Since their inception in 1984, the heroes in a half shell have been something of a boys club. Over the years, a few women have tried to join the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, including a temporarily mutated April O’Neil and Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation’s Venus. But just how much do you know about the first female mutant turtle from IDW publishing?
Jennika, or Jenny for short, made her debut in the “Order from Chaos” storyline of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 2015. The character was created by Tom Waltz and Ken Garing with her mutant form designed by Sophie Campbell. Originally human, Jennika was driven from her home at a young age and spent most of her childhood living on the streets. In her teens, a bad boy pulled her into a life of crime and eventually got her arrested. While imprisoned, a member of Splinter’s Foot Clan defended her from other inmates and became her fast friend.
After training in secret, the pair plotted to escape the prison. Jennika managed to escape, but her friend was killed in the process. Using her newfound skills, she joined the Foot and avenged her friend’s death. After Shredder’s death, Jennika distrusted the new leader, Splinter, and secretly associated herself with Darius Dun and the Street Phantoms. When the Phantoms attacked the Foot Clan, she attempted to kill Splinter but was defeated quickly. Splinter humbled her and she ended up pledged her service to the Foot's new leader and his sons. She became Splinter’s ninja chūnin, a dear friend to the Turtles, and a frequent love interest to Casey Jones.
During a fight with Karai, Jennika was stabbed and very nearly died. In an emergency transfusion, Leonardo donates some of his mutagenic blood to aid her recovery. This had the optimal effect, but also mutated her into a turtle. As a mutant turtle, Jennika has the advantages of being a bipedal turtle of humanoid size and stature. Most prominent, her shell, a natural armor composed of the carapace and plastron. She is also well-versed in the art of ninjutsu, hand-to-hand and armed combat, stealth, espionage, escape, and more. Unlike the other Turtles, she was trained in assassination, and has taken lives quite brutally on several occasions.
Jennika’s first appearance as a turtle in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #95 sold out and was sent back to press for a second printing. Following a Comic-Con panel celebrating the 100th issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Campbell announced on Twitter that she will be taking over the title beginning with issue 101. The latest issues from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will feature the freshmen member of the Turtle team alongside Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michaelangelo in ongoing adventures!
