this Ninja Turtles There have been many iterations, from various comics to Nickelodeon’s latest vibrant series. Regardless of which version audiences may associate with, the power the series holds is undeniable. Fans have been showing their love for their favorite half-human and half-mechanical heroes in a variety of ways, including creating fan art.
The TMNT community brings together some of the most talented artists of all fandoms. Whether inspired by the comic book, original movie or animated show, they took the turtle design and enlarged it to give us a unique approach to the world’s scariest fighting team. Here are ten creative fan art pieces from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
classic turtle
In shows, movies, and comic books, 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 a similar position. However, the turtles themselves are designed differently than the game.
Artist Eddie Nuñez did not recreate the shape of the turtles in the video game, but used a unique design. While it is 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 is coming 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 the starting position, starting with Leonardo and ending with Raphael. However, they pose differently than in the game.
The Leonardo is the most similar, and the most notable difference is the shift from left to right. Michelangelo didn’t swing the nunchaku but held them together. Donatello is still holding his cane, the stick is now in front of him and not behind him. In the end, Rafael launched two strikers instead of one. This shows that while fan artists can draw inspiration from a piece, it doesn’t stop them from adding their own.
sunset on the roof
Turtles have limited ways to navigate 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 option. Luckily, artist G-man2000 drew fan art pictures of what it looks like.
In Guru George’s artwork, turtles survey New York City from a safe position atop several buildings. They seemed to be enjoying the warm sky and calm atmosphere. They are watching everything and everyone they want to protect. Except for Michelangelo, who clearly enjoyed his time away from the hustle and bustle of the crime war.
Brotherhood
Teenage mutant ninja turtles are always united. Even though they may not agree on leadership (or what to top a pizza with), in the end, they support each other. As Akiman’s fan art shows up, they stand ready to defend against anyone who tries to divide them.
In the artwork, the turtles are huddled together in a strong defensive stance. Raphael can be hit by darts, but that doesn’t stop him from standing with his brothers. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have taught us that even the strongest or the dumbest 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 fan art, they seem to do just that. Against the beautiful backdrop of New York City at night, sea turtles watch over the city they’ve sworn to protect.
Despite their ostracism, the Turtles are still seen as the guardians of Manhattan, although they may not be accepted by most people. They can choose to leave New York, or not go down the sewers at all. However, they choose to protect because they know that great power comes with great responsibility.
it’s heavy
Awesome Scott! Donatello and Michelangelo swap places for Doc and Marty McFly! Artist Myrling imagined what Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would look like in the Back to the Future universe, and it looks pretty accurate. Donatello is a clever, crafty lab turtle perfect for Dr. Emmett Brown. Michelangelo, the pompous, fun-loving, party-goer, is also a perfect fit for Marty McFly.
This exchange also makes sense, given the relationship between Michelangelo and Donatello. Like Marti, Michelangelo has always been interested in Donatello’s work. While Donatello may not always want him to interfere, he does occasionally like someone taking an interest in 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 broadcasting new shows. The show was an instant success, spawning toys, video games, and fan art! The haleynichole artist based a passage on the show to summarize it in its entirety.
In the 2012 TMNT program, 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.
Turtles are fighting for their lives in this fan art piece by artist Fpeniche. They are fighting against many enemies, from Bebop and Rocksteady to Shredder and Krang. Not to mention the Technodrome that shoots lasers in all directions. Luckily, it looks like they’ve got some friends to help out.
Master Splinter is jumping down to save his sons from the Foot Clan, while the Turtle Airship fires missiles at the Science Museum. Meanwhile, Casey Jones and April O’Neil help in any way they can. No matter how many enemies Turtles face, they always win when their friends are by their side.
there are three people
The first fanart on the list without turtles! Thankfully, there are plenty of mice, pigeons, and killer robots to keep us company. In Phraggle’s fan art, we can see three different designs of Master Splinter feeding pigeons and Mouser in the park. Feeding both good and bad creatures is exactly what turtle owners expect.
No matter how many incarnations of the teenage mutant Ninja Turtles, Master Splinter always has four little turtles under his wing. Without even knowing them, he showed compassion and taught them how to use ninjutsu. So of course Sprint is ready to help anyone in need, good or bad.
new horizons
The final fan art on this list is by artist Puna Nezuki. Turtle looking towards the horizon in orange grass field. This is consistent with the last part of the list, as it shows that turtles will last forever, even if they seem to have ended.
When the last Teen Mutant Ninja Turtles comic comes out 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 the fans remember, cherish, honor them. So while this list may be about to drop, fan artists are sure to keep drawing in honor.