The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic series from IDW Publishing is getting a sister series called Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe by writer Paul Allor and artist Damian Couceiro, with backups by writers Tom Waltz and TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman and artist Bill Sienkiewicz.

Check out the cover by artist Freddie Williams II.This new series will tell stories focused on various supporting characters in the TMNT world. Characters named by series editor Bobby Curnow include Casey Jones, Fugitoid, Old Hob, April, Nobody, Harold, and Baxter Stockman, plus he teased we’ll get a couple brand new villains.Allor, who has written previous TMNT comics Turtles in Time and Mutanimals, told us what to expect from the story.“This is a classic siege story, in the vein of Rio Bravo and Assault on Preinct 13. It's a brutal, action-packed siege story, packed with villains old and new, that's also very driven by the relationship between these four brothers,” Allor said.He also let shine his excitement to be working with Couceiro.“His previous work -- including Cluster, his creator-owned book with Ed Brisson, of which I'm a big fan -- shows that he does big action and deep emotion incredibly well. I know he's gonna bring so much depth to this book, and I can't wait for people to see what we're cooking up,” Allow said.But why is now the time to expand IDW’s TMNT line to two ongoing comics?“Essentially, over the past four-plus years our TMNT world has grown too large to contain to one monthly title. There are dozens of fan-favorite characters. In short, we need a second title to do the ‘TMNT Universe’ justice,” Curnow said. “With two series we can flesh out these supporting characters more and devote greater time to the Turtles themselves and expanding their world. Our aim is to tell stories that are self-contained but complementary to the original ongoing TMNT title.”Curnow’s vision is to simply let the creators do their thing and tell awesome TMNT stories.“In addition to enabling us to tell stories that we might not get the time to otherwise, my aim for this series is encourage creators, both new and familiar to TMNT, to stretch their creative muscles and run. Often in the past we've been shackled a bit to the events of the ongoing title. Here, if a creator wants to tell a story that's a bit farther away, in either tone or plot, than what is happening in the ongoing title, we can explore it. My hope is that we'll be able to nurture and flourish the creativity that has always been a huge part of TMNT, and in doing so, bring new creators and readers to the title,” Curnow said.Curnow’s favorite Turtle is Leonardo, so he’s alright in our book.Finally, here’s the official solicitation info for the series, out in August.Paul Allor, Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz (w) • Damian Couceiro, Kevin Eastman, Bill Sienkiewicz (a) • Freddie Williams (c)Introducing a new era in TMNT! This series will explore characters and story-lines that are pivotal to the IDW TMNT universe! When a mysterious new mutant targets Baxter Stockman, it will be up to the TMNT to reluctantly save him. Little does everyone know that a larger trap is being laid by a new arch-foe! Plus a back-up story from TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman and comics legend Bill Sienkiewicz!*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.FC • 40 pages • $4.99August on sale

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