30 years ago a comic book about four teenage mutant turtles who new the ways of being ninja was released. On Saturday July 12, 2014, hundreds of people lined up outside of Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, CA to celebrate these 30 years of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle glory.
The event was scheduled to start at 7:oo pm, by the time I got there at around 6:15pm there was already a line into the triple digits that began to circle the building. Fans of all ages dressed in support; if there was an article of clothing that could have the turtles on it , it was worn. There were also quite a few people in costume, ready to show their full love and dedication as well as get free admission. A very welcomed surprise to the line waiting process, was when they had fully costumed professionals come out and interact with the people waiting in line. I am almost ashamed to say how giddy having the opportunity to take a picture with my favorite turtle, but I knew I was not the only one.
Admission itself was only $5, but if you were in costume or purchased any TMNT related products, the admission fee was waived. Gallery Nucleus is famous for housing artistic interpretations of popular culture from hundreds of artists. The store was stocked with shirts and other TMNT products like toys and graphic novels in support of the night. The big seller that night seemed to be the prints, as by the time I got inside the store the print selection was almost sold out.
The gallery exhibit was beautiful. The normally white walls of the exhibition space were lit green, and a turtle den made of pizza boxes was the corner piece of the show. Fans were also able to write on the giant poster boards that would be sent back to the creative teams in charge. There were also artists from the comics and television show doing signings, as well as a complimentary bar serving TMNT themed mock tails with no tip jar in sight. My favorite piece, aside from the artworks had to be the classic arcade machine of the TMNT arcade game. It brought that perfect sense of nostalgia that brought me back to a much simpler time where arcades were a thing that did not require alcoho. However, it made me relive the regret I have not felt since the last time i was at an arcade; the regret of not bringing quarters.
“Heroes in a Half Shell” had a great opening night, bringing together TMNT fans to celebrate easily America’s greatest and most popular action cartoon. Even after leaving at around 8:30PM, the line to get in remained just as long, if not longer than when I had arrived. Gallery Nucleus delivers another night for fans to come and celebrate their fandom at a reasonable price at an exceptional event. Opening night has passed, but the exhibit will remain until August 3, 2014.
