Advance Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: 2024 #1
New from IDW Publishing
The new era starts now and with a new creative team and some new stories. I’ve been looking forward to this for a while, and the new beginning starts this week— my thoughts on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: 2024 #1 from IDW Publishing.
New Series Premiere! New Jumping-On Point! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have all left New York to pursue their own interests, but there are forces gathering that will pull them back together-whether the bad guys like it or not. First up: Raphael! But why is everyone’s favorite brawler in prison?!
When a surprise attack behind bars puts Raph’s position in jeopardy, he needs to figure out how to get out of jail and warn his brothers that trouble is coming. Superstar writer Jason Aaron (The Mighty Thor, Batman: Off-World) teams up with Jolle Jones (Lady Killer, Catwoman) for the first issue of a new TMNT series that will start a bold new era, celebrating the TMNT’s 40th anniversary while setting them up for the next 40 years to come!
Author: Jason Aaron
Artist: Joelle Jones
After a non-determined time jump, we join Raphael. He’s in prison for what we don’t (initially) know. That is revealed in time, and Raph is making friends inside, as expected. Along with a reasonable degree of brooding, there is also his sense of justice. As you can expect, this causes problems for the other prisoners and the Warden.
I like how this not only kicks off the tone of the series but also acts as a framing technique for the immediate future of the TMNT. Yes, they are mentioned here, but this issue is all about Raphael, and I expect future issues to concentrate on the other members of the Splinter Clan as the gang gets back together.
There’s something bigger going on here as well, and the crux of this story drives it home. It looks like there is a threat returning to make lives difficult.
In the background (and backup) of this story, some political plays are happening, and it seems like it won’t bode well for our heroes. I hope to see this aspect being drip-fed as it comes to a head.
I enjoyed the art style here, with some excellent fight scenes and Raph in prison narrating his fights in his head. The use of light - albeit not much - was well done, and the gloom of the battles added an atmosphere.
This is a brilliant new beginning, building on the previous excellent work. Welcome back to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
