The blatant ripoff of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but it nonetheless had a cult following that has helped birth a modern revival.

IGN confirms that IDW Publishing will be reviving Street Sharks as a five-issue limited series written by Stephanie Williams and drawn by Ariel Medel. The first issue's cover art by Philip Murphy, Elizabeth Beals, Kevin Anthony Catalan, and Khary Randolph can be viewed below.

In addition, IDW includes the following synopsis:

Based on the classic animated series, the 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.

Global Head of Publishing at Mattel, Ryan Ferguson, would add the following to the press release:

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.

Finally, series editor Nicolas Niño releases this statement:

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 as a beautiful love letter to the original cartoon that old fans and new are sure to adore.

Street Sharks #1 is currently scheduled for a September 2025 release date.

Street Sharks is Getting a Comic Book Revival

Street Sharks #1 by Stephanie Williams and Ariel Medel

The original Street Sharks series centered around the four teenage Bolton brothers, all of whom were transformed into half-human, half-shark hybrids by the nefarious Dr. Paradigm. Paradigm also transforms their father, Dr. Robert Bolton, into a mysterious creature and goes missing after his partner, Paradigm, tries to abuse the "gene-slammer" machine they created together. The professor never reunites with hs sons before the series' cancellation, one of the many reasons why fans have expressed interest in a reboot. Just over 30 years after first hitting the airwaves, Street Sharks fans finally get their wish.

Judging from the synopsis, the series expects to recapture the overall concept and spirit of the show. The junk-food-loving sharks by fighting monsters and riding motorcycles, just as they were in the original cartoon. The comic series is expected to evoke tremendous nostalgia by retaining the same tone and vibe of the cartoon. By proxy, readers could potentially anticipate the creative team using the miniseries' five issues to bring closure to storylines that never manifested in the show, like a real reunion between Dr. Bolton and his sons.

IDW is Perfect to Revive Street Sharks

IDW Also Publishes Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

IDW Publishing being the company to bring back Street Sharks feels like an inspired choice considering that IDW also produces comics for the TMNT franchise. Street Sharks has always been accused of being an imitation. In any case, IDW knows how to craft iconic storylines for the Turtles, and thus, can apply the same formula to Street Sharks. The show is a cult classic for many, and when it comes to recapturing nostalgia, Street Sharks is in the right hands at IDW.

IDW and Mattel will make Street Sharks #1 available in September 2025.

Source: IDW, IGN