TMNT Tuesday #57: Jake Thomas answers fan questions as ‘Shredder’ #11 covers debut

Back in February, we asked TMNT fans to send in their questions for IDW Senior Group Editor Jake Thomas. Now, TMNT Tuesday has the answers, and they offer a revealing look at where the Turtles universe could be headed next.

From fan-favorite characters like Jennika to deeper cuts like the Mutanimals and even a tease tied to Venus de Milo, Thomas pulls back the curtain on what’s being discussed behind the scenes and what might be coming down the line. “We have her on our ‘idea board,’” he says of Jennika, making it clear she’s far from forgotten.

Alongside that, we’re excited to exclusively reveal covers for Shredder #11, and they’re a knockout. Ashley Wood brings a raw, street-level intensity, while Mateus Santolouco channels pure aggression with a look that carries serious Wolverine energy. If the issue matches the tone of these covers, it’s going to be one to watch.

On the shelves this week, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ongoing Compendium Vol. 1 arrives, collecting the first 50 issues of IDW’s acclaimed run in one massive volume. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to jump in, this is it. Also out this week is TMNT: Journeys #9.

Looking ahead, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #18 hits next week as the series continues its march toward issue #300, with major developments already reshaping the landscape. It’s a key moment for the line, and one worth following closely. Also on deck is TMNT Adventures Compendium Vol. 2 in hardcover.

As always, now’s the time to hit your local comic shop, catch up on the ongoing series, and make sure Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is on your pull list as the road to #300 continues.

Let’s get into Jake’s answers and Shredder covers!

AdresGalindo Olarte: How did you guys come up with the “Saturday-Morning”-Last Ronin character in TMNT: Battle Nexus? I think it is super-cool, hope we can see more of it!

Jake Thomas: That planning process was before my time, but I believe it was born out of the room with IDW, Paramount, and the creators – people trying to think of what could be cool. Last Ronin Mikey already had a brief cameo in the Mr. Ogg backup, and I believe everyone really wanted to keep his appearances limited and meaningful. So from that, a cool character was created!

Mel: Hi! I’ve been a big fan of the TMNT IDW comics for a few years now, and the decade-long journey I’ve read through- so many characters I love and adore, especially Jennika. I’m bummed about Nightwatcher, but I’m looking forward to seeing her again. Will she be part of the main team and title in the future? She’s by far the best execution of the 5th turtle ever, and it would be a shame if the brothers just forgot about her.

JT: I love Jennika and was a huge fan of that Nightwatcher book even before I got this gig. I’ve recommended that book to so many people. We don’t have any concrete plans for Jennika currently, but we have her on our “idea board,” as she’s got a lot of fans here and we want to give her more awesome stories!

Mel: Your Favorite mutanimal? Any plans for them?

JT: That’s a really tough question! I’m a big fan of all the Mutanimals, so that’s one of those “depends on the day” questions, but on this day, let’s say…Mondo Gecko? I have some loose plans for the Mutanimals, especially Lindsey Baker…oof, is Lindsey Baker my favorite? I do love a creepy spider lady…

Mel: Loving the Godzilla crossover so far. Any other crossovers you’d love to see in the future? 


JT: I’ve said in the past that I’m a big horror nerd, so I have dreams of cool horror crossovers, but that’s just me as a fan. Who knows who those Turtles are gonna mix it up with next?! (I mean, I know, but I’m not telling.)

Jim: Will the Hardcover TMNT IDW Complete COLLECTION volumes continue, and if so, would they continue with numbered volume 19 or get a “phase 2 volume 1” type relaunch?

JT: They definitely will! I’m such a huge fan of those collections; there’s nothing quite like them. Exactly what the next collection will look like, we’re still working through, but that line will definitely continue. In the meantime, we’ve got a GORGEOUS collection of the full Jason Aaron run coming in a deluxe edition, and compendiums of the full original IDW 150-issue run.

AND ALSO Amkhir asks: Is IDW going to continue the IDW Collection? Because those cover arts were so iconic and I wish we could see Hale or Ujigami on them!

JT: Most of this was answered to Jim above, but I just want to call out that, much like Jason’s getting the beautiful collection of his run, we’ll also be doing hardcover editions for Gene’s arcs as well.

Joe: Is IDW going to return Jennika to the main ongoing title as a regular fifth Turtle? My daughter and I would both love to see this happen sooner rather than later!



JT: Answered above!

Joe: Any chance of some timey-wimey shenanigans bringing Venus de Milo back?

JT: Venus de Milo fans may be getting a glimpse of her soon…

Joe: When will we see Old Hob again, especially after the surprising events of Battle Nexus #5?

JT: No explicit Old Hob plans currently, but as a big Mutanimals fan who loves a conflicted, morally gray, and ethically complicated leader, I am with you in wanting to see more Old Hob, just need the story to do it. (Man, I do really love Old Hob…is HE my favorite Mutanimal today…?)

Redtauruto: According to what happened in #15 and Casey’s mini-comic, will something “terrible and irreparable” happen between the Turtles and Casey?

JT: There may be some conflict with Casey and Clan Hamato brewing! Keep reading to find out!

Ninji: Will Jennika ever return to the main group? I understand the last few stories have been focusing on the boys’ brotherhood, but it feels empty without her.

JT: Answered above, but thrilled to see all this Jennika love!

Ninji: What’s next for the recently recovered Slash?

JT: We’ve actually got a nice place to highlight him and Ninjara in the upcoming CITY THAT NEVER DIES story! Keep your eyes peeled!

Ninji: Can we get one-shots for each of the Last Ronin II turtles to get a better handle on them as characters? Mirage and IDW’s one-shots for their first-gen turtles did wonders for this.

JT: No plans to currently do solo books with the new Turtles, but more Last Ronin business is brewing, and a healthy dose of Odyn, Uno, Moja, and Yi will be coming!

Fares: Would you consider putting Ninjara more in the spotlight after Battle Nexus?

JT: As mentioned above, Ninjara and Slash will both be getting a nice spotlight within THE CITY THAT NEVER DIES. Stay tuned!

Fares: What are Ninjara’s hobbies?

JT: I could see her doing Shodo, Japanese calligraphy. A nice way to be calm and concentrated.

Amkhir: Do you think we’re ever gonna see a continuation of the 40th-anniversary comic? (Especially 2012, since it had a cliffhanger)



JT: No plans for a continuation currently, but we’re obviously big fans of all iterations of the Turtles, so we’re all up for seeing more of them if the support is there.

And that’s a wrap on Jake’s answers. Now, peruse the Shredder #10 covers below!