Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird self-published the first "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" comic book in 1984, and 30 years later, current license holder IDW Publishing will release a 30th Anniversary Special -- featuring a cover illustrated by Eastman and Laird.

The cover is notable for not only showcasing the creators of the enduringly popular multimedia franchise, but is billed as the first worked produced together by Eastman and Laird in years, as they've mostly operated separately for the past 20 years. (Another version of the cover, featuring the four Turtles and Shredder, was seen in IDW's May 2014 solicitations, released last week.)

"Peter and I have had a relationship you could relate to a couple that has been married for 30 years, if you follow, we have had more than our share of ups and downs, trials and tribulations, differences of opinion on how to 'Raise our Kids' as well as time apart to stretch our wings creatively," Eastman told ComicsAlliance in an interview published last Friday. "Without each other, there would have never been any TMNT -- and I would bluntly say, Peter is the coolest creator I have ever had the good fortune to work with, know, and call my friend."

The 48-page "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 30th Anniversary Special" is scheduled for release in May, with a cover price of $7.99. Other contributors include Tom Waltz, Gary Carlson, Jim Lawson, Chris Allan and Dan Duncan, plus a cover by Simon Bisley, Eastman and Ryan Brown. A new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" film is scheduled for release on Aug. 8.