The character of Nightwatcher is a relatively new introduction to the mythology of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Originally introduced in the 2007 animated TMNT movie, the Nightwatcher persona was later introduced into the comics. Now, a surprising new hero has taken on the mantle in the IDW comics universe. Their identity is revealed in the closing pages of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Nightwatcher #1.
Written by Juni Ba with art by Fero Pe, TMNT: Nightwatcher #1 centers around a typical night out for Nightwatcher. We see the hero searching Mutant Town, the part of Manhattan set aside for those transformed into animal-human hybrids, trying to find a kidnapped child. Despite their heavy armor, it is clear they are trained in ninjutsu, suggesting they are one of the four classic TMNT members in disguise.
The obvious guess was that Nightwatcher was Raphael. However, the first issue of the new TMNT series establishes that Raphael is in prison in California as the new storyline begins. It is not until the final pages that Nightwatcher is revealed as Jennika, a mutant turtle unique to the IDW comics.
New TMNT Nightwatcher Explained
Originally, the film Raphael adopted the Nightwatcher persona so that he could help people without his Mutant nature being revealed. A tie-in comic later revealed that Raphael inherited the mantle from David Merryweather, a retired vigilante, who asked Raph to take on his Nightwatcher persona. However, TMNT: Nightwatcher #1 marks the first use of the character in the current universe.
Jennika is another modern introduction to the TMNT mythos. Originally, she was a human member of the Foot Clan and a villain. However, she swore herself into Splinter’s service after realizing the error of her ways and dated Casey Jones for a time. She was forever changed, however, after being mortally wounded and receiving a blood transfusion from Leonardo. This caused her to mutate into a human-turtle hybrid.
Jennika’s new persona is a solid fit for the character. While unashamed of her new nature, she does share Raphael’s anger issues and private nature. It will be interesting to see how she grows into her new role as the Nightwatcher series continues.
TMNT: Nightwatcher #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
