Recap: Crisis of the Super Turtles! The Great Saint Appears!

Hello again. I've just about detoxed from Code Geass R2 month. It took me a little bit

to pick out what I wanted to do for my next recap. While I was considering my options,

I saw the first two episodes of the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon, and I for one,

loved it. I really enjoyed the stylized look of the new Turtles, the sharp and colorful design

of New York; the animation on the action scenes, and the distinct take on the Turtles' origin

story.

This new show is just the newest in a long line of Ninja Turtles works, going all the way

back to the original Mirage comics in 1984. Co-creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird then

sought to expand their horizons with the property. They contacted Playmates Toys about

making a series of action figures, but they wanted a TV deal as well. So, in late 1987, the

first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon appeared on TV. In a stark contrast from the dark

and gritty comics, the cartoon was goofy and campy. As a result, it was a big hit; and the

adaptation people remember most when they talk about the Ninja Turtles. It ran for 10 seasons

and sold a host of licensed goods; including clothes, video games, food tie-ins, and lots of

action figures.

Why am I bringing this up in a blog about anime? Well, it just so happens there is a

TMNT anime. It is a two-episode OVA that roughly translates to Mutant Turtles: Superman

Legend; which was created to sell a line of TMNT action figures meant for the Japanese

market. It draws influence from series such as Saint Seiya, and oh, what an anime it is.

Mind you, part of the reason we're used to the Ninja Turtles is because the ridiculousness of

the concept has such a firm holding with us. Hell, the whole genre of anime is built on

concentrated nonsense. As you will find, the concept will get much crazier in this OVA.

The OVA uses roughly the same art style as the 1987 series, and much of the same

voice cast from Japan's dub of the 1987 series. Make no mistake, things will get crazy real

quick. So let's open up “Crisis of the Super Turtles! The Great Saint Appears!” and see

what the land of the rising sun's take on the Heroes in a Half Shell amounts to.

We open on some narration, starting by pointing out the underground shrine of the Neutrino kingdom. Funny, it doesn't look like the residence of rambunctious teenagers from

Dimension X.  

It turns out that the Turtles were summoned by a fairy called Crys Mu, who was the

source of their mutations in this adaptation; via a crystal with her essence.

She gives them four stones known as “Mutastone”, which can turn them into Super

Turtles for only 3 minutes. So, what do these Super Turtles look like?

Oh my. Bummer, dudes, we're in trouble. Just wait till you see what the anime version

of Shredder looks like.

You see what I mean? He looks like a Beetle Borg. Somehow, they left the designs

for Krang, Bebop, and Rocksteady alone. They go on to say they acquired a Dark Mutastone.

So, what do their transformations look like?

OH SWEET MERCIFUL CRAP! WHAT IS THIS I DON'T EVEN-?! Yes, those are

the super forms for Shredder, Bebop, and Rocksteady.

We then learn that the Turtles can join into one huge “Turtle Saint” for 100 seconds.

We are only 1 minute and 22 seconds in, folks, Be very afraid. They refer to it as a “Saint

Mutation.” We knew people wouldn't take us being aliens well, so we decided to come up

with something even more ridiculous.

After 1 minute and 46 seconds, we get to hear the theme song. I stand by the 1987 theme

being a classic, so I'm posting a link of it. So, let's hear what Japan's TMNT theme is like.

The tune is a zippy and airy song, almost coming off like one for a completely different

show. It is also made clear that this anime uses the same art style as the 1987 show, at least

to a fault.

The imagery in this opening theme is also kind of random. It shows scenes from the

following episode of this OVA as well, as it displays the following forms of the Turtles:

Leonardo: Blue Dragon!

Raphael: Red Phoenix!

Donatello: Purple Gryphon!

Michelangelo: Orange Spider!

So, as you can tell, it's not exactly “Heroes In a Half Shell! Turtle Power!” To be

honest, the last four minutes have been kind of a blur. Even if you're familiar with the

Ninja Turtles; you're still probably not going to believe what you're watching.

Our title card is put right upon our opening amongst the stars. Space. The final

frontier. These are the voyages of the viewership enterprises. Its ongoing mission to

explore strange new series. To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go

where no turtle has gone before...  

We hear a space shuttle, with an astronaut contacting his superiors at NASA on the

disappearances of stars in the solar system. Look, guys, stars don't just disappear. There are

several stages they go through before they go away. I'm mostly seeing white giants on that

map, and no red dwarfs or black holes.

The astronaut's senior officer chalks it up to the astronaut misplacing his glasses.

This NASA man is clearly American, because he's eating McDonald's! That is what

Americans do, isn't it? I kid, I love it whenever Japan depicts Westerners like this.

We cut to the Technodrome, the massive mobile base of the Foot. It's pretty much like

the Death Star. Shredder and Krang are arguing over the necessity of making stars disappear to

resurrect Dark Mu. Shredder believes it is highly superfluous to harness the energy this way.

Krang acknowledges his statement by addressing him as Saki, or “Sawaki” by the Japanese

Romanization. Shredder is not pleased. That's one thing that they got right from the 1987

show. Shredder HATES being called Saki. It is a feminine name, translating to “flower”.

Look at Shredder's shoulder blades in this screencap. It's making the Darth Vader

covered in razor blades look seem sensible.

What happens in this scene is essentially a repetition of the information were given

in the introduction. I mean, the 1987 show's writing wasn't exactly Shakespeare, but it

knew how to handle the absolutely insane stuff in it. Why do you think we're used to a

series as odd as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

Shredder concedes that Dark Mu has to be completely awakened for them to use her

power. Of course. And you've turned into Space Sheriff Gavan for some reason. I can understand making designs simpler in an adaptation, but more complicated?

Krang replies that they're trying to awaken her with a stimulation. That's really

disturbing, Krang. When was the last time your air filter was changed in that android

body of yours?

He then likens the method of awakening Dark Mu to an “alarming clock.” It

certainly was alarming. #fansub_fail

Krang states that he fully intends to use the power of Dark Mu to kill the Turtles. Wow.

I mean, most times, they just tried to steal energy sources for the Technodrome. They didn't

try to kill the Turtles.

With the implication that the Earth could be destroyed with the stars disappearing,

Shredder asks where they're going to live. The pitchfork on his head must know!

Krang replies that they will live in Dimension X. Yes, because living in Dimension X

has worked out so well in the past!

After 7 minutes, we get the anime April O'Neil, and she is just as fine as she is in the 1987 show. The gesture is appreciated. She talks about the disappearances of stars.

The Turtles watch the report, and they have finally arrived at 7 minutes in. Michelangelo

asks Donatello about the stars vanishing. I should point out that the representation of the Turtles

is quite faithful to the 1987 show's look. One of the few good things about this anime.

April enters, and Raphael asks if she came through a portal. Raphael is still snarky,

even in Japanese.

April then asks about the stars and how bizarre it is they're going away. Yes.

Tell me more... (Slap self) SHE'S JUST A PICTURE ON A SCREEN!

Crys Mu comes in, and states the reason the stars are disappearing is because

Shredder and Krang are using them to awaken Dark Mu.

HEY! LISTEN! HEY! LISTEN! HEY! LISTEN! HEY! LISTEN!

Splinter concurs with his students on the situations. Even in this form, the 1987

Splinter is one of my favorite Splinters in most TMNT adaptations.

All of a sudden, an earthquake occurs. Yes, the screen is shaking! That means

danger! Shredder, Bebop, and Rocksteady land in an alley. Those drips usually don't have such

a rough landing.

Shredder is contacted by Krang. The communicator may be designed the same

as the 1987 show, but it jars horribly with Steel Samurai here.

He orders Krang not to irradiate the energy from the Dark Mutastone until

they say so. At that moment, Shredder's eyes turn red and bloodshot.

Bebop and Rocksteady confront the turtles as they surface, revealing Shredder's

threat. Shredder intends to harness the energy for the Dark Mutastone, even if it means

destroying the Earth. He's going to blow up the Earth, starting with New York. … Next!

At that moment, Shredder, Bebop, and Rocksteady mutate to their Sentai

monster forms. Shredder has turned into a dragon. It's not as weird as the forms of

Fast Forward and the Ninja Tribunal arcs of the 2003 show, but it still confuses me

a great deal; and I tried to justify the logic of Bakugan.

So, the Turtles decide to mutate into their alternate forms as well. At 11 minutes

in, we get the Japanese Ninja Turtles, and they look every bit like a Sentai team. Don't

get me wrong, the Turtles already shared many similarities with Japanese Sentai heroes.

This is just taking it a step further, with the henshin device and everything.

Even so, the awakening of Dark Mu is going to take quite some time. It's clear

they didn't have enough story for a full 30 minutes.

Splinter, April, and Crys Mu decide to sit back to watch what goes on with

the Turtles fighting Shredder; as he and Bebop and Rocksteady have something dire planned.

The Turtles then leap into action against the evildoers. At 13 minutes in, we get

our first action scene with them. Let's see how they do.

Shredder unleashes a Dragon Claw Attack, or Dragon Craw Attack as the subtitles put it.(Because poor literacy is kewl!)

The Turtles get knocked down with a single strike from Shredder. So, the

anime Ninja Turtles are kind of jobbers. Who knew? Michelangelo even lets out a frustrated

“shit” on how Shredder is much harder to beat. I'm not a bit surprised, as this is the same

franchise that brought us the phrase: “Ninja kick the damn rabbit!”

Michelangelo then asks if bringing back Dark Mu requires a black light, then

if black light even exists. Even when he looks like a cross between Wolverine and Killer Croc,

Michelangelo is still the goofball.

Then, Michelangelo likens the situation to a thousand squid-ink pizzas being

shoved down his throat. Weirder things have been put on your pizzas, Mikey.

Donatello tells him to quit telling lame jokes that have no relevance to the

situation. Donatello, shut up. Go on, Michelangelo. Joke. Kid. Make merry mirth and laughter.

Splinter confronts Krang about his intent to awaken Dark Mu, and it looks like

there might be a fight. I always like it when Splinter gets into a fight. He can hold his own

against the baddies. He states that Krang crossed the line. You crossed the line first. You

squeezed them, you hammered them to the point of desperation; and in that desperation,

they turned to a power they didn't fully understand. Krang calls Splinter just a petty rat.

And you're a brain who's just a pile of tentacles and gray matter without your body.

Krang then manages to dominate Splinter. Huh. You know, the Turtles and

Splinter seem kind of nerfed in this continuity.

The world starts to feel the effects of the stars disappearing. The tides rise all

over, and we see the Tokyo tower bending... Well, Steven, this OVA is one big Funny Aneurysm Moment, isn't it?  

Then, the Eiffel Tower in France suffers the same fate, as it collapses in a

massive earthquake.  

Finally, the disaster also is effecting the Mao Tse Tung memorial in China...

Next scene!

We get to Miami, and see the Punk Frogs lamenting at the chaos. I forget

which are Attila, Napoleon, and Genghis, and I completely forgot which is the fourth dictator

that named the last one. Anyway, the Punk Frogs are not happy about the storm.

At the beach in Miami, we see some Foot soldiers in Hawaiian shirts;

barbecuing. We finally get the payoff for that “Foot soldiers on vacation” joke.

The storm reaches them, and they say “The Foot soldiers are blasting off again.”

There you have it, folks. Jessie, James, Meowth, summon your lawyers.

We then return to New York as the disaster makes its course. There is a wave

of water in front of the World Trade Center. …

You maniacs! You blew it up! Damn you! Damn you all to hell!

The Turtles swim around the rising sea to higher ground as New York is flooded.

Even when the Turtles look like Kamen Riders, water isn't a problem for them.

Splinter goes into the Technodrome. Krang points out that he forgot to shut the

door, ignoring that the place is flooding. Krang! A wave of water is rushing through the place!

Acknowledge this disaster!

Grabbing onto a discarded pizza sign, the Turtles swim above New York's

skyline. As long as they don't run into Ray Filet, they'll be fine.

Splinter joins the Turtles, remarking that it's good he learned an ancient swimming style. An ancient swimming style? You're a rat! In a sewer! Learning to swim

at all is a prerequisite!  

April comes over from a helicopter, and states that she doesn't need a huge

network to find out where Shredder and the other villains are, because their whereabouts

are very obvious. You know, around the time this OVA aired, the 1987 show was in its

10^th and final season. In it, April got online for the first time. So, she does have a network

for that.

At that moment, Dark Mu finally awakens. She asks for her morning coffee.

Morning coffee? You're a borderline succubus and you want a latte?

April continues to report on the situation. That's my girl. April never misses

a story, no matter the risk.

Now Shredder has mutated into a huge dragon. Not as good as Utrom Shredder/

Ch'rell growing to a massive size in Turtles Forever, but it works.

Shredder hurls a giant ball of energy at Splinter, and he tries to stop it. Yeah,

I don't think that's going to work, buddy.

The Turtles prepare to take on the combined might of Dragon Shredder and Dark

Mu. The Turtles usually fought some strange creatures, but they sure didn't fight Morrigan.

At that moment, the Turtles combine into a Turtle Saint. I say just go with it

at this point.

The Turtles head into space to stop Dragon Shredder and Dark Mu, and they

pass the space shuttle, which bends and gets eyes. … I don't know why, but I want to see

an anime about that.

Crys Mu gives Dark Mu a full nelson so the Turtles can eliminate her and rob

Shredder of his upgrade. The Turtles point out this will end her too, but she says she will be 

all right.

The Turtles unleash the Final Turtle Saint Blade to put an end to all this chaos.

So, after jobbing for the better part of this OVA, they finally win at a fight.

The Turtles awaken in their normal forms in the space shuttle, and we close on

the stars in the sky. My goodness, this recap took a while to write, but it was worth it.

“Crisis of the Super Turtles! The Great Saint Appears!” is not a very good OVA.

It plays fast and loose with the mythology of the Ninja Turtles, with everything from character

design to motivations of the villains. The disasters in this OVA take unfortunate turns given

the events that happened in the years following its release. The Turtles also have their fighting

abilities suppressed by these upgrades, bordering on the Worf effect in battle. It is one of

the most bizarre subjects I've chosen to recap, but you know something? I had a lot of fun with

this one for its absolute insanity. Watching this OVA feels like traveling to another dimension

with how crazy it is. I'm recommending that people watch this OVA to see all the stuff that

goes on in it.

As for what I want to do next, I'm not entirely sure. I'm mulling over several

options, and I'm probably not doing the next episode of this OVA right away. This OVA

was chosen because I wanted to unwind from Code Geass R2 month; but I hadn't foreseen

how time-consuming writing a recap on an OVA would be. So, I'm most likely doing another

standard episode. Maybe a horror series or some other Halloween-related episode. I'm also

watching stuff on the website for the new Toonami. After some deliberation, the series that

aren't the new Thundercats and Sym-Bionic Titan that I'm most interested in are Full Metal

Alchemist: Brotherhood (a truer-to-the-manga, director's cut version of Full Metal Alchemist);

Casshern Sins (if the original Casshern is like the Adam West Batman, then consider Casshern

Sins like The Dark Knight Saga), Deadman Wonderland (I'm looking up scans of the manga

as well) and Cowboy Bebop reruns (I hope that Williams Street can reacquire the rights

to Trigun as well; as I consider it a key companion piece to Cowboy Bebop). As for Bleach;

I've been watching subs of that for a while; and I'm going to stay with it now that it's ended

its run in Japan (the dub is still airing, and the manga is in publication of its final arc).

That will be all for now.