forty species of dolphin in 17 genera. They vary in size from and , up to and . They are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, and are carnivores, mostly eating...
hides, and mountain gorillaMountain GorillaThe Mountain Gorilla is one of the two subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla. There are two populations. One is found in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa, within three National Parks: Mgahinga, in south-west Uganda; Volcanoes, in north-west Rwanda; and Virunga in the eastern Democratic...
skulls. He considers the Ninja Turtles endangered species as well since there are only five of them. In the four-part episode "Unchain My Heart," Simon Bonesteel is also known for hunting supernatural creatures when it came to Vam-Mi and her vampire henchmen.
Episode guide
| Ep # | Episode Name | Air date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "East Meets West, Part 1" | September 12, 1997 | |
| 2 | "East Meets West, Part 2" | September 19, 1997 | |
| 3 | "East Meets West, Part 3" | September 26, 1997 | |
| 4 | "East Meets West, Part 4" | October 3, 1997 | |
| 5 | "East Meets West, Part 5" | October 10, 1997 | |
| 6 | "The Staff of Bu-Ki" | October 17, 1997 | |
| 7 | "Silver and Gold" | October 24, 1997 | |
| 8 | "Meet Dr. Quease" | October 31, 1997 | |
| 9 | "All in the Family" | November 7, 1997 | |
| 10 | "Trusting Dr. Quease" | November 14, 1997 | |
| 11 | "Windfall" | November 21, 1997 | |
| 12 | "Turtles Night Out" | November 28, 1997 | |
| 13 | "Mutant Reflections" | December 5, 1997 | |
| 14 | "Truce or Consequence" | December 12, 1997 | |
| 15 | "Sewer Crash" | December 19, 1997 | |
| 16 | "Going Ape" | January 9, 1998 | |
| 17 | "Enemy of My Enemy" | January 16, 1998 | |
| 18 | "King Wick" | January 23, 1998 | |
| 19 | "The Good Dragon" | January 30, 1998 | |
| 20 | "The Guest" | February 6, 1998 | |
| 21 | "Like Brothers" | February 13, 1998 | |
| 22 | "Unchain My Heart, Part 1" | February 20, 1998 | |
| 23 | "Unchain My Heart, Part 2" | February 27, 1998 | |
| 24 | "Unchain My Heart, Part 3" | March 6, 1998 | |
| 25 | "Unchain My Heart, Part 4" | March 13, 1998 | |
| 26 | "Who Needs Her" | March 20, 1998 |
Power Rangers crossover
Outside of The Next Mutation, the Turtles also guest-starred alongside the Power RangersPower Rangers
Power Rangers is a long-running American entertainment and merchandising franchise built around a live action children's television series featuring teams of costumed heroes...
in Power Rangers in Space
Power Rangers in Space
Power Rangers in Space is a television show that aired in 1998 as the sixth season and fourth installment of the Power Rangers franchise...
. The end of the episode "Save Our Ship" leads directly into "Shell Shocked," where the Turtles are summoned and brainwashed by Astronema to fight the Rangers. Her control over them is later broken, and they team-up with the Space Rangers to battle Astronema's forces. Before returning to New York, the Turtles have one request from the Rangers: space surfing on the Galaxy Gliders.
Venus de Milo
The show's most notable contribution to the Turtles mythos was a fifth mutant turtle, a female named Venus de MiloVenus (TMNT)
Venus, Venus de Milo, or Mei Pieh Chi is a fictional character within the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.Her bandana is cyan colored and is braided in the back to resemble a ponytail...
(initially named Mei Pieh Chi), was skilled in the mystical arts of the shinobi
Ninja
A or was a covert agent or mercenary of feudal Japan specializing in unorthodox arts of war. The functions of the ninja included espionage, sabotage, infiltration, and assassination, as well as open combat in certain situations...
and wears a light blue mask that was braided in the back, giving the appearance of a ponytail. Venus was portrayed by Nicole Parker and voiced by Lalainia Lindbjerg
Lalainia Lindbjerg
Lalainia Lindbjerg is a Canadian voice actress who works for Ocean Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.-Biography:...
.
Cancellation
The show was cancelled in the summer of 1998. The cancellation of the show marked the first time that the Turtles were off TV screens for a protracted period since the animated series debuted in 1987. A new animated series would eventually begin airing in 2003.DVD Release
The complete series of the heavily-edited "Hero Turtles" version has been released on DVD in the UK by Jetix Films. The series in divided between 2 Volumes, containing 3 discs each. Volume 1 was released in July 2007 and Volume 2 was released in February 2008. At the moment there is still no plan for any US release. However, some foreign territories have released the full-length form of episodes only in their native languages, including Germany, France, Israel, Poland and Italy.External links
- NextMutation.com, unofficial Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation site with forum.
- TVShowsOnDVD.com, vote for Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation to be released onto DVD.
- NinjaTurtles.com, the official TMNT website.
- Henshin! Talk, a message board to discuss Superhero shows.
- view episodes