New Art Book Uncovers Lost Lore and Two Secret Turtles From Rise of the TMNT
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
A new art book for Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reveals official details and concept art for two lost turtle siblings that were cut when the animated series was canceled.
For fans who still miss the unique energy of Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a new release from IDW Publishing is offering a massive look into what could have been. Written by series superfan and author Colin Stein, The Art of Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is now available on shelves and online. The over 300-page book dives deep into the production art and development of the Nickelodeon animated series that ran from 2018 to 2020, along with the 2022 Netflix movie that wrapped up the story. Beyond the concept art, the book delivers a major treat for lore enthusiasts by revealing official plans for two abandoned turtle siblings that never made it to the screen.
When the show originally aired, it sparked a divide within the fandom due to its bold rewrites of traditional turtle canon. Raphael took the lead as a massive snapping turtle, Leonardo started out as a snarky comedian rather than the tactical leader, and Master Splinter's origin was tied to a martial arts movie star named Lou Jitsu. Baron Draxum served as the primary creator of the mutants, using Lou Jitsu's DNA in an elaborate laboratory setup. Eagle-eyed fans noticed a crucial detail during a season one episode where a mutation chamber clearly displayed six pods instead of four, hinting at a larger family that the show's cancellation prevented creators from exploring.
According to new details and interviews with co-creator Andy Suriano featured in the book, those extra pods held two additional turtle siblings. Suriano confirmed that an eldest brother existed in the writers' room plans to shake up family dynamics, alongside a sister who was secretly disguised as the silent, masked assistant to the spider Yōkai villain Big Mama. While the series may have ended before these characters could join the sewer squad, this deep dive gives the dedicated community a definitive look at the creators' original vision. You can read the full breakdown over at Polygon.
Original reporting by Brian VanHooker for Polygon.
Tags: TMNT, Animation, IDW Publishing, Nickelodeon, Geek Culture
Original article: Polygon