The enduring popularity of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise continues to resonate with collectors and fans alike, particularly as 2025 approaches—a significant year marking 35 years since the introduction of these iconic heroes in a half shell. This anniversary is not just a celebration; it’s an opportunity for collectors to enhance their collections with exclusive memorabilia.
IDW Publishing has unveiled a special edition of the graphic novel adaptation of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, which serves as a central part of the 35th anniversary festivities for the team’s debut in live-action cinema.
This 138-page graphic novel is a labor of love from the Turtles’ original creators, Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman, who have adapted Todd W. Langen and Bobby Herbeck’s screenplay from the 1990 film. This new edition boasts not only re-colored artwork but also the original rough layouts by Eastman, placement notes from the initial publication under Archie Comics, and even some scrapped materials that Mirage Studios later incorporated into their versions of the comic.
In keeping with the film’s narrative, the comic captures the journey of Manhattan reporter April O’Neil (portrayed by Judith Hoag) as she meets a group of heroic, anthropomorphic turtles skilled in martial arts and their insatiable love for pizza. Joining her is the hockey-player-turned-vigilante Casey Jones (Elias Koteas in the film), as they unite to rescue their master, the human-sized rat Splinter, from the nefarious grasp of Master Shredder and his Foot Clan.
The 1990 film not only marked the Turtles’ first live-action portrayal but also laid the groundwork for a storied franchise that began with the original comic series in 1984 and blossomed into an animated TV series in 1987. The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $202 million globally on a modest budget of just over $13 million and ultimately leading to two sequels. A re-release of the film is planned in theaters for August 2025 as part of the anniversary celebrations.
In 2014, the franchise was revitalized by producer Michael Bay, introducing a new generation to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with a live-action reboot that featured CGI-enhanced versions of the beloved characters. Megan Fox reprised the role of April O’Neil in this modern iteration, appearing again in the 2016 sequel Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, signaling that the franchise still has much to offer.
Looking ahead, a new live-action film is slated for release on November 17, 2028, alongside two additional cinematic projects: another live-action feature and a new animated installment set for September 2027. The animated follow-up to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which premiered in 2023 to both critical acclaim and strong box office performance, is particularly notable for its decision to cast actual teenagers in the voice roles of the titular turtles, with the original voice cast returning for this new venture.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Original Motion Picture Special Edition: 35th Anniversary is currently available for collectors and fans eager to celebrate this landmark year.
Based on reporting by Jason Wiese. Read the full story at https://www.cbr.com/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-movie-35th-anniversary-comic-book/.