A Special Thanks To IDW PUBLISHING and NetGalley for the ARC.

In this new review, we’re going to be looking at IDW’s relaunch of their iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book series, involving Eisner Award-Winning Writer, Jason Aaron, and quite a selection of superstar artists such as Rafael Albuquerque, Joëlle Jones, Cliff Chiang, and Chris Burnham. Please keep in mind, that this review will have limited spoilers, thank you, and enjoy.

The four brothers have left New York to pursue their interests, but unbeknownst to them, forces are lurking in the shadows that will bring them back together for this first arc of a new ongoing series that collects the prelude story “Long Way From Home.” Raphael is in prison. Michelangelo is living in Tokyo, where he became a TV star, Leonardo is traveling the world in search of peace, and Donatello is trapped in a mutant zoo and forced to fight rich men looking for a thrill. And what has been going on in New York while the Turtles are scattered across the globe?

The newly relaunched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ first volume is certainly one of the most enjoyable titles I have had the pleasure of reading, offering a new direction to an iconic franchise. The first four issues collected in this novel walk us through what happened to each brother, and the return of a familiar foe, The Foot Clan. The story that broke my heart the most was what happened with Donatello, being trapped in a Mutant Zoo, and looking so malnourished. The bleak atmosphere, having to fight rich, and insecure men, plus the harsh life he has lived in the fighting pit/”Mutant Zoo” for however long he was trapped in that life.

I have followed Aaron’s work since his time at Marvel and DC, I honestly have to say that I am enjoying his approach to TMNT. It is dark but gritty, reminiscent of the original comic book series by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, but the dynamic between the four brothers still truly shines when they’re together even though they were separated. Despite family complications, their interactions when they were brought back together were one of the best moments of these issues. Aaron’s script was solid and goes to show that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are in safe hands.

As for the artwork, this series has six artists to work with to go with the story that Aaron was trying to tell, and it was magnificent. It compliments the story, giving us a visual look into each turtle’s mindset after the events of the previous series. With the turtles getting back together, the tragic part of reading this is the fact that they have forgotten what it means to be brothers, something they will have to learn once again without the guidance of their father and sensei, Splinter. The action sequences and emotional expressions were well-drawn, and some expressions were often comical to look at but got the point across to help entice the reader’s attention from drifting away. My favorite part of this collected graphic novel was how each artist used their unique style of art accompanied by a of colorists and inkers to portray Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael’s journey back to New York, accompanied by The Foot’s dramatic return and rise to power.

The art is amazing. I like how the story tells 4 different stories about the brothers. Can’t wait to read more

This graphic novel collects issues 1-6 of the new run of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They've each left New York, but find themselves drawn back together by a new threat. This is definitely a darker version of TMNT, but I really liked what I read. These six issues though just felt like a taste of the story, and I definitely want more! Can't wait to see where this goes.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I appreciate IDW for giving me the opportunity to read this GN. I enjoyed it, I will say that the story dragged a bit with a couple of the turtles' individual stories. Donnie was the most entertaining and also was really sad because he thought Splinter was alive the whole time. April coming into the story towards the end was definitely the highlight to this story. Looking forward to the next volume.

Our favourite mutant quartet has broken up, but a new enemy pulls them back together.

It starts with a focus on each individual brother and showing us how they fared after they went their separate ways. As readers, we don't exactly know what happened, but it's pretty clear that whatever went down caused a major rift in their relationships. When they meet up again, tensions run high. I'm completely hooked. The drawing style, combined with the storytelling, pulled me in. This story is dark and grimy. These men have been through it. They're bitter and suffering. Nonetheless, without saying it out loud, they immediately turn to each other and run to eachothers defenses. Sibling relationships can be complex, and I'm very curious to see how they will navigate the emotional divide in their family as the story progresses.

This is a good story full of kick-butt turtle action. It begins with our heroes, slightly-aged teenagers who have been through some conflict, divided and living in different parts of the world. But a new threat in New York City is going to bring them back together again.

Each of the first four issues focuses on one of the Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles, and how their life progressed after the family split up. Then we have some backstory on the villain, and finally the book ends with the return to New York. There are a lot of tensions between the characters, and the story ended up very unresolved, since the intent is for this to be the beginning of a long-running series. There is no satisfying ending here, but the fantastic artwork and character work more than makes up for it. The villain is not as cool as the shredder, but the personalities of the turtles are so nostalgic, so well-written. I hope to continue reading this series in years to come.

This book reminds me why I love Donatello so much. What a fun new entry reuniting the boys! I've had a good time with this one, it's pretty surface level and far from the best stuff that was put out, but not the worst either.

I was looking forward to checking this out, but despite being approved by the publisher, when I attempt to download this title via the NetGalley Shelf app I get an error saying “You Are Not Authorized.” I can only guess that the Foot Clan is up to something funky here, but it’s one more title off my TBR list. Oh well.

I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

This was a tough read...

I suppose it is sadly apropos for a TMNT comic to be just like a pizza cutter. All edge, no point.

In previous volumes the fab four acrimoniously broke up. This new series picks up with where they've been.

Donatello is being held in an mutant abuse ring.
Raphael is doing his most cringeworthy impression of Shawshank Roscharch.
Michelangelo is a sad martial arts film actor in Japan.
Leonardo is soulsearching on the banks of the Ganges.

The Foot Clan are back and trying to kill them, so they are forced together with a corrupt DA making Foot Clan his own fascist lapdogs, the NYPD...and for some reason the Fire Department?

It just felt bitter and tired. Just like the turtles.

Read like something someone with an uncritical appreciation of Frank Miller (derogatory).

Raphael the scab and his declarations of all criminals being scum really took the jam out of my doughnut.

As someone who watched TMNT as a child, reading this was nostalgic and exhilarating. Though I’ve missed a lot of the story, this comic made it easy to jump back in. The story was great and the artwork was phenomenal. I look forward to reading more.

It has been a while, but I'm glad I picked this one up. It's what I had hoped it will be, which these days is stronger praise than it sounds like, and I'm looking forward to see where the series goes.

It’s been a long time since I have read TMNT comics but holy crap this was a rollercoaster ride to hop onto. Each story about the brothers was powerful. I loved everything about it. It took characters I loved as a child and made them relatable as an adult. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

I really enjoyed this new beginning. It starts with a bang, the brothers are separated. Each living different lives and angry about how the other three treated them. Then the Hand drags them all back together and to New York City.

The question is why? Why would the enemies of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles want to unite them and bring them back? Jason Aaron brings a new life and edge to a familiar story.

I’m intrigued to see where this storyline takes us. Each issue has a different artist taking the lead which I enjoy especially as each brother gets his own look and style.

Well worth reading for long time fans and anyone waiting for a good time to give it a try.

I’ve been out off the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles world for quite awhile, this was definitely an excellent and enjoyable way to enter back into that world. Highly recommend. Definitely interested continuing reading this challenging and exciting world.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Return to New York tells the story of the four brothers after they have gone their separate ways for a time.
This series may be starting fresh on the heels of the last run of the book, but I still feel as if I were dropped right into the middle of a bigger story. That kind of threw me for a bit.
Seeing what all the brothers had been up to in the intervening time was pretty interesting. A couple of them definitely went to extremes.
I definitely enjoyed the artwork in this book. It was fluid and dynamic during the action scenes. It also helped to highlight the quieter moments of the book.
In not the biggest TMNT fan in the world, but this was a great start to the new series. I’m pretty sure I’m going to be checking out the next volume.

Been a TMNT fan for a long time but never jumped into the comics as much as I should have. This was a great jumping on point. I’m a big fan of Jason Aaron’s Thor run and he really brought something fresh to TMNT. Loved this

Overall, this was a great start to the new series. Balancing mature themes while maintaining a family-friendly tone. Amazing artist roster and Jason Aaron’s writing is impeccable. The best part is seeing the Turtles mature and change. Looking forward to Volume 2!

My thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for an advance copy of this graphic novel dealing with the continuing adventures of those pizza loving brothers who happen to be terrapins, ninjas and the heroes that this world really needs.

I was both early and late to the world of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I was at a comic book convention in either Torrington or West Hartford, Connecticut I remember that. My plan was to find the missing issues of the 70's characters Deathlok and Guardians of the Galaxy. Again this was years ago, and I never thought both of these characters would ever come back. I struck out but found myself at a table with two guys who seemed high on life and talking about their comic book, an independent, about turtles fighting ninjas. I thought the art was like Frank Miller, and the concept seemed funny, so I bought a few issues, had them signed, and thought nothing more of them. Until they exploded. Soon the issues were worth hundreds, and TMNT was everywhere. Toys, Movies, animation, movies and animation again. And now where they belong back in comics with a writer who gets the basics of how they are. Brothers who love each other, and brothers who will fight for all of us, mutant, human whatever one might be. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Vol. 1: Return to New York is written by Jason Aaron with art from some of the best including Joëlle Jones, Rafael Albuquerque, Cliff Chiang, Darick Robertson and others on interiors and covers. The story deals with our turtles, teens no more, lost in a world that is getting darker, but still willing to fight for what is right.

The Heroes in a Half Shell have been through a lot. The loss of Splinter their sensi and father has caused a loss of brotherhood among the turtles, sending them as far apart as Turtles can go. Raphael is undercover in a high security prison working to stop the gangs from seizing power. Leonardo is wandering the world trying to reconcile the anger he feels within himself with the beauty that is the world. Michelangelo is a media star in Tokyo, living the life, but finding it empty without a real purpose. Donatello is trapped in a mutant fight club, trying to keep his fellow prisoners alive, while trying to understand some of the voices that he hears in his head. Meanwhile the city of New York has a new Mayor, one that is using the Foot Clan as his street soldiers, with the purpose of wiping out all mutants. The murderous rampages of their enemies act to bring the Turtles back together, but can they stop fighting each other long enough to take the fight to evil?

This is a darker story, one that should be expected when Jason Aaron is doing the writing. The turtles have lost the hope of teens, and have settled into the fact as young adults that the world is nasty place, full of people who will take your rights away. A perfect comic for today. Aaron gives each Turtle a chance to shine, to show the depths they have fallen, or how they have strayed. The Turtles are all unique and different, something Aaron is adapt at showing, and even in their inner monologues one can tell the Turtles apart. The story is dark, and hyper-violent, with a lot of familiar characters and lots of surprises. The art is excellent. The different artists add a lot, especially in delineating the Turtles stories. The book also has a cover gallery with other artists included.

A fine, if adult story about Turtles, Ninjas, bad politicians, family and doing what is right. I enjoyed it, and I am eager to see where this will go. Perfect for older fans, even fans of Jason Aaron's who might never have thought of touching a TMNT story should enjoy it.

I appreciate NetGalley and IDW Publishing for giving me access to this eARC. My review is based solely on my own thoughts and feelings.

4.5

Favorite quote from the book:

"Whoever you are... you can't possibly beat me up more than I do myself... I obsess over every little thing I've ever said that came out wrong. Every weird look anyone ever gave me." - Michelangelo

The brilliant writing and striking, deliberate illustrations from a variety of talented artists made this a highly captivating read. Each page held the promise of something exciting. I particularly loved the unique artistic interpretations of each character, which made them feel more intriguing and distinct.

As someone new to the TMNT universe, I occasionally felt slightly lost due to references to past lore, though this didn't detract significantly from my overall enjoyment and is in no way a criticism to the author.

This magnificent story masterfully highlighted the contrasts between the brothers through their individual illustration styles, personalities, and narrative arcs. Seeing a more authentic and raw side of the ninjas allowed me to connect with them on a deeper level. This is a fantastic experience for anyone who appreciates the TMNT saga, beautiful artwork from gifted artists, and clever, witty writing.

I have been a fan of the TMNT's since I was a kid. I loved the 90's cartoon and toys. And I have read some of the comics before.

Vol. 1: Return to New York is great. It starts off with the turtles separated after going their separate ways. Each story explains what they have been up to since then. And then how they come back together. The story and artwork are great.

I really enjoyed reading this new story about the TMNT and look forward to reading more of series.