The heroes in a half-shell return to television this February, as the all-new series TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES premieres on the FOX networks new kids' block FOX BOX, beginning Saturday, February 8, 2003. The new series brings back all the original characters -- the mutant turtles Leonardo, Raphael, Michaelangelo and Donatello, their mentor Master Splinter, and arch nemesis Shredder -- and adds a few new villains and foes. TURTLES creator Peter Laird is on board as creative director and consultant, and the new series promises to adhere closer to the original 1980s comic book that launched the global phenomenon. Said FOX BOX executive Norman Grossfeld: "By starting with the original comic series as a jumping off point, the FOX BOX TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES immediately has stories and characters with great depth and dimension, serious butt-kicking ninja action, strong emotional undercurrents and sophisticated humor that will appeal to a broad audience." TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES joins the FOX BOX slate of animated series that includes ULTRAMAN TIGA, ULTIMATE MUSCLE, KIRBY and FIGHTING FOODONS.
