It's hard to believe, but the story of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles began in the pages of a comic book 40 years ago. IDW plans to celebrate the anniversary with a new line of comics, including a relaunch of the main series from Avengers and Thor writer Jason Aaron.
In the series, the prolific comic book writer is looking to take the Heroes in a Half-Shell back to their gritty roots, bringing them back in line with the original black-and-white stories from creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' first four issues will feature a revolving door of artists with Joëlle Jones (Catwoman) kicking things off in a Raphael-focused first issue. The second instalment shifts the spotlight to Michelangelo with art by Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire).
Then, in issue #3, Paper Girls co-creator Cliff Chiang will put his spin on Leonardo before Donatello takes centre stage in the Chris Burnham-illustrated (Batman Incorporated) fourth chapter.
"When this new series begins, the Turtles have gone their separate ways and ended up in some surprising places," Aaron tells The Hollywood Reporter. "First up is Raphael, the one mutant inmate in a prison full of killers, as brought to gorgeously gritty life by Joëlle. Can’t wait for folks to read it, and to see where we go from here."
IDW co-publisher Mark Doyle previously said this about the company's 2024 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles offerings:
"One of the great things about being at IDW is seeing all the amazing and diverse talent working on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles over the years. We wanted to create a slate of books that reflected that talent and allow them to tell a wide range of stories that would thrill all kinds of fans. It’s an honor to be publishing TMNT comics during the iconic franchise’s 40th anniversary and we’ve gone all-out to truly celebrate Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s unforgettable creations."
The trade has also released a first look at Aaron and Jones's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, revealing that Raphael is behind bars. It seems he eventually escapes, but what could the hero have done to end up in prison?
Well, while this relaunch hits in July, we'll get a better idea of what's to come in June's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Alpha. The solicitation text for that may offer some clues as it notes that, after defeating Armaggon, "Donatello has had a hard time since he came back from the future, and he's found himself in an unexpected place."
Check out this preview of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 below.