Laird's Current Continuity List

[Aztec General]

Here's something that I originally wanted to know for my own personal collection, but it's so cool that I figured that I'd share it with all of you.

I wrote to Dan Berger with a list of the Mirage specials that I own to find if I was missing any good continuity stories. I did this because it seems that everytime I think I'm done there's more to get (damn "Grunts"). So to save myself another horde of orders I figured I'd ask the source. What follows is Dan's repsonse:

Here's a list of what Peter Laird considers "official" TMNT stories in their chronological order:

TMNT Volume 1: #1-7
Raphael #1
TMNT Volume 1 #8 (revised story without Cerebus will come out in late 2003)
TMNT Volume 1 #9
Donatello #1
Tales of the TMNT #7
Michaelangelo #1
Leonardo #1
TMNT Volume 1 #10-11
TMNT Volume 1 #19-21
Tales of the TMNT #2
TMNT Volume 1 #2
Tales of the TMNT #4
TMNT Volume 1 #46-62
TMNT Volume 2 #1-13

This is subject to change, but this is the list of issues that's currently being supplied to 4Kids as "official storyline."[b][i]

I'm surprised that the Leatherhead stories were left out of this. I'm sure that's an oversight of sorts. There's also some great stories in Shell Shock and the Turtle Soups that I'd throw in there; as well as some terrific guest artist work. But this (along with Tales #6, Vol. 1 #45, and of course Vol. 4) is definetely the flesh and bones of TMNT. Also Vol. 1 #15 would have to be as well if Vol. 4 is canon.

Once again I want to thank Dan for this excellent reply. Enjoy guys and gals!

[Jephael]

He also seems to be disreguarding the stoy with Savanti Juliet, which I believe would make a great episode!

[Sparvid]

Let's see here...

Tales #2, 4 & 7? What's wrong with #1?! (And #3 & #5-6, of course...)
Other comics that aren't on the list, but which I don't see contradicting the "big picture": #12-15, #17 (if you include the last page, that is), #24-28.

But I don't understand about those Tales issues. And, like you said, Leatherhead too...

[Aztec General]

Two observations:

1) Where it says "Vol. 1 #2" I'm guessing Dan meant to write Vol. 1 #28.
2) This appears to be the list of possible sources for the new animated show. Although it clearly shows the stories that Laird sees as crucial to the TMNT story.

[Roseangelo]

Well, there are definately issues missing on that list that should be included. My thoughts on why they're not...

Dan says this is the current list of issues supplied to 4kids for possible stories.. so perhaps issues have been ommitted if they weren't thought to work well for the TV show, even though they would fit into continuity.

I've been thinking about what issues may, or may not, be adapted for season 2. So far everything that has been adapted has been Eastman & Laird stories. Perhaps they can't adapt an issue written by a different writer without that writer's permission. That could require too much time/extra money.

But interestingly, included on that list are issues 46 & 47 by Michael Dooney & Keith Aiken. Dooney is still involved with Mirage Studios and has done concept art for the new show, so perhaps that's why they can include that.

Yet issue #43, a personal favorite, written by A.C. Farley is not included. Farley still does work with Mirage and the story very much fits into continuity. And if someone important is reading this.. consider this me begging to see this issue adapted. :D (Issue #17 would be really cool too .. *ahem*)

Another observation is that stories that would fit into continuity but take place in Northampton are, for the most part, missing. I don't suspect the team will be spending too much time up in NoHo, since the majority of people are going to expect to see them running around New York. The ones that have been kept introduce either important characters or plot points. I guess issue #43 would also fit into this category...

[Karpo_007]

Ac Farley stil works for or atleast with Mirage. That can't be the reason why his stories are not part of the continuity. Hall of lost legends is a nice story, but I can easily see why it wouldn't be considered as continuity. Tales #5 story is by Eastman & Laird, and still it isn't on that list. Seems they think Radical and complete Carnage don't fit the continyity either. The others I can understand, but Tales #1 is a mystery to me to.

[Anarchistguy]

I don't get it. Raphael #1 is after TMNT Vol.1 #7? Splinter was missing in the Raphael Micro Series and he came back in TMNT#7.

[Karpo_007]

Yeah that is weird. I always tought it's between #3 and #4.

[Jephael]

For the Micro-Specials, I simply go by how they are ordered in the Collected Book.

[Karpo_007]

The First publishing graphic novels have only Leonardo one shot. I don't know how they are done in Mirage collected books, but Raphael one shot clearly happens somewhere between issue #3 and #4.

[Sparvid]

Collected Book order:

#1-3
Raphael
#4-7
Michaelangelo
#8
Donatello
#9
Leonardo
#10-11

[Karpo_007]

Seems about right to me...

[Chris]

Where it says "Vol. 1 #2" I'm guessing Dan meant to write Vol. 1 #28.

If Peter's including that then The River (Vol. 1 #24-26) must also be included as there is a one page flashback to it in #28.

Can't see why they've cut out Tales #6 and Vol. 1 #45 though, and why is 15 not on the list? Or Vol. 4 for that matter!

[Chris]

Ok I emailed Dan to ask about the new Tales series and asked about the continuity at the same time, here's what he said:

Current schedule is for #1 to come out in January.

Here's the list that was just given to me today:

TMNT volume 1 #1-15, 19-21, 28, 29, 45-62
Raphael #1
Michaelangelo #1
Leonardo #1
Donatello #1
Fugitoid #1
Fugitoid/Gizmo crossover
Tales of the TMNT #1-7
TMNT volume 2 #1-13
TMNT volume 4 #1-current issue

Looks like Leatherhead is back in, along with the Justice Force and Vol. 4
Looks like The River is being left to personal choice, you can include it or ignore the reference to it in 28.

[Aztec General]

Now that looks about right. Although I'd still include #37 and 42. Also the Gizmo/Fugitoid Crossover is cool but the story doesn't seem to fit into the overall Fugitoid arc.

Actually, I just noticed that #27 is missing? I hope this is an oversight. Dooney's interpretation of Complete Carnage and Radical was great.