Tales of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 4 is written by Andrew Joustra and published by IDW Publishing. Artwork and Colours are by Louie Joyce. New Character Designs are by Rustam Hasanov. Main cover art (left) is by Louie Joyce.
Tales of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 4 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
New tales of the TMNT based on the newest Ninja Turtles animated series!
Fugitoid is here: A classic TMNT ally makes his comics debut for this fresh era of turtle power. And he needs help! When the Ninja Turtles run across Fugitoid in the midst of an E.P.F. attack, they aren’t sure they can trust this strange, hyperintelligent robot. But they’ll soon learn that the runaway is more than meets the eye.
By debut comics writer Andrew Joustra (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey) and neon-punk comics artist Louie Joyce (Godzilla: Skate or Die, Haphaven, Past the Last Mountain).
Review
There is always a concern that a comic book spin-off won’t hold up against the original movie. However, I can say with full confidence that Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles truly delivers. Both the comics and the series have effectively expanded the film universe while maintaining the signature style and humour that fans have come to expect.
It is no surprise that Andrew Joustra’s comic book debut with issue #4 is a total win. Joustra previously wrote the excellent TMNT short on Paramount+, Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey, and served as a script coordinator on Mutant Mayhem. It is clear that he has a firm grasp of the Turtles, their history, and their world. If fans had any doubt about this issue or this series, know that you are in safe hands.
Enter Fugitoid
Joustra has wonderfully updated Fugitoid for the Mutant Mayhem universe, delivering a perfectly paced, action-packed narrative. The issue begins with April O’Neil providing a special report on an explosion in Tribeca for the school news. When her footage is erased by the Earth Protection Force (E.P.F.), it immediately sets a gritty, high-stakes tone.
The introduction of Fugitoid in the story is well-handled. Just as the film reimagined April O’Neil as a high school reporter, we see a similar conceit here with Zayton Honeycutt (aka Fugitoid). I think fans will take to this version of the character. It’s perfectly in line with what fans will expect from the character, but the new spin on his origins fits perfectly within the wider world of this universe.
Visually, Louie Joyce’s artwork is killer. He perfectly captures the hyper-stylised, gritty aesthetic of the Mutant Mayhem world, which I think is one of the freshest takes on the TMNT since the ’90s film. Joyce excels at nailing the story’s mood in every single panel.
The action is high, the drama is tense, and the emotional moments—like the exploration of Fugitoid’s origin—are truly heartfelt. Whether he is illustrating chaotic action at the Brooklyn docks or more reflective, quiet moments, Joyce’s work is on point.
Verdict
If you are a fan of the new era of Turtles, you need to check this issue out. It’s vibrant, gritty, and stays true to the heart of the franchise. For anyone who hasn’t yet checked it out or has been on the fence, get off and get reading! Issue #4 is the perfect jumping-on point. Joustra is a writer I hope to see a lot more of, and his writing, paired with Joyce’s art, is a winning combination.
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