Summary
TheNightwatcheris one of the most relatively new additions toTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtleslore, debuting as Raphael’s alter-ego in the 2007 animated filmTMNT. But, after that movie, Nightwatcher wasn’t seen again. That is, until now, asNightwatcher is back within the all-new era ofTMNTcontinuity, with a secret, updated origin that will soon be revealed.
In a preview shared byComicbook.comforTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Nightwatcher#2 by Juni Ba and Fero Pe, fans are given a first-look at the three new covers for the upcoming issue, as well as the official solicitation. The main cover is done by series artist Fero Pe, with the first variant done by artist Jon Lankry, and the second variant by Juni Ba.
Discover the origin story of Mutant Town’s protector, the Nightwatcher! Life in New York City marches on, but with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles scattered, the mutant population is more vulnerable than ever. The community needs a defender, and as the police struggle to address rising crime rates against mutants, someone else has to step up. A new symbol of safety and justice is born in the shadows, but even the best intentions can lead to unforeseen
This story takes place in the fairly newly-established Mutant Town, which is whereall the people who were turned into mutants during the events ofTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles#98currently live. At this point inTMNTcontinuity, the Turtles are scattered, leaving Mutant Town virtually undefended. And that’s where Nightwatcher steps in, a mutant wearing armor that makes Daredevil and Batman look friendly, who delivers a particularly brutal flavor of justice to those who would harm the mutants of Mutant Town.
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TMNT is Expanding on Nightwatcher’s Story in the Current Continuity
Nightwatcher Made Their IDW Publishing Debut inFree Comic Book Day 2024 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesby Juni Ba and Fero Pe
While Nightwatcher made his official first appearance in 2007’sTMNT, they wouldn’t be brought into the established canon of IDW Publishing’sTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesuntil Free Comic Book Day 2024. This short story “Who Is… Nightwatcher?” saw the vigilante stalk three human criminals trying to steal from a Mutant Town bank, which would have been detrimental to the already struggling community, proving Nightwatcher’s commitment to keeping Mutant Town safe.
Nightwatcher’s story won’t continue untilTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Nightwatcher#1 releases on June 07, 2025, and fans will have to wait even longer to see the origin of this new iteration of Nightwatcher with the release of the aforementioned second issue this October. And while this character is still shrouded in mystery, it’s clear that their solo series will be an amazing addition to the coreTMNTmythos.
Who Is Nightwatcher? The Greatest Mystery in the Current TMNT Canon, Explained
As of this moment, the identity of this updated version of Nightwatcher is unknown. Originally, Raphael donned the suit (in 2007’sTMNT), acting as a lone vigilante after getting sick of Leonardo calling the shots. However, as revealed in the comic book miniseriesTMNT Movie Prequel, Raphael wasn’t actually the first Nightwatcher, but the second. An old man Raph befriended named David was the original Nightwatcher, and when he died, he passed the mantle to Raphael. And now, someone new has become the armored vigilante, but who?
It’s a safe bet that Raphael isn’t the new Nightwatcher, given that he’s nowhere near Mutant Town at the moment. And it seems like the new Nightwatcher isn’t a human like the original, either. Is Nightwatcher one of the other Turtles? Or perhaps an unknown mutant yet to be introduced? Right now, it’s anyone’s guess, but they won’t have to be guessing for long, asTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesspills the secret origin ofNightwatcherin the upcoming second issue of their new series.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Nightwatcher #2by IDW Publishing is available June 08, 2025.
