Andrew Newton reviews Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Journeys #1…
After more than two decades in the shadows, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 4 is finally back in the spotlight, thanks to IDW’s reprint under the title TMNT: Journeys. For younger readers or those unfamiliar with the Turtles’ history, this isn’t a reboot or reimagining; it’s a continuation of the story from the days of the Mirage universe, which has been brought back to print. Long-time fans will recognise plenty of story threads and familiar dynamics, but there’s enough intrigue here to hook new readers as well.
Issue #1 wastes no time showing that this isn’t the bouncy, pizza-flinging version of the Turtles that many have grown up with over the past 10 years or so. This story is darker, grittier and more emotionally charged. The four brothers are no longer the wide-eyed teens; they’re growing up, facing internal tensions and much more external dangers that not only threaten them, but the whole of New York City.
We also catch up with April and Casey Jones, who are expecting a baby, which offers a brighter moment of hope in an otherwise darker landscape. Master Splinter, meanwhile, is taking on the role of mentor once again, this time training Shadow Jones to face the shadowy forces creeping ever closer to the family.
The real treasure of this issue is the artwork, which makes you picture the city of New York as one on the brink of collapse, and not the shining jewel that Hollywood often portrays it as. It reminds me a lot of the artwork in early Judge Dredd stories (if you’re familiar with those), where the future is deliberately drawn to be grim and bleak. It’s a perfect match for the story’s darker, less cartoon-like tone.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Journeys #1 is a gripping reprint of a chapter of the Turtles’ history that’s deserving of being in the spotlight. If you’re looking for the glossy ‘let’s all eat pizza happy ending’ version, this isn’t it. But if you’re ready for something deeper, darker, and far more emotional, then this is the reprint for you.
Rating – Deserves 9 out of the 10 slices of the pizza.
Andrew Newton
