by Matt Sernaker, Editor-In-Chief
For 40 years, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have protected the world from the villainous threats of The Shredder, Krang, and other evils from Dimension X. They’ve appeared in numerous incarnations across different media, providing fans of all ages with different entry points into their world. Thanks to the team at IDW Publishing, one of my favorite versions of these characters will be released for new audiences, as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures Compendium Volume 1 will be available starting this week.
Turtle fever caught on in the late 80s, and between the comics and the hit animated series, we just couldn’t get enough of the heroes in a half-shell. I remember getting up early to watch as Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael, Splinter, April, and their friends took on the bad guys with each new episode. Cut to 1992, when a new comic book store named Comic City opened in San Diego (a pivotal moment in history for both myself and Co-EIC Kevin Gaussoin as our friendship would eventually come from this store). This small shop was doing its grand opening with only a handful of books on the shelves. I walked in the door, and my eyes were drawn right to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #35 (originally published by Archie Comics), and moments later, I had purchased my first comic book. From then on, I was hooked on the comic, and it was radical to experience more adventures of my favorite heroes as they explored storylines beyond the show for 72 issues and various spin-offs. Editor’s Note: I’m still bitter that we never got the promised epic final storyline…but that’s a story for another time.
With the Turtles celebrating their milestone 40th anniversary this year, I was thrilled to learn that IDW planned to release this special compendium of the Archie Comics. Most of my experience with the title had been during the back half of the run, but I was able to find a small selection of earlier issues back in the early 90s to fill in some of the gaps. For this new edition, the minds at IDW carefully curated the collection to include the original 3-issue mini-series (based on the pilot of the 1987 TMNT cartoon), the first 17 issues of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures, and a collection of short stories in recommended reading order. Featuring the original mini-series at the start of the collection was smart, as it provides new readers with a clear picture of the origins of this version of the Turtles, as well as a great re-entry point for old fans to go back and relive some classic adventures.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Compendium 1 contains over 750 pages of turtle power, with dozens of mutants and villains that would go on to torment our heroes for decades. Man Ray, Leatherhead, Baxter Stockman, Cudley the Cowlick, Stump, Sling, Wingnut, and Screwloose are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these stories, and this collection truly offers something for everyone. IDW Publishing has released some of my favorite collections in the last few years (their Star Trek Hardcovers continue to be stunning), but this one might just be my new favorite. The attention to detail and reproduction masterfully captures the style and aesthetic of the original comics, making this a must-own for every turtle fan.
Overall:
I know that there is a heavy nostalgia factor when it comes to a release like this, but this book meant the world to me as a kid, and I couldn’t be happier with the high-quality release and level of thought that went into this compendium. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures was my gateway into the world of comics, and I will be forever grateful for the work that the creative team did to craft this unique set of stories. Having these pages in my hands made me feel like a kid again, and the grin that I had on my face remained for the duration of my reading experience. I can’t wait to add the future compendium releases to my collection. Don’t miss this one.
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Compendium Volume 1 – 5 out of 5 intergalactic wrestling adventures. Cowabunga!
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