this Ninja Turtles There have been many iterations, from various comic books to Nickelodeon’s latest vibrant series. Regardless of which version audiences may relate to, the power the series holds is undeniable. Fans have shown their love for their favorite half-human, half-cyborg heroes in a variety of ways, including creating fan art.
The TMNT community brings together some of the most talented artists across all fandoms. Whether inspired by the comics, original movies, or animated shows, they’ve taken the turtle design and enlarged it to give us a unique take on the world’s most fearsome fighting team. Here are ten pieces of creative fan art from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
classic turtle
In shows, movies, and comics, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles appear in many video games. However, the artwork appears to be inspired by the original NES game from 1989. The turtle above the “tap to start” icon even resembles the game itself. Even the turtles in front of them were in the same situation. However, the turtles themselves are designed differently from the game.
Artist Eddie Nuñez did not recreate the appearance of the turtles in the video game but used a unique design. While it’s similar to the current IDW comic, there are enough differences to make it stand on its own. Hopefully a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game will be out soon, giving us even more opportunities for fan art.
Choose your turtle
Another homage to classic video games, artist theCHAMBA has reinterpreted the character selection screen. All the turtles are in starting positions, starting with Leonardo and ending with Raphael. However, they pose differently than in the game.
Leonardo is the most similar and the most notable difference is the shift from left to right. Michelangelo did not swing his nunchucks but held them together. Donatello is still holding the stick, the stick is now in front rather than behind. Finally, Rafael fielded two strikers instead of one. This shows that while fan artists may be inspired by a work, that doesn’t stop them from adding their own.
Sunset on the roof
The Turtles have limited ways to move through New York City. Sure, they have mostly cars and motorbikes, but those aren’t necessarily insignificant. If they wanted to get around Manhattan undetected, using the roof would be a good choice. Luckily, artist G-man2000 has drawn fan art of what it might look like.
In Guru George’s artwork, turtles survey New York City from the safety of atop several buildings. They seemed to be enjoying the warm sky and quiet atmosphere. They are tracking everything and everyone they want to protect. Except for Michelangelo, who is clearly enjoying his time away from the hustle and bustle of the crime war.
Brotherhood
Teenage mutant ninja turtles are always united. While they may not agree on leadership (or what to put on the pizza), in the end, they support each other. When Akiman’s fan art appears, they are ready to defend against anyone who tries to divide them.
In the artwork, the turtles are huddled together in a strong defensive position. Raphael may have been hit by a dart, but that didn’t stop him from standing up for his brothers. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles taught us that even the strongest or stupidest people can always find someone they can rely on.
night turtle
After a busy night fighting Shredder and the Foot Clan, the Turtles might want to enjoy their night in New York. In emanshiu’s fanart, they seem to do the same. Against the stunning backdrop of New York City at night, sea turtles watch over the city they have sworn to protect.
Despite their ostracism, the Turtles are still considered the protectors of Manhattan, even though most people may not accept them. They can choose to leave New York or not go to the sewers. However, they choose to protect because they know that with great power comes great responsibility.
it’s heavy
Great Scott! Donatello and Michelangelo switch places with Doc and Marty McFly! Artist Myrling imagined what the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would look like in the Back to the Future universe, and it looks pretty accurate. Donatello is a smart, cunning lab turtle, perfect for Dr. Emmett Brown. Michelangelo, a flamboyant, fun-loving, party-loving person, is also a perfect match for Marty McFly.
This exchange is also significant because of the relationship between Michelangelo and Donatello. Like Marti, Michelangelo was always interested in Donatello’s work. Although Donatello doesn’t always want him to interfere, sometimes he does like someone to care about his machine. All of this begs the question: What would Marty and the Doctor look like in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe?
jumping turtle
In 2012, after Nickelodeon acquired the TMNT franchise, they began airing new shows. The show was an instant success, spawning toys, video games, and fan art! Artist haleynichole drew on a passage from the show to summarize the entire show.
In the TMNT 2012 program, the Turtles spent 5 years connecting and learning from each other. This is evident in Haleynichole’s fan art. Michelangelo jumped over Raphael’s head while Leonardo and Donatello laughed. This shows that, above all, sea turtles value spending time together and protecting each other.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash Bros.
The Turtles are fighting for their lives in this fan art by artist Fpeniche. They are fighting against many enemies, from Bebop and Rocksteady to Shredder and Krang. Not to mention the Technodrome shoots lasers in all directions. Luckily, it seems they have some friends to help.
Master Splinter is jumping down to save his sons from the Foot Clan, while the Turtle Airship fires missiles at the Museum of Science. Meanwhile, Casey Jones and April O’Neil help in any way they can. No matter how many enemies he faces, Turtle always wins when his friends are by his side.
There are three people
The first fanart on the list doesn’t have turtles! Luckily, there are many mice, pigeons and killer robots always accompanying us. In Phraggle’s fanart, we can see three different designs of Master Splinter feeding the pigeons and Mousers in the park. Feeding both good and bad creatures is exactly what turtle keepers expect.
No matter how many times he transforms into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Master Splinter will always have the four little turtles under his wing. Without even knowing them, he showed them compassion and taught them how to use jutsu. So of course Sprint is willing to help anyone in need, good or bad.
new horizons
The final piece of fan art on this list is by artist Puna Nezuki. Turtle looks towards the horizon on a field of orange grass. This is consistent with the last part of the list, as it shows that turtles will exist forever, even if they seem to have come to an end.
When the last Teen Mutant Ninja Turtles comic appears or the last issue of the last comic is published, it doesn’t signal the end of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They will live as long as fans remember, appreciate, and honor them. So while this list may be on its way out, fan artists will certainly continue to draw in its honor.