Back in the day the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys inspired characters that appeared in the original TMNT cartoon from Groundchuck, Dirtbag to Chrome Dome. Other times ideas for the Turtles spread from the toys to both the cartoon and archie comics, mainly the Cyber Turtles. Though this is the first time ever where the toys inspired a full TV Special that is even getting books. Inspired by the Half Shell Heroes line of Ninja Turtle toys, we get “Blast to the Past”, which also uses the old Cave Turtles and Dino toys, for designs and storyline for this TMNT adventure. Here is my review of the Big Golden Book "Blast to the Past!" .

The story arc of the book matches up to the TV special. The Turtles get this energy crystal that Shredder was having his mutants steal, they decide it’s too dangerous to put back where they got it from. Donatello wants to test it out on his new invention. Though their first test ride sends them back to the past with two hitchhikers, Bebop and Rocksteady. Now meet Dinosaurs, have to fight for their life to get away from dangerous Dinosuars and find themselves with a threat that no one could’ve seen coming. A fun adventure, be it in reading form or by TV.

The book is a nice hardcover book. What I like most about it is all the original artwork. While the story may match something we’ll see on TV, the artwork gives this book character of it’s own. I am very Thankful that they did not just take screen caps from the show. The artwork was done by Paul Linsley. With really well done pages matching each part of the story.

I personally like how Paul drew Donatello’s gap tooth, better than what’s in the animated special. My favorite page has a slice of pizza on it, as I felt both Turtles and the dinosaur on that page were well done. I recommend this to people with kids who like to be read too, for collectors who want that something different with their books, and to the fans who just love the Half Shell Heroes series.

“Blast into the Past” was written by Brandon Auman. Brandon joined the Nickelodeon crew with the second Season and as the head writer, and since then became one of the producers for TMNT. Which makes this Special a real treat, as they step out of the normal series that we see on TV all the time, and yet to keep it closely connected they keep the staff that we know with the show.

Half Shell Heroes designs and idea came from Playmates Toys. The company that has stayed with the TMNT for the longest time, and helped make the Turtles to be what they are today. Please do take the time to check their websites:

FaceBook: www.facebook.com/TMNTPlay



Twitter: twitter.com/PlaymatesToys



Instagram: instagram.com/tmntplay



YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TMNTToys



Website: www.playmatestoys.com/

Do you have the Big Golden Book Blast into the Past? If so, what do you think of it? Please share reviews, comments and questions below!