'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' team unveiled

IDW Publishing has announced the creative team on its new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic.

The 32-page colour comics will be penned by TMNT creator Kevin Eastman and editor Tom Waltz with art by Eastman and Dan Duncan, and will establish an entirely new continuity rather than tying into the upcoming Nickelodeon television series.

"I guess if I were going to describe it, I'd say what we are doing with the Turtles is very similar to what Marvel did with the Avengers in the Ultimates," Waltz told Comics Alliance. "We are striving to tell beloved classic tales in new and exciting ways, while never losing sight of what's come before.

"I would never dare speak for Kevin, but I have to think that this is his opportunity to do what might be called a Director's Cut - a chance to go back and re-explore his creations from the start. As a fan, I'm excited as all get-out to watch him work because it doesn't get more authentic than having one of the original creators on board."

TMNT originally debuted in the 1980s as a comic book, going on to spawn a hugely successful franchise. Eastman - who created the characters with partner Peter Laird - will provide layouts for the new title as well as working on the covers.

The comic and television series are both due to debut in August.