There have been multiple incarnations of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles over the years in film, comics and television. Now, artist Mateus Santolouco has posted concept art from a would-be addition to the franchise titled TMNT: Shinobi Chronicles."Back in 2016, I've started fooling around with this idea: 'What would be my concept for a PG-13 TMNT series for Netflix?" Santolouco wrote.
Santolouco went on to say that while he initially did the designs for fun, the idea evolved into a full concept. He decided to write up a pitch proposal for a comic book miniseries at IDW Publishing, where the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics are currently licensed. However, plans for the TMNT comic line ended up taking a different turn.
Santolouco's designs take a more realistic take to the Turtles, as they have scaly skin, beaked mouths and hands that look more like turtle feet. They all also wear red masks in homage to the original Mirage comics. In addition, the wraps around their arms distinguish each Turtle. Leonardo's mask wraps around his mouth, and he carries a single katana. Even Splinter, the Turtles' mentor and father figure, has a realistic look.
Santolouco has drawn the Turtles in their monthly adventures, as well as writing and drawing the Shredder in Hell miniseries.