After a three month hiatus, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are finally back with a new #1 issue. With over 300,000 preorders and 100+ variant covers, this might be the biggest comic release of the summer. The big question is, does the new superstar creative team of writer Jason Aaron and artist Joëlle Jones live up to the hype?
Raphael hasn’t let his ninja training get rusty.
IDW Publishing
The Story
The first four issues of this new Turtles run will focus on each of the brothers and feature a different artist. First up is Raphael, who did not make an appearance in the final six issues of Sophie Campbell’s previous IDW run. I was eager to see what he had been up to, and the previews made it clear he somehow landed in a California prison. He’s a long way from New York, but we don’t get any details about how he wound up on the wrong side of the law. And by the end of the issue, it doesn’t seem like it matters too much.
A big part of the lead-up to this series has involved Jason Aaron addressing the tone he would be taking with his run. Aaron said he would be returning to the gritty origins that the early Mirage Studios Ninja Turtles are so well known for. Other than a few lines of dialog that may be close to PG-13, nothing in this comic seemed to be any more gritty or adult than some previous issues in the long-running IDW series.
Aaron does do a superb job of getting in the head of Raphael and understanding what drives him. Raphael has always been the angriest of his brothers, prone to outbursts and trying to go it on his own. It’s a nice nod to the origins of Raphael, and how he actually was on his own for over a year after his mutation before reuniting with his brothers and father. His sarcasm is also on full display. He seems right at home in prison, with a bunch of other angry, violent offenders. In some ways, Raphael seems to be punishing himself, or perhaps attempting some penance for past mistakes. This could tie into his relationship with Alopex and how he left things off with her back in issue #143.
This issue is very much a back to basics Turtles story. Familiar enemies are at the center of the conflict, and by the end of the issue, Raphael prioritizes his brothers’ safety over whatever soul-searching quest he is on. I would have liked to see some bigger swings in this first issue, but can also understand the calculus involved with such a monumental release. I’m hoping they’re saving something special for the coming issues. Jason Aaron is a good writer, and so far has proven he knows these characters and what motivates them. I can’t wait to see what he has in store for Michelangelo, Donatello and Leonardo.
Raphael easily dispatches the escaping inmates.
IDW Publishing
The Art
The art by Joëlle Jones is some of the most realistic we’ve ever gotten in a Ninja Turtles comic. The various prison inmates are all rendered like people you might see walking on the street. Jones did an excellent job distinguishing the character designs so it didn’t look like a crowd of the same person over and over again. As far as the main attraction, Raphael, Jones perfectly captures his brooding nature. There isn’t a smile on his face the entire issue, just gritted teeth and scowls. The fight choreography is dynamic, with the background details fading away to blurred lines to show the speed and ferocity of Raphael’s ninja skills. Ronda Pattison continues coloring duties from the previous run and provides a nice continuity between the titles. The colors are mostly dark and gloomy, but she finds ways to brighten things up, especially during the fight sequences with bright yellow backgrounds. There are also some well done lighting effects in the prison.
Final Thoughts
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 by Jason Aaron and Joëlle Jones marks a promising return for the iconic heroes, blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling. Despite the lack of big storytelling swings, Aaron effectively delves into Raphael’s complex psyche, capturing his anger and introspection. The decision to focus on each brother with different artists adds an interesting direction to the series. Joëlle Jones’ artwork, complemented by Ronda Pattison’s coloring, brings a realistic and dynamic visual style that enhances the narrative. This issue sets a solid foundation, and fans can look forward to seeing how the rest of the Turtles’ stories unfold under this creative team.
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