In a fresh solo series at IDW Publishing, the infamous villain Shredder, known as Oroku Saki in the Turtles’ world, is set to make his comeback in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe. The notorious adversary of the Turtles, Shredder, is currently featured in a rebooted series, but an alternate perspective of the TMNT universe will be unveiled through TMNT: Shredder. This comic book follows Shredder as he departs from the Foot Clan and returns to New York City to confront a former apprentice who has established their own rival clan. The visual style of Shredder will undergo a change, with renowned TMNT artist Mateus Santolouco providing the new design.
I spoke with Dan Watters and Michele Bandini about the upcoming TMNT: Shredder series to learn about their exciting plans for the notorious villain. They delved into the unique experience of creating a comic centered around an antagonist as the main character, uncovering fresh aspects of the TMNT universe, their admiration for Mateus Santolouco’s new Shredder designs, and much more. Additionally, we have an exclusive quote from Mateus Santolouco, along with his latest artwork showcasing the complete Shredder costume and detailed close-ups of the helmet.
In the beginning of the series, where is the Shredder located? Is he aware of the activities the Turtles have been involved in while they were apart?
Dan Watters: At the outset of our series, the Shredder appears back in New York, desolate and stripped of everything. He’s been safeguarding a trapped demon in another dimension, leaving him with quite a busy schedule. We’ll explore how he managed to return from there in the initial story arc. Despite his recent affiliations with angels, he’s still the Shredder deep down – a warrior with centuries of expertise and a fierce heart. His past experiences are about to be put to significant use soon. Being in such a vulnerable state, he has nothing left to lose, so when provoked, he’ll retaliate fiercely, even unleashing hell if necessary.
It’s unlikely the turtles will be particularly thrilled if and when they do find out.
What’s the approach when creating a standalone comic about a character such as Shredder, versus one about heroes like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?
Dan Watters: It seems that many characters labeled as villains are those with rigid perspectives on the world. Instead of adapting to their surroundings, they strive to shatter them and bend the universe to their desires. The narrative focuses on discovering what drives them and understanding just how far they’re prepared to go – what compromises they’re willing to make for themselves and others – in pursuit of this goal. There’s a certain allure to that, and perhaps a touch of wish fulfillment as well. After all, although none of us have actually donned cheese graters as weapons to fight our adversaries, I think we’ve all fantasized about it at times.
Hey Michele, in your current project, you’re collaborating on the updated designs for Shredder, created by long-term Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles artist Mateus Santolouco. What aspects of Shredder’s fresh appearance have particularly caught your fancy? Also, did you get an opportunity to incorporate your distinct style into this iconic antagonist?
As a movie connoisseur, I must say that the fresh take on the Shredder character by Mateus truly resonated with me. The new helmet design and color palette were nothing short of exhilarating!
I will strive to honor the character development and this fresh design by acknowledging the work done previously, as well as to embody Dan’s concept of the vengeful villain. I was given the opportunity to explore a few options for his updated costume and create a disguise version of Saki, which is set to make an appearance in upcoming editions.
The storyline reveals that Shredder is facing off against one of his previous trainees who established their own rival group. Could it be possible that Shredder will eventually gather a new clan apart from the Foot Clan? Additionally, what notable characters can fans anticipate joining the cast in upcoming episodes? It seems like this scenario sets up the potential for an intense gang war-type conflict in forthcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) installments.
Well, I suppose we’ll find out eventually. It’s undeniable that many characters aside from the turtles will not be happy to witness Shredder return to his active duties.
I’m excited about us venturing off the beaten path with our tale, unearthing and delving into parts of the world depicted in IDW books that have been relatively unexplored thus far. Although Shredder isn’t actively involved with the Foot Clan at the moment, his past is so intertwined with theirs that they remain a significant influence on his narrative. We’ll be delving into this rich history in a way I believe will captivate readers.
When visualizing scenes for the TMNT: Shredder comic, I often envision numerous battle sequences where Shredder seeks retribution against those who’ve wronged him. Are there any sources that inspired you while planning these action-packed pages and panels?
Michele Bandini: I absolutely love the trilogy Merantau, The Raid, and The Raid 2: Berandal. These films instantly inspire me in terms of urban fighting scenes, close-quarters combat with blades, and martial arts portrayed realistically.
Bringing such a thing onto pages might prove difficult, but since I enjoy sketching battles and dynamic sequences, let’s say I’m up for the task – game on!
Apart from me being fond of manga due to their innovative plot resolutions, I’ve been an avid supporter of Takeiko Inoue and Kentaro Miura for quite some time now. More recently, my interest in manga has led me to explore new series such as “Gatchiakuta” and “Kagurabchi”, specifically drawn to their exhilarating battle sequences.
As a follower of the art of comics, have you ever pondered over aspects that fans might overlook when portraying a villain as the central figure in a comic book series?
Michele Bandini: Villains are always interesting characters, often even more than heroes.
From the get-go, Shredder exuded an irresistible charm that makes one want to cheer him on, yet I aim to portray him as truly terrifying, a figure who has returned from the depths of hell without question. Pondering how I would react to enduring the same experiences and finding out that everyone had betrayed and exploited my absence only intensifies my anger. As a mere mortal, I can’t fathom the extent of my own fury; imagine how formidable and fierce Shredder must be! Multiply that by 100, and you’ll get a glimpse of the Shredder I strive to breathe life into.
How different will Shredder’s status quo be by the end of the series?
I, an admirer: He’s finally realizing his long-held dream of establishing a haven for puppies upstate. Situated off the main roads yet conveniently near enough to town that he doesn’t feel secluded, allowing him to drop by his favorite coffee shop for a latte whenever the whim arises – about once or twice a week. The barista there always greets him with a warm smile and affectionately calls him “honey”, a gesture he enjoys, even though he’d never openly admit it.
Unless I’m lying about all that, of course.
Mateus Santolouco enthusiastically expressed that Shredder is undeniably his preferred villain in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe, and he has played a significant role in his professional journey with the Turtles. Consequently, it’s no surprise that he was excited about the chance to revisit the character and design a fresh appearance for Shredder’s comeback in the IDW comic series.
What I enjoy most about the redesign is that we’ve skillfully combined aspects. On one hand, we’ve made the characters more contemporary and given them an urban ninja feel. On the other, we’ve kept a nod to the original Shredder, making him look fresh yet familiar.
Hopefully the fans will enjoy the new visual as much as I have.”
Starting August 13th, you’ll find TMNT: Shredder #1 on sale! Pre-order it before July 7th to make sure you get a copy in advance.
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2025-05-23 21:20