Tom Waltz, the Grandmaster of TMNT Comic Book Storytelling, Orchestrates the Ultimate Battle Between Good and Evil
SAN DIEGO, CA (May 12, 2022) – All the pawns have taken their place for the biggest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book event of 2022!
Debuting from IDW in August, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Armageddon Game shakes the foundation of TMNT’s comic book continuity as years of intricate planning—whether it be in-universe by the manipulative Rat King or behind the scenes by longtime scribe Tom Waltz—come to fruition monthly in eight explosive issues, exquisitely illustrated by Vincenzo Federici (Red Sonja)!
“It’s an absolute honor and privilege to return to IDW’s main TMNT continuity, and to have the opportunity to do it as the creative lead on a huge multilayered event like The Armageddon Game (which has been bouncing around in my brain ever since I stepped away after issue #100) is the veritable icing on the cake,” says Waltz. “I can’t wait for fans to see what we’ve been cooking up. We’ve got a big story to tell and some amazing collaborators joining us in the telling. Let the games begin!"
In The Armageddon Game, the Turtles—under the leadership of the Shredder—begin a dangerous quest to seek out allies against Rat King’s trio of terror: LeatherKrang, Baxter Stockman, and Madame Null. It’s a mission that will see our heroes spread out across New York City…and across multiple dimensions! But they’d better hurry because their enemies are already on the march, and with the Turtles absent, Mutant Town is ripe for false flag attacks, mysterious new villains, and unexpected alliances. The time has come at last to find out who is playing the game…and who is being played!
The groundwork for The Armageddon Game has been over a decade in the making, beginning with the epic world-building collaboration between Waltz and TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman over the series’ initial 100-issue run, continuing under the skillful direction of Sophie Campbell in the ongoing series since 2020, and boiling over most recently with the two-issue lead-in storyline, The Armageddon Game: Opening Moves.
“When I was seven, I decided that I would become a comic book artist when I grew up…and the credit for that decision goes to TMNT. I was obsessed with them and still am,” says Federici. “My personal vision of TMNT is forged in the television series and films of the ’80s and ’90s, but I also take inspiration from those who have worked on the IDW series from the beginning, such as Mateus Santolouco or Sophie Campbell. In the tradition of those great artists, I’ll be giving my very best effort for this series. Readers will be delighted!”
“This story is going to be huge! There are a ton of players (and more than a few surprises), and honestly, this is just the start. When we reach the end of this saga, it will mark the beginning of a whole new era for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of TMNT or brand-new to the party, The Armageddon Game is not to be missed,” says senior editor Charles Beacham.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Armageddon Game #1 will be available in stores with three cover variants, one featuring art by series artist Vincenzo Federici, a second featuring art by legendary TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman, and a third retailer incentive edition featuring artwork by Pasquale Qualano.
For information on how to acquire TMNT comics and graphic novels from IDW, please contact your local comic shop or visit www.comicshoplocator.com to find a store near you.
About IDW
IDW (NYSE AMERICAN: IDW) is a leading media company providing uniquely compelling stories and characters in various genres for global audiences across all entertainment platforms. The award-winning IDW Publishing and IDW Entertainment divisions holistically evaluate and acquire IP for franchise development across comics and graphic novels, television, theatrical, games, merchandise, and other entertainment platforms, in addition to bringing world-renowned storytelling to life with our creative partners.
About Paramount Consumer Products
Paramount Consumer Products oversees all licensing and merchandising for Paramount (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, Paramount Consumer Products’ portfolio includes a diverse slate of brands and content from BET, CBS (including CBS Television Studios and CBS Television Distribution), Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and Showtime. With properties spanning animation, live-action, preschool, youth and adult, Paramount Consumer Products is committed to creating the highest quality product for some of the world’s most beloved, iconic franchises. Additionally, Paramount Consumer Products oversees the online direct-to-consumer business for CBS and Showtime programming merchandise, as well as standalone branded ecommerce websites for Star Trek, SpongeBob, South Park, and MTV.
