Last week we brought you the news that the ongoing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series is coming to an end with a double-sized 150th issue. At the time IDW Publishing teased an announcement about what would come next for the Heroes in a Half Shell and now we have a better idea of their plans.
Officially announced by ComicBook.com, the TMNT comics are heading in a compelling new direction that’s inspired by their roots, and Eisner Award-winning writer Jason Aaron (Batman: Off-World, Scalped) is leading the way in the upcoming relaunch.
Forty years ago, innovative creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird introduced the four mutant brothers – Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo – in a gritty and action-packed comic series. Now, acclaimed author Aaron – a veteran of the comic industry with more than two decades of writing under his belt including Wolverine, Ghost Rider, and Thor: God of Thunder – presents a new ongoing series that strives to captivate readers with a tone similar to the classic and beloved TMNT comics.
Aaron’s approach to TMNT, while inspired by what has come before, will also present a raw vision for the iconic franchise’s comics that is also completely fresh and stunning for both longtime shellheads and brand-new readers.
“Launching a new TMNT comic series in the midst of the characters’ 40th anniversary is clearly one of those dream jobs of all comic book dream jobs,” said Aaron. “Especially for me, a kid who first fell in love with the Turtles all those years ago because of that original Mirage Studios series, buying those groundbreaking issues fresh off the rack, comics that kicked you in the face with their action-packed grit and gloriously raw attitude. I couldn’t be more honored and thrilled to get to add to that esteemed legacy of comic book face-kicking, especially as part of an amazing IDW run that has expanded the world and timeline of the Turtles in such daring and exciting ways. In terms of what’s to come, the kid in me wants you to know that you can expect some good old-fashioned grit, a sprinkle of dark, new attitude and all the bone-cracking action that four mutated ninja brothers can possibly handle.”
“Working with Jason Aaron has been something I have wanted to do for a long time, so that in itself is a treat. Even better, though, is getting to go on an expedition with him to explore a fictional world that he hasn’t worked in before. And of course, he has not disappointed,” stated Editor-in-Chief Jamie S. Rich. “From the very first conversations, it was clear that he brought a real passion to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the sort of excitement you can only get from a true fan. He’s a master of his craft, and each new script has only gotten me more excited for the rest of the world to see what he’s coming up with.”
Co-Publisher Mark Doyle is confident that fans of the beloved franchise are in for a real treat with Aaron’s story and the talented artists who will bring the script to life. “Jason is one of the best storytellers in comics and he just gets the Turtles. Add to that the amazing artists he’s working with and you have the recipe for some great TMNT comics that we cannot wait to bring to fans!”
Aaron will make his TMNT writing debut in the oversized Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Alpha #1 issue this June with a 10-page prelude story. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 will go on sale this July. More information about the relaunch – including additional creators on the series – will be revealed next week on IGN.
