Book #91: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III by B.B. Hiller

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III

B.B. Hiller

 Released: February 1st, 1993

My 34th book for 2025 was B.B. Hiller's “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III”.  

Continuing on in the Turtle trend here, I arrived at the third novelization for the Ninja Turtles movies from the early 1990's.

Part 3 never really appealed to the masses.  There's a lot of cases going against it, unknown villains, feudal Japan location, weird Turtle costumes (Jim Henson is rolling in his grave).  There's a certain charm to it however, and I figured the novel wouldn't be so baad.

The book reads decently.  It follows the film almost verbatim.  There are a few minor things that have been changed out for copyright or other reasons.  

I love the return of Casey Jones, and April taking a big part of the plot as she goes back with the Turtles.

In this book, the Turtles are given an ancient scepter with origins of feudal Japan.  Meanwhile, back in feudal Japan, Kenshin obtains a scepter and is swapped out for April in their respective timelines.  The Turtles learn about what has happened to their friend, and set out on a quest to find her and save her.  They are swapped out for the daimyo's royal bodyguards.  While the Turtles and April fend for themselves in ancient Japan with new allies, Kenshin and the body guards endure some modern fun in the future with Casey Jones organizing the chaos with hilarious results.  The movie even hints that hockey was created in feudal Japan.  The Turtles and April team up with Kenshin's lover Mitsu to take on the daimyo Lord Norinaga, and his powerful fri-enemy, Walker, a ship Captain with guns to sell to the Japanese for trade goods and spices.  One the Turtles defeat the bad guys, they must make sure they can get home, and all travelers end up in their respective times.  

Not a bad book per say, but it's based on a movie that had struggles.  The good thing is, with the book, you can picture the Turtles however you envision them.  I prefer the 1990 look, but I also know the 1993 looks are not pretty to look at.  You can even see the degradation over time in museums and places.

The book does have some heartfelt moments, but then again, the last 2 Turtles movies were aimed more at kids than the darker first film, so it makes sense that it's more family friendly.

Here is what I learned:

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• Lord Norinaga is a daimyo or warlord.

• He has a son Kenshin.

• There weren’t many guns in Japan in 1593.

• Walker was a ship’s captain.  He was a European trader who brought guns to the Japanese.

• Walker is more ruthless than Norinaga.

• Nikes is Walker’s first mate.

• Walker has 3 ships in the daimyo’s harbor.

• A “shoji” is a screen.

• “Kappa” means demons.

• Donatello finds New York comparable to Hell.

• April is not a fan of medieval Japanese dungeons.

• Whit Whitley is a prisoner in the dungeon.

• Mitsu is the woman who fights the daimyo.  She is Kenshin’s lover.

• Benkei is the head of the Honor Guard.

• New York has dirty water, tires, beer cans, and dead bodies.

• Michelangelo has feelings for Mitsu.

• The Honor Guard and Kenshin enjoy NHL Hockey, Gilligan’s Island, The Munsters, Beverly Hillbillies, and Car 54 — Where Are You?

• Cheetos is mispelled on page 39.

• A “yakko” is a kite.

• April wears a genuine Rolex knock-off watch.  She bought it from a guy in a pink suit on 42nd St.

• The Battle of a Thousand Swords represents 4 demons defeating the daimyo and his army.

• Masamune was the genius sword maker of ancient Japan.

• Casey Jones takes the warriors out to Art’s Bar & Grill.

Overall, the book isn't terrible.  If you're a fan of the Turtles or feudal Japan, you'd like it, otherwise, probably not necessary.

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Recommended for fans of the Turtles or Feudal Japan.

On to Book #92: Friday The 13th Part 3 - 3D by Michael Avallone.