We review Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 and find tremendous satisfaction as longtime readers.
The hype around the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles relaunch seemingly intensifies with every passing moment. We're not looking to squelch it for you. If anything, we're throwing gasoline on the fire with our review, as the first issue left us wide-eyed and jaw-dropped. Writer Jason Aaron and artist Joëlle Jones are a magical pair, and we wouldn't want their partnership to cease if we didn't know the following four issues were coming armed with the likes of Rafael Albuquerque, Cliff Chiang, Chris Burnham, and Darick Robertson.
Since we're a week from IDW Publishing's release, we'll keep it light regarding the plot. You should already know the new series picks up with Raphael in prison. We're staying mum on how he got there and why he remains happily (?) behind bars. And we might not know, anyway.
When Jason Aaron joined us a little while ago to discuss his plans for the series, he spoke fondly of the Mirage Studios era, stating it would heavily influence his interpretation. We're pleased to report that Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman's black-and-white, slightly brutal aesthetic is very much present in Aaron's scripting and Joëlle Jones' linework. Even if it's not technically black-and-white, it is emotionally. In the best way.Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 is a HARD comic, igniting the narrative from Raphael's frozen-in-rage perspective.
Jason Aaron beautifully captures Raphael. He's away from his brothers but not necessarily confined against his will. Through the captions, Raphael's inner life, we witness the hoops the angriest Turtle makes to justify the position he's found himself in. He belongs in prison, and while there, he'll weaponize his rage for society's benefit.
The writer knows when to step back, too. It's Joëlle Jones' story as much as Aaron's. She crushes on the action, and there's a lot of action, creating a rapid Raphael assault on inmates and others. The violence gains its impact through the illustration and the paneling. All layout junkies are fed well. And beyond the melee, Joëlle Jones communicates the internal externally through her acting. The best Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stories are the ones with big feelings, and this single issue has those decidedly.
A mystery sits in the story's center, but it doesn't seem like one that will outgrow its welcome. By the final page, Jason Aaron is marching toward answers, and the brothers should not remain apart for too long. After all, we're here for the title's pluralization. The singular is fun enough, but we need our buds back together as soon as possible.
Like all great number ones, the first issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles piques curiosity, provides recognizable characters, and pushes them toward new problems. It left us itching for the second, third, fourth, and fifth issues.
Quickie Review: Jason Aaron understands the poetry of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, delivering a perfect take on Raphael's inner life while knowing when to step back and let Joëlle Jones just go off with some insane Turtle action. This is the book you want it to be. 10/10
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 by Jason Aaron and Joëlle Jones
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Joëlle Jones
Colorist: Ronda Pattison
Letterer: Shawn Lee
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Price: $4.99
On Sale: 7/24/24
Synopsis: 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 Joëlle 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!