With eleven stories across more than eighty pages, nearly every iteration of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is covered and celebrated. Starting at the source of it all: new pages from original creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. This massive issue is overflowing with heart and passion. If anything is clear from this year, it’s that IDW Publishing is dedicated to not only celebrating this beloved franchise, but also moving it in new directions.
The thing I love about this special issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is everyone is clearly so excited, and so many of these stories feel like the creators are smiling ear-to-ear. It’s infectious, and it’s apparent across the whole line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics.
The issue begins with Eastman and Laird, then immediately goes into Jim Lawson. Next is Tristan Jones, whose contribution made me cry. I had to put it down and just take it all in at that point. It’s a perfect trifecta that really climaxes with the third story. Tristan Jones and Paul Harmon created a story that works perfectly; it’s a brilliant usage of the history of the series and longtime fans will adore it.
From there, it slides right into a story that fits within the Image Comics run, which I have not read yet (It’s on my list, I swear!), but I really liked seeing this era tucked in here. What I really love about this issue is that all iterations are celebrated here. It’s so cool seeing them all represented!
The next two stories are set within the framework of the original 1987 cartoon, and they are both an utter joy (I also have to admit I haven’t read any of the Saturday Morning Adventures run but I intend to!).
AND THEN… CUE THE THEME SONG–
“Count it off! 1! 2! 3! 4! Turtles!”
The brilliant team behind the epic 2003 cartoon returns with a stunner! Seriously, it’s worth the price of admission for this. (Sorry everyone else involved but I LOVED THIS! Can I please have more? Please?) This art style is etched in my mind forever and seeing it in comic form is a JOYOUS experience. And then that last panel in silhouette? Incredible.
I just love seeing all these styles of the Turtles all in one place. It’s the most fun, and I don’t care that this review has devolved into a gush fest. Comics are fun, and I had a blast! If you’ve read this far, you will have just as much fun if not more than me!
Jumping ahead to the IDW-era comics because these were also very exciting to me and they feel like a perfect bookend to the close of the first volume of IDW’s comic. First up is Tom Waltz and Michael Dialynas with a touching Father’s Day story, again coming straight for my heart. Waltz continues to be great, and I don’t think he gets nearly enough credit, but I’m just repeating myself at this point. Then Ronda Pattison and Pablo Tunica return for a great story that really made me emotional just seeing Tunica’s art again. One of the most underrated of the IDW run for sure. It’s such a great story to end the issue on because it’s a perfect example of a team really shooting for the fences. Tunica’s layouts are incredible. I feel like he was so happy to return and had to go all out which in turn made me so happy!
The issue ends with a few pinups from some fan favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles artists including Sophie Campbell and Stan Sakai. It’s a party, and you’re invited! What’s not to love?
This is not only a celebration for fans but it’s so very clearly made by fans. Yes, the price tag is a bit steep, but if you’re a fan of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, I guarantee there’s something here that will make you happy. The only problem you’ll face is which cover to get!
