by Matt Sernaker, Editor-In-Chief
For 40 years, fans have gotten to enjoy the adventures of Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael as they fight to save the world from the Shredder, Krang, and the other mutated threats. Various creative teams have put their own spin on these heroes over the decades, but the consistent result is that TURTLE POWER continues to thrive. The next evolution of their comic book adventures begins now with the impressive debut of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 from IDW Publishing.
Official Synopsis:
NEW SERIES PREMIERE! NEW JUMPING-ON POINT! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have all left New York to pursue their own interests, but there are forces gathering that will pull them back together—whether the bad guys like it or not. First up: Raphael! But why is everyone’s favorite brawler in prison?! When a surprise attack behind bars puts Raph’s position in jeopardy, he needs to figure out how to get out of jail and warn his brothers that trouble is coming. Superstar writer Jason Aaron (The Mighty Thor, Batman: Off-World) teams up with Joëlle Jones (Lady Killer, Catwoman) for the first issue of a new TMNT series that will start a bold new era, celebrating the TMNT’s 40th anniversary while setting them up for the next 40 years to come!
Creative Team: Return to New York – Part One
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Joëlle Jones
Colorist: Rhonda Pattison
Letterer: Shawn Lee
This new era of TMNT begins with individual spotlight issues for each of the brothers. There are a lot of mysteries as the story begins, creating the perfect jumping on point for new readers. San Quentin State Prison isn’t a normal hangout for our favorite pizza-loving turtles, but after the events of the last era of TMNT, Raphael now calls this “home”. A lone mutant turtle is locked away with some of the worst that humanity has to offer, but Raph has found unique ways to adapt to his new surroundings. There’s more than meets the eye to his new situation, and if he plays his cards right, he might be able to make the most of it. Things start to go sideways thanks to some new cellmates and our hero finds himself in a precarious position. What does all of this have to do with the Foot Clan…and where are his brothers???
After 40 years of storytelling, one would think that it might be hard to find a fresh new angle to take with beloved heroes. Thankfully, that isn’t the case with this new launch. Aaron and the creative team clearly have a distinct vision for this book, I have a feeling that we are in for a wild ride with this RADICAL new direction for the heroes in a half shell. The art feels grounded, and the fish-out-of-water story for Raph was an interesting way to begin this new journey. There’s one page in particular that I loved at the end of the book (we’ll call it Raphael’s return to form) that will surely excite readers of all ages. After reading this book, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of TMNT.
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 – 5 exciting new launches out of 5. Perfect score!
