Cowabunga! New England town celebrates being the birthplace of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

DOVER, N.H. (AP) — As the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles grew to become a pop culture sensation, the place where they were conceived rarely got mentioned.

It wasn't the New York City sewers, where the Turtles mutated from regular reptiles into a crime-fighting quartet who battled foes with nunchucks, snark and pizza. Rather, it was a small city near the New Hampshire coast.

A new exhibit hopes to put that community, Dover, New Hampshire, at the center of the Turtles' story and, in turn, attract Turtle-obsessed fans or anyone else who grew up reading the comics and watching Ninja Turtles movies and TV shows. At one point in the 1980s, the frenzy around the Turtles was called Turtlemania.

“It's the birthplace,” said Kevin Eastman, who, along with Peter Laird, created the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 41 years ago when the two shared a house in Dover. The first issue went on sale a year later. “That’s where the Turtles were created. ... It is very historic and very important to us.”

The Turtles' exhibit opened last month at the Woodman Museum, which houses an eclectic collection that includes a stuffed polar bear and a Victorian funeral exhibit replete with a horse-drawn hearse.

With its explosion of colors and cabinets full of action figures, the exhibit aims to be the place to go for all things Turtles.

It starts with franchise's humble beginnings in Dover, where the duo formed Mirage Studios, a play on the fact they were creating the first comic in their living room rather than an actual studio. Inspired by Eastman's fascination with turtles and martial arts, they came up with the crime-fighting Turtles and self-published their first comic in black and white.

“We hoped that one day we would sell enough copies of our 3,000 printed, $1.50 comic books that we could pay my uncle back,” Eastman said, adding that they had no intention of writing a second issue until fans asked for more.

“We loved our characters. We loved what we did. We told the best story we could. We hoped for the best,” he continued. “But I also could never have imagined that one comic book would lead to any of this.”

Ralph DiBernardo, whose store in nearby Rochester sells comics and games, was among the first to champion the Turtles. He knew Eastman and Laird from selling them comics and was the first person to sell their Turtles comic commercially after purchasing 500 copies. But he said at the time, it seemed more like a favor to friends than a business decision, with him thinking, “those guys are never going to make their money back.”

“To watch them go from two struggling guys just barely getting by to becoming multi-millionaires, it’s that American dream story that just never happens,” said DiBernardo, who remains friends with the two artists.

The exhibit details the emergence of the Turtles as a global phenomenon, featuring pizza-obsessed characters with catchphrases such as “cowabunga” and “booyakasha.”

Among the exhibit's highlights are a video game console where visitors can play Turtles arcade games, vinyl records of soundtracks from Turtles movies and signed, first-run Turtles comics, including some valued in the tens of thousands of dollars. The marketing power of the Turtles is also on display, with everything from Turtles-inspired Christmas ornaments, throw rugs and backpacks to a talking toothbrush.

In the middle of it all is a set of massive bronze statues depicting the four turtles — Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael — along with the mutant rat and resident sage, Master Splinter. The display was one of 12 made as part of a fundraiser by Eastman to benefit a museum in Northampton, Massachusetts.

“The Ninja Turtles are a multi-billion-dollar international franchise, and they originated here in Dover,” said Jonathan Nichols, the executive director of the Woodman Museum. “So, it was a no-brainer for us to incorporate the Ninja Turtles here. This gallery is really a celebration and the history of the turtles from their creation to today.”

Eastman said the exhibit demonstrates the Turtles' widespread appeal, which he attributes to their heroic natures and that they operate almost like a family that bickers but also works better as a team. Fans also love that they are “four green, mutated turtles not of any race, creed or color.”

“Anybody could be a Turtle,” said Eastman, who now lives in Arizona but plans to attend a Manchester, New Hampshire, comic convention later this month. He said he loves “talking to the fans not only about what they love about their Turtle,” but also “what their favorite Turtle is.”

“I ask who they relate to. It tells a lot about their personality,” he added.

The exhibit's opening is part of a larger effort, some say long overdue, by Dover to embrace the Turtles. A state historical marker went up next door to the museum last year recognizing Dover as the birthplace of the Ninja Turtles. A few blocks away, a decorative manhole was placed in front of an empty lot where the creators' house once stood.

“I grew up here in Dover and had no idea that I was actually growing up in the town where they were created,” Nichols said. “So, once that really started being brought to the forefront, I think it was just a huge push in the town to really make that well known.”

Nichols said he has had a few super fans already visit decked out in Turtles' attire. But the other day, the exhibit was drawing visitors who had come to see other parts of the museum and found themselves going down memory lane with the Turtles.

“Just memories of the Turtles eating pizza,” said Heidi Stephenson, who was visiting with her family from Canada.

David Sarge, a cook from Pennsylvania who was an avid comic book collector as a teenager, said the exhibit brought back memories of attending a Portsmouth, New Hampshire, comic convention where the first comic was sold. He purchased signed editions of the first two Turtles comics but allowed youthful exuberance to get in the way of what could eventually may have been a big payday.

“I traded them shortly thereafter for some reefer and I regret that to this day,” he said with a laugh.

John Cookson, operations manager at the Woodman Museum, shows first edition Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures, which are part of the museum's permanent collection, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Dover, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle arcade video game and painting by a local artist are displayed as part of the permanent collection at the Woodman Museum, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Dover, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

A bronze sculpture of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle character "Raphael" is displayed along with comic books and memorabilia in a permanent collection at the Woodman Museum, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Dover, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

A city manhole cover, noting the Dover, New Hampshire birthplace of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, is seen at the outside the property, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Dover. I (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Heather Shingleton, of Dover, N.H., walks past a roadside marker honoring the local creation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Dover. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

ronze statues of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters are displayed as part of the permanent collection at the Woodman Museum, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Dover, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

NEW YORK (AP) — The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards are over, with “Shogun” claiming the top drama prize and “Hacks” winning best comedy.

The hosts, father-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy, opened the show Sunday night. They won Emmys at the 2020 awards for “Schitt’s Creek.”

“Shogun,” “The Bear” and “Baby Reindeer” were favorites going into the night. “Shogun” emerged with the top drama prize and “Baby Reindeer” snagged the limited series trophy. “Shogun″ extended its lead for most wins by a show in a single season, collecting 18 Emmys this year.

But “Hacks" emerged as the top comedy series, denying “The Bear” a comedy series repeat.

The Emmys are back in their traditional mid-September spot after a single strike-delayed edition in January.

The show began at 8 p.m., Eastern time, and is airing on ABC from the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles.

Here's the latest:

“I’m blessed with all the people around me who helped me make it happen. I kind of just feel a bit overwhelmed right now. I wasn’t expecting this,” Richard Gadd said backstage after his three wins for “Baby Reindeer.” “I’m just so glad that the show has touched the lives of so many people, and the Academy have acknowledged it in this way. It’s the greatest night of my life. What can I say?”

Gadd also initially declined to answer a question about the $170 million defamation lawsuit Netflix is facing for the show, but then spoke to its impact. The lawsuit comes from the woman who claims to be the inspiration for the series, which is based off of Gadd’s life and experience with a woman who stalked him.

“It’s easy in this day and age to focus on the negatives,” he said before saying the show has driven some viewers to donate to sexual assault and stalking-focused charities and has done “phenomenal things worldwide for so many people.”

Hiroyuki Sanada is the first Japanese actor to win the Emmy for best actor in a drama.

“I am beyond honored to be here with amazing nominees,” he said. “‘Shogun’ taught me when we work together, we can make miracles. We can create a better future together.”

Sanada received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Anna Sawai is the first Japanese actor to win best actress in a drama. The actor, who is a first-time nominee, was tearful throughout her speech.

“I was crying before my name was announced. I’m a mess today,” she said.

“This to all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example for everyone,” she added.

“Shogun” also won best drama series.

John Oliver, who won scripted variety series for "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,'' said he was ‘honestly’ happy to get the cue to wrap up when he mentioned his dog during his acceptance speech.

“I’m not well versed in sincerity, as a British person and as a comedian, so I didn’t really want to get upset and thankfully, whoever was on that board, I think said, ‘You can’t carry this off’ and walked me straight into a joke. So, I’m very, very grateful that they gave me the parachute so I could avoid my feelings once more. But yeah, we had a great dog, and we had to say goodbye this week, and it’s brutal,” he said backstage.

In his acceptance, Oliver dedicated his Emmy to his recently deceased dog — and “all dogs.” He quarreled with the play-off music in a bleeped exchange.

Lamorne Morris, star of “Fargo,” is taking home his first Emmy award on his first nomination.

The “New Girl” star was clearly flustered as he accepted the award, saying he has a poster of fellow nominee Robert Downey Jr. in his house and asked him to sign it.

“My beautiful daughter, Lily. I love you. I told you I would do it. You’ve always doubted me,” he joked.

The breakout star from Netflix’s most recent season of “Bridgerton,” Nicola Coughlan added an Artists4Ceasefire red pin to her glittering off-the-shoulder gown. Coughlan has been outspoken in supporting Palestinians and calling for a cease-fire.

Actors across the award season have been wearing the Artists4Ceasefire red pin with a hand holding a heart to demand a cease-fire in Gaza and a release of the Israeli hostages.

Ahead of the premiere of the 50th season of “Saturday Night Live” on Sept. 28, cast members from the sketch show’s storied history have gathered for an unforgettable reunion.

Former members Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Seth Meyers joined current regular Bowen Yang onstage.

The segment leans into the January Emmys’ nostalgia-laden programming, which included Tina Fey and Amy Poehler presenting an award in the style of SNL’s famed “Weekend Update,” along with the casts of “Cheers,” “Martin” and other hit shows reuniting.

Jessica Gunning, who haunts as stalker Martha on “Baby Reindeer,” accepts the Emmy for her performance from a group of actors who have portrayed iconic villains in a fitting pairing. She got emotional as she thanked Richard Gadd, the star and creator of the series.

“I tried so many times to put into words what working on ‘Baby Reindeer’ meant to me and I fail every time,” she said. “It really means a lot. So, thank you, reindeer.”

“Today, a Republican vice president would never attack a woman for having kids. So, as they say, my work here is done,” Candice Bergen wryly said before presenting the lead actress in a comedy series award.

She was referring to her Murphy Brown character being attacked by then-Vice President Dan Quayle for being a single mom.

Her subsequent “meow” got a big laugh and applause from the audience, including Jon Stewart.

For more on this year’s Emmy Awards, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/emmy-awards

Richard Gadd accepts the award for outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie for "Baby Reindeer" during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Hiroyuki Sanada accepts the award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for "Shogun" during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Anna Sawai accepts the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for "Shogun" during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Hosts Eugene Levy, left, and Dan Levy speak during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)