It's no secret that IDW have been going all-out for months with the hype for this new series, and I'm happy to confirm this is one of those rare occasions where the final product more than lives up to that hype. I don't throw the word perfect around a lot, but this is an absolutely perfect first issue. Highest possible recommendation, and I absolutely can't wait to see what the upcoming artists – Rafael Albuquerque, Cliff Chiang and Chris Burnham – bring to the other three brothers. Read Full Review

Longtime fans of earlier IDW TMNT comics and newcomers alike will find a lot to enjoy in this issue. It builds on what came before, while offering a welcome entry point to those who have never read a Ninja Turtles comic before. With a solid story and amazing art, this is a must read. Read Full Review

After 40 years of storytelling, one would think that it might be hard to find a fresh new angle to take with beloved heroes. Thankfully, that isn't the case with this new launch. Aaron and the creative team clearly have a distinct vision for this book, I have a feeling that we are in for a wild ride with this RADICAL new direction for the heroes in a half shell. The art feels grounded, and the fish-out-of-water story for Raph was an interesting way to begin this new journey. There's one page in particular that I loved at the end of the book (we'll call it Raphael's return to form) that will surely excite readers of all ages. After reading this book, I cant think of a better way to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of TMNT.  Read Full Review

This was a great team on this first issue. Read Full Review

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 kicks off this big year-long event by IDW in a hate-fueled, fist-clenching way. Nothing is being held back in this story, and if issue #1 is anything to go by, nothing is off the table as far as they will be going. We are left yelling at the sky as this issue ends in an epic cliffhanger and needing the next issue fast. Fans will not want to miss this and will want this run at the very top of their monthly pile. Read Full Review

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle #1 is a home run start to this new era for the franchise. Jason Aaron and Jolle Jones nail this story of Raphael in prison to set the foundation for the series moving forward. There are a lot of great moments that have you looking forward to finding out what's going on with not just the Hamato Clan but also other characters in this universe. Definitely a must buy comic book. Read Full Review

A gritty, awesome new start for the heroes in a half-shell. Read Full Review

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 is a hell of a debut. While I enjoy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this first issue has me excited to read the second and see where this all goes. The team has nailed a certain sense of style and voice that feels fresh and new and most importantly has us excited to see what's next. Read Full Review

IDW's new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series is very exciting and a must-have for your pull list. Also, by the way, twenty-eight pages and no ads! Read Full Review

In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, Aaron and Jones offer longtime fans something that feels undeniably inspired by the original TMNT comics published by Mirage 40 years ago without being slavishly devoted to them, all while making the Turtles' wild and expansive universe easily digestible for new fans. Read Full Review

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 by Jason Aaron and Jolle 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. Jolle 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. Read Full Review

We couldn't have asked for a better first issue than this. After following a Legendary run, Aaron really had to bring it with something fresh and exciting while honoring the previous stories and he nailed it. The time jump was a great play to add lots of mystery and intrigue while the story itself is tense and dynamic opening the future to many exciting new directions.

Joelle Jones' art is just breathtaking and on a whole other level than the fantastic work she did on Batman and Catwoman. So great to have Ronda Pattison back in the mix as she continues to add to her legacy of brilliant coloring in the next phase.

This is a must read and a perfect jumping on point for new and life long readers.

The wait is nearly over. After months of anticipation and 300k+ preorders, IDW’s newest era of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics led by Jason Aaron finally debuts next week. I was lucky enough to get an advance copy thanks to IDW & wanted to share my spoiler-free thoughts on a book that is HEAVY on feels.

Cutting to the chase, the Heroes in a Half Shell are back in a big way. Jason Aaron and Joëlle Jones' Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 is a triumphant debut, evoking the gritty, brooding tone of classic Eastman/Laird Era Turtles. This first issue is a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and artwork, setting the bar into the stratosphere for the rest of the series.

Aaron's decision to put Raphael front and center in the first issue is a stroke of genius, leveraging the loner Turtle's complex personality to introduce the darker themes of this new direction compared to some of Sophie Campbell’s final arcs in the previous run. With a keen understanding of Raph's moral code and sense of justice, Aaron crafts a compelling story that feels both deeply personal and utterly true to the character. The situation we find him in seems like a sentence nobody would choose, yet we learn that Raph appears to have had some say in how he got there. While Raphael isn’t a brand new character that needs an introduction, it’s still quite an impressive character study by Aaron. It hints at a deeper backstory that promises to unfold in the issues to come.

But Aaron's sharp script is only half the equation – Joëlle Jones' artwork is, without a doubt, some of the best TMNT art ever. Yes, I loved the work by the giants of comics that have worked on previous series. Jones’ art rises to the task. Her panels are crisp, evocative, and captivating, with a keen sense of emotion and detail that elevates the story to even higher highs. She uses various layouts throughout the book to capture the emotion and energy of individual scenes, with one of the most impressive being an action sequence that takes place across an expertly choreographed double page spread. Ronda Pattinson's colors and Shawn Lee's letters are the perfect complements to Jones' artwork, rounding out a truly exceptional visual experience. These are visuals that could tell an entire story on their own.

What's most impressive about this debut issue is the sense of scope and direction that Aaron establishes from the outset. It's clear that he has a plan in place to bring the brothers together, but the journey promises to be just as compelling as the destination. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 sets a new standard for the franchise, delivering everything fans could possibly want and then some. If you're a lifetime TMNT comic fan, or are looking to jump onboard for this new run, get ready for one shell of a great read.
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It's a cold open for sure, starting us smack dab in the middle of a new ard with Raphael in the one place he'd fit right in: prison.

Because of this some of the background elements of the plot go unrevealed but what is here is pretty strong. Raphs voice sounds absolutely perfect here. Over the years he became my second favorite after Donnie because he is not the angriest, but the most emotional of the turtles Brothers. But hes also really good at what he does. This book has him in a very dour and serious state of mind, with little room for humor or any lightheartedness. While there are some whod argue that some humor should be present in TMNT, this story is clearly evoking the old mirage days and that carries onto the great presentation by Joelle Jones and the fantastic action sequences she draws.

I dont wanna give too much else away but im really interested in seeing how some of the other characters mentioned play into this. A strong start for anyone wanting to hop in.

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Art is great. Raph is my favorite so this was a fun issue. Love the tone, good for both new and old readers.

got to hand it to Jason Aaron. This was solid

Oddly my first time reading a TMNT comic, and this was a pretty solid way to do it. Jones's art was particularly enjoyable, as she made all of the action look super nice throughout. As for the story itself, I thought Aaron's inner monologue for Raphael was written a bit cliche at some times, but I still enjoyed it overall. I'm looking forward to what comes next as the focus shifts to Michelangelo in the next issue.

This is NO "jumping on" point! This is a continuation of the 150 issue run (plus countless other tie-in issues/mini-series) that had just concluded.

Someone coming into this fresh will have no idea what they are in for. This is a terrible idea for a relaunch of TMNT comics!

While the art is great, I really dislike that this is not a fresh restart, nor a direction that I particularly care for. The Issue starts with Raphael in prison and his brothers no where to be found. The other Ninja Turtles only appear within a very brief two panels worth of flashback. About 95% or more of the issue takes place with Raph in prison.

I cannot even begin to express just how disappointed I am with this re-launch.