A few weeks back, we told you about how IDW and the team behind Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had embarked on the “Road to 150.” That extended celebration is all about pulling back the curtain on TMNT before the landmark 150th issue in early 2024 (which is also the final issue from writer Sophie Campbell). After the festivities began with issue #145, we’re keeping this mean green party train going with a Q&A with from Ronda Pattison, who has colored every issue since TMNT‘s debut in August 2011. In addition to all things TMNT (including her reaction to #150 and her favorite issues), Pattison talks other highlights from her long career. It’s a must-read chat for any fan of TMNT and comics lovers in general.
Courtesy of IDW.
AIPT: You’ve been on the TMNT ongoing since the very first issue. How did you come aboard the title?
Ronda Pattison: Would you believe I just asked? I read the press release back in 2011 when IDW got the licence, and I knew it was going to be an important book to a lot of people, and something I wanted to be a part of. I had already had a working relationship with IDW for years, so I reached out to a couple of my contacts to express my interest, and I was lucky enough to be offered the job.
AIPT: What’s it like seeing the title get to TMNT #150?
RP: Amazing, because I feel like that’s such a major accomplishment. And inevitable, because it’s such a great franchise that will always endure.
AIPT: What would you tell comic book fans about the importance of color work?
RP: I think ultimately my job is to contribute to the storytelling in the way that artists and writers do, but with different tools. The right palette creates mood and atmosphere, and can help lead your eye through the page and draw attention to the most important story beats. If I do my job well, then I’ve not only made it look pretty, but also contributed to the readers understanding and enjoyment of the story.
From issue #50. Courtesy of IDW.
AIPT: What’s the best part of being a colorist?
RP: Working in pajamas? Seriously, that I get to do something fun and creative every day that brings a little joy to people. And that I get to do it without having to draw 20 pages a month! Respect to the folks with that skill.
AIPT: Is there any comic book character or title that you’d like to work on?
RP: Batman, because I love the aesthetic. I’ve been lucky enough to do some fun Batman stories with Sam Kieth, but I’d love to try my hand at something dark and moody too. And anything by Terry Moore. Ironic since his work is beautiful in black and white, but as a fan, I’d love to do a cover, just to be a part of it.
AIPT: Do you have a favorite issue of TMNT you’ve worked on?
RP: That’s tough — there have been so many that it’s getting hard to remember individual issues. Maybe #101? That issue was just so poignant and the art was so lovely I really wanted to do it justice. Also the nightmare and dreams sequences in #30, the Christmas party in #65, and anything I’ve been lucky enough to help script (#106-108) or write (Jennika II #4-6). Seeing an artist bring your words to life is just so incredible!
From issue #106. Courtesy of IDW.
AIPT: With a shift in artists, is there a shift in your color work?
RP: Yes, but it’s subtle. Because there have been so many artists on TMNT, I feel like a huge part of my job is maintaining continuity, so all the basic colors– characters, common environments, etc.– stay pretty much the same. They may change slightly in tone or saturation, and the rendering may get softer or sharper, in keeping with the line art style.
AIPT: What makes TMNT a great book to work on?
RP: The stellar writing from Tom Waltz and Sophie Campbell that keeps me engaged, and the changing roster of artists that keeps me on my toes. But ultimately it’s being part of something that means so much to so many people. I’ve been fortunate enough to connect with a few fans who make me feel like I’m doing something really meaningful and important to them, and that’s a great feeling.
AIPT: Who’s your favorite TMNT character?
RP: Another tough question! When I first started, I would have said Raphael, because who doesn’t love the brooding bad boy? I relate to Raphael because he is so passionate and hot-headed and I have a short temper myself. But I’ve been won over by Michelangelo’s goofy charm. I love that he’s optimistic and good natured and fun. I wish I was more like Mikey! Honorable mention to Alopex, just because she’s cool, and Jennika, because I got to contribute a bit to her story.
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