Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [2024] #12 - IDW Publishing

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES No. 12, October 2025

For those readers who have successfully navigated the debatable ups and downs of Jason Aaron’s year-long narrative for “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, this ongoing series’ twelfth instalment probably proved a bit of an anti-climax to the Alabama-born author’s lengthy storyline. Indeed, considering that a heavily mutilated District Attorney Hale is well and truly defeated just half-way through the twenty-two page periodical, this comic’s ambience genuinely smacks of its creative team simply just wanting the book to be over; “They said they had something important they needed to handle. Just the four of them.”

So disappointing an atmosphere is arguably best seen by the still bickering titular quartet supposedly finally setting aside their differences so as to conjure up a monstrous four-armed turtle spirit, whose ghostly presence in the night sky indicates that the ‘heroes in a half shell’ are once again fully committed brothers-in-arms. Unfortunately, none of this co-operative temperament is actually on show as Raphael continues to angrily ignore Donatello’s plea for a short-loved meeting of minds, Michelangelo repeatedly bad-mouths his fellow fighters, and Leonardo is once again hurled into the action, so his fellow siblings don’t have to listen to him anymore.

Admittedly, this sequence does show the main cast somewhat working together – especially when they employ the aforementioned Leo fastball special. But they simply don’t appear to be any more at peace in one another’s company as they were when they first begrudgingly came back together to fight the injustices overshadowing the Big Apple several issues past, and yet the audience are suddenly told to trust Donny when he conveniently claims “We did it. We fought our way home.”

Perhaps this book’s biggest head-scratcher though is at its very end, when artist Juan Ferreyra has to pencil the dead Master Splinter momentarily appearing before his 'children' during a sewer-based séance. Initially, it appears that the humanoid rodent is about to make some story-stopping proclamation, or perhaps even step back into the physical world from beyond the grave. However, instead Aaron decides to have the Sensei shockingly reform in the secret headquarters of “Jonin of the Foot Clan” after the sorceress has unsuccessfully tried “to pillage the secrets of the Afterlife, the Yomi-No-Kuni!” without any sort of rhyme or reason whatsoever.

The regular cover art to "TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" #12 by Jorge Fornes

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [2024] #11- IDW Publishing

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES No. 11, September 2025

There is no doubt that Jason Aaron’s penmanship for Issue Eleven of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” imbues the comic with plenty of pace. But despite this twenty-two page periodical containing a fair amount of adrenalin-fuelled action, it will arguably be hard for many long-term readers not to think that its opening half simply repeats much of what they already knew had occurred. In fact, the vast majority of this book’s courtroom antics simply regurgitates past events from the titular character’s previous battles; “Apologies to the jury, as this footage is quite graphic and disturbing.”

Happily however, this feeling of being somehow slightly ‘cheated’ courtesy of numerous flashbacks and witness testimony, is eventually lifted once District Attorney Hale’s nerve finally breaks and the rotund lawyer makes an ill-advised bolt for the supposed safety of Karai’s inner sanctum. This escape bid finally provides the honest people of New York City with an opportunity to witness first hand just what a cowardly bully Hieronymus really is, as well as show the corrupt politician’s police brutally beating up anyone foolish enough to get in their way.

Furthermore, the sequence generates a much anticipated ‘feel-good’ feeling for the likes of Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael and April O’Neil, as the Big Apple’s population unite behind them as the metropolis’ protectors. Indeed, many a bibliophile can probably hear Chuck Lorre’s instantly recognisable TMNT television theme song starting in the background as the ‘Heroes in a Half-shell’ lose their handcuffs, collect their weapons from the evidence desk, and bound outside the court building to batter the Foot Clan once again.

Convincingly illustrating Hale’s rapid descent into an anger-fuelled madness is Juan Ferreyra, who increasingly pencils the wannabe tyrant’s corpulent face struggling under the weight of all his lies and grisly murders. Such close-ups really help ‘sell’ just how overconfident the portly prosecutor had been when he first arranged the mutants’ show trial, and just how insane the counsellor has come now his grand scheme is unravelling before his reddening eyes. Furthermore, the artist also provides this comic with an absolutely cracking double splash of the Turtles and O’Neil-turned-Casey Jones smashing into a line of undercover ninjas, whilst taking the fight back out onto the streets of “the most populous city in the United States.”

The regular cover art to "TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" #11 by Jorge Fornes

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [2024] #10 - IDW Publishing

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES No. 10, July 2025

Whilst District Attorney Hieronymus Hale’s hours long opening speech might not have got a single member of the captivated jury yawning, the same can probably not be said for those bibliophiles perusing Issue Ten of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”. Indeed, apart from a couple of all-too brief moments of action, Jason Aaron’s predominantly sedentary script surely had a fair portion of this comic’s audience switching off in their droves as the titular characters do nothing but bicker with one another, as well as quietly sit through a lengthy show trial; “Anybody know a good lawyer.”

Infuriatingly though, the Alabama-born writer arguably makes things appear even more lethargic by raising his readers’ hopes at the start of this book, that the likes of Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo might finally be coming together again as a team. This somewhat sentimental scene, which depicts the half-shelled heroes embracing one another in a zoo cell, genuinely appears to promise that the quartet are about to make a dramatic come-back after they all “got beat up by the cops.” However, within seconds two of the brothers Hamato are at one another’s throats again, and the entire ‘magical moment’ is replaced by the aforementioned lacklustre court room antics.

So disappointing a decision by the American author really does just leave Raph’s recognition of three Foot Clan members who “killed the warden” as this twenty-two page periodical’s sole source of fast-paced fisticuffs, and even this potentially pulse-pounding punch-up during the trial is reduced to a single splash page. Such a missed opportunity seriously seems to sap any remaining life out of the book’s atmosphere, to the point where even the appearance of a hockey-stick wielding April O'Neil at the publication’s conclusion isn’t likely to generate that loud a cheer by any remaining onlookers.

Instead, this comic’s biggest asset lies with Juan Ferreyra’s layouts. The Argentinian artist clearly has a lot of work to do with Aaron’s soporific script. Yet still manages to pencil some truly memorable visual moments, such as when Raphael flashbacks to his time fighting inmates at the San Quentin State Prison and the Turtles’ group-hug. In addition, the illustrator is also able to imbue the magazine with a few laugh-out-loud moments, with the Judge’s stupefied reaction to Donnie’s extremely short defence statement debatably being the best of the bunch.

The regular cover art to "TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" #10 by Jorge Fornes

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [2024] #9 - IDW Publishing

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES No. 9, June 2025

Described by “IDW Publishing” as containing an “already weakened, weary, and a little deranged” Donatello, many fans of Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s creations may well have felt similarly exhausted by Michelangelo’s blatant contempt for his half-shelled siblings – which rather tediously continues throughout this twenty-two page periodical. Happily however, the incessant in-fighting between the other mutant brothers does come to an end a lot sooner, and resultantly brings a few moments respite from the nunchucks-wielding ninja’s unremitting moaning.

Such relief probably couldn’t have come soon enough for many a reader either, as the brutal bickering genuinely grates upon the nerves the longer it goes on, and for some may well ruin an otherwise exhilarating opening action sequence which depicts two of the central protagonists battling shoulder-to-shoulder against a sizeable army of Foot patrol officers – many of which appear to be armed with flame-throwers; “Fine. Just stay outta my way. I ain’t no guest star on your stupid TV show. I can only deal with one crazy brother at a time.”

In addition, the intriguing notion that Splinter is somehow able to communicate with his students through the decaying carcass of a dead rat, provides Donnie with a wonderfully penned meeting with District Attorney Hale which really strikes home how omnipotent the turtles’ deceased master may well have become. The disagreeable boastful barrister appears to be about to bring a severe beating down upon his helpless, emaciated prisoner. Yet it is the placid prisoner, who quietly tries to reach out to Hale’s remaining humanity over the horrible murder of the man’s parents, which resonates far louder than any threats or actions the loud-mouthed lawyer can utter.

By far this comic book’s biggest ‘hook’ though is undoubtedly the absolutely adrenalin-fuelled layouts pencilled by Juan Ferreyra. The illustrator provides this publication with some truly mouth-watering fight scenes, such as Michelangelo taking on a trio of pistol-packing Metro Sharks in a subway train. But it is his almost ‘workshop manual’ approach to the turtle’s overt infiltration of the Foot Patrol Precinct Headquarters which really captures the eye, with its incredible attention to all the different floor sections and weaponry that is on hand for its black-clad occupants to utilise.

The regular cover art to "TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" #9 by Jorge Fornes

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [2024] #8 - IDW Publishing

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES No. 8, April 2025

Largely focusing upon Leonardo’s misery following his inability to save a colony of soft-bellied reptiles from the Ganges River, this comic’s plot will doubtless cause many a bibliophile to wonder whether Jason Aaron actually intended to pen “the leader and strategist of the turtles” as being quite as disagreeably insufferable as he appears. True, the katanas-wielding warrior does eventually see the error of his ways, and resultantly deeply regrets attacking Donatello on an apartment block’s roof. But for some readers this regret may well come a little too late to ever care for the supposedly “most mature and disciplined” of Splinter’s students again.

Indeed, quite a considerable portion of this twenty-two page periodical appears to go to great lengths to show the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as an easily dislikeable, incessantly argumentative and dysfunctional quartet – with only a clearly emaciated Donnie, who repeatedly hears the voice of their dead master in his head, apparently being the sole sane one. So dark an atmosphere really does make for a depressingly grim reading experience, and without any of the titular characters’ famous wisecracks and humorous exchanges, soon begins to grind upon the senses.

Far less disheartening, and much more intriguing, is April O'Neil’s investigation into the possibility of the Big Apple’s rat population coming together so as to form some sort of gestalt intelligence. Whether or not the vermin are being ushered together by the spirit of Splinter is not revealed. However, the possibility of the dead Sensei returning from his grave in some manner is enticingly dangled in front of the audience – and really seems to gain extra weight when Leonardo realises that the night-time crying he has head coming from Donatello’s corner is actually emanating from the corpse of a long dead sewer rat; “All right, master… I… I’m listening.”

Also far more engrossing than the heroes' endless loop of boisterous bickering are Juan Ferreyra’s layouts, which definitely bring a sizeable amount of much needed energy to this publication’s proceedings. Of particular note has to be the Turtles’ battle against a train load of Foot Clan ninjas on a New York City underground tube, as this adrenalin-fuelled sequence really gives the artist a chance to show off how well he can sketch the deadly, acrobatic skills of Leo, Raphael, and Michelangelo.

The regular cover art to "TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" #8 by Jorge Fornes

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [2024] #7 - IDW Publishing

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES No. 7, February 2025

Arguably making this ongoing series’ titular characters even more disagreeable than ever before – at least to one another, Jason Aaron’s script for “this explosive second arc of the all-new era of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” probably wasn’t seen by its audience as the Alabama-born writer turning “the volume up to maximum” as its publisher had hoped. Indeed, if anything this publication’s twenty-two page plot must have proved pretty depressing on account of all the Heroes In A Half-shell getting repeatedly beaten into next week by District Attorney Hale’s baton-wielding goon squad; “Little turtle? Haven’t you gotten the message? We own these rooftops now.”

Of course that doesn’t mean for a moment that Part One of “The Sewers Of Newark” doesn’t contain a captivating dose of martial arts and breath-taking close combat. However, once the four brothers do finally escape the clutches of New York City’s “new Foot-enhanced police force” and relocate to the sewers of New Jersey to eat one of the most rancid-looking, fungi-covered pizzas on the planet, the quartet seemingly do little else except argue with one another. Such rage-fuelled feuding certainly helps keep the deadly warriors apart, thus allowing this comic’s American author to repeatedly have each mutant confront a group of enemies single-handedly. Yet it also starts to wear a little thin on the patience once the likes of Raphael begins furiously berating his siblings for the umpteenth time out of sheer frustration.

Possibly a little more palatable is Donatello’s sub-plot, which depicts the mentally unstable turtle tapping ever deeper into the teachings of his dead father, and rather surprisingly proving himself to be the sanest of the troubled quartet. Whether or not Donnie can actually see and hear the spirit of Master Splinter is a matter for debate. But the shock upon his fellow turtles’ faces when he makes mention of their recent intimate, personal failings as individuals strongly suggests some sort of magical link has in fact been established with the much-lamented Sensei.

New series artist Juan Ferreyra also brings a lot to this book, with some impressive action sequences – most notably those depicting Raphael, Leonardo and Michelangelo taking on a considerable number of Hale’s henchmen during their solo missions. Furthermore, the Argentinian illustrator can really imbue his figures with plenty of personality, such as when a wide-eyed, optimistic Mikey attempts to persuade Donatello to give up his long-deceased sewer rat for a live one.

Writer: Jason Aaron, Artist: Juan Ferreyra, and Letterer: Shawn Lee

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [2024] #6 - IDW Publishing

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES No. 6, January 2025

Pouring the pressure on this series’ titular characters straight from the start, it must have been hard for many readers to imagine what more Jason Aaron could throw at Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo during their journey back to New York City. In fact, considering the lengths the Alabama-born writer goes to in order to show how dysfunctional a unit Splinter’s students have become, it is quite incredible the quartet of warriors don’t eventually succumb to the nefarious Foot Clan’s unrelenting assault waves before his twenty-two page plot comes to an end.

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly however, it is precisely the four brothers’ aggression towards one another which makes this comic’s pulse-pounding pace so successful, with the likes of Raph even having time to slug Mikey straight across the jaw during this book’s sense-shattering shenanigans. Furthermore, the tenderness still shown towards a mentally deranged Donnie during these frustration-filled vents cleverly reminds the audience that despite all their bluster, bull-headedness, and eye-wincing in-fighting, the 'Heroes in a half shell' still care very deeply for each other; “I’m standing in a sewer! You call this being saved?! I was about to have my own action figure, you butt-faced --”

Easily this publication’s biggest hook though has to be the sheer grandeur of District Attorney Hale’s scheme to ‘frame’ the turtles as “a bunch of crazed mutants, wanted for murder, [who are] beating up public servants.” The corrupt lawyer appears to have infiltrated every emergency service department possible with his deadly ninja assassins, and resultantly helps provide this issue with one of its funniest moments when an axe-wielding fireman suddenly attempts to chop an unsuspecting Donatello in two.  

Also making an impressive “debut as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle’s new ongoing artist” is Juan Ferreyra, who quite sensationally imbues all this comic’s considerably-sized cast with plenty of enthralling, animated life. Of particular note has to be the protagonists’ leap across the Big Apple’s night-time skyline so as to evade the Foot Clan’s gas arrows. This entire sequence looks set to literally run on for several more panels, only for the “superstar artist” to suddenly pencil the New York Fire Department humorously hosing down the green-hued fugitives with water from far below.

Script by: Jason Aaron, Art by: Juan Ferreyra, and Letters by: Shawn Lee

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [2024] #5 - IDW Publishing

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES No. 5, December 2024

It's pretty clear from Jason Aaron’s script for Issue Five of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” that District Attorney Hale is going to be a major antagonist of this comic’s central cast – especially when Hieronymus is depicted shooting down Casey Jones with a handgun during a cold-blooded set-up. But debatably few of this book’s bibliophiles will probably have enjoyed an entire twenty-two page publication being dedicated to the villain’s nefarious rise to power; “I won’t be taking any questions at this time. Or ever. Disperse the mob.”

Indeed, the likes of poor Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo are frustratingly relegated to just an all-too fleeting ‘flashback’ cameo, as the book predominantly focuses upon the increasingly insane lawyer’s grief over his murdered parents, and subsequent battle to the top of New York’s justice tree with the aid of Karai and her deadly Foot Clan. Admittedly, many of these sequences are entertaining enough, most notably Hale’s fall under the thrall of Hamato Miwa when his anti-mutant prejudice gets the better of him. However, an entire edition dedicated to the new character is arguably a bit too much, and will doubtless have lead to some within this ongoing series’ audience yearning for more detail as to what is actually happening with the four anthropomorphic turtle brothers.

Likewise, despite the vigilante Jones being ‘pushed’ in the periodical’s publication synopsis, the sports-gear wearing crimefighter doesn’t actually make an appearance until the story is half-way through, and even then for much of the time he is simply held captive by Hale’s no-nonsense personal retinue. This ‘side-lining’ genuinely makes the entire Alabama-born author’s narrative feel like a bit of a ‘filler’, with the writer appearing desperate to have something going on whilst the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are busy reforming and getting ready for their cataclysmic return to the Big Apple.

Perhaps just as disappointing as this comic’s script though are the layouts of “legendary artist” and “co-creator of The Boys” Darick Robertson, whose style just doesn’t seem to suit some of the situations penned for this book. Of particular note has to be the super-cute look of the mutant who supposedly gutted Hieronymus’ mum and dad during “a robbery gone wrong”. The hamster-like creature doesn’t seem likely to say ‘Boo’ to a ghost, yet the audience are asked to believe the long-toothed critter slashed the attorney’s elderly relatives to ribbons in their own home.

The regular cover art to "TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" #5 by Javier Fernandez

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [2024] #4 - IDW Publishing

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES No. 4, November 2024

Described by some as “the most rational and logical of the turtles”, Jason Aaron’s version of Donatello in “Grit And A Stick” must surely have disturbed many a Shellhead when it first hit the spinner racks in November 2024. For whilst the teenage mutant ninja is still undeniably willing to put others less fortunate than himself first and foremost, the tech-savvy warrior’s mind has clearly been badly broken by the death of his (adoptive) father Splinter. Indeed, much of this twenty-two page periodical’s plot is about Donnie’s descent into madness, as he battles both physical adversaries, as well as the demons of his past.

Just as enthralling as the humanoid reptile’s determination to stay (slightly) sane though, has to be this comic’s central premise, which sees Kevin Eastman’s utterly exhausted co-creation “trapped in a mutant zoo and forced to fight rich men looking for a thrill.” This perilous predicament could so easily have degenerated into a potentially monotonous, all-action slugfest if penned by a lesser writer. But in the hands of its Alabama-born author, the main protagonist is repeatedly shown to be using his wits to defeat his foes, rather than just battering them into submission with his fists and feet; “For months, I’ve been watching and listening, trying to crack the codes to the cells, the electrified fence, the main gate.”

Likewise, the Harvey Award-winner should have subverted the expectations of many a bibliophile with this book’s finale, courtesy of Donatello’s meticulous escape preparations all being thrown out the window by a sudden, shock attack upon the illegal premises by the Foot Clan. This adrenalin-fuelled assault really ups the ante for the turtle and his fellow animal-based inmates. Yet also seemingly causes the warrior’s psyche to finally snap, as he comes away from the melee tragically believing that a dead rat brained by a throwing star is actually Splinter reincarnated.

Also awesomely adding to this publication’s sense-shattering success has to Chris Burnham’s brilliant pencilling, which genuinely manages to impart just how tired and worn out poor Donnie is following his “last trip through time”. Emaciated and haggard, this particular ninja appears to be nearing the end of his road. However, the Connecticut-born illustrator still somehow manages to show a desire to fight injustice blazing away behind the character’s eyes - especially when he realises everyone else’s survival rests upon his bent shoulders.

The regular cover art to "TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" #4 by Rafael Albuqerque

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [2024] #3 - IDW Publishing

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES No. 3, October 2024

Despite Jason Aaron’s skilfully penning an absorbing tale about a flesh-eating turtle colony on the banks of the Ganges, this twenty-two page periodical’s predominantly peaceful plot is debatably a bit slow for its opening two-thirds. In fact, its early storyline is so soothing, even failing to heat up once the reptiles’ existence is directly threatened by some poachers, that its low-key tone will probably fool most of the media franchise's fans into thinking that little action will actually be taking place within its covers; “I lose track of how many days I kneel. And the turtles never once acknowledge me. Until they do.”

Cue the deadly Foot Clan, and suddenly all semblance of tranquillity is immediately replaced by Leonardo battling his numerous black-clad arch-foes yet again. Admittedly, this particular fracas disappointingly isn’t actually shown in the comic book, with artist Cliff Chiang seemingly preferring to pencil its aftermath as opposed to a complicated sequence of rapid martial art moves. But such pacing is merely the quiet before the storm, as the Alabama-born writer disconcertingly throws his readers back to Tokyo where two of the pizza-eating mutant’s brothers are fighting for their lives against even more mask-wearing assassins.

This subsequent high-octane sequence is arguably the publication’s highlight, with Michelangelo and Raphael rather humorously taking angry pot-shots at one another during the intense, sense-shattering scrap. Indeed, in many ways this issue of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” is worth the cover price alone, simply to read the two veteran close combatants banter as they both protect and berate one another simultaneously.

Just as successful as the “legendary” comics scribe’s script though, are “fan-favourite” artist Chiang’s layouts. Whether the American illustrator is simply pencilling a pack of snap-happy shelled turtles scuttling across the shore, Leonardo standing alone surrounded by a veritable army of fanatical killers in the night-time jungle, or a room filled full of sword-wielding scum who plan on hacking its occupants to pieces, there’s an incredible amount of physical dynamism on show. Furthermore, the formerly assistant editor at “DC Comics” does a terrific job with his colour palette, making a strong contrast between the events taking place in India during the strongly-lit day and purple-hued night.

The regular cover art to "TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" #3 by Rafael Albuqerque 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [2024] #2 - IDW Publishing

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES No. 2, September 2024

Apparently the thirteenth best-selling comic of September 2024, at least according to “Icv2.com”, Jason Aaron’s script for Issue Two of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” surely thrilled fans of the ninja-fighting media franchise with its marvellous mix of tongue-in-cheek humour, suddenly all-too serious shenanigans, and plenty of utterly enthralling action. Indeed, considering just how big a cheer many a bibliophile must have made when Michelangelo finally shakes off his celebrity funk to fend-off a deadly squad of black-clad assassins, this twenty-two page periodical probably deserved to be even higher up the online trade magazine’s chart; “Go! Go! Extreme green ninja teen! Party dude supreme! You are the pizza master!”

Helping this book’s enjoyable assault upon the senses is the American author’s decision not to dwell too long upon Mikey’s high life as a big television star, and instead just swiftly establish the character’s increasing disillusionment with fame. Such succinctness, courtesy of a montage or two, genuinely sets the scene for the subsequent brutal battering the lone fighter faces, without bogging the audience down with any dialogue-heavy, dreary discussions about how the turtle misses his brothers, and yearns to be wielding something much more formidable than foam rubber nunchakus.

Furthermore, the Alabama-born writer quite neatly explains just how so lethal a combatant can nowadays be easily ambushed by having “everyone’s favourite” jokester’s regular convenience store pizza poisoned. Combined with his lack of recent combat experience, this plot device is pretty convincing when it comes to the wisecracking warrior initially getting his clock well and truly cleaned. However, once the martial artist begins to feel better, and desperately grabs a pair of diamond-encrusted hand-weapons, the fight most readers would have been anticipating is most definitely on.

Noticeably providing Michelangelo with a palpable longing for his former heroes in a half-shell is Rafael Albuquerque, who wonderfully pencils the ‘aging actor’ slowly realising that he is fighting for his very life. In addition, there’s a genuine ‘thud’ behind all the punches, kicks and strikes taking place within Mikey’s Tokyo apartment, which are so convincing that letterer Shawn Lee clearly felt that he didn’t need to add any SFX to these pulse-pounding panels.

The regular cover art to "TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" #2 by Rafael Albuquerque

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [2024] #1 - IDW Publishing

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES No. 1, July 2024

Billed by “IDW Publishing” as both a “new series premiere” and “new jumping-on point”, Jason Aaron’s script for Issue One of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” probably caught many a fan of the media franchise by surprise in July 2024, due to it focusing solely upon the perilous predicament of Raphael as opposed to all four of the “anthropomorphic turtle brothers.” Happily however, this insight still proves incredibly enthralling, as the Alabama-born author pens a fascinating solo tale involving “everyone’s favourite brawler” deep behind the iron bars of San Quentin State Prison; “At night, the cells go quiet. Unless you’ve got the senses of  shadow warrior.”

Arguably the biggest of this twenty-two page book’s ‘hooks’ has to be the mystery surrounding just why Raph is locked up in the first place. It’s clear that the character has been residing at the correctional facility for some time before “Inmate” begins, and resultantly he has gotten to know the ‘lay of the land’ reasonably well. Furthermore, “the most aggressive of the turtle brothers” is clearly capable of fighting his way to freedom whenever he wants, so just what the Warden’s hold over him is that prevents the mutant from doing so is equally as prevalent in the audience's mind.

Indeed, perhaps the glue that holds this entire publication together lies in the strange relationship between the turtle and Starnes. The prison official is clearly using Raphael’s skills to keep his penitentiary running smoothly - as seen when the super-hero absolutely pummels three potential escapees in the sewers one night. But the open hostility and aggression on display whenever the pair converse also strongly suggests that the vigilante has actually committed some unlawful indiscretion in the past which has provided the Warden with both plenty of leverage, and a locked safe full of paperwork.

Definitely providing this tome with a surreal sense of realism is Joelle Jones, whose pencils provide all the action sequences with plenty of bone-breaking energy and much-appreciated gratuitous violence. Of particular interest is the American illustrator’s willingness to depict the central protagonist being occasionally bested during his fights, such as a shank shattering upon his shell or a blade marginally catching his flesh – something which adds a welcome layer of vulnerability to the battles and keeps the reader heavily invested in the combat’s final outcome.

The regular cover art to "TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" #1 by Rafael Albuquerque

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin #1 - IDW Publishing

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: THE LAST RONIN No. 1, November 2020

Advertised by “IDW Publishing” as “the TMNT event of 2020”, Tom Waltz’s narrative for Issue One of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin” arguably reads more like a simple reimaging of John Carpenter’s 1981 science fiction film “Escape from New York” rather than something original “springing from the minds of co-creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird”. But whilst this paperback’s basic premise may well be ‘borrowed’ from “one of the greatest masters of the horror genre”, its blinding pace, phenomenal action sequences, and surprising cliff-hanger of a conclusion, certainly seems to make it live up to its promise of being “one of the most memorable TMNT stories you will ever read!”

To begin with, there’s plenty of unexplained mystery surrounding just which of Master Splinter’s students the sole-surviving assassin attempting to infiltrate Oroku Hiroto’s headquarters actually is. Repeatedly shrouded in shadows, at least for this adventure’s earliest scenes, the deadly warrior seems to predominantly favour the twin sai known to have been Raphael’s preferred weapon of choice. However, these ninjutsu melee weapons are soon replaced with a sword, hand-baton, and even micro-grenades by the titular character whenever the situation demands it; “Old turtle. New tricks.”

Likewise, the mechanical army of the Shredder’s grandson is an intriguingly mixed affair consisting of everything from synthetic Robo Ninja Cops with human body parts wired into their armour, through to flying Mousers with lasers. This incredible variety of foe causes the Ronin to consistently adapt his fighting style, and leads to a pulse-pounding mixture of stealthy approaches, high octane diversionary explosions and straightforward fist-fighting all taking place in order to successfully ensure the ‘lone wolf’ edges ever closer towards his increasingly terrified target.

Esau and Isaac Escorza’s pencils/inks are also worthy of praise, with this oversized comic’s lead protagonist never looking better bedecked in a literal arsenal of deadly close-combat weapons. The sheer speed projected by some of Kevin Eastman's layouts is truly breath-taking, such as the shinobi ‘skysurfing’ a stolen flying police car through a billboard and onto a rooftop, whilst there’s a definite ‘crunch’ behind each and every punch, kick or throw the determined turtle makes during his mission to “obtain justice for his fallen family.”

Story: Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird & Tom Waltz, and Pencils/Inks: Esau Escorza & Isaac Escorza