Sophie Campbell is bringing back Venus, the first female ninja turtle.
You may not remember Venus, some would like to forget. Venus was introduced into the TMNT universe back in 1997, during the FOX Kids television series Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation. That series was to act as a sequel to the movies from the early 90’s. The Next Mutation lasted only one season. After the show was canceled Venus was never seen from again, and only alluded to here and there. The controversy that came with Venus had a lot to do with the show’s writing, though.
Venus, apparently was with the other turtles when they encountered the mutagen that is their origin. Yet, was literally separated at birth and grew up in Japan. The TV series tried to retcon the turtles, explaining that they were not actually brothers. That way, when they introduced Venus into the mix, they could justify some romantic inclinations between her and Leonardo without things getting…weird. Of course this failed spectacularly, as did the series, and no one was looking for her return.
In fact, the turtles’ creators did set down a few simple rules when other writers took their turn with the IP: “no female turtles.” But wait, isn’t there a female turtle now? Yes. Jennika was introduced as the first female ninja turtle member in the comics. She is justifiably the fifth member. Her origin story came about a bit more organically. She was a former foot soldier, and when she was stabbed in battle Leonardo gave her an emergency blood transfusion. This saved her life, but also made her turtle.
Unlike Venus, Jennika’s popularity was enough to get her not one but two solo comic mini-series. And respected status as a fifth member of the group. Maybe now is good time to introduce a second female turtle.
At least that’s what Sophie Campbell thinks. 25 years after her television debut, Venus will return. “I’d been trying to make a Venus comeback happen for a while,” Campbell said in a press release, “I almost can’t believe it’s finally happening!” Campbell became the sole lead writer on publisher IDW’s TMNT series with issue #101, and has said that Venus’s comeback has been in the works for months.
I’m a big fan of the Jennika character, and am always excited to see new ideas take shape in the comic sphere. I’m looking forward to Venus’s comeback and can’t wait to see what they’ll do with her next. Venus will make her official debut in next month’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #127, by Campbell, Tunica, Pattison, and Lee; release date March 16th.