Have There Been TMNT Novels?
 

I got to thinking about this the other day, and my research into it (AKA Google) didn't yield anything, so I figured I'd just ask here.

I know that there have been kid's books for TMNT over the years, but have there ever been any full-length novels for the franchise? Not novelizations, like the original live-action film at least got (I know that exists only because I have a copy), but a novel that's either an original story or an adaptation of a comic storyline, or something? Other comics have had them over the years, I've read/seen a few different Marvel comic ones. And there's even one or two for Hellboy.

So has TMNT ever had anything like that? And if not, why do you think that is, per say? And as a final question(s), would you like to see something like that? If so, any particular authors you'd like to see tackle it, or subjects perhaps, that you think would be better tackled in written word rather than comics?

No, there's never been any adult TMNT novels.

We've gotten novel adaptions of the movies but they were for kids.

there were also novelizations of OT eps. i used to carry around "sky turtles" with me everywhere when i was 8.

You're thinking of "Sky High," which is a new story and not an episode adaptation. It is set in the cartoon universe, though.

Does IDW release any novels for any of their other properties? If so, they would probably be the best bet to releasing TMNT novels at some point.

No, no, and no.

Well, there's fanfics. :P

I honestly think that a TMNT Book series with a more 13+ tone would be a great idea!

There are so many authors that could take The Turtles and add onto the lore in many great ways.

Awesome question man, this one really got my creative brainstorming going.

I would probably read a TMNT novel if it was based out of Mirage and didn't cause any continuity hiccups. But with that said, it would take a masterful writer already well versed with the series, if not one of the actual comic writers. Eh, maybe that wouldn't work at all. I dunno.

I'd buy a Murphy written TMNT novel.

Yeah that's the kinda thing I had in mind. Didn't he do the novelization of the TMNT film?

Of the fourth one at least, as I own it. He also wrote several of the children's storybooks based on the 4th film and helped flesh out the 13 monster concept a bit more.

I never thought about it, before. I'm not sure why this hasn't happened, but I suppose it's not terribly common. I have a Spider-Man novel that's not tied to any movie or show, but I can't think of anything else I have like that.

I wouldn't mind reading a novel length story about the Turtles. I like the comics, but buying weekly/bi-weekly/monthly issues has never really appealed to me (too much likelihood of me missing an issue). But a novel? I'd buy that in a heartbeat.

And yeah, Shark Blade mentioned the fanfics, but that brings up another issue: Which universe to write in? I like Powder's idea of having it set in the Mirage universe, but the feature film universe wouldn't be a horrible choice either. I wouldn't even mind a return to the Archie-verse, to be honest.

At any rate, I would like a proper novel, and I'm mildly surprised we haven't had one yet.

I base most of my fanfic novellas in the old cartoon universe, though I set them long after the show had ended because it's just more fun.

It would be nice to see an expanded range of books similar to what they have for Trek and Star Wars, but as pointed out by others here, factoring in which canon to follow is the tricky part. TMNT has been reinterpreted quite a bit now.

Hmm...thinking about it like the Star Wars novels, if enough of them got done, maybe there could be a little thing on the back noting what universe they're supposed to take place in? Though actually, if it were me, I wouldn't mind seeing a novel that was kind of it's own thing too - yet another universe of Turtle stuff to work with. That way they wouldn't be beholden to any particular comic or show mythos to stay 100% true to.

Why would fanfics or novels have to take place in an established universe? Why not make an original one, like they do for new movies and comics?

EDIT----
I mean, for Star Wars, of course. If it didn't connect to the films, who would care? But people already accept different TMNT universes.

Because only about 50 people would buy it.

Exactly. Adults will not want to buy a novel called "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". It sounds like the stupidest title on the planet.

And how do you know that? I'd buy it in a heartbeat, and I know of a lot of people who like the Star Wars novels. Heck, my BF has a lot of them on his bookshelf, and he loves them. If something like that were to come out for TMNT, I'd definitely get it. It wouldn't have to be set in any sort of universe but it could be its own thing. Either way, I'd definitely read it.

And yes, I understand we have fan fics, but there are good and bad writers out there alike, and sometimes it's hard to find any good writers among the bad ones.