As Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles races toward its historic 300th issue, creators from across comics reflect on the heroes in a half shell and the lasting impact they’ve had on generations of fans and storytellers.
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| Courtesy of IDW |
IDW is celebrating that legacy in a big way, with a fresh look at materials in the milestone
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #300, kicking off the highly anticipated “The City That Never Dies” storyline and ushering in the next era of the Heroes in a Half Shell.
IDW has unveiled “The Impact of the TMNT,” a special page collecting reflections from some of comics’ biggest creators on what Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello have meant to them over the years. From childhood memories and artistic inspiration to career-defining opportunities, the Turtles’ influence stretches far beyond the sewers of New York City.
AIPT has transcribed the featured creators’ thoughts on the enduring power of
TMNT, which you can check out below, courtesy of
aiptcomics.com!
The Impact of the TMNT
Dan Mora, Comic Book Artist
“The Ninja Turtles were some of the very first heroes to capture my imagination as a kid. They taught me that heroes didn’t have to be perfect, they could be weird, funny, chaotic, and still inspire something huge. I also always loved the family aspect of them; despite all their differences, they always had each other’s backs. I love every incarnation of the franchise, and I know I’ll continue loving it for many years to come.”
Stephanie Williams, Comic Book Writer
“No matter where life takes me, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are always a comfort. They’re a reminder of the pure joy and adventure I first discovered as a kid. The memories and magic of TMNT will always feel like home, minus the repurposed sewer trash, of course.”
Mitch Gerads, Comic Book Artist
“To paraphrase the greatest voice of our generation, I do, indeed, like turtles. Especially when they’re mutants and ninjas! (Omitting the teenage part because I’m not a creep!) And ESPECIALLY when they’re written and drawn this good!”
Tom Taylor, Comic Book Writer
“The TMNT cartoon appeared on my TV screen at a time in my life when I couldn’t possibly resist that much Turtle Power. And soon after, I got my hands on two random, one-shot, Turtles comics that impacted me so much that I read them until the covers fell off. TMNT lit a totally tubular fire in a ten-year-old Tom that still burns brightly today.”
Ryan Stegman, Comic Book Artist
“The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are some of the greatest designs in comic book history. That’s what initially pulled me in. But I’ll be damned if they don’t also have great stories to go along with incredible visuals.”
Hayden Sherman, Comic Book Artist
“My brother and I first met the Turtles as the littlest of kids, in the form of a treasure trove of action figures we got from our local thrift store. It’s been a joy getting to know the brothers since then, but that first impression taught me a lot. What’s cool is cool. And TMNT in any form is just outright cool.”
Dan Duncan, Comic Book Artist
“TMNT was the first comic I had ever seen. A friend snuck an issue into school and it changed my life forever. A whole bunch of years later, Kevin and Tom and everyone at IDW changed my life again when they gave me my first real comics opportunity on the TMNT reboot. These characters and their story mean the world to me and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to its history and meet so many like-minded fans in the process.”
Chris Allen, Comic Book Artist
“I am so often surprised at the degree to which something which occasionally was just doing a job has meant so much to so many people over the years. I have been a positive part of many people’s childhoods and I consider that a great privilege.”
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| Courtesy IDW |
That’s not all, we’ve also got a look at every TMNT cover that has led to the 300th issue via a montage double-pager!
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| Courtesy IDW |
TMNT #300 will be available wherever comics are sold on Wednesday, July 22, 2026!
Stream the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe, including Mutant Mayhem on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
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