4Kids Entertainment International is expanding its licensing programme by featuring the retro artwork of the evergreen favourite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Following the successful apparel launch from Giant Merchandising, Inc. in the US, the famous heroes-in-a-half shell are launching a complete retro licensing programme, which 4Kids plans to take internationally.

Responding to today’s increasing demand for retrol designs, 4Kids is developing a comprehensive TMNT campaign based on the look of the hugely successful 1980’s TV series. The programme focuses on the “Kidult” audience who grew up watching the adventures of Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and their arch nemesis Shredder. One of the key areas for the campaign will be apparel featuring the Turtle images on t-shirts, caps, beanies, belt buckles and other accessories using faded, washed-out colours and materials that will appeal to the older fan.

In addition, 4Kids is looking to expand the TMNT retro programme to a variety of categories including: collectibles, greeting cards, gifts, publishing, prints, mobile content and more, which are targeted towards the “Kidult” audience as well as a new generation of young fans.

“Since they appeared nearly 25 years ago, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles continue to take the world by storm, truly earning the status of pop culture icons,” said Alfred R. Kahn, Chairman and CEO of 4Kids Entertainment. “As one of the licensing industry’s most in-demand properties, licensees have been quick to embrace the TMNT retro style, and we look forward to growing our already impressive roster of licensees.”

The TMNT retro campaign will continue its international roll out through 2008, leading up to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ 25th anniversary in 2009. For the silver anniversary, Kids Entertainment plans to develop two distinct licensing programs to celebrate this milestone – for children and young adult TMNT “alumni”. 4Kids Entertainment is actively looking to sign additional licensees across key categories, including publishing, accessories, apparel, collectibles, in addition to promotional partners for both programmes

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were created in 1984 by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman, making their television debut in 1987. The latest incarnation of the TV series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fast Forward, is a top-rated show on 4Kids TV on the FOX network station in the US on Saturday mornings. Set in the year 2105, Fast Forward takes the Turtles on futuristic adventures filled with comedy, action…and aliens.