IDW Publishing is staying in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles business. The comic book company has renewed its licensing deal with Paramount, which has held the rights to the classic characters since 2009.
Under the renewed deal, IDW plans on releasing multiple titles in honor of the property’s 40th anniversary. Among them is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II – Re-Evolution, a sequel to The Last Ronan, which took place in an alternate future and was based on a long-lost outline from the 1980s written by TMNT creators Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman. The new installment arrives Feb. 28.
”We are delighted to continue our relationship with IDW Publishing for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics and graphic novels,” said Lourdes Arocho, SVP, licensing & publishing, consumer products, Paramount. “After 40 years, there are still so many more stories to be told, and we can’t wait for everyone to see what’s next.”
The property launched as an indie title in 1984, with the black and white comic quickly becoming a favorite, launching a feature film, seminal animated TV show and accompanying toyline. The original comic remains influential, with filmmaker Zack Snyder among its fans (he recently showed The Hollywood Reporter original copies he keeps in his office).
On the big screen, Paramount is coming off of the feature adaptation Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which received critical acclaim and earned $180.5 million globally.
“The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are iconic. They are part of the tapestry of comic book history and I’m honored to be publishing their continuing adventures during this milestone year,” said IDW Co-Publisher Mark Doyle. “Our editor-in-chief Jamie S. Rich and the editorial team have put together an incredible publishing plan that will thrill long-time fans, excite new readers and show why the Turtles stand shoulder to shoulder with the biggest heroes in comic shops all over the world. It’s a great time to be a fan of TMNT!”
In addition to The Last Ronin sequel, IDW continues its ongoing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, which will reach a milestone 150th issue this year, while it also publishes Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures, which are inspired by the 1987 cartoon.
IDW
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