IDW Is Bringing Back The Street Sharks

The attitude of the 90s was pretty much epitomized in the Street Sharks, large toothy fish-men introduced by Mattel as action figures in 1994. Ripster, Jab, Streex, and Big Slammu (not their original names) were four brothers kidnapped by mad scientist Dr. Piranoid as part of a scheme to take over the world. But the four escaped and dedicated their lives and new abilities to fighting Piranoid, as well as various monsters that kept attacking their home of Fission City. Their tale was told in a multi-season syndicated cartoon and its spinoff Extreme Dinosaurs. They bit, they fought, they kicked some serious fin, and then they left us.

But we’re hearing whispers their careers could be on the rebound. IDW has entered an arrangement with Mattel to produce a Street Sharks comic book with all-new stories. Said stories will be concocted by writer Stephanie Williams (Nubia and the Amazons) and artist Ariel Medel (TMNT vs Street Fighter).. It has yet to be revealed what they’re cooking up, but IDW is promising some jawsome events.

”It is so exciting to introduce a new generation of fans to the Street Sharks,” says series editor Nicolas Niño. “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 a beautiful love letter to the original cartoon that old fans and new are sure to adore.”

“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,” said Ryan Ferguson, Global Head of Publishing at Mattel. “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.”

The plan is to re-introduce the Street Sharks to today’s streets with a five-issue series, possibly more if it does well. The first issue will go on sale from IDW September 26.