Jason Aaron on TMNT
After years spent as a Marvel-exclusive writer, Jason Aaron is branching out to other publishers. He's already launched new Batman and Superman comics at DC, and now Aaron is taking over as the writer of the monthly TMNT comic from departing Sophie Campbell. Aaron will make his debut via a 10-page story in June's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Alpha #1. From there, he'll be at the helm of the monthly series when it relaunches with a new #1 issue in July.
"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," Aaron said in a statement. "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."
While Aaron's series is meant to serve as a fresh jumping-on point for readers, IDW is clear to point out that the series isn't a reboot, but a continuation of the current TMNT continuity.
The first four issues of the new series will each spotlight a different Turtle, beginning with Raphael in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1. The artists each picked their favorite Turtle. If there's a common thread in this new creative lineup, it'sthat everyone involved is a huge fan of the franchise dating back to the '80s.
"I almost couldn't believe it when these folks started saying yes," says IDW Editor-in-Chief Jamie S. Rich. "It's such a dream team of modern artists, folks responsible for some of my favorite comics of this century. All four of them were so enthusiastic to draw characters they love for the first time. It was cool to hear why they loved each of the individual turtles. Like Chris talked about the Donnie issue with the Jack Kirby homage, and Joëlle mentioned how she has always liked hotheads and fighters. It's comic book kismet!"
IDW's Co-Publisher Mark Doyle adds, "These are some of the best artists and storytellers in modern comics bringing their style and action to characters they love. As a fan, I'm over the moon!"
Raphael by Joëlle Jones
"For me working on TMNT was first a nostalgia hit, being an '80s kid I consumed it all!" Jones tells IGN. "But at its heart, and why I think it still resonates with people today, is that it’s a story about a family of outcasts brimming with personality and the conflicts that come out of it! Or maybe I just like the giant rat father figure, which might be something for me to unpack with a therapist at a later date!"
Michelangelo by Rafael Albuquerque
"I'm thrilled to be working with Jason on such a special project, with so many talented artists," Albuquerque says. "Being a child from the ‘80s, the TMNT cartoon has a special place in my heart, so having the chance to draw them for the first time kind of completes a full circle, full of nostalgia and excitement. I can't wait to reveal what we're working on!"
Leonardo by Cliff Chiang
"I still remember the thrill of reading those early black-and-white issues and how they ushered in a new wave of independent comics, and I'm incredibly excited to be a part of this next chapter for the Turtles," Chiang tells IGN. "Even better, Jason and I have been friends for a long time but haven't yet worked together, so I get to kill two Mousers with one sword."
Donatello by Chris Burnham
“I am SO excited to be working on the Turtles!" Burnham says. "I’ve been a TMNT fan since the black and white days - Fugitoid is one of the first comics I ever owned, and the original Donatello One-Issue Micro Series is one of my favorite comics of all time! I discovered so many amazing artists as a kid reading the Turtles - beyond Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird there’s Mark Bodé, Rick Veitch, Mark Martin, Richard Corben, Michael Zulli, Eric Talbot, Jim Lawson, Sophie Campbell… the list goes on and on and it’s a great honor to add my name to it!”
Look for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Alpha #1 to hit stores in June 2024, followed by the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 in July.
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