Explore the ancient origins of the Ninja Turtles in this exclusive artwork

Michael Bay and Jonathan Liebesman successfully relaunched the TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES franchise for a new generation and a second film is on the way, but Paramount Pictures is not just sitting back and resting on their box office receipts. No, beginning today you can explore an entirely new side of the Ninja Turtle legend.

Working with 30 artists from 16 countries, Paramount has launched an art initiative called The Legend of the Yokai to explore the mythical legend of the TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES.

Before the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles emerged from their lair to protect New York City from the sinister Shredder and his Foot Clan soldiers, there were four heroic “Kappa” (ancient turtle warriors who vowed to protect a humble village from the demonic Yokai).Paramount Pictures is taking movie fans back in time, to an age of tradition, mystery and magic. In a collaboration with distinguished artists from around the world, “The Legend of the Yokai” is a new experience that explores the secret origins of the Ninja Turtles. Based on traditional folklore, “The Legend of the Yokai” tells the epic tale of a village over-run by an evil warlord and his army of demon monsters. When all hope seems lost, the wishes of an innocent girl summon forth the heroic kappa turtles, who abide by the pillars of honor, courage, wisdom and brotherhood, fighting side-by-side to vanquish this fearsome evil. Featuring artwork based on these four ideals created by over a 30 artists from 16 different countries, “The Legend of the Yokai” brings an ancient epic to life and connects it to a new generation of heroes: the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. German artist duo Peachbeach has created a Turtles-inspired work based off their unique artistic style highlighting a character from the movie.

JoBlo.com is honored to present an exclusive first look at one of the pieces of art from Peachbeach. Peachbeach is a collaborative project composed of Attila Szamosi also known as Vidam and Lars Wunderlich a.k.a. Look. Their piece is a cool, graffiti-style piece that brings together some instantly recognizable faces.

Click for a larger version and head over to Legend of the Yokai for the other 30 pieces of art. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES is now playing.