Comics often work as an avenue to tell new stories for big-budget projects, and Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 does just that as it spins off of the Paramount+ streaming show Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! By association, that makes the new comic series tied to the recent smash-hit movie, and a big part of the growing mythology of TMNT. But to add hype to an already highly hyped franchise, the latest issue features Metalhead, an icon of the original animated series.
Much like the recent animated film, the visual style is unique and explosive in this issue. Louie Joyce draws and colors the book to perfection, with a punk-rock vibe intermixed with a striking use of color and motion. When Donnie punches himself to swipe away a bee, you really get that it’s quick with streaks spilling off his hands. There’s also great use of smash-cut aesthetics, like when an arena seemingly pops up out of nowhere when stadium lighting comes on. Each Turtle looks unique with their various details, like glasses for Donnie and the way Raph’s mask goes over his whole head.
The story ain’t bad either. The issue begins with the Turtles gathered around a makeshift “campfire” created from a fan and paper, simulating flames. Armed with a flashlight, Donnie recounts the “best week ever,” a story that began with his time at a robotics summer camp.
Note the striking panel on the bottom right.
Credit: IDW
Writer Mikey Levitt smartly uses the story within a story to cut back to the Turtles, since this is a Donnie-forward tale. There’s a brotherly nature to this format since they can rib Donnie or comment on his story. Sure, a story with all four on a mission would be ideal, but I never missed them in this story since they were technically there listening in like the reader.
Much of the issue dives right into the story as if it’s happening, without Donnie narrating. This is particularly true in a highly dangerous moment for Donnie as he puts Metalhead up against another robot. The battle is intense, with some mega dramatic beats pulled off by Joyce. The use of color can make a kick to the head really pop, as seen in the battle.
If there were any gripes, it’s how the last three pages are all set up for the larger threat and danger yet to come. It’s a little heavy-handed, and as if the main plot takes a pause to allow for exposition.
Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 is a stylish, heartfelt, and action-packed debut that successfully bridges the spirit of the Paramount+ animated series with the high-energy storytelling fans expect from the TMNT brand. Writer Mikey Levitt crafts a fun, Donatello-centered tale that blends humor, danger, and brotherly banter, while artist Louie Joyce elevates the issue with electric visuals full of motion, attitude, and color. It’s a comic that expands the show’s world and proves that Tales of the TMNT can stand tall on its own shell.
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