Why did the creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles choose turtles for characters?

The creators of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, chose turtles as characters to juxtapose the idea of a slow, often overlooked creature with Martial Arts prowess and a heroic persona. Turtles also provided a unique visual appeal, allowing for distinctive designs and personalities for each character. This combination of unexpected traits and humor resonated with audiences, contributing to the franchise's popularity.