The concept behind that of TMNT is novel but not new. Over the years there have been animal characters in virtually every comic book ever created. From Cerebus the Aardvark through the TMNT, From Superdog throught the Cat in American Flagg, Bugs Bunny through Howard the Duck; theres been a fascination with animals that mimic the human form or habit. And where would Tom Terrific be without Manfred the Wonder Dog?