TMNT Spills Secret Origin of New Vigilante Turtle NIGHTWATCHER

Summary Nightwatcher, a mysterious mutant in armor, returns in the new TMNT continuity, protecting Mutant Town.

The character's identity remains unknown, with their upcoming second issue revealing their origin story.

TMNT: Nightwatcher #2, by IDW Publishing, is set for release on October 2, 2024.

The Nightwatcher is one of the most relatively new additions to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles lore, debuting as Raphael’s alter-ego in the 2007 animated film TMNT. But, after that movie, Nightwatcher wasn’t seen again. That is, until now, as Nightwatcher is back within the all-new era of TMNT continuity, with a secret, updated origin that will soon be revealed.

In a preview shared by Comicbook.com for Teenage 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.

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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 where all the people who were turned into mutants during the events of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #98 currently live. At this point in TMNT continuity, 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.

Related TMNT's 40th Anniversary Comic is a Celebration of the Turtles' Legendary Legacy 2024 marks 40 years since Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was created, and the series in celebrating with a truly incredible 40th anniversary comic!

TMNT is Expanding on Nightwatcher’s Story in the Current Continuity

Nightwatcher Made Their IDW Publishing Debut in Free Comic Book Day 2024 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Juni Ba and Fero Pe

While Nightwatcher made his official first appearance in 2007’s TMNT, they wouldn’t be brought into the established canon of IDW Publishing’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles until 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 until Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Nightwatcher #1 releases on August 14, 2024, 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 core TMNT mythos.

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’s TMNT), acting as a lone vigilante after getting sick of Leonardo calling the shots. However, as revealed in the comic book miniseries TMNT 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, as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles spills the secret origin of Nightwatcher in the upcoming second issue of their new series.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Nightwatcher #2 by IDW Publishing is available October 2, 2024.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Nightwatcher #2 (2024) Writer: Juni Ba

Artist: Fero Pe

Cover Artist: Fero Pe

Source: Comicbook.com