The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles didn’t start as a corporate franchise; they started with $1,200 and two creators who refused to wait for permission. In this deep dive, we explore the gritty TMNT origin story—from the DIY days of Eastman and Laird’s Mirage Studios to the groundbreaking practical effects of the 1990 movie. Discover why the Turtles are the ultimate blueprint for independent creators