From ninja clans to alien wars, covert ops to Saturday morning icons, IDW Publishing has been home to some of the most unforgettable characters in comics. These ten legends—across franchises and genres—aren’t just iconic, they define what makes IDW stand out. Let’s dive into my personal top 10 favorites.
1. Snake Eyes
First Appearance (IDW): G.I. Joe #0 (2008)
Description:
The silent ninja commando of G.I. Joe, Snake Eyes is the ultimate warrior—deadly with a blade, a master of stealth, and an icon of loyalty. Whether he’s facing Cobra or reconciling with Storm Shadow, his presence commands respect. He doesn’t talk, but he doesn’t need to. His legend speaks volumes.
2. Karai
First Appearance (IDW): Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #10 (2012)
Description:
Shredder’s granddaughter and second-in-command, Karai walks a razor-thin line between honor and ambition. Fierce, strategic, and occasionally conflicted, she brings elegance and danger to every panel. She’s no pawn—Karai plays her own game, and when she strikes, it’s precise. A deadly female force who never fades into the background.
3. Leonardo
First Appearance (IDW): Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (2011)
Description:
The disciplined leader of the TMNT, Leonardo embodies duty and dedication. Wielding dual katanas and a strong moral compass, he balances brotherhood with responsibility. IDW’s version gives Leo a rich emotional depth, often torn between loyalty to Splinter and his own growth. A blue-masked samurai with a warrior’s soul.
4. The Doctor (IDW Comics version)
First Appearance (IDW): Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor #1 (2008)
Description:
The Tenth Doctor brought wit, wisdom, and heartbreak to the IDW run. Time-traveling through history and chaos, his charm and tragedy hit hard in comic form. His sharp tongue and deeper regrets made him feel real, even on the page. A madman in a box, always running—but always helping.
5. Shredder
First Appearance (IDW): Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (2011)
Description:
Oroku Saki isn’t just a villain—he’s a resurrected warlord with a centuries-long vendetta. The IDW version of Shredder is ruthless, commanding, and terrifyingly competent. Fueled by vengeance, driven by legacy, and nearly unbeatable in combat, he elevates every TMNT storyline. The true shadow over the turtles’ world.
6. Cobra Commander
First Appearance (IDW): G.I. Joe #0 (2008)
Description:
He’s the voice behind the mask and the mind behind Cobra. IDW’s Cobra Commander is cunning, manipulative, and not above sacrificing allies for power. Cold-blooded in boardrooms or battlefields, he’s a true tyrant in modern warfare—more dangerous because he truly believes in his cause. Fascinating. Frightening. Iconic.
7. Baroness
First Appearance (IDW): G.I. Joe #0 (2008)
Description:
Sleek, deadly, and always one step ahead, the Baroness redefines femme fatale. Her intelligence matches her combat skills, and she’s often pulling Cobra’s strings behind the scenes. IDW gives her nuance—she’s not just seductive, she’s strategic. Style, substance, and a love for chaos wrapped in designer black leather.
8. Sonic the Hedgehog
First Appearance (IDW): Sonic the Hedgehog #1 (2018)
Description:
Gotta go fast—and Sonic never slows down. In the IDW run, he’s still the blue blur you know and love, but with stronger story arcs and high-stakes heroics. Fast-talking, faster-running, and always ready to save the day, this hedgehog is a perfect blend of attitude, heart, and pure energy.
9. Storm Shadow
First Appearance (IDW): G.I. Joe #0 (2008)
Description:
Tommy Arashikage, aka Storm Shadow, is the yin to Snake Eyes’ yang. A master ninja with a complicated past, his journey between villainy and redemption is layered and gripping. Honor battles vengeance within him, and every panel he’s in feels like a sword ready to strike. Tragic, powerful, unforgettable.
10. Raphael
First Appearance (IDW): Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (2011)
Description:
Raph is rage wrapped in a red bandana. Always ready to fight, always pushing against authority—he’s the team’s heart in a different way. IDW gives Raphael emotional weight and purpose, showing his loyalty beneath the temper. When he loses control, he’s dangerous. When he finds it, he’s unbeatable.
Honorable Mention:
Megatron
First Appearance (IDW): Transformers: Infiltration #0 (2005)
The tyrannical Decepticon leader turned philosophical rebel. One of the most compelling arcs in IDW’s entire line.
April O’Neil
First Appearance (IDW): Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (2011)
Brilliant, brave, and far more than a sidekick—April’s journey from student to warrior adds layers to the TMNT mythos.
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