Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Journeys #1 - Review of the Comic Book

      Andrew Newton reviews Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Journeys #1…

      After over twenty years in obscurity, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 4 is back in the limelight, thanks to IDW’s reprint titled TMNT: Journeys. For younger audiences or those not well-versed in the Turtles’ backstory, this is not a reboot or reimagining; rather, it continues the narrative from the Mirage universe, now revived in print. Long-time fans will recognize numerous story arcs and familiar relationships, but there's also enough intrigue to engage new readers.

      The first issue quickly establishes that this is not the playful, pizza-loving version of the Turtles that many have grown accustomed to in the past decade. This narrative is darker, grittier, and more emotionally intense. The four brothers are no longer carefree teenagers; they are maturing, grappling with internal conflicts and facing external threats that endanger not only themselves but the entirety of New York City.

      We also reconnect with April and Casey Jones, who are expecting a child, which brings a glimmer of hope to an otherwise grim atmosphere. Master Splinter takes on the mentor role once more, this time training Shadow Jones to confront the sinister forces closing in on the family.

      The highlight of this issue is the artwork, which illustrates New York City as a place on the verge of disaster, rather than the glamorous vision often depicted by Hollywood. It evokes a similar style to the early Judge Dredd comics (for those familiar with them), where the future is intentionally portrayed as harsh and bleak. This aesthetic aligns perfectly with the story’s more serious, less cartoon-like tone.

      Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Journeys #1 is a compelling reprint of a significant chapter in the Turtles’ legacy that merits attention. If you seek the polished ‘happy ending with pizza’ version, you've come to the wrong place. However, if you’re prepared for something richer, darker, and emotionally profound, then this reprint is for you.

      Rating – Receives 9 out of 10 slices of pizza.

      Andrew Newton