It may not be pog form, but Street Sharks are indeed making a comeback through comics. Rejoice Vin Diesel!
Obligatory Simpsons reference out of the way, earlier today IDW Publishing announced the launch of Street Sharks comic books, marking the first new release in over 20 years and introducing the beloved ’90s characters to a whole new generation. This partnership between between Mattel and IDW Publishing doesn’t come as a complete surprise considering IDW handles Monster High, another Mattel property. Moreover, it’s fairly common knowledge that Street Sharks was clearly taking cues from the success of another successful property of that era, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. While, Street Sharks never quite achieved the heights of TMNT, it has become a cult favorite over the years. And let’s be honest, it had its own killer theme song. Whether or not fans can expect a crossover in the distant future remains to be seen.
Debuting this September, this five-issue miniseries comes from the creative team of writer Stephanie Williams and artist Ariel Medel.
Here’s how IDW describes the miniseries:
Based on the classic animated series, the upcoming comics will thrill readers as the Sharks protect Fission City from a range of gene-slammed threats, including super-strong and monstrous lobsters and squids, and diabolical mad scientists that transform into vicious piranha monsters. The comic will deliver on everything fans loved from the hit show and the tone of its era, from the Sharks riding cool motorcycles to eating a lot of burgers and metal while swimming through the city’s concrete to take down the bad guys.
Ryan Ferguson, Global Head of Publishing at Mattel, expressed great excitement about the partnership:
“Celebrating over 30 years of the animated series, Street Sharks has become a cult-favorite and fans have been chomping at the bit to see more of the crime-fighting brothers Ripster, Jab, Streex, and Big Slammu. We are thrilled to continue the legacy of this franchise and dive deeper into the waters with IDW to extend the world of Street Sharks through new comic books.”
David Jonas, CEO of IDW Media Holdings, added:
“True partnerships are founded on truth, communication, and flexibility. We are pleased that in the spirit of win-win partnership, IDW and Mattel have crystallized our focus to properties IDW is uniquely positioned — creatively and organizationally — to produce, distribute, and ultimately to delight fans of these iconic franchises.”
Series editor Nicolas Niño commented:
”It is so exciting to introduce a new generation of fans to the Street Sharks. The Sharks epitomize ’90s adolescent X-treme sensibilities and that makes them translate so naturally to comics. Stephanie and Ariel are putting together a series that serves a beautiful love letter to the original cartoon that old fans and new are sure to adore”
Cover A by Philip MurphyCover C by Elizabeth BealsVariant RI 1:50 by Khary RandolphVariant RI 1:25 by Kevin Anthony Catalan
