FPcast! The Fruitless Pursuits Podcast for May 4th 2015! Free Comic Book Day!

This week we talk all about our experiences at Free Comic Book Day and the books we read, plus we dissect a whole slew of movie news! And I even photographed today's podcast image myself - model is the amazing Hearse Elf! Enjoy! Plus you can now get bonus episodes (starting with our spoiler-filled 80 minute discussion of Age of Ultron) by subscribing/supporting us on Patreon!

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Our Epic Interview With Voice Actor Rob Paulsen: Pinky and the Brain! Ninja Turtles! Animaniacs! Spaceballs! And More!

Rob Paulsen is a legend. His voice has appeared in nearly 400 productions, spanning just about every franchise you can think of. You may have grown up with him as Raphael in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pinky in Pinky and the Brain, Yakko Warner in Animaniacs, or perhaps you’ve heard him recently as The Riddler in the Lego Batman games, Donatello in the current incarnation of Turtles, or even popping up in The Dark Knight Returns. You may even be aware of his wildly successful podcast, Talkin’ Toons, in which Rob frequently chats with the world’s most influential voice actors.

Rob will be appearing at this weekend’s Oz Comic Con Melbourne (July 6th and 7th despite what I say on the recording) and although we won’t be able to get there, we were able to submit a host of questions to Rob, resulting in the epic interview that you’re about to hear. Seriously, this thing is almost like a podcast in itself, running at around 35 minutes, so make yourself comfortable, or download it and listen to it while you go. Rob offers up plenty of honest insights, funny stories, and gives us a taste of some of our favourite characters. You really don’t want to miss this - I promise it’s one of the coolest things we’ve ever done on the site!

I’ll explain it all, and you’ll hear directly from the mad genius that is Rob Paulsen, by clicking the link below...

CLICK TO STREAM AUDIO! (or right-click to SAVE!)

Perth Supanova 2013: Interview with Greg Cipes! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Clone Wars! Sex, Drugs and Rock 'N' Roll!

Greg Cipes is a total rock star. He's Michelangelo in the current Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, and has a wealth of credits both as a voice and on the screen. Getting the chance to interview him at Supanova was such a thrill because from the moment he walks in you can tell he's the coolest guy in the room (even though there was just two of us). Greg has a wonderful warm, energy, is extremely funny, and I wish we had a photo from the event because he was the best dressed person at the entire convention. He looked awesome! And I'm especially intrigued by the future projects he hints at.

Many thanks to Greg for letting me hold him up so long! I was so fascinated by what he was saying, and so comfortable chatting, that I completely lost track of what else was going on. Listen for yourself, and you will instantly become one of Greg's disCIPESles. (Sorry)...


Click here to stream audio (or right-click to save!)

New Playmates Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Figures Review!

The new Playmates TMNT figures have been (barely) sitting on the shelves for a few months now, and I've been eyeballing them real hard. At a glance, the style is fresh without being FRESH! and the character design is cool without being WAY COOL! You would totally expect an over-the-top TMNT line of figures, but these hover right at the top letting the kids take it to the next level with their imagination. Or you can just buy the deluxe figures, which are a pretty good example of over-the-top.

I went out with my 3 year old son Leon (whose favorite turtle is not Leonardo) and told him that we would share these figures with one condition: Donatello is mine. We eventually picked up 6 figures and a vehicle, and let me tell you… it was difficult. Getting all 4 turtles took three different stores. I found Metalhead in a few stores, and it took waiting a few days and going back to find one enemy, Shredder. In the frustration of trying to find an enemy we bought the Turtle Van, and now I'm spent and I've been to every store in the area.

I'm going to talk about a few things in this review. Specifically the design, the articulation the accessories and the van.

Review: Lego TMNT - Kraang Lab Escape!

As the universe embraces/endures what is probably the 300th relaunch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the last thirty or so years, the ingenious Danish maniacs at Lego have decided to get all up in this barely-legal reptile action! A whole line of TMNT Lego, based on the new computer animated series, have finally hit shelves in Australia, and although I don’t often delve into the sets themselves, I am curious enough about these new minifigures to pick up the smallest offering.

I have set 79100 Kraang Lab Escape, containing a prison, a futuristic vehicle, and THREE new minifigs. It’s a total steal, even at the CRAZILY INFLATED AUSTRALIAN PRICE! (Lego still hasn’t passed comment on this, or shown interest in forging a tighter relationship. Lego is the hot girl who keeps rebuffing us at the party).

It’s blocky cowabunga pizza time... after the jump!

David Rapoza's TMNT Art Is Totally Rad!

While everyone is gushing over new glossy and colorful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles merchandise, there is something dark and dirty lurking underground that blows away all of the competition.

Artist David Rapoza created these HIGHLY detailed, HIGHLY stylized fan-made Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle portraits. And he didn't just stop at the main dudes. Or even at April O' Neil and Casey Jones. There is a freakin' Wingnut and Screwloose portrait. Also, Baxter Stockman! Everyone you would expect and a few more.

The only exception is that my man Kraang is sadly MIA. If you are reading this David... we need Kraang!

The above image is just a taste of it. These were made to view at hi-res. Click through the jump for a handful of my favorites, and visit http://davidrapozaart.deviantart.com/gallery/30154029 for all 15 portraits and much more.

Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classic Collection Raphael!

I haven’t bought anything Ninja Turtles related for a billion years. The original comic series inspired me greatly as young teenager and became a gateway to a host of independent comics and fostered the crazy dream that anyone with a good idea could become a multi-millionaire. Then I suffered the kidified cartoons and merchandise that ultimately made me feel embarrassed for liking the comics in the first place. And then I left turtles, forgetting why they were so formative in the first place.

I collect a lot of crap that reminds me of my childhood. I have shelves of Star Wars and the odd Batman. But I’ve never gone back to turtles. They’ve produced nothing of interest for me. It became a kid’s thing with little of interest for an adult fan. At least until now...

When Playmates first announced their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classic Collection there was a lot of positive buzz online but I wasn’t feeling it. They’re closer to the cartoon appearance than the comics and didn’t hold any interest. Until I saw them on the shelves. Wait... they’re bigger than the original figures? They have... what?! 34 POINTS of articulation?! And that packaging is pretty nostalgic... And that sculpt is actually pretty fun... Oh god!... It’s... happening... again...

I needed a Raphael for my shelf. And to find out just why these are so great... join me after the jump!

Big Bad Toy Store Highlights! Let's Talk Iron Man 3, DC New 52, Domo, Minecraft and More!

It's that time again to scan over the lists of freshly announced and ready for pre-order toys and collectibles from our friends at Big Bad Toy Store! Sure, they're a sponsor, but to show my hard-hitting journalistic integrity, I only show you the coolest (or most bizarre) items that catch my discerning collector's eye! Like this inevitable set of Iron Man 3 pop vinyl figures....

I doubt it features too prominently in the film (it's Tony in the middle of nowhere without his armour, remember?) but this Iron Patriot design sure looks to be a highlight. It makes me want to proudly eat a hotdog in front of a crying American eagle. And I'm Australian! There's plenty more similar Funko Iron Man effigies at the link: IRON MAN 3 FUNKO ITEMS  

And there's plenty more cutting edge commentary... after the jump!

MORE LEGO LOTR & LEGO TMNT TOO!!

I may be living under a rock, or a hill, or the sewers... but I TOTALLY didn't see these new Lego 2013 images until just now. Did we know that Lego TMNT is on its way? And did we know that it looks awesome?

I want that Kraang so bad! 

And the LOTR / Hobbit sets are looking pretty sweet too. Here is the Goblin King Battle.

Click through the jump for more photos, more drooling, and more info on the upcoming sets.

This Week's New Toy and Collectibles Highlights!

I'm very happy to announce that we'll be soon working with our new friends at Big Bad Toy Store which means that we get to be in the loop when it comes to pre-orders and new toy and collectible arrivals. I know that I often have zero idea of what's coming out these days, so this is going to be an awesome opportunity for us both to catch up on a sampling of what's out there as I comment on my favourites.

Like this crazy super-articulated 1/9th scale Iron Man Mark IV from the Active Gear Collection. I've been tempted by the similar Revoltech Iron Mans (men?) in the past, but this one has a ton of interchangeable parts, and brake flaps on his back, and best of all his chest lights up. Plus he's covered in ball joints. Yes. He's so super posable that even his balls are jointed! Now that's attention to details!

He can be pre-ordered here. He's not cheap, but he is Japanese and totally awesome. It would be the Iron Man of choice to strike dance moves on my desk.

Join me after the jump for the highlights of this week, including: SDCC 2012 exclusives, Retro Ninja
Turtles, Batman Arkham City, Mass Effect, Marvel and more!

Doctor Who Meets Metal (And More)

What is better than the theme songs to Doctor Who, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Back to the Future, and Game of Thrones? When they are done in METAL

Watch the rest after the jump

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Theme - For Orchestra!

I'm a huge fan of Eastman and Laird's original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle comics - created when they were so poor they shared a sweater and written and drawn in their own glorious blood. So it's no secret that I think that the dumbed-down, kiddified cartoon is a bastard, bloodless abomination that trades black and white ninja grit for technicolour pie-faced Californian surfer dudes vomiting pizza in your eager face while you grin and clap like an idiot monkey. I barely missed an episode.

How about saying yes to sticking a sai through an opposing ninja's face.

But let's all agree that the one undeniably awesome thing about the cartoon was the theme-song - which many of us also enjoyed on the grudgingly kickass TMNT arcade game. But is there a way to make this awesome theme even more awesome? Hell. Yes.

Musical genius Walt Ribieru alerted us to his version of the TMNT theme which he has arranged for a giant orchestra. Walt is a man of great taste and vision who makes this song far more epic than it's ever dreamed of being. He packs more instruments into this puppy than an overzealous vet.

Listen to it RIGHT HERE.

And who knows, if you're one of those sissy-babies that has been crying about Michael Bay's Super Explosion Space Turtle Adventure (even though I already schooled you) maybe hearing this kickass theme will calm your nerves and vaporise your tears.

And if you enjoy Walt's work, did you know he puts up new music every Friday? You might also enjoy his orchestrated Pokemon theme HERE.

And if you're doing something even half as cool as Walt, don't be afraid to drop us a line and let us know!

Let's Set Things Straight About Those Alien Ninja Turtles.

So apparently fabled ass and explosions director Michael Bay casually mentioned that the new live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie that his company Platinum Dunes is producing will give the turtles an alien origin. And the Internet collectively shit its pants. Grown men, who haven't even thought about Ninja Turtles for over 20 years started gnashing their teeth with unmatched fury. This is the world we live in now.

Look, I'm not going to apologise for Michael Bay - in fact I'm pretty sure he owes me an apology or three - but aren't all these sudden, instant Ninja Turtle fans forgetting a little something? The turtles of the original comic books were (indirectly) created by an alien race, and they also spent a few of their first ten issues in the far reaches of space.

This is the cover of the first Ninja Turtle comic I ever bought (back in 1989 I believe). It's Eastman and Laird's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 and it features them fighting aliens on the cover. And no, that is NOT Krang! Sigh.

Join me after the jump and we'll sort this shit out...

Most Memorable Presents: VHS MEGA-HAUL!

In the very early 1990's my Grandmother bought myself and my two brothers a TON of VHS tapes for Christmas. At the time, some of these movies weren't that easy to come across, but my Grandmother worked at the Pennsauken Mart... which was almost like an indoor flea market made up of full-time shops. Kind of like the dirt mall in Mallrats.

The Mart was the best. You could get pizza, soft pretzels, swords, guitars, belt buckles, action figures, magazines, lottery tickets, airbrushed artwork, lingerie, toy robots and pretty much everything else that is awesome. There was also a huge video store that had very movie ever (and then more movies).

My Grandmother tripled our whole VHS collection on that Christmas day. It's safe to say that this gift defined most of my youth.

Click through the jump to see the AWESOME movies we received!

Barbara Walters interviews the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

So...this is a thing that happened:




You've gotta love the 90s. Frankly, Barbara Walters is lucky she didn't get a roundhouse kick to the head after laughing at Donatello's tears.

The Book Was Better Episode 6: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

The Book Was Better is a podcast that examines the "art" of the book of the movie, so what better to look at than the book of the movie of the TV cartoon of the comic? Passing through each stage, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is stripped down to its essence, culminating in the slim volume of Truth and Beauty that is B.B. Hiller's novelisation. Enjoy it with us, won't you?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Noses

This is pretty ridiculous, but they seriously do look like noses. I will never be able to look someone in the nose without thinking of these.

I posted a few more good ones after the jump, but you can head right here to see them all

http://teenagemutantninjanoses.tumblr.com

Our Week of Reading! Vol. 4!

Looks like this week the Fruitless Pursuits staff are deceptively literate! Today have an unprecedented five submissions. Yes. We can read. Take back all those terrible things you said.

Join us after the jump to find out what we've been reading and what we thought about it:

Mega Buzz Lightyear and more Nerd Shenanigans by Dan Hipp!

Someone thankfully retweeted Dan Hipp's awesome mega Buzz Lightyear illustration a few days ago, and I immediately had to check out his website. Maybe the comic peeps here already know about him, but the last comic I bought for myself was Batman: A Death In The Family like 20 years ago.. so I was really excited to see his style and pop culture goodies.

Here's a selection of AWESOME illustrations that I found on his website, including Ackbar, bounty hunters, turtles, pizza, zombies and more.

Custom Muppet Dunnys! Plus a Classic Lion-EmO!

We've already pretty much established that we love Muppets and we love Kid Robot's Dunny figures. So if both of these things were to combine there would be such an immediate swelling of love in our collective rib-cage that a black-magic using Mola Ram-type gentleman would be required to tear our heart out of our chest before it explodes.

Well, such a thing has finally happened! Jared Cain (real name Nikejerk) has customised three unsuspecting Dunnys into the core members of legendary felt band The Electric Mayhem (minus Animal, but seriously, who gives a crap about him). Check it out:

I'm not afraid to mention that Janice's huge lips make me feel a little tingly.

I saw these via toycutter, who really have you covered in terms of showcasing custom figures. And Nikejerk also turned a Dunny into another character that's quite dear to me right now, but join me after the jump to see it, because if I clutter up the front page, the other contributors will beat me.