The Ninja Turtles, officially known as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, are fictional characters created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird in 1984. They are four anthropomorphic turtles named Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael, who are trained in ninjutsu by their rat sensei, Splinter. The turtles live in the sewers of New York City and often battle villains, including their arch-nemesis, Shredder. The franchise includes comic books, animated television series, movies, and merchandise. The turtles are known for their distinct personalities, with each turtle representing a different trait, such as leadership, humor, intelligence, and aggression. Their adventures often emphasize themes of friendship, teamwork, and the struggle between good and evil.