New To TMNT Comics

[LetsKickShell]

Hey guys I'm new to the comics, I've mostly just watched the cartoon and movies. Can anyone recommend me a comic to start on? I've always like the grittier type of TMNT than the type made for kids. Any help will be appreciated.

[Andrew NDB]

Depends on what kind of money you're looking to shell out. If you want to just have the stories and aren't worried about collecting the original issues, you'd probably want :

TMNT Collected Book 1 (#1-11 of Vol. 1, plus the Leo, Don, Mike, and Raph specials)
TMNT Collected Book 2 (#12-14 of Vol. 1)

TMNT Collected Book 4 (#19-21 of Vol. 1, awesome)

TMNT Collected Book 6 (#24-26 of Vol. 1, highly recommended)

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (#1-7, hard to find... actually easier/cheaper just to buy the individual issues of this, strangely)

Of course you'll want the essential City at War, which strangely hasn't been collected. Ever. Grab TMNT Vol.1 #48-62.

And then the various TPBs for the current Vol. 2 of Tales of the TMNT.

Most of the good online-buying-comics places have been pretty well cleaned out by people like you and I, so eBay remains really your best bet of completing your collection. If you ever have any question about what you're buying or thinking about buying, send me a PM.

Here's what you can order DIRECTLY from Mirage themselves :

For the comics themselves :
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/order/catbandw.htm

For the collected books :
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/order/catgn.htm

(only some available)

[TristanHuwJones]

Go and get Tales #36 -- on the shelves now!;)

[cowabunga14]

If you want to start out with a good story arc, I recommend Return to New York. I have a feeling you'd like that one.

[Andrew NDB]

Go and get Tales #36 -- on the shelves now!;)

Seconded.

And even if you don't see it on shelves, tell the guy across the counter to special it for you. They will.

[OA]

If you want just one comic to start with, its gotta be the first issue, Volume 1, Issue #1...don't bother trying to get a 1st print at this point becuase its a tad on the expensive side, but trying to get a 4th or 5th print will only run a few dollars (+ shipping)...i have a feeling though that after reading that one you'll want more and the collected books as mentioned early are a great way to get the most bang for your buck...

[jenna]

Depends on what kind of money you're looking to shell out. If you want to just have the stories and aren't worried about collecting the original issues, you'd probably want :

TMNT Collected Book 1 (#1-11 of Vol. 1, plus the Leo, Don, Mike, and Raph specials)
TMNT Collected Book 2 (#12-14 of Vol. 1)

TMNT Collected Book 4 (#19-21 of Vol. 1, awesome)

TMNT Collected Book 6 (#24-26 of Vol. 1, highly recommended)

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (#1-7, hard to find... actually easier/cheaper just to buy the individual issues of this, strangely)

Of course you'll want the essential City at War, which strangely hasn't been collected. Ever. Grab TMNT Vol.1 #48-62.

And then the various TPBs for the current Vol. 2 of Tales of the TMNT.

Most of the good online-buying-comics places have been pretty well cleaned out by people like you and I, so eBay remains really your best bet of completing your collection. If you ever have any question about what you're buying or thinking about buying, send me a PM.

Here's what you can order DIRECTLY from Mirage themselves :

For the comics themselves :
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/order/catbandw.htm

For the collected books :
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/order/catgn.htm

(only some available)

LetsKickShell, I was recently in the same situation and have followed advice along these lines and can tell you that these are a brilliant way to start. I found collected books 3 & 5 slightly odd in places, but the ones Andrew has listed are so awesome and must haves (especially collected book 1 & 4 - a must have!)

Go and get Tales #36 -- on the shelves now!;)

LetsKickShell, this one is amazing and you must read it - it's got the good old city ninja kick-ass grit with no aliens or monsters. So far it's my favourite issue and from what you say, I like the same kind of material that you do.

[Leonardo Leads]

Depends on what kind of money you're looking to shell out. If you want to just have the stories and aren't worried about collecting the original issues, you'd probably want :

TMNT Collected Book 1 (#1-11 of Vol. 1, plus the Leo, Don, Mike, and Raph specials)
TMNT Collected Book 2 (#12-14 of Vol. 1)

TMNT Collected Book 4 (#19-21 of Vol. 1, awesome)

TMNT Collected Book 6 (#24-26 of Vol. 1, highly recommended)

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (#1-7, hard to find... actually easier/cheaper just to buy the individual issues of this, strangely)

Of course you'll want the essential City at War, which strangely hasn't been collected. Ever. Grab TMNT Vol.1 #48-62.

And then the various TPBs for the current Vol. 2 of Tales of the TMNT.

Most of the good online-buying-comics places have been pretty well cleaned out by people like you and I, so eBay remains really your best bet of completing your collection. If you ever have any question about what you're buying or thinking about buying, send me a PM.

Here's what you can order DIRECTLY from Mirage themselves :

For the comics themselves :
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/order/catbandw.htm

For the collected books :
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/order/catgn.htm

(only some available)

Seems that Mirage doesn't sell TMNT Collected Book 1 any longer

do you know of anywhere else where I could find it?

Help would be greatly appreciated

[Roseangelo]

Seems that Mirage doesn't sell TMNT Collected Book 1 any longer

do you know of anywhere else where I could find it?

Help would be greatly appreciated

It's out of print, unfortunately. If you're lucky you can find it on eBay, but it's kinda pricey. You're probably best off rounding up the issues individually. Since the early books had quite a few different printings, it's not too difficult or expensive (although probably a pain in the butt).

[Leonardo Leads]

It's out of print, unfortunately. If you're lucky you can find it on eBay, but it's kinda pricey. You're probably best off rounding up the issues individually. Since the early books had quite a few different printings, it's not too difficult or expensive (although probably a pain in the butt).

I really hate my Comic Store, they don't receive any Mirage comics :(

Thank you for your help Roseangelo, I guess I'll buy the newest print of issue #1, and have to find the rest individually from there on out up until issue 11

[Andrew NDB]

Most comics stores don't carry Tales of the TMNT or current stuff. What you can do is go in and set up a special order -- and it won't cost you a dollar, at most stores -- to get on a monthly basis whatever you want.

[Leonardo Leads]

Most comics stores don't carry Tales of the TMNT or current stuff. What you can do is go in and set up a special order -- and it won't cost you a dollar, at most stores -- to get on a monthly basis whatever you want.

Next time I head to my comic store I'll have them order Tales of the TMNT monthly

...but I have a question, does Mirage offer a subscription?

[Roseangelo]

...but I have a question, does Mirage offer a subscription?

No subscriptions, but you can order issues directly from them as they're published.

[Leonardo Leads]

I decided to head down to a Comic Store in San Francisco (which is about 30 mins from where I live)

and I only found one TMNT comic inside there, it's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Volume 4 issue #23, I decided to buy it anyways

but soon I'll be making an order directly from Mirage

[Andrew NDB]

but soon I'll be making an order directly from Mirage

That's fine, too in a pinch, but I'd strongly recommend and urge you to establish a pull-list/box at your local comic store instead -- only this increases demand in the market for TMNT comics, something sorely needed.

[Leonardo Leads]

That's fine, too in a pinch, but I'd strongly recommend and urge you to establish a pull-list/box at your local comic store instead -- only this increases demand in the market for TMNT comics, something sorely needed.

I will do this for monthly Tales of the TMNT comics

but for the older Collected Books and such I'll order from Mirage

[TristanHuwJones]

It's probably worth getting the same comic shop you're ordering Tales of the TMNT from to put each Collected book into your bag as it comes out, but getting the older books from Mirage is a good way to go!

[Leonardo Leads]

For now I ordered TMNT Collected Volume 2 and 4(Return To New York), and also ordered the issue 1 Reprint Deluxe Edition

and next time I head down to the Comic Store I'm going to set up my Monthly Tales issues :thumbsup:

by the way, how is Raphael Bad Moon Rising?

[Andrew NDB]

For now I ordered TMNT Collected Volume 2 and 4(Return To New York), and also ordered the issue 1 Reprint Deluxe Edition

Nice, nice, and excellent call on Collected Book 4 -- you won't be disappointed (unless you like your TMNT toothless). Collected Book 2 is a bit of a take-it-or-leave it, but since you've got Vol, 1 #1 on the way (the deluxe reprint) you'll at least have a big part of Collected Book 1. No matter what, definitely #1-11 (maybe excluding #9, though it ties into Tales V2 recently) are absolutely essential issues, as well as the Leo, Raph, Don, and Mike specials (in that order of relevancy to the overall story).

by the way, how is Raphael Bad Moon Rising?

Only one issue in, so it's hard to stick the thermometer in it yet...

[Leonardo Leads]

Nice, nice, and excellent call on Collected Book 4 -- you won't be disappointed (unless you like your TMNT toothless). Collected Book 2 is a bit of a take-it-or-leave it, but since you've got Vol, 1 #1 on the way (the deluxe reprint) you'll at least have a big part of Collected Book 1. No matter what, definitely #1-11 (maybe excluding #9, though it ties into Tales V2 recently) are absolutely essential issues, as well as the Leo, Raph, Don, and Mike specials (in that order of relevancy to the overall story).

Good to see that the Mirage Studio TMNT Official Site, has a few issues posted on there. I'll be able to read Issues 2-6, the Raph, Don, and Mike Specials soon.

I also noticed you didn't put Collected Book 3 and 5 on your List Of Reccomendations, so I avoided them, are they that bad?

[Andrew NDB]

I also noticed you didn't put Collected Book 3 and 5 on your List Of Reccomendations, so I avoided them, are they that bad?

Collected Book 3 you might pick up (but far from essential), but Collected Book 5 is pretty much tongue-in-cheek rubbish that isn't -- and shouldn't -- be in continuity.

[Spitfire]

Ugh yeah those issues in book 5 are so bad I couldn't even make it past the last issue. I just closed it and grabbed the next issue.

The issues in book 3 are okay, the Mikey one is really cool.

I don't have these books myself but I have the issues.

[PAAATE]

Ugh yeah those issues in book 5 are so bad I couldn't even make it past the last issue. I just closed it and grabbed the next issue.

Are those the ones with the time traveling girl?

They're kinda funny, but not necessary...

[jerome]

I just picked up TMNT collected book #1 on ebay for only 7 dollars and also just got tales volume 1 #1-7 for only 9 dollars and The archie series TPB 1-4 for only 25 bucks.

Ebay is a good place to fill in your back issues if you are presistent enough. :)

I live in dallas so maybe its a bigger market than where some of you live but i go to lonestar comics which is a pretty large comic chain. They carry all the new mirage books and tpb's as soon as they come out and also have quite a bit that they can order. If you live near one i'd recommend going there or you can also try mycomicshop.com. I can usually find everything i'm looking for there.

also if you do happen to live in the dallas Tx metroplex go to this place called titan comics. THEY HAVE JUST ABOUT EVERY BACK ISSUE OF ANY COMIC EVER...or it seems that way. I've completed my collection of TMNT vol. 2,3, and tales 1 and 2 out of their back issue selection. They also have nearly a full run of Vol.1. Its a most excellent place.:D

oh and pick up Tales vol.2 #36 asap. you'll love it.

yeah i guess thats a little off topic but i've heard some people saying getting the mirage books is difficult for them so i'm just trying to help someone new to the tmnt comics find them. It can be a little difficult but don't give up. Its worth it.

[Leonardo Leads]

I found a Tales of The TMNT issue at a different comic store, (the only kind of TMNT comic what so ever in their stock)

It's issue #13, It was very good, it was the one where young 9 year old Leonardo had to work with different versions of himself from later on in the future.

It was a two parter, so If I ever order single issues from Mirage I'll pick up the second issue. Right now I'm broke, and awaiting my Collected Books order. Can't wait for them to come in.

[Mr._Mutant_Man]

I just picked up TMNT collected book #1 on ebay for only 7 dollars

Some people have all the luck. I must catch the unlucky ones, every time I find a listing it shoots up to the 40-50 dollar range it seems.

So for now, I'd agree with people that the individual issues may be the easier way to go. I bought the Deluxe Issue #1 too, and bought issue 3 a while back. I got issue 2 last month. So I guess I'm getting there, slowly. In the mean time, you can read the first 10 issues online at the official site. I know it's nicer to have the thing in your hands though.

[Michaelangelo|DAH]

I started out by buying issue #1 of vol. 1 and now I'm collecting all the mirage comics + image...
Anyways, saw this on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/TEENAGE-MUTANT-NINJA-TURTLES-Collected-Book-Volume-One_W0QQitemZ280149497453QQihZ018QQcategoryZ35776Q QcmdZViewItem
I know it's a reprint, but still :) the seller has got some other tmnt books too...
here are some more 2nd prints, bit expensive though: http://cgi.ebay.com/TEENAGE-MUTANT-NINJA-TURTLES-COLLECTED-BOOK-1-TPB-NM-2_W0QQitemZ320131773077QQihZ011QQcategoryZ35775QQr dZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/TEENAGE-MUTANT-NINJA-TURTLES-COLLECTED-BOOK-1-TPB-FN-VF_W0QQitemZ320131773061QQihZ011QQcategoryZ35775QQ rdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
This seller has also got a reprint of issue #1 vol. 1 :D
But if that's not of any interest, then maybe this will help you get started:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Teenage-Mutant-Ninja-Turtles-TMNT-comic-lot-2-16-more_W0QQitemZ130149528465QQihZ003QQcategoryZ3980Q QtcZphotoQQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#eba yphotohosting
XD

[splintered]

To read Mirage Vol. 1 issues 1-11 (and the Leonardo issue), I just bought the "First" colorized graphic novels I (http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/books/first01.htm) (bought here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0915419092/102-2342806-8708165)), II (http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/books/first02.htm) (here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/091541922X/102-2342806-8708165)), III (http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/books/first03.htm) (here (http://www.amazon.com/Teenage-Mutant-Ninja-Turtles-Graphic/dp/0915419289/ref=sr_1_1/102-2342806-8708165?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1189123600&sr=1-1)) and IV (http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/books/first04.htm) (here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0915419432/102-2342806-8708165)). Buying those through amazon saved me the hassle of tracking those issues down individually or from paying a high price for the first collected book.

And I agree with what the others said about Collected Book #5. Don't waste your money. I did enjoy Collected Book #3 though.

[Leonardo Leads]

My Order Finally came in :D

I'm going to get started reading, right away

[Michaelangelo|DAH]

very nice indeed... have fun reading :)
I just received an order today myself :D
nothing like it, I'm telling ya ! hehe

[Mr._Mutant_Man]

To read Mirage Vol. 1 issues 1-11 (and the Leonardo issue), I just bought the "First" colorized graphic novels I (http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/books/first01.htm) (bought here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0915419092/102-2342806-8708165)), II (http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/books/first02.htm) (here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/091541922X/102-2342806-8708165)), III (http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/books/first03.htm) (here (http://www.amazon.com/Teenage-Mutant-Ninja-Turtles-Graphic/dp/0915419289/ref=sr_1_1/102-2342806-8708165?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1189123600&sr=1-1)) and IV (http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/books/first04.htm) (here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0915419432/102-2342806-8708165)). Buying those through amazon saved me the hassle of tracking those issues down individually or from paying a high price for the first collected book.

And I agree with what the others said about Collected Book #5. Don't waste your money. I did enjoy Collected Book #3 though.


So the Raph, DOn, and Mike books not included? I guess having to look for only three beats having to look for a bunch of single issues. Thanks for the tip.

But it does include Leonardo though? How about issue #8? The Cerebus issue of Spawn seems to be omitted too. Is Sim a real pain in the ass with the rights to his character or something?

Oh, and I did get Volume 5 a few months ago because it was available and at times I can be a completist. I've read a little, and it seems like a fun book.

[splintered]

So the Raph, DOn, and Mike books not included? I guess having to look for only three beats having to look for a bunch of single issues. Thanks for the tip.

But it does include Leonardo though? How about issue #8? The Cerebus issue of Spawn seems to be omitted too. Is Sim a real pain in the ass with the rights to his character or something?

Oh, and I did get Volume 5 a few months ago because it was available and at times I can be a completist. I've read a little, and it seems like a fun book.

If you click on each roman numeral in my post above it'll direct you to the official Mirage Web page for each book and list which issues are included in which books. So, according to Mirage, yes, Leonardo #1 and issue #8 are included.

Yeah, that's what I figured when I bought the books, that it was nice only having to track down Michelangelo, Raphael and Donatello.

The first part of Collected Book #5 (which I believe is issue #16) wasn't too bad. I was interested and entertained by it. The other two parts just made me think, wtffffffffff.... The rest was just too out there for my tastes. The individual story from #16 was good, though.

[Roseangelo]

The first part of Collected Book #5 (which I believe is issue #16) wasn't too bad. I was interested and entertained by it. The other two parts just made me think, wtffffffffff.... The rest was just too out there for my tastes. The individual story from #16 was good, though.

Yes, I think the same way. I actually really like #16, so I get ticked off when people group it into the "crap" pile.

[Janus Prospero]

Heh, I like a good comedy issue every once-in-a-while. Although I will say that #22 and #23 were pretty ridiculous what with the turtles having their... brains put into appliances and all. And #16 was just adorable. I love it when the girl is getting their names mixed up and they're all:
"I'm Leonardo."
"But - - I'm Mike!"

Reminded me of the first episode of the old toon. :D

"Careful boys - - This is the part where she starts hugging."