There are a lot of comics out there but some stand out head and shoulders above the pack. With “Don’t Miss This,” we want to spotlight those series we think need to be on your pull list. This week, we look at an excellent reboot with the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” IDW series.
Who’s This By?
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” is by original co-creator Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, Tom Waltz, and Dan Duncan. While a lot of other writers and artists have come and gone during the 84 issues of the series proper and the slew of side adventures and spin-off miniseries, these four are the masterminds bringing the world of TMNT back to the fans.
The amount of artists that have worked on the series is staggering and hopefully this does them justice. The bulk of pencils and inks are by Dan Duncan (Translucid), Mateus Santolouco (Dial H), Charles Paul Wilson III (Wraith), Andy Kuhn (Samurai Jack), Ben Bates (Teen Titans Go!), Kevin Eastman, Michael Dialynas (Gotham Academy), Cory Smith (All New X-Men), Ken Garing (Planetoid), Mike Henderson (Nailbiter), and more! The colors are done by Ronda Pattison (The Maxx), Ian Herring (Teen Titans), Dave Wachter (Godzilla in Hell), Sophie Campbell (Jem and the Holograms) and Bill Crabtree (The Sixth Gun) with nearly the entire series being lettered by Shawn Lee (Doctor Who) and Neil Uyetake (Silent Hill). Even with the series reaching nearly 200 issues, it is mind-blowing to see the amount of people that have worked on this book. They have all brought their own style and life to it while staying true to the TMNT universe.
What’s This All About?
If you don’t know the premise of the Ninja Turtles, where have you been?! For those of you that don’t, the basic plot is the same as it’s always been. As babies, four turtles come in contact with a chemical agent that mutates them into humanoid turtle people. Taken care of by their foster father, Master Splinter (a humanoid rat), they are trained in martial arts and the way of the ninja to protect the citizens of New York City from the shadows. That is, until big baddies like the Shredder and, alien invader from Dimension X, Krang attempt to take over the world; forcing the Turtles to take a bigger role as heroes than they ever imagined.
So, Why Should I Read This?
In the 30+ years since they first broke out on the scene, first as Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s original comic book to the latest series on Nickelodeon; the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been re-imagined and rebooted more times than most people realize with multiple comic books, far too many animated series and a handful of live-action films. Some have been great successes both critically and financially, others…not so much. Original co-creator Eastman returns with new writing partners to give us, arguably, the best version of TMNT yet.
Throughout the series readers are treated to the best elements from all the previous iterations. We get the darker, more adult action and tone from Laird and Eastman’s original comics, fan favorite characters and re-worked plot threads from the first animated series, 1987’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, plenty of nods to the 90s live-action trilogy, and even references to the subsequent animated shows. All of these adaptations are blended together with new story elements that connect the Turtles, Splinter and Shredder to other dimensions, eras – like feudal Japan, and even reincarnation all while staying true to exactly what makes this franchise so beloved and long-lasting: the characters and themes. Some things are flipped on their head, but still work; April O’Neil is now a grad student scientist instead of a reporter, Krang is a far more competent conqueror, the Technodrome has a different and far more sinister purpose, and so on. Changes like this keep things fresh, but never stray from the core of what has come before. The series has been modernized to a point, but the 80s are alive and well in its heart. The Manhattan of “TMNT” still feels grimy and crime-riddled. If you are an 80s kid like me that grew up on the Turtles there is no way you won’t enjoy this book. I have introduced it to casual fans and even non-fans and they all found something to identify with.
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The superhero action, adventure, and insane sci-fi plots are just as fun as they’ve ever been. Seeing the Turtles fighting again while being so well written is an absolute treat that never fails to slap a big, dumb smile on my face each time I pick up the next volume. So much has been covered since its start in 2011 I can’t help but feel that this column will fall short in showing my admiration for its complexity and how it has honored the franchise. The heart of the characters and what makes everyone tick will resonate with the generations of fans out there. This is a book written to reach all ages. The fun action and slapstick humor mixed with beautifully done storytelling is near-perfect. The battles between good and evil, the themes of family, friendship, honor and trust ring true in each arc. And of course, it’s never afraid to travel into the absurd with crazy mutants and portal hopping to Dimension X, Gotham City and even an alternate version of New York where a certain team of supernatural investigators reside. See? Something for everyone.
How Can You Read It?
Issue #84 comes out today if you are looking to pick it up; you can do so at your local comic shop or wherever you buy your comics. It is the end of the latest arc so some previous reading is highly recommended. For trade collectors there are now 37(!) paperbacks, with the 38th coming next month. These collect the main series, all miniseries, and spin-offs and they do so just fine, but the absolute best way to collect this series is with the ‘”TMNT:” The IDW Collection’ hardcover omnibuses. These collect everything in the trade paperbacks and in the proper reading order! You will never be lost or miss out on any of the story. There are currently 7 of these volumes out and I can not praise them enough. The binding is gorgeous, with each cover showcasing a single hero or villain (typically the bulk of the arcs are mainly about whichever character graces the cover), the artwork is gorgeous on the over-sized pages and each volume comes with a nice ribbon bookmark. The books themselves are a work of art and some of the best omnibuses in my vast collection. Get them wherever comics are sold.
