Kevin Eastman is an American comic book artist and publisher, best known as the co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise with Peter Laird. In 1984, Eastman and Laird published the first issue of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book, which gained instant popularity and success. The adventures of the mutant turtles Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello, and Raphael have become a cultural phenomenon, spawning animated series, films, toys, and more. Eastman has been involved with various incarnations of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles over the years, continuing to contribute to their development and evolution. In addition to his work with the TMNT, Eastman has had a career in comics and has created other series and characters.