IDW Reports Record High Revenue in 2016

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Amidst all of the very real concerns about the future of this franchise, it’s worth pointing out at least one positive sign. Recently, IDW reported that their revenue for 2016 represented an increase of 32% year-over-year. In total, they earned $65.3 million for the year ended October 31, 2016. When asked about their success, CEO Ted Adams had the following to say about what had lead to the increase in revenue:

“Our publishing division — which includes IDW Publishing where we primarily publish comic books and graphic novels and IDW Games where we publish board games and card games, was led by the success of the March books and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles board game.”

Considering how successful their Kickstarter campaign was, it probably shouldn’t be too surprising that Shadows of the Past has played a large role in IDW’s fortune. That being said, it’s clear that the continued progress with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic books has also led to increased profits. Although Viacom and Paramount may be struggling with the franchise and having difficulty figuring out what they should do next, IDW seems to know exactly which directions to take with our heroes in a half shell. This brings us to the next significant comment from CEO Ted Adams:

“IDW Entertainment had a breakout year as it grew revenue from $0.2 million in 2015 to $16.0 million in 2016 driven by the successful first seasons of Wynonna Earp and Dirk Gently. Both shows will return to the air in 2017 for their second seasons. Joe Hill has also written the pilot script and series outline for a TV show based on our flagship title, Locke & Key, and we will be presenting it to potential networks this year.”

 

The realization of IDW Entertainment is a fairly significant point to make. As a matter of fact, most of their increased revenue was a direct result of these new television shows. With so much new money coming into the company, it’s likely that they will continue to invest in various ideas for television and film in the near future. Could this be where the TMNT come in?

With various reports that Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series may end after the fifth season, one has to wonder what the future holds for this franchise. Considering that IDW is beginning to show some prowess in the area of television production, it’s entirely possible that they could helm an entirely new TMNT television show at some point. Who better to take control of the turtles than the company that has produced some of the most amazing TMNT stories we have seen since the days of Mirage comics?

Speaking of which, if they are capable of working on a new television series, it’s also entirely possible that IDW Entertainment could work with a studio like Paramount in order to give fans an awesome new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. Both potential projects probably haven’t even been discussed yet, much less become a real possibility – but as a fan who wants to see the best for this franchise, IDW’s recent success is definitely promising news.

If they were just in the business of creating great comics, it would be welcoming to see their profits increase year-over-year. Knowing that this 32% increase in revenue is largely a result of their new production studio fills my head with ideas that I can’t help but discuss with all of my fellow shellheads. With that in mind, I ask you to dream. What if IDW made a new TMNT series? What if they made a new TMNT movie? What if they saved this franchise from the huge media conglomerate that currently owns the rights to it?

Let’s all hope for the best, eh?

Are you hopeful that IDW’s recent success will mean great things for the future of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? Share your thoughts and opinions either in the comments below or on Facebook/Twitter.