The other biggest character with the same quality isn’t a masked hero. Godzilla absorbs, wields, and emits radioactive energy. Like the Ninja Turtles, Godzilla’s origin story is repeatedly tied to dangerous weapons; nuclear bombs and Mutagen, respectively.
Surprisingly, though, the Ninja Turtles had never crossed paths with Godzilla or other kaijus, until IDW’s 2026 crossover finally brings them together.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Officially Receive Their Kaiju Transformations
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Godzilla #4; Written by Tim Seeley; Art by Fero Pe & Luis Antonio Delgado
Tracing the path of destruction towards a Hand base in Japan, the Ninja Turtles learn of the existence of Kaijutagen, a rare substance with the properties of both Mutagen and the blood of Titans such as Gigan, Destoroyah, and Ghidorah. With no other alternative to stop the monsters who head toward Tokyo, Raphael puts forward the idea of fighting the kaijus head-on. In IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Godzilla #4, Leonardo takes the form of Godzilla, Michelangelo takes the form of Ghidorah, and Raphael takes the form of Rodan.
The kaijus that force the TMNT to transform into towering monsters are none other than Bebop and Rocksteady. As is usual for the bumbling villains, Bebop and Rocksteady seek an upgrade after they grow tired of being told what to do, so they take the Kaijutagen. Bebop transforms into a Gigan-like creature, while Rocksteady transforms into a Destoroyah-like kaiju. Their evolution is so effective that Kraang, creator of the Kaijutagen, can’t resist taking it to transform into his own version of Hedorah.
The Ninja Turtles’ Most Badass Brother Is Finally Back From the Dead
The fifth Ninja Turtles makes his shocking return in a new TMNT series, returning from the grave to challenge his brothers to a life-or-death battle.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Godzilla‘s surprises don’t stop here. The turtles are saved last-minute by April O’Neil, who has transformed into Mothra off-screen. Donatello, who remains absent throughout his brothers’ battle, also arrives in the nick of time with the help of Jetatello, a mecha of his own upgraded with Jet Jaguar tech. At this point, the heroes have taken their traditional fights to skyscraper scale, which allows them to turn the variables in their favor.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Ultimate Kaiju Fight Is Yet To Come
Kaiju TMNT vs Mecha-Shredder Arrives April 1st
Kraang, Bebop, and Rocksteady only have the upper hand at first because of their height, but it doesn’t take long for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and April O’Neil to get on their level. However, the fight is far from over. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Godzilla #5 is set to pit the turtles against Mecha-Shredder, who’s just as big as the kaiju turtles and probably more technologically advanced than Jetatello.
It’s unknown whether the Kaijutagen’s effects will wear out on the Ninja Turtles’ bodies as quickly as it does on Bebop and Rocksteady. While the turtles will probably get a chance to pile on Mecha-Shredder as kaijus, they may soon find themselves overpowered. Considering the impressive number of transformations in issue #4, though, it’s possible that Splinter and Casey Jones will be next on the list of Kaijutagen or Mecha upgrade recipients.
How do you think the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will defeat Mecha-Shredder?
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- Created by
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Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird
- First Episode Air Date
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December 14, 1987
- Cast
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Cam Clarke, Rob Paulsen, Barry Gordon, Townsend Coleman, Seth Green, Sean Astin, Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon
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- Created by
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Tomoyuki Tanaka, Akira Watanabe
- First Episode Air Date
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November 17, 2023
- Cast
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Akira Takarada, Momoko Kôchi, Akihiko Hirata, Takashi Shimura, Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell
The Godzilla franchise, spanning over six decades, follows the adventures of the titular kaiju, a colossal, prehistoric sea monster awakened and empowered by nuclear radiation. Originating in Japan, Godzilla has evolved from a destructive force of nature to a protector of humanity, battling various other giant monsters, including iconic foes like King Ghidorah, Mothra, and Mechagodzilla. The series explores themes of environmental destruction, nuclear anxiety, and human resilience. With numerous films, TV series, and an expanding universe, Godzilla remains a cultural icon, captivating audiences worldwide with its epic battles and compelling narratives.
