With the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, the heroes in a half-shell have shredded their way back onto the silver screen and into the minds of audiences. But did you know that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles first found their footing in the pages of comic books? Conceived by comic book artists Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, the first issue was published in 1984 by their company Mirage Studios, and was a surprise success.
If you’re on the hunt for some turtle-powered adventures that will transport you to the sewers of nostalgia and action-packed storytelling, these must-read TMNT comics will have you shouting “Turtle Power!” louder than ever before.
Themed coloured bandanas for your eyes and ninjutsu weapons are optional.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection, Vol. 1
Take a trip back to where it all began with this special collection of Mirage Studios’ issues #1 to 7, along with a Raphael one-shot by creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection, Vol. 1 is the perfect entry point for fans to relive the glory days when the beloved Turtles first burst onto the scene, and for newcomers who want to dive headfirst into the very origins of the TMNT phenomenon.
These early issues are grittier, darker, and more grounded than some of their later iterations, providing a fresh and intriguing take on the turtles’ origin story.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin
And from their beginnings, let’s jump right into the very end as you buckle up for an intense and emotionally charged storyline that presents a post-apocalyptic world where only one of the four turtles remains. The Last Ronin is a five-issue miniseries that showcases the last turtle’s journey for justice and revenge, conveying a gripping narrative that delves into themes of loss, legacy, and the weight of the past.
Billed as the final story of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this limited series takes on a vaguely cyberpunk aesthetic to deliver a love letter to the franchise’s roots.
Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Omnibus
Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a goldmine of short, single-issue narratives that whisk readers away on exhilarating journeys. These tales pull back the curtain on not just the iconic quartet of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael, but also peel back the layers on beloved heroes like Casey Jones, Splinter — and even unsung characters like Nobody, Rat King, and Savanti Romero.
Each story is a self-contained marvel that is as fun as it is freaky — equal parts dark and thought-provoking. What’s more, fans of the 2003 animated series will find the stories familiar, as they were adapted for the cartoon. As such, this comic offers an opportunity to check out the pages that inspired the screen.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: City at War
2009 was a monumental year for TMNT fans as the maestros behind the iconic turtles, Eastman and Laird, handed over the reins to Viacom, the parent company of the Nickelodeon empire. Just two years later, it was revealed that IDW Publishing was set to grace the world with a brand-new TMNT comic series.
Leaving Mirage, the original nest of TMNT magic, was a massive shift. In turn, City At War was created to provide fans with a grand farewell. The epic saga saw New York City in the midst of a faction war after the death of Shredder, aiming to deliver a melancholic conclusion to the long-time conflict between the Turtles and the Foot Clan. IDW would later publish their own take on the City at War storyline in 2019, which further expanded the TMNT world.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time
Turtles in Time presents a time-twisting spectacle that sees the Turtles travelling through different time periods, where they encounter dinosaurs, past versions of familiar faces, and even a dystopian near-future landscape.
It’s a tapestry woven with great storytelling, infused with heart and humour, and mesmerising illustrations. The adventure is packed with memorable characters and sci-fi fun that immerses fans into the very essence of what makes the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise so iconic.
Bonus: Usagi Yojimbo by Stan Sakai
Usagi Yojimbo chronicles the story of Miyamoto Usagi, an anthropomorphic rabbit ronin, who has occasionally served as an ally to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This classic comic series tells a timeless tale of honour and the samurai code amidst the tumultuous currents of settling unrest and intricate political machinations. Plus, if you love turtles that practice ninjutsu, you’re sure to love a rabbit who wields a warrior’s blade.
Through the wandering steps of Miyamoto Usagi, episodic storylines tie into underlying larger plots which create long extended sagas. Each story is built on a foundation of solid character work that makes Usagi and the characters he interacts with incredibly compelling, inviting readers of all ages to join Usagi on his unforgettable journey.
Edwin is a seasoned raconteur with a lifelong passion for video games, comic books, movies, and more. He thrives on captivating stories and immersive world-building, with a soft spot for adorable monsters.
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