In May of 1984 Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird made indie comic history when they launched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles under Mirage Studios. The concept was meant to be a bit of a joking parody inspired by other titles of the day such as New Mutants, Ronin, and Daredevil. The off-beat property caught on and has since transformed into a monster that has secured itself in American pop culture and filled households with terms like, “Cowabunga” and “Turtle Power.” The original concept was very different from the marketable commodity, as any die hard fan of yore will tell you. I myself owned a copy of TMNT #1 but I was too young at the time to understand what I held in my hand. When I finally aquire a time machine it is one of the first things I hope to rectify.

IDW Publishing looks to restore the Turtles to their original indie glory with a new series coming in August. What is even more fantastic is that Kevin Eastman is on board as co-writer with Tom Waltz (Silent Hill: Past Life, Infestation: Outbreak) and interior art by new-comer Dan Duncan. Sam Kieth and Walter Simonson will provide covers for the series.

Here are a few details from IDW:

This first TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES series will feature new and exciting storylines that maintain the “turtle power” core beloved by millions of fans. Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael reunite to bring their ninja aptitude and teenage attitude in these all-new, action-packed adventures based on the original series. The first story arc will tell the origin story of the Turtles and introduce a new villain, the fearsome mutant alley cat, Old Hob. Featuring a cast of familiar characters, including Master Splinter, April O’Neill, Casey Jones, and true to the spirit of the original comics created by Eastman and Peter Laird, theTEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES are bigger and badder than ever, and ready to rock old and new fans alike.

It’s awesome that Eastman is leading this project, and I like that they seem to be maintaining the spirit of the original artwork from the classic series. Look for the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles this August.