The world of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is packed full of truly unique characters that could carry their own comic, and at the top of the list is Casey Jones. The hockey mask-wearing, sports-gear wielding vigilante’s been a fan favorite ever since his debut 30 years ago, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey Jones #1 gives him his first solo adventure.
A heatwave has gripped New York City, leading to increases in crime, and prompting Casey to strap on his mask and gear to defend the Big Apple’s streets. But he’s still dealing with the injuries he suffered from Mayor Hierynomus Hale shooting him way back in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5, and it turns out Hale left more than physical scars on Casey. If that wasn’t enough, criminals are using a new form of mutagen that jacks up their physical attributes to 10.
Alex Paknadel does a great job of digging into Casey’s head, and highlights how he’s willing to commit himself to the fight even though he isn’t 100%. Despite April O’Neil and the Turtles trying to convince him to take it easy, he pushes aside their concerns, even blowing up on someone he saves. You know things are dire when Raphael, the Turtle best known for solving his problems with his fists, has to talk Casey down. If Paknadel is willing to push Casey to his mental limits as well as his physical ones, we’re in for a wild ride.
IDW
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey Jones #1 also has some glorious action sequences, courtesy of Amancay Nahuelpan. When Casey shows up in his full gear, Nahuelpan makes sure it looks as good as possible. When the thugs bulk up on mutagen, he displays their muscles swelling and bulging, and the impact of what happens when one of them kicks Casey through a tree. Nahuelpan even gets to design a new mutant who’s sure to cross paths with Casey at one point.
Topping it all off is longtime TMNT colorist Luis Antonio Delgado, who uses a great mix of colors to depict the various environments. Casey’s room has a Spartan look, accentuated by the gray walls and the minimal possessions. Once the action hits Central Park, the entire scene shifts to a greenish-gray vibe that’s extremely reminiscent of the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie.
What really stands out about this comic is how accessible it is. While there’s the connection to the current Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic, you could pick up this issue and start fresh. More spinoffs should definitely follow this model, especially if they follow a character who’s as dynamic as Casey is; it shows that in the right hands, they can carry their own story.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey Jones #1 delivers a story that gives the fan-favorite vigilante the spotlight while putting him through a physical and emotional gauntlet. Casey fans will definitely be screaming “Goongala!” after picking this one up.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey Jones #1 will be available wherever comics are sold on September 10, 2025.
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