Leatherhead

Leatherhead, born Jess Harley, is one of the most physically imposing mutants in the IDW universe — a massive, razor-clawed alligator whose raw power rivals just about anything the TMNT have ever faced or fought alongside. His origin as a mutant born from the same mutagenic chaos that shaped the Turtles gives him a natural kinship with them, even as his feral instincts and berserker rages make him unpredictable and dangerous. Armed with a staggering suite of abilities including superhuman strength, speed, stamina, enhanced senses, and a healing factor, Leatherhead is built for survival in the most brutal environments — above or below the waterline.

For collectors, the key book is Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #6 from 1988, which marks his first appearance and remains one of the most sought-after back issues in the TMNT corner of the hobby. That era of Tales books was produced in smaller print runs compared to the main Mirage series, making high-grade copies genuinely hard to track down. Whether you're chasing a raw copy or a CGC-slabbed example, his debut issue commands serious attention at conventions and auction houses alike.

Leatherhead's story deepened considerably through his association with the Mutanimals, a team of mutant outcasts that gave him a sense of belonging beyond the chaos of street-level brawls. His stint with the Intergalactic Wrestling Federation added a wilder, more colorful dimension to the character, placing him in cosmic arenas that pushed the TMNT universe into gloriously strange territory. These team appearances are scattered across key issues that dedicated TMNT completists will want on their shelves.

Leatherhead represents exactly the kind of character collectors love to chase — a fan-favorite powerhouse with a strong first appearance, meaningful team affiliations, and enough story history to build a focused run around. His books span decades and multiple publishing eras, meaning there's always another key issue or variant to hunt. If you're building a serious TMNT collection, Leatherhead is a name that belongs in every long box.