Member Reviews
Being born in the early 80s I grew up with TMNT being a big part of my childhood, one I look back on fondly. While I don't generally keep up with the modern iterations, I do on occasion, when feeling nostalgic, like to to take a dip back into the world of mutant animals, both new and old. I also happen to REALLY enjoy the recent rash of "Black, White & X" color-centric anthology comics, so reading this was a no brainer!
The stories are fun, and largely accessible for people not mired in modern TMNT lore, standing on their own as they should, with a wide variant of tones. This I quite enjoyed. The art, again each story with it's own artist, are also all great, and I really enjoy seeing all the different interpretations. The use of colors on the other hand was much harder to appreciate.
To be fair, it COULD simply be the color itself...green, or more importantly the shades used, but I felt it was more the actual use. Other books in this trend tend to use the colors sparingly, making the color's important, and stand out, and are very particular, not the case here. The color is used quite liberally, and often I don't understand why they chose to highlight what they did.
You may think - "Of course there's LOTS of green, it's the Turtles!" but, the Turtles themselves are almost never colored. If they are, it's their bandanas...I suppose a nod to the OG, but then, that would make more sense as a Black, White & Red.
Maybe it's me, but something about the choices in how to use the color didn't quite hit as it should, still worth a read!
*ARC provided by NetGalley & IDW*
Like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? This graphic novel has an interesting twist. It consists of a bunch of small comics within one book. Each story is different and not really in any particular order. The art is different in some spots and in black and white with some green thrown in there. It's an interesting read.
I loved this comic, TMNT are amazing and i loved being able to read this one, can't wait to get my husband a copy i believe he will love it too and my nephews. Highly recommend if you are a TMNT fan.
Whoa this is a smorgasbord of short but good stories and amazing artworks by some popular artist. If you don't want big story arcs then this one is for you. If you don't want to invest in a long TMNT series get this one. Lots of enjoyable moments whether action, drama and comedy presented in this collection. This is not just for TMNT fans but those who love them in their TV series or casually know them. Every turtle got their spotlight in this collection.
The black, white and green motif of the interior illustration are a thumbs up for me although at first I didn't think it will work out. Stay for awhile to enjoy a ton of artworks at the gallery in the end of the book.
Overall, an entertaining book about our favorite turtles! Thank you IDW and Netgalley for the review copy!
Growing up in the 80s, I have fond memories of Saturday morning cartoons, with one of my earliest VHS experiences being the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 1990 in which holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy and excitement of my childhood.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black, White, and Green features a collection of short stories that range from lighthearted and humorous to more serious themes. Each tale showcases a unique artistic style, adding to the overall charm of the series.
If you're a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this collection is sure to resonate with you. The variety in storytelling and animation makes it a delightful experience for both new and longtime fans alike.
Thank you NetGalley and IDW Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
2.5 stars rounded down
The rating is 100% more of a me thing than anything about the book. I really don't think American comics are meant for me. Too much feels crammed in, and the art feels more... harsh(?) in its attempts for realistic looks. So, again, take my rating with a grain of salt. Overall, though, the stories in this anthology were fun. There were different artists telling the stories, and I liked being able to jump around with which characters got love. The first couple of tales admittedly felt a bit repetitive, but then it went a bit more into the dorky side of the TMNTs that so many love. I mean, one of them was just Mikey trying to find out who stole his pizza! So if a person is a fan of TMNT and its comics, I'm sure they'll enjoy this far more than I did!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black, White, and Green is an exciting addition to the TMNT universe, combining nostalgia with fresh storytelling. Presented in black and white with striking green highlights, this graphic novel offers an anthology of short stories that capture the essence of the Turtles' personalities while exploring themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and growth. Each story presents a different tone—ranging from action-packed adventures to more introspective moments—giving fans a deeper look into Michelangelo's humor, Raphael's brooding nature, and Leonardo's disciplined leadership, with Donatello’s intellectual approach rounding out the dynamic.
The art style is a tribute to the original 1980s comics but with a modern flair. The bold black-and-white aesthetic, punctuated by the green of the Turtles' skin, heightens key moments and adds an emotional layer to the storytelling. The balance between gritty and cartoony visuals perfectly reflects the TMNT universe, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers. For those familiar with the franchise, the artwork is filled with subtle nods and Easter eggs that enrich the experience without alienating new readers.
One of the strongest elements of the book is how it handles the theme of brotherhood. The stories not only focus on external threats but also explore the Turtles' internal struggles and how they rely on each other to navigate a world that may never fully accept them. This emotional depth gives readers more than just action sequences; it offers a glimpse into the psychological complexity of the characters and their relationships. The balance between humor, heart, and action makes this collection compelling, appealing to fans of all ages.
Despite being an anthology, the stories flow seamlessly, giving a well-rounded representation of the TMNT team. Whether it's Michelangelo’s light-hearted antics or Raphael’s darker reflections, each Turtle is given time to shine, making the book feel cohesive despite its episodic structure. The varied tones of the stories keep the pace engaging, with some tales leaning into the fun and chaotic side of the Turtles, while others take a more grounded, emotional approach.
Overall, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black, White, and Green is a visually stunning and emotionally rich addition to the TMNT franchise. It skillfully blends nostalgia with innovation, delivering a fresh take on the beloved characters while staying true to their origins. Fans will appreciate the depth of the storytelling and the striking art, while newcomers will find it an accessible entry point into the world of the heroes in a half shell. This graphic novel is a must-read for any TMNT enthusiast, celebrating the franchise's legacy while pushing its narrative forward.
Using only black, white, and green for the TMNT was a cool idea. Each of the stories are a fun read for TMNT fans and anyone else. It's a must read for all TMNT fans. The artwork is great and different for each story. I look forward to reading more of the TMNT comic books.
A collection of short stories featuring the Turtles in short one off tales. The art is funky and almost black and white except for suitable splashes of green. A worthy addition to the canon.
Thank you to IDW Publishing and NetGalley for the ebook ARC. I'm very grateful to review this book.
I have a lot of thoughts on this collection of short stories, but I’ll be upfront and say most are positive - I really enjoyed my experience with this.
If you are wondering what this is about, it’s essentially a collection of short stories about the ninja turtles in different scenarios. There’s no connected story, aside from references and pieces of comic history (as mentioned in the description of this material). There are themes of found family and selflessness conveyed throughout. It’s overall a wholesome experience.
The book has a wide variety of art, which I enjoyed. Some pieces will have similar art styles, while others will have drastically different styles. Do keep in mind this collection is not all cartoon, as I got spooked from turning a page from cartoon to hyper-realistic Casey Jones with his skull mask. It was…terrifying haha but not at all a criticism. I love all the art in the stories and don’t have one bad thing to say about it. My favorites are Gavin Smith, Jesse Lonergan, and Sebastian Piriz, whose stories are also my favorites. Again, I love all the art but these were the ones that stuck out to me. IDW did a great job at selecting everyone who joined this project.
While it’s nice to have references in the story, and I’m so happy they admit to following comic book lore to respect the characters and fans (which is amazing as a company to show that level of transparency and care), some things might’ve swooped over your head. I know who Shredder and Stockman are, but I don’t know much more beyond that. Keep this in mind, as I believe this collection to be a tribute to the die-hard fans of the series.
That being said, some pieces weren’t my favorite. I won’t say which or give away too much of what happens, as I also don’t know what happens exactly myself, but a couple of stories I noticed had one big bad then the turtles run into an even bigger bad then they somehow solve it, and then a group of even bigger bad shows up. If that sounds confusing, it’s because that’s how my mind felt. The art was the only thing that got me through those instances, and I saw them more as interludes because as stories they felt rushed. There is also another story where Michaelangelo is a news anchor and does a reel of “the best and whackiest moments in TMNT history” which felt a bit lazy when recollecting bits of the past. I wished they would have taken one of those stories and expanded on it. Or make an entirely new story with Mikey as an up-and-coming news anchor, and Donatello has to help him practice to land an interview even though Mikey is acting like a goofball and not taking it seriously. That would have been a lot more interesting to read.
That being said, that is my only criticism. I just love this collection so, so much. It pulled on my heartstrings at times. There was a first-person comic story about Donatello, which I won’t spoil, that was very emotional and had an earnest and wholesome message. I don’t know if it was a reference in TMNT history, but I loved it. Even if I didn’t understand everything in this collection, I still loved the ride. I’m going to ask for this book for Christmas to add to my shelf.
5 / 5 please, PLEASE read this. It’s so, so good. Well thought out, and well put together.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black, White and Green was a pretty weighty anthology. With almost a dozen stories highlighting the turtles individually and as a team.
I like seeing a bunch of different art styles on display like this. From some that seemed very detailed to others that definitely looked more sketch like.
The stories ranged from noir to a more high tech vibe. With quite a few others, in between.
I liked the theme of Black, White and Gree. It lent a nice motif to the stories. Bringing to mind Sin City from Frank Miller.
All in all, if you like the Turtles, you’ll enjoy reading this. If you haven’t really given them a shot, you’ll most likely find something in there that you’ll enjoy.
My thanks to NetGalley and the IDW Publishing for an advance copy of this collection that portrays these ninjas of the sewers, these pizza-fueled fighters for the rights of everyone back to the colors they were born for, black, white and a whole lot of green.
To quote a lyric from the band the LCD Soundsystem, "I was there." I was there at a convention in New England where I paid the same price as my parents did to rent an apartment in the Bronx buying issues three and four of a comic that I had signed by the creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, with my name and something about don't stop believing, which I don't know why. I was there when Kaybee Toys was going out of business and and was able to get 4 Usagi Yojimbo TMNT toys, with change from a ten dollar bill. I was there when Radioactive Black Belt Hamster came out, along with a string of other imitators that I still have in a box. I was there when the black and white market crashed. I was there for Tundra Comics, and Heavy Metal days. I was there opening night for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Movie. Maybe I was a week late for Secret of the Ooze. I lost interest as I got older, but the good thing about turtles is they have long lives. And endlessly recreate themselves. And this new resurgence has been a lot of fun. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black, White, and Green is written and illustrated by many hands and minds, bringing these Heroes-In-a-Half-Shell back for a new generation to proudly say I was there.
The book is a mix of stories based on a 4-issue miniseries. The length of each tale is about 10 pages and told of course in the black and white and green. The stories range in from juvenile fun to adult darker tales, across the city the sewers even time and space. There are plenty of mentions of pizza, and family, and lots of characters familiar from comics, cartoons and others things appear. Oh and there is a lot of fighting. And parodies of other comics, some might be clear, some might go right over reader's heads. I liked the Jock story, the art for that was creepy in way, with nice use of green. Sin Sewer is a perfect homage to Frank Miller, for without him, one really wouldn't have the turtles. Buddycount was a good one also, as Casey Jones and Michelangelo team-up together, with some odd results.
As with most collections there are some good stories and some stories that are ok. I think it was the format that had different effects on stories, either too long, or too short. I liked the fact the stories weren't linked allowing different interpretations of the Turtles, even a story sending one into the past. And the fact that some were more cartoon based, though the mix of stories might make this more skew towards older fans. The art is good. Some know how to use the extra color well, and really include it in the story. Jock as stated and a few others. I've read a lot of these, use the color of choice is red, and sometimes the story tends to just be ehh, while letting the red take center stage. Here I thought the green was more integrated with the stories, and added to the fun. Or the ick factor.
Fans will enjoy this quite a bit. Seeing the Turtles come back so strongly is always good. Seeing them come back with decent stories and creators that care is even better. Shell on brothers. I eagerly await new adventures.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black, White and Green follows the trend that several companies have done lately where they tell short stories by various writers and artists that are told in Black and White and in the case of this story, a third color; green. Like any collection of stories, some are better than others. They were all very entertaining but none of them were incredibly mind blowing. It was very cool to see IDW doing this series and I'm hoping we'll get another collection that lets a new batch of writers and artists tackle the TMNT.
Special Thanks to IDW Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this!!! I really love Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but I think the coloring scheme on this was something I had trouble reading. The stories are fun and leave you wanting for more of that timeline though.
As someone who owned the TMNT blimp as a child, and occasionally references the Neutrinos in conversation, I feel obligated now and then to pop in and see what's going on with the franchise. This book satisfies that need. Good look at the turtles, a fun pastiche of Frank Miller, and no fomo from not having read the comics for the last eight years.
This graphic novel is a collection of short stories by a variety of authors that give the spotlight to different members, explore the love between the brothers and, of course, pizza is always there for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
These short stories are around ten pages. They are little vignettes of the turtles' life. Some of them are quite silly and comedic, some of them get a bit serious even with the short amount of time they have to explore deeper themes, like Raph's pride for example, or Donnie's self-isolation.
Though the art style varies, I really liked how cohesive this anthology feels with the black, white and green palette.
This was a fun time, but I think the stories were way too short and none of them truly stood out. I feel like I'm going to forget this collection in little time. However, if you are a fan of TMNT I think you should give this one a try.
Thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for this eARC.
Great TMNT anthology of stand-alone one-shots by highly talented creators with some really great artwork.
Thanks to IDW Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
My husband is a massive TMNT fan, I think he will love this. Sure, an anthology has its highs and lows, sometimes they knock it out of the park and you love each and every one, but I had my favorites. I feel like they had something for everyone, and that was appreciated. I think it was fun, overall. Some of the styles weren't my favorite in the way of illustration, but that is also the great part, sometimes the story overrides that. Thank you to NetGalley for the good fortune to get the ARC of this.