Comic Questions

[CCRunner524]

Im kind of new to the TMNT comics, i've always loved TMNT and comics but never read any TMNT comics. So i have some newb questions if you guys dont mind... Why are they black and white? Which Series corresponds to the 2k3 cartoon? Which series are the best in terms in artwork and/or storylines?

[Ecto Jedi]

I'm no expert when it comes to TMNT comics, but I'll do my best to answer a few of your questions (only the ones I can, of course.) First off, the monochrome colouring is a tradition that dates back to the very first Ninja Turtles comic, a low-budget issue released way back in '84. All the issues from Mirage's first run (Mirage being the company Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman founded in order to print the TMNT comics) were black and white, as were all the Tales of the TMNT Volume 1.

As for which series corresponds to the 2k3 toon, I believe that was Dreamwave's short-lived TMNT series. And since I haven't read all the comic books, I can't really point out which is the best in terms of quality artwork and storylines, but you can never go wrong with Mirage's original run. Those are the issues that introduced the world to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and formed the backbone of the franchise for years to come. Truly monumental stuff.

Check out the official Ninja Turtle site (http://www.ninjaturtles.com/html/comic.htm) for a detailed guide to all the comics, Mirage, Dreamwave and Archie included.

[Mr._Mutant_Man]

Well, best artwork is a matter of taste. Some days I prefer the look they managed to pull off in Mirage black and white, sometimes I'm nostalgic for the colorful Archie comic.

I always assumed the reason Mirage was in black and white was the same reason why Marvel comics Essentials are in black and white: it's cheaper. Funny thing is, according to Mirage their masks are all red, but you would only know it from the covers.:)