Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 Variant Cover by Sam Kieth

Did you know IDW was launching a brand new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series today? Neither did The Blot! Talk about someone at IDW not doing their job (there’s not even a mention of the new series on their homepage). This is exciting news because it marks the first TMNT comic book series since Mirage sold its rights to the franchise to Nickelodeon. But what this ownership change means for the comic book series is anyone’s guess. The original Mirage series is one of my all time favorite comic book series and the TMNT franchise played a huge role in my childhood. Because of this, I’m always down to give a new TMNT release a shot whether it be a new toy line, comics, an animated series or a movie.

While I really don’t know much about this new comic book series, what has me really excited for its release today is issue #1’s beautiful variant cover by Sam Kieth! I absolutely love Kieth’s artwork, and this cover does a great job showcasing all aspects of his unique style, including its humorous side. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 variant cover by Sam Kieth is an incentive copy, which means for every 25 books a store purchases the retailer receives one copy of the issue with the Kieth cover (so good luck getting your hands on one!).

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles issue #1 hits stands today, Wednesday, August 24th. This 32 page full color book was co-written by TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz, features artwork by Dan Duncan, and will retail for $3.99.

Hawkman DC Universe Pop! Heroes Vinyl Figure by Funko

There have been some questions as to whether or not Hawkman would actually be included in Funko’s DC Universe Pop! Heroes Wave 3. While he was originally solicited as part of Wave 3, when the final images of the figures were released he was nowhere to be found. Some speculated he might be a San Diego Comic-Con 2011 Exclusive, but there was no sign of him there either. Thankfully the mystery of Hawkman has not been reviled! The Hawkman Pop! Heroes vinyl figure will be released along with the rest of Wave 3 in August 2011.

It turns out they probably just didn’t have the final image of the Hawkman Pop! Heroes vinyl figure ready when they released the rest of Wave 3’s images last month. But it was definitely worth the wait! Just look at how awesome those wings look, and I love his little mace accessory.

The Hawkman DC Universe Pop! Heroes vinyl figure stands 3.75” tall, has a rotating head and comes in a displayable window box. This figure can now be pre-ordered from EntertainmentEarth.com here for $9.99.

The Muppets Show Theme Song Music Video by Ok Go

Ok Go does it again with a sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational music video for its cover of Jim Henson’s "The Muppets Show Theme Song". I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, as long as Ok Go continues to make music videos all other performs should get out of the game. Is there anyone else out there that consistently makes entertaining music videos that are actually worth watching? Now I have to be honest, “The Muppets Show Theme Song” is not on the top of my list of favorite Ok Go videos, but it does have one really redeeming quality…it features a ton of The Blot’s favorite Muppets! So go watch it, like now!

For those of you wondering why this cover song was produced, it’s part of a new compilation album entitled appropriately enough Muppets: The Green Album, which includes 12 new versions of classic Muppets songs performed by contemporary rock and alternative artists. Conceptually, this album is right up my alley, and while I haven’t listened to the whole album yet I do like the few songs I’ve heard so far! It includes covers by Ok Go, Weezer, My Morning Jacket, The Fray, Alkaline Trio and Andrew Bird. Muppets: The Green Album is out now and can be downloaded from Amazon here for just $7.99!