In 1983, two aspiring comic book artists, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, created what would become one of the most iconic franchises in pop culture history. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were born from a simple sketch drawn late one night in Laird's living room in Dover, New Hampshire.

The concept was absurd by design: four turtles mutated by radioactive ooze, trained in the art of ninjitsu by a rat sensei named Splinter, living in the sewers of New York City and fighting crime. What started as a parody of popular comic trends of the early 1980s became a phenomenon that would span decades.

Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo, each named after Renaissance artists, burst onto the scene in May 1984 with their first black and white comic book. The gritty, underground comic caught fire, leading to an animated series in 1987 that introduced the heroes in a half shell to millions of children worldwide.

From their humble beginnings as a self-published comic funded by a tax return and a loan from Eastman's uncle, the Turtles have become a multi-billion dollar franchise. They have starred in countless animated series, blockbuster movies, video games, and action figure lines. The catchphrase "Cowabunga!" entered the cultural lexicon, and pizza became forever associated with teenage reptilian heroes.

Today, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles continue to inspire new generations. Their story of brotherhood, honor, and fighting for what's right while maintaining a sense of humor and love for pizza has made them timeless icons. What began as a joke between two friends became a testament to creativity, determination, and the power of a great story.