The New Trailer For TMNT: Mutant Mayhem Features An Iconic Comic Reference

The latest trailer for producer Seth Rogen's action-packed film "TMNT: Mutant Mayhem" highlights its stellar animation and gives us an exciting new look at the young heroes. Rogen's hilarious take on the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" shows the early years of the renowned vigilantes as they search for normalcy despite their extraordinary origins. Their newest adventure even pays homage to their very first comic book in an extremely fitting way with an unforgettable image.

Rather than focus on the infamous villain Shredder, "TMNT: Mutant Mayhem" highlights an original but lesser-known antagonist with Superfly (Ice Cube), who may be the evil alter-ego of scientist Baxter Stockman (Giancarlo Esposito). The highly anticipated animated flick also features a plethora of other mutants who were similarly affected by the radioactive Mutagen Ooze like notable foes Bebop (Rogen) and Rocksteady (John Cena). While Superfly recruits the other mutated creatures, the Turtles brace themselves for an epic showdown.

As the four brothers prepare to take to the New York City streets, they group together in an iconic pose that references the original comic. Their pupils vanish behind their masks as they bear down on the threat attacking the city while brandishing their unique weapons. The formation is a standout addition to the trailer and aptly recreates the very first comic book cover for the first issue of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." 

This legendary tableau of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" goes all the way back to the original issue published in May 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. Since the comic was first printed in black and white, the four heroes were indistinguishable aside from their signature weapons. This gives the classic pose even more significance as it was recreated in later color issues, especially since the distinctive bandanna colors didn't debut until the 1987 television series.

The squad's photo-worthy moment is emblematic of the TMNT as it both highlights their differences and showcases their New York City backdrop. Its bold entrance in the "TMNT: Mutant Mayhem" trailer ties it back to its roots while also celebrating Superfly as an underused villain. Baxter Stockman (aka Superfly) originally debuted in Volume 2 of Eastman and Laird's original run, in which he battles and injures the hotheaded Raphael. 

Given Superfly/Stockman's prominence in "TMNT: Mutant Mayhem," it's likely this reference was an intentional nod to the groundbreaking first issue. It authentically recreates the pose and may even signal to the audience that Raphael's (Brady Noon) rage could be getting him into trouble soon. With "Spider-Verse" vibes that fans find hard to ignore, it's clear we'll be getting a fresh new adaptation of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" that honors the comic's underdog origins.