Tales of the TMNT 36

[Raph's Girl]

Tried to find the thread for Tales 36 but couldn't find it.

Anyways... Midtowncomics.com is showing Tales 36 and Tales of Raphael #1 as coming out this Wednesday (Jul 18th)!

Here's what the official Mirage site says about Tales 36:

“To Serve and Protect.” Red-hot Sea of Red artist Paul Harmon and up and coming writer Tristan Jones revisit the scene of the crime, taking a hard-edged and hard-boiled NYPD view of the aftermath of the classic Mirage “City At War” story arc by Eastman and Laird. Not to be missed! Bonus pin-up by Blackmane’s Mike LaRicca!

[jenna]

Awesome. :D

[junkboy]

Looking forward to the Raph mini-series...

[Venom]

Tales #36 will be wicked sweet! If you've seen the preview pages you'll know exactly what I mean. The story is very dark, gritty and set right after "City at War". The artwork is amazing!

[TristanHuwJones]

Just letting you know, it's not set immediately after CaW, it's a fair few months after -- almost a year I think I had it at -- but it does deal with the fallout of said event:)

[jenna]

Just letting you know, it's not set immediately after CaW, it's a fair few months after -- almost a year I think I had it at -- but it does deal with the fallout of said event:)

I can't wait. Seriously. :D

[Raph'N'Roll]

This issue of tales looks fantastic, I've been looking forward to this since I seen the cover art several weeks ago, and heard about the story.
This is more like it, this is how I like my Turtles.

[DrSpengler]

Just read it, fantastic stuff! A worthy epilogue to City At War, and if I'm looking at it right, sets up something we've already seen in Tales vol. 2...

So is it just me, or does anyone else think that Lin might be that female Shredder woman who showed up in Tales not so long ago, #22 "Change of Power"? Though I'm not sure if the burn makrs she receives in this issue match up with her appearance in #22.

Also, caught the reference to Goseico. Its little touches like that I just love.

Great issue, particularly the artwork. Made reading Raphael: Bad Moon Rising #1 a real chore afterward.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

I read it today, too, and I really loved it. It takes place a year after CaW, and Donny and Splinter are still at Northampton.

As for the Goseico Lady Shredder of Tales #22, I think she was either the female Foot Mystic from Tales #11 "The Quick and the Dead" or Lin. I'm not sure which.

Does anyone know?

[DrSpengler]

I read it today, too, and I really loved it. It takes place a year after CaW, and Donny and Splinter are still at Northampton.

As for the Goseico Lady Shredder of Tales #22, I think she was either the female Foot Mystic from Tales #11 "The Quick and the Dead" or Lin. I'm not sure which.

Does anyone know?

Well, the guy who wrote the issue is floating around here, somewhere. Maybe he can clear things up (if he's not sworn to secrecy, that is).

[TristanHuwJones]

I can, and it's not Lin. But you're on track with the timing of it though, I see it as 9 months or so after CaW, but each to their own - if you think it fits better at another point in time, then don't let the way I see it interfere with how you interpret things :)

Big spoilers if you haven't read it...
Lin is a member of the Foot who has been embedded into the police force, and there may or may not be more of these "sleeper" cells throughout the NYPD and other authorities - which in my mind, sits as a partial explanation as to why the police never really came down on the Foot Clan until something BIG like City At War

[TristanHuwJones]

I can also say that "The Mistress" has nothing to do with either of our stories (#36 or #11) and is her own entity, but I can't say any more than that!

[VaughnMichael]

I can also say that "The Mistress" has nothing to do with either of our stories (#36 or #11) and is her own entity, but I can't say any more than that!
You've allready said to much!! I'm tellin' Peter!! :lol:

[TristanHuwJones]

Well, I literally can't say, but not because I know, more because I DON'T know! There was a time when those mystics from the Quick and the Dead were to appear in #36, which Murph gave his blessings for but the evolution of the story canceled them out, and the reason it has nothing to do with Change of Power is because it was asked that this story remain it's own entity, separate from Ross's story which has it's own direction and is for him to tell!

[Roseangelo]

Fantastic issue, Tristan!! I really liked looking in on the situation from an outsider's POV. I also like that there was a lot to read in this while not sacrificing action.

Great issue, particularly the artwork. Made reading Raphael: Bad Moon Rising #1 a real chore afterward.

Tell me about it. More art like this, please?

[Andrew NDB]

Bloody awesome. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect going into it aside from, 1) Kickass art, and 2) A story by a guy that knows his TMNT that likes it edgy. Well, I got the first two in this and then some (and that is the best TMNT art we've gotten in many, many years), a whole new layer added to the TMNT-Foot dichotomy. It wears its grit on its sleeve the whole way through and while it's actually (at least as I see it) a little bit less about the Foot and the TMNT as it is the two factions of them as they're seen from the eyes of the two po-pos we primarily follow... but then as we get drawn -- with them -- into the mix of the story there's no turning back. Really don't want to give spoilers, this is damned awesome... you got to read this one for yourself. It reminded me a bit of the ninja movie, "The Hunted," I wonder if this was at least a passing inspiration.

I'm still processing it and re-reading it, but I think it's love! :tsmile: No, seriously, I think this is the first TMNT offering I've picked up in longer than I care to remember that I've actually really gotten stoked up about.

Will post up a lengthier post on the NT Empire board when it's back up (some kind of inexplicable server maintenance afoot on the host).

[Scandia]

As Tristan said, it does take place almost a year after City at War.

Awesome story and art overall. Now I need to get my hands on City at War AND Volume 2.

I cannot believe it has been almost a year since they have seen Splinter and Donatello. Northampton and NYC are relatively close. What happened exactly to Donatello that he had to stay in Northampton for so long? Why didn't the other 3 just go back to Northampton?

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Don was going through a lot of turmoil and anguish from his experiences in CaW, including a broken leg and gunning down an Elite Guard.

I loved this issue: I always wondered why NYPD didn't interfere in the City War, and just where the heck were they?

However, one thing I don't get, Tristan: why is the Foot breaking the truce a year or so later? Will this be explained? Has it already been explained? I'm confused.

[jenna]

Just finished reading tales 36 and oh the art is so beautiful that I almost cried.

The story is so awesome - I can't find the words to express how hyper I am on the adrenaline of reading it. As I'm so new to the comics, I've not read City at War (is it similar to 2k3?) and am not aware of the continuity involved, but I am so happy with it.

Tristan, thank you! :)

[Scandia]

I do understand that this tale happens 9 months after the end of CaW. And that Donatello does have a broken leg, who knows how many other physical injuries, and possibly PTSD as well. It was a good idea on his part to stay in Northampton. But why couldn't the others go to visit him and Splinter? The point of TMNT is that they are a family.

I recently went 3 months without seeing my parents- let's just say they were not happy. I live 2 hours away from them by car. I think it is the longest I had ever gone without seeing them.

I just Mapquested a drive from NYC (Manhattan) to Northampton. Three hours. Make that perhaps 4 or 5 in the early 1990s (not sure of the date when CaW took place). It is not a tremendously long drive. And it's not like the Turtles and April and Casey had jobs with no days off. Casey even took the Turtles to Northampton on a day trip once during the NT.

I think this is another plot problem that makes no sense from Mirage.

[aprilsfan]

it is similar to the 2k3 episodes of the same name, the thing is both stories go in different directions. they have descriptions of the city at war comics on the offical site here are links to them

http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/50/50.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/51/51.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/52/52.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/53/53.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/54/54.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/55/55.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/56/56.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/57/57.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/58/58.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/59/59.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/60/60.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/61/61.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/62/62.htm

[jenna]

it is similar to the 2k3 episodes of the same name, the thing is both stories go in different directions. they have descriptions of the city at war comics on the offical site here are links to them

http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/50/50.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/51/51.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/52/52.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/53/53.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/54/54.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/55/55.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/56/56.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/57/57.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/58/58.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/59/59.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/60/60.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/61/61.htm
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/62/62.htm

WOW thanks! - I'm off to read these! toodles.

[TristanHuwJones]

I do understand that this tale happens 9 months after the end of CaW. And that Donatello does have a broken leg, who knows how many other physical injuries, and possibly PTSD as well. It was a good idea on his part to stay in Northampton. But why couldn't the others go to visit him and Splinter? The point of TMNT is that they are a family.

I recently went 3 months without seeing my parents- let's just say they were not happy. I live 2 hours away from them by car. I think it is the longest I had ever gone without seeing them.

I just Mapquested a drive from NYC (Manhattan) to Northampton. Three hours. Make that perhaps 4 or 5 in the early 1990s (not sure of the date when CaW took place). It is not a tremendously long drive. And it's not like the Turtles and April and Casey had jobs with no days off. Casey even took the Turtles to Northampton on a day trip once during the NT.

I think this is another plot problem that makes no sense from Mirage.

All very valid points, but in my mind, the Turtles are far from a perfect family, and CaW proved this.

We also know through the comics that Splinter's methods of training aren't exactly normal, AND that he's a strong advocate of the 'tough love' mentality, and to me (please bear in mind that this is how I saw it all when I wrote it - it's not gospel) the isolation is something he would do.

Take the movie for example, Splinter sends Leonardo away for a year, and it's LEO who decides not to come back until he's ready. If that works there, why not here? Just because it's been so long since they saw each other, doesn't mean they've just been sitting around doing nothing, and it doesn't necessarily mean that Donatello's been with Splinter the whole time.

It also doesn't say that they haven't HEARD from either of them (and Leonardo is the one who says this, so he might not know about something Raph or Mike has done ;) ) maybe Casey or April HAS been up to visit one of them, but out of respect for their master and father, don't you think they'd leave them be until they received word that whatever Don and Splinter were doing was finished?

If you remember back to Volume 4's earlier issues, you find out that Splinter hasn't been living with them for some time. That's not to say that he's been gone the WHOLE time, as that would contradict a number of Tales issues, but using that sort of info, you would be safe to assume that things like this could happen.

As I said, this is all just the thinking that went into writing this story, to justify the timing of it all in my own mind, but just remember that each and every family is different, and that for some families this sort of thing might not be a big deal (especially when the family itself isn't exactly normal :lol: ) - I know it probably wouldn't be such a huge deal in mine - whereas others, such as yours for example, would be another story.

I hope this helps clear some of this up. The family aspect of the TMNT is something I'd like to explore a lot more in other stories (maybe even ones connected to this one) but until then, I hope this helps!

[TristanHuwJones]

And thank you to everyone for the responses so far! I truly appreciate the feedback (I'm waiting for the negatives!) and know that Paul does as well!

[discordiatookie]

Hollleee crap, that was amazing!!! Surely it will go down as a TMNT classic. Honestly, I love all of the Tales stories thus far, the mysticisms and space stories et al, I dig it all, but this is where my turtle fanboy heart truely lies. Set in the real world, just the turtles and the foot battling it out, along with some cops stuck in the middle. Real nitty gritty. Brilliant. Truely, it was a great issue, you done a great job Tristan, as did Paul Harmon. Free drinks all night for you two!!!!!

Two things, reminded me a bit on "Assault on Precinct 13", but with ninjas, and 'Gordon Miller' is a great name. Frank Miller and Commissioner Gordon, anyone?

[TristanHuwJones]

On the ball Tookie! Frank Miller's Batman Year One is easily one of my favourite comics of all time, and Assault on Precinct 13 is also an old favourite of mine!

[Scandia]

Thank you for the info, Tristan. At what point in the Mirage timeline would you place this story? Is it in the middle of Volume 2? That's what it seemed like to me, given the summaries I have read on the TMNT official site.

I know most families are not as close as mine are. I get called by my mother at least twice a week and still have to let the folks know when I am traveling out of town (and there are still places where I am strongly discouraged to go to). However, other friends of mine talk to their families less often than that and make decisions about where to move to completely on their own. But I can imagine the other 3 Turtles missed their father. I wonder how Raphael and Michelangelo got accustomed to not really having someone to guide and discipline them- maybe that is why Splinter sent Leonardo to be with them. And how did Leonardo cope without his sensei and best friend- now that one's tougher.

Anything special about its being specifically 9 months between the times they saw each other? It is the human gestation period- but it should not mean anything to a rat (rats gestation period is a little over 3 weeks) or a turtle (incubation period is about 3 months for red-eared sliders).

[TristanHuwJones]

Thank you for the info, Tristan. At what point in the Mirage timeline would you place this story? Is it in the middle of Volume 2? That's what it seemed like to me, given the summaries I have read on the TMNT official site.

And how did Leonardo cope without his sensei and best friend- now that one's tougher.

Anything special about its being specifically 9 months between the times they saw each other?.

No problem Scandia! While I don't have an EXACT moment for this story to take place, I see it as being set just before Volume 2 kicks off. Obviously with Don being away you can't go any later than an issue in Volume 2 where Don is back with them.

Ah! Very good question and, if given the opportunity, is one I would like to address, given the new relationship established at the end here, but we'll see how this one goes first.

Nothing special, it was more of an allowance time. I figured for a criminal element to become a really big problem again, time would be needed. In an early draft there was more mention made of the fact that gang violence had become this huge problem in the fall-out of CaW, and for those sorts of things to become a problem the size I had envisioned, 9 months or so probably would have covered it. I wanted it to be enough time for the Foot to have successfully covered their tracks post-CaW, and for enough people to have kind of "forgotten" the incident too. Until now, Miller's been seemingly chasing shadows, which is why he's kinda tired of it all, but tonight, after so long, it all finally comes to him.

[Scandia]

Oh I see. For some reason according to the summaries, I thought that Don and his brothers get reunited in Volume 2 Issue 8.

[TristanHuwJones]

True, but at the time the turtles are dealing with their own shizzle, and to me those issues in vol. 2 read as being fairly close together in terms of timing... but as I say, the comics are ultimately there for you guys to read and decide for yourselves where you see it fitting best!

[Time Mistress]

Loved it Tristan! Beautiful story and art!

One question: was it Raph or Mike who cannonballed through the window for their escape route? I couldn't see a sai or a nunchuk in those pannels so I couldn't tell. But my guess would be Raph since it seemed an action in line with his more impulsive nature.

[Fledermaus]

... when I read this issue.

Ladies and gentlemen, THIS is how I like my ninja turtles. THIS is what I would pay money every two months to buy! Damn beautiful and the story was good too!

I was grinning the whole time while I was reading this comic... From page one to the end.... Oh MAN!!

Did you ****in see the first page???!!!

Where's Tristan? Ah! Good he's here!

http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/w/worship.gif http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/w/worship.gif http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/w/worship.gif http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/w/worship.gif http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/w/worship.gif

Send my thanks on to the artist as well if possible. Comics can't work if both art and story are not harmonized... Haha... And the story is the kind of story we don't get enough of anymore -- the NINJA side of the TMNT. Been missin that for too long.

And sorry if this post is written quickly and stupidly but I read tristan's post and iagreethe whole family thing is up there among things I want to see more.

Everyone, if you haven't bought this, then DO IT! I don't even buy new TMNT comics anymore... until now. Awesome. awesome awesome awesome and I'm running out of oxygen --

[TristanHuwJones]

Loved it Tristan! Beautiful story and art!

One question: was it Raph or Mike who cannonballed through the window for their escape route? I couldn't see a sai or a nunchuk in those pannels so I couldn't tell. But my guess would be Raph since it seemed an action in line with his more impulsive nature.

It's been that long since I wrote the script for this I actually don't remember! :lol: Let me consult the script...

...

Raph!

And thank you so much for the kind words, Paul did such an incredible job bringing it all to life that I don't think I'll ever be able to make it up to him!

[Roseangelo]

Ok, here's my question for Tristan:

This issue is full of brutal and bloody violence. Lots of stabbing. Yet the swear words still get censored. What's the deal with that?

[TristanHuwJones]

... when I read this issue.

Ladies and gentlemen, THIS is how I like my ninja turtles. THIS is what I would pay money every two months to buy! Damn beautiful and the story was good too!

I was grinning the whole time while I was reading this comic... From page one to the end.... Oh MAN!!

Did you ****in see the first page???!!!

Where's Tristan? Ah! Good he's here!

http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/w/worship.gif http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/w/worship.gif http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/w/worship.gif http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/w/worship.gif http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/w/worship.gif

Send my thanks on to the artist as well if possible. Comics can't work if both art and story are not harmonized... Haha... And the story is the kind of story we don't get enough of anymore -- the NINJA side of the TMNT. Been missin that for too long.

And sorry if this post is written quickly and stupidly but I read tristan's post and iagreethe whole family thing is up there among things I want to see more.

Everyone, if you haven't bought this, then DO IT! I don't even buy new TMNT comics anymore... until now. Awesome. awesome awesome awesome and I'm running out of oxygen --

:lol: Thanks Fledermaus! I'm really relieved people are digging it - I've just shot Paul an email too, he'll be stoked to see all these responses!

[TristanHuwJones]

Ok, here's my question for Tristan:

This issue is full of brutal and bloody violence. Lots of stabbing. Yet the swear words still get censored. What's the deal with that?

The thing is, and always will be with the Turtles - and this all goes back to that whole thing with Alan Moore's Lost Girls books - that kids will always be going into comic shops, and there's always the chance that one of them will pick up the Turtles expecting the cartoon, and being greeted with swearing, intense violence (there was a significant chunk of violence that I'll post on my blog at some point that had to be removed) and be affected by that. It's just not a hassle I want to put the Mirage guys through... I'm still surprised by some of the stuff that slipped through, but in this day and age where people sue over the tiniest of things, it's better to get censor things like that. Ultimately, you and I can both gather what's being said :P

[Andrew NDB]

I thought it was a general Murphy mandate about Tales V2.

[TristanHuwJones]

It is, and the reasoning behind it is partially the same - but trust me, if you had've seen the first draft... :evilgrin:

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

I WANNA SEE THE FIRST DRAFT!!!

Also, Tristan, could you tell me just why the Foot is breaking out again? It seemed like Leo and Raph kinda knew what was going on.

Is this a plot line that will be followed up on?

[TristanHuwJones]

I could, but if I did I might ruin something somewhere down the road... sorry! ;)

[Mandi-chan]

Wow, just wow....

That was freaking great!

That was pure (cannon) Volume 1 material, and I LOVED it!

Please, PLEASE, tell me you're writing more issues (and follow ups to this one). Because you and that artist make it worth while.

I've only bought the cannon issues of Volume 1, and have been very uneasy about getting anything past that. Vol 2 sounds okay, but Vol 4 sounds nothing but mildly disappointing according to what I've read here on the boards.

You've given me faith when it comes to post-Volume 1 (for both Tales and Mainstream).

I can't wait to read more from you and Paul Harmon!

I'm hoping the TMNT figure out that Karai didn't betray them, since it wasn't her men that attacked...but Saki's loyalists.

Well, they must figure it out since she seems to still be in contact with Leo from what I've heard of Vol 4.

[oldmanwinters]

Tristan,
This is the best Turtles artwork to come out in years. I ranks in my top 10 favorite Turtles styles.

I appreciate how the book tells a simple, tight story in spite of the fact of all the background information that is obviously part of the context.

The only thing that puzzled me was that this story is supposed to take place in the early 90s, but all the cops were using cell phones that looked modern. I was too young to remember what mobile phones looked like way back then, of course. Was is an oversight or intentional?

All in all, one of the best Turtles comics in Mirage history! My local comic shop hadn't carried the Tales of the TMNT in years until this issue came out and changed their minds.

[TristanHuwJones]

Wow, just wow....

That was freaking great!

That was pure (cannon) Volume 1 material, and I LOVED it!

Please, PLEASE, tell me you're writing more issues (and follow ups to this one). Because you and that artist make it worth while.

I've only bought the cannon issues of Volume 1, and have been very uneasy about getting anything past that. Vol 2 sounds okay, but Vol 4 sounds nothing but mildly disappointing according to what I've read here on the boards.

You've given me faith when it comes to post-Volume 1 (for both Tales and Mainstream).

I can't wait to read more from you and Paul Harmon!

I'm hoping the TMNT figure out that Karai didn't betray them, since it wasn't her men that attacked...but Saki's loyalists.

Well, they must figure it out since she seems to still be in contact with Leo from what I've heard of Vol 4.


Don't be too quick to write off Vol 4! If you like things that are cannon, then Vol 4 is something you really ought to look into!

Both Paul and I would like nothing more than to be able to tell more TMNT tales too, but we'll see what happens with this one first.

[TristanHuwJones]

Tristan,
This is the best Turtles artwork to come out in years. I ranks in my top 10 favorite Turtles styles.

I appreciate how the book tells a simple, tight story in spite of the fact of all the background information that is obviously part of the context.

The only thing that puzzled me was that this story is supposed to take place in the early 90s, but all the cops were using cell phones that looked modern. I was too young to remember what mobile phones looked like way back then, of course. Was is an oversight or intentional?

All in all, one of the best Turtles comics in Mirage history! My local comic shop hadn't carried the Tales of the TMNT in years until this issue came out and changed their minds.

Paul will be thrilled when he reads that OldManW!

Here;s the thing about comics and timeframes (in my mind at least). Setting an ongoing comic to a specific era doesn't work. Unless it's a period story, you always end up running into contradictions. Look at Spiderman - Flash is probably the healthiest Vietnam vet I've ever seen. The way I see these sorts of things is like this - instead of saying "Well, the Turtles were 15 in 1984 and 17 during such and such an event, that would put said event in the winter of 1986" - I'll look at it and say "Well, they're fifteen here, and seventeen here, so there's about two years gap" without putting a solid date to it. In my mind it limits what you can do in your story and it always feels weird to me reading a ten year old comic book that specifies a particular date in a flashback, because the great thing about TMNT and even issues of Batman and Spiderman from the 70's and 80's is that they all still read with a modern sensibility. You can read them as though they were happening in our current time - that is until you get a big ol' date mentioned. BUT, all that said, you guys are the readers so it's up to you how you read timeframes in comics, I just tend to ignore dates and just go with the flow of time itself.

That's also pretty cool to hear about the comic shop! I'm stoked, completely stoked!

[oldmanwinters]

Paul will be thrilled when he reads that OldManW!

Here;s the thing about comics and timeframes (in my mind at least). Setting an ongoing comic to a specific era doesn't work. Unless it's a period story, you always end up running into contradictions. Look at Spiderman - Flash is probably the healthiest Vietnam vet I've ever seen. The way I see these sorts of things is like this - instead of saying "Well, the Turtles were 15 in 1984 and 17 during such and such an event, that would put said event in the winter of 1986" - I'll look at it and say "Well, they're fifteen here, and seventeen here, so there's about two years gap" without putting a solid date to it. In my mind it limits what you can do in your story and it always feels weird to me reading a ten year old comic book that specifies a particular date in a flashback, because the great thing about TMNT and even issues of Batman and Spiderman from the 70's and 80's is that they all still read with a modern sensibility. You can read them as though they were happening in our current time - that is until you get a big ol' date mentioned. BUT, all that said, you guys are the readers so it's up to you how you read timeframes in comics, I just tend to ignore dates and just go with the flow of time itself.

That's also pretty cool to hear about the comic shop! I'm stoked, completely stoked!

Yes, I think you are right. Even the original Mirage vol. 1 took some liberties with the dates (various references wouldn't have worked if the series was in real time). You make a good point that it is not worth worrying about trying to fit everything into a specific era. Characters like the Turtles are timeless anyway and can always be reimagined. In my mind, I liken the various Turtles universes to family trees which eventually break off into different branches (Archie comics from Old Toon, Image Vol. 3 from Mirage, new TMNT movie from new toon/old movies, etc.). I think that perspective does each universe more justice than trying to unify them all into one single logic or chronology.

I like to see the Turtles interpreted differently by different storytellers and artists who are aware of their history and basic characterization. This issue accomplishes that very well. I look forward to seeing more of your writing and Mr. Harmon's uncanny talent.

P.S. I can't even fathom how good this might look in full color!

[Andrew NDB]

P.S. I can't even fathom how good this might look in full color!

Doubtless cool, but for the first time since the very beginning of Vol. 4 before Laird abolished the duotones we were used to back in the heyday, the use of B&W is actually used quite effectively here (and there's not even any duotones in the issue!). I wouldn't change a thing... except maybe that ooone panel that seemed a bit ambiguously washed out for what I'm assuming is a bit of self-censorship, but I won't gripe about it (probably you can figure out which one) -- we got what was going on. At least, I did.

[oldmanwinters]

Doubtless cool, but for the first time since the very beginning of Vol. 4 before Laird abolished the duotones we were used to back in the heyday, the use of B&W is actually used quite effectively here (and there's not even any duotones in the issue!). I wouldn't change a thing... except maybe that ooone panel that seemed a bit ambiguously washed out for what I'm assuming is a bit of self-censorship, but I won't gripe about it (probably you can figure out which one) -- we got what was going on. At least, I did.

Yeah, I know! Seeing as how most of the action in this issue takes place in the dark (power outages in the police station and shootouts at night), the black and white is perfectly suited for this story. I'm kinda at that point where I was with the original TMNT #1 . . . undecided whether I prefer it in either color or B&W. My favorite pages are #8 and #18: the Turtles appear out of nowhere to save the day.

[jenna]

Doubtless cool, but for the first time since the very beginning of Vol. 4 before Laird abolished the duotones we were used to back in the heyday, the use of B&W is actually used quite effectively here (and there's not even any duotones in the issue!). I wouldn't change a thing... except maybe that ooone panel that seemed a bit ambiguously washed out for what I'm assuming is a bit of self-censorship, but I won't gripe about it (probably you can figure out which one) -- we got what was going on. At least, I did.

Agreed. It was perfect. Made me proud to be a tmnt fan :D

Yeah - I think I know what image you're referring to. When I realised what was happening I squealed and I'm 26 and fairly hard to shock. Probably was best to make it less obvious.

Oh and Tristan? this "first draft"... any chance it will ever see the light of day in some format or another?

[TristanHuwJones]

Agreed. It was perfect. Made me proud to be a tmnt fan :D

Yeah - I think I know what image you're referring to. When I realised what was happening I squealed and I'm 26 and fairly hard to shock. Probably was best to make it less obvious.

Oh and Tristan? this "first draft"... any chance it will ever see the light of day in some format or another?

:lol: Unfortunately no! Not as a TMNT comic at least! It was what I wrote up before it went to the powers that be, and I'm not even sure I kept the draft. Even I knew there was no way some of the stuff would fly -- basically it was more swearing and more cop killing. Originally there was going to be more survivors before the Turtles got there, and a couple of them meet pretty horrible ends in the dispatch area. Miller's scarring and the Elite's... demise... were both originally a bit more intense too, but they were all things I knew as a writer wouldn't stay. I kept them in the first draft though because as events, they worked, but as I wrote the next draft I toned it down a bit (and subsequently removed the 'extra survivors' for pacing).

[Time Mistress]

While I would never nitpick about specific dates or cell phones or anything like that, I like that the TMNT are set in relative "real time" as opposed to other comics. The problem I see with icons like Superman, Batman, Captain America, etc that many longtime comic book readers like myself slowly realize to their dismay is that Marvel and DC superheroes have to remain relatively stagnant in order to remain legendary. There is a "status quo" that must reset every 5-10 years. The TMNT on the other hand are allowed to grow and change and develop as characters. The Turtles are no longer 15, but have grown up, gone their seperate ways, and come back together as a family. Batman will be forever stuck at age 35. Casey is no longer the angry troubled vigilante of his younger days but a matured family man with a wife and daughter. Shadow is not stuck forever at one age like Franklin Richards, she has been allowed to grow up and become a teenager. Splinter has died a touching death and it will not be ruined by some corny resurrection. Captain America will be back in time for his movie in 2009. I love how Tales of TMNT is able to play within that timeline though. We can see preteen turtles, teenage turtles, Vol. 4 age Turles, even really old Turtles all in the same volume. So I like the "real time" but also the flexibility of a book like Tales as well.

I greatly look forward to any more future TMNT issues you and Paul do Tristan!

One of my favorite bits from your issue has to be when Mike shows up with an axe stuck in his shell and rather calmly for Mike states (forgive my paraphrase) "um this really hurts by the way can one of you get it out of me."
What inspired that little "gag"?

[Raph's Girl]

Well after reading this issue I have to say... Awesome job Tristan!! Awesome story (I kinda chuckled at the officer with the name of Gordon, being a major Batman fan :D) and the artwork is supurb as well... WTG Paul Harmon! :D

This issue left alot of openings for possable sequels. We don't even know what Lin is up to and I have a feeling this isn't the last we've seen of her.

[TristanHuwJones]

While I would never nitpick about specific dates or cell phones or anything like that, I like that the TMNT are set in relative "real time" as opposed to other comics. The problem I see with icons like Superman, Batman, Captain America, etc that many longtime comic book readers like myself slowly realize to their dismay is that Marvel and DC superheroes have to remain relatively stagnant in order to remain legendary. There is a "status quo" that must reset every 5-10 years. The TMNT on the other hand are allowed to grow and change and develop as characters. The Turtles are no longer 15, but have grown up, gone their seperate ways, and come back together as a family. Batman will be forever stuck at age 35. Casey is no longer the angry troubled vigilante of his younger days but a matured family man with a wife and daughter. Shadow is not stuck forever at one age like Franklin Richards, she has been allowed to grow up and become a teenager. Splinter has died a touching death and it will not be ruined by some corny resurrection. Captain America will be back in time for his movie in 2009. I love how Tales of TMNT is able to play within that timeline though. We can see preteen turtles, teenage turtles, Vol. 4 age Turles, even really old Turtles all in the same volume. So I like the "real time" but also the flexibility of a book like Tales as well.

I greatly look forward to any more future TMNT issues you and Paul do Tristan!

One of my favorite bits from your issue has to be when Mike shows up with an axe stuck in his shell and rather calmly for Mike states (forgive my paraphrase) "um this really hurts by the way can one of you get it out of me."
What inspired that little "gag"?

I agree completely about the timeline, what I meant in my earlier comments though was that the only thing I tend to overlook in the TMNT is dates - specific dates. I love the fact that we have had very clear progression with the Turtles over the years, and that they've grown and aged, but I think for Tales stories especially, it's better not to use dates and just say that it's set at this particular point in the Turtles history.

Thanks too, I'd love to keep writing them! We'll see what happens I suppose...

The Mike bit just felt like something that'd happen, and the response was what I thought would come naturally - I mean, if I had something stuck in my back that I couldn't reach, I'd probably be the same!

[jenna]

Restricting the turtles to a specific era just because they started in the 80s won't do anything but restrict the narrative. I love that they are timeless. They will be just as awesome in 20 years time as they were 20 years ago. I don't see it as a continuity error. If they had to be in the 80s to still be teenagers, there would be no room from growth and evolution.

[oldmanwinters]

I agree completely about the timeline, what I meant in my earlier comments though was that the only thing I tend to overlook in the TMNT is dates - specific dates. I love the fact that we have had very clear progression with the Turtles over the years, and that they've grown and aged, but I think for Tales stories especially, it's better not to use dates and just say that it's set at this particular point in the Turtles history.

Well said, Tristan.

I liken this to one of my favorite animated sagas: Bruce Timm's DC universe. He and his crew began in 1992 with Batman: The Animated Series and concluded in 2006 with Justice League Unlimited. Batman was set in a 1930s style decor with B&W television sets and propeller-driven aircraft. By Justice League, the technology had advanced well beyond the space age. The final bookend, Batman Beyond capped the saga off nearly 40 years after the events of Batman: TAS. Throughout this series, characters matured and died with a definite sense of general continuity. The fans were left with an assurance of the final resolution without having to think too hard about the details.

I'm glad Tristan was able to clear that point up for me about the Mirage TMNT, so now I can focus on the meta-narrative and won't have to worry about the details too much.

[jerome]

well this is by far my favorite issue of tales vol.2 so far. quite possibly in my top 5 issues of all time.

i wish mirage would hire tristan to write for a monthly continuing TMNT book. A book with this sort of contnent would $ell and bring in a new reader who has probably never bothered with the turtles before. If we could get a monthly book with this level of quality we could finally bring the turtles out of "only for little kiddies" hell.

And thank god for some decent turtles artwork for once. Beautiful.

[R-iZZy]

I finally came across reading this. Tristan, you and Paul Harmon are a great damn team. The story was riveting, the artwork was top-notch, this felt like the classic, grimey TMNT I loved reading when I was on CaW. The twist near the end was great, and the battle that ensued afterward was epic!

Loved this issue. Definitely one of the best in the series.

[Raph'N'Roll]

I new this was gonna be great, just one look at those cover shots a couple of weeks back had me really looking forward to this.
This is what the Turtles are about, the comic has been missing this vibe for a long time, the sad thing is though, when is the next time that we'll read another issue like it.
TristanHuwJones and Paul Harmon, you guy's have done a great job!

[Masked Ninja]

I want this. I want it so bad.

I may have to search for some non-terrifying comic book shops in my area because I want it. It looks so gorgeous.

[VaughnMichael]

I just got this issue today Wow sums it all up pretty much!
The art, The Story everything was just very well done.
I hope to see more work from the both of you very soon!
Mirage should really take to heart how many of us love this issue.
It's hands down one of the best.:o

[Fledermaus]

I want this. I want it so bad.

I may have to search for some non-terrifying comic book shops in my area because I want it. It looks so gorgeous.

Order it direct from the publisher (ninjaturtles.com) before it's sold out. I was at the comic shop today and watched with amusement as a kid was deciding between Tales and Vol 4 (comics here are in packets so you can't leaf through them...) He went by the cover of course and bought Vol 4 instead of Tales.

The poor fool. :lol: Other place is completely sold out of Vol 4. So currently, we got one more Tales #36 sitting in the shop. Now, for all the blokes who said people rarely purchase things for their covers...

You're dead wrong. :D (although in this case, the comic with the awesome cover happened to not be so hot inside, artwise.)

As for the awesome Tales #36 comic... I just read it again. Man... still a great read even the second time. The artwork is a pleasure and the mood is gloomy and ninja-y but cool! :) Why can't... why can't we get stuff like this regularly? Why? Why????? (I know why -- I'm just adored this issue and I can't say it enough. :D )

[TristanHuwJones]

If anyone's at SDCC this year and wants thier copy of #36 signed or anything, I've just checked in at my hotel and will be present at the Con. Not sure where I'll be going yet, but count on me checking out most of the big Marvel Panels, I guarantee you I'll be checking out Hasbro's Indiana Jones figures, if you're there on the Preview night, I'll be hitting up Kevin Eastman at the Heavy Metal booth, Steve Purcell and the Sam n Max booth, and Stan Sakai's booth too. Thursday, I'm definitely checking out the Paramount previews for Indiana Jones and Iron Man.
I'll also be at anything with the Jim Henson Company involved.

[jenna]

I took my comic into work today to read during my lunch break and the artwork attracted a lot of people to ask about it and a lot of non tmnt fans showed a lot of interested, particularly in the cover image. That, to me, says a lot about the 'pull' of good artwork.

[Time Mistress]

I keep forgetting to mention how much I loved the Batman reference for the cop's name (Gordon) and the whole Batman Year One feel this issue had. Again, great job and thanks for taking the time to communicate and answer our questions Tristan!