In November 1983, while living in Dover, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird created a cast of ninja weapon-wielding turtles during a late-night drawing session. Amused by the absurdity of the idea, the duo developed the story of four teenage turtle brothers: Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michaelangelo. The one-shot comic, published independently by Mirage Studios on Union Street, debuted in 1984. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles soon became a full comic series and ultimately an international multimedia franchise.

Photo: Kelly Marsh

Dover, New Hampshire · USA