Michael J. :: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987-2001)

1987 Playmates Toys Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pilot Show Sewer Lair Background Color Key Painting

Artist: Murakami Wolf Swenson (All)

16,106 Views - 0 Comments - 1 Like

1987 Playmates Toys Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pilot Show Sewer Lair Background Color Key Painting Comic Art

Click Image to View Full Size

Additional Images:

Back

Screenshots

Previous Item:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1988 Group Licensing Style Guide Illustration

Next Item:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989 Movie Licensing Style Guide Illustration

Artwork Details

Title:	1987 Playmates Toys Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pilot Show Sewer Lair Background Color Key Painting
Artist:	Murakami Wolf Swenson (All)
Media Type:	Paint - Watercolor
Art Type:	Illustration
For Sale Status:
Views:	16,106
Likes on CAF:	1 2
Favorited on CAF:	1
Comments:	0
Added to Site:	6/18/2016
Comic Art Archive:

Description

This 11" x 9" original background color key painting, accomplished in watercolor, was one of the first-ever renderings of the Turtles' sewer lair home for the original cartoon series, serving as a visual guide in the making of the very first episode. In pencil, underneath the production number, is written the pilot show's episode code, 9030-001. The back of the board is rubber-stamped � 1987 Playmates Toys, Inc.

The artwork shows the four bedrooms of the Turtles, giving us a glimpse into their distinct personalities. Raphael's messy abode has posters of reptiles strewn all over the wall, including one titillating terrapin who is identified as "Miss September." Swords, daggers, and a meticulously assembled model of a ship decorate Leonardo's quarters. Donatello's pad is plane crazy, with jets and diagrams everywhere. Michaelangelo's space emphasizes his sporty side through all manner of playthings, from baseballs to bowling pins and even swimming flippers.

It is in this bedroom hallway where April O'Neil learns the origin story of how the Turtles and Splinter came to be mutant ninjas living in the underground tunnels of New York City.

Social/Sharing

About the Owner

	Michael J.
Joined:	August 2015
Last Login:	December 2025
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Michael's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

Contact the Owner

Use can use a contact form to send an email to this gallery owner,
but, you must be logged in to use this feature.

Comments on this Artwork

You must be logged in to make comments.

All
	Brad Potts 1/24/2026 3:08:00 AM
	Dennis Books 1/24/2026 3:03:00 AM
	--J S-- 1/24/2026 2:40:00 AM
	Todd Warren 1/24/2026 2:34:00 AM
	Pop Warner 1/24/2026 2:18:00 AM
View All


	David Dias 1/24/2026 1:45:00 AM
	Miki Annamanthadoo 1/24/2026 1:42:00 AM
	Paul Biermann 1/24/2026 1:32:00 AM
	Bruce W 1/24/2026 12:30:00 AM
	Steven Ng 1/23/2026 11:56:00 PM