Tales of the TMNT 55

[Raph's Girl]

Midtown comics is listing this as coming out Wednesday Feb 4th:

“A Day in the Life” – this issue harkens back to the early years of the Turtles training and takes a look at what the mighty mutants were up to on those days when they weren’t battling nefarious ninjas, abominable aliens or ghastly gang members. Hint – they weren’t just watching cartoons (but they may have been eating pizza).

[Ninjinister]

Verrrry vague description there... I hope it turns out well!

[Andrew NDB]

Is this more Tiny Turtles?

[Cipher]

We've seen the Turtles during their daily lives often enough. Alot, in fact.

If it's a young Turtles story, I'm doubly skeptical.

[TristanHuwJones]

Not quite, this is more "just before vol.1 #1".

[Andrew NDB]

Of the Pre-Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles era, like in the Hattori issue?

[oldmanwinters]

Got mine today!

I was hoping for a light action story, but I was still impressed with this as a characterization story. I think it fits the tone of what the pre-Vol. #1 Turtles should think and act like. The Mikey/Raph love/hate relationship seems to be a good grounding for the early events of Raphael #1, especially Mikey's line to Raph: "sometimes you just can't help yourself." Also, the Leo/Raph head-butting sets up the later conflict in "Return to New York."

It's strange, but I read this issue with the Mako-voiced Master Splinter and the 2k3 Turtle voices in mind. Just shows how the various universes amalgamate in the character lore.

Also, what a surprisingly sad ending! Poor old Raph.

And the biggest shocker of the issue for me:
A blatant homage to April's old toon jumpsuit!:o Albeit the context was bizzare. The fact that old Raph keeps around a robotic April (built by Donatello) with a tendency to malfunction is just creepy! But cool! 8)
Subtle but good use of the 25th anniversary theme, I think.

[Kendamu]

Midtown shipped mine today, but I have the cheap shipping so I have no clue when it'll get to me.

[DrSpengler]

Wow. I really liked this one.

Every now and again, it is truly refreshing to have a story of just the characters doing something absolutely mundane; their daily routine. It sounds like it would be boring, but it delivers a lot of insight and character-driven entertainment.

But what really sealed the deal for me was the ending. Definately didn't see the Future Raph thing coming. And his words seem to solidify the idea that Future Mike is either dead or missing.

Some good stuff. And next issue is Tristin and Harmon again! Sweeeeet.

[oldmanwinters]

Some good stuff. And next issue is Tristin and Harmon again! Sweeeeet.

Woot!!!:thyper::thyper::thyper:

Also, I like Jim's art when it's just the Turtles and Splinter. He usually does very good backgrounds and really makes me feel like I'm a fly on the sewer wall. Good writing by Berger really makes this issue work.

[Andrew NDB]

I can't speak higher of this one... it's basically TMNT Vol. 1 #0. Fantastic script from Dan Berger, and I daresay Jim Lawson even stepped it up a bit in this one... and he didn't even have a seperate inker.

This issue has a whole hell of a lot of heart.

[Cipher]

I won't be able to get this one for a bit, although it will definately be part of my next batch. Can somone fill me in on the future Raph part?

[TristanHuwJones]

It's Raph in the far flung future. Could be the swamp future, as the world is flooded. Not a huge deal. More of an epilogue. It basically tells us that the Turtles did indeed go separate ways and that they really don't have much of a clue as to what the other is doing.

[Cipher]

It's Raph in the far flung future. Could be the swamp future, as the world is flooded. Not a huge deal. More of an epilogue. It basically tells us that the Turtles did indeed go separate ways and that they really don't have much of a clue as to what the other is doing.Man, I really dig that kind of stuff. Will get.

And apparently the whole issue is about the day before they face Shredder? That's pretty eerie and really cool.

[TristanHuwJones]

That depends on how you read it. I would say the closest it gets is a couple of nights prior to the Shredder ultimatum. There's nothing that clearly defines how old they are at the time, but it would have to be fairly close.

I must admit, I'd love to see some more stories set in the Raph-eyepatch era (even have a stab myself :lol:).

[DrSpengler]

Man, I really dig that kind of stuff. Will get.

And apparently the whole issue is about the day before they face Shredder? That's pretty eerie and really cool.

Er, not really. It could be several years before their encounter with Shredder (I put it before Tales Vol. 2 #1 in the timeline, personally). It ties into TMNT Vol. 1 #1 in that it features Splinter giving the Turtles a lecture on waiting for the right moment to strike rather than letting anger cloud your judgment and taking revenge at an inopertune time.

[Andrew NDB]

Future Raph on the bayou was pretty much the basis of my entire pitch for Tales.

[Daniel Orduna]

whell I love The cover of tales 55..and yeah future raph kicks ass
eye patch, cuting foot soldiers heads...but I wanna see aa future mike

[DK2]

I liked this story. But I wish the way the turtles were drawn we're more youthful somehow or something. They just look like they way they are now. And do they always have to be in their headbands? Its as bad as Batman that they aren't outside anywhere and they still have their headbands on. I don't see these young TMNT as in just before they meet Shredder. I think its still awhile away, based on how the turtles are written IMO.
Also the way Jim has drawn Splinter these last few years, he seems to have this long large white moustache. He didn't draw Splinter in the early days. There should've been some way to make him look more like he the way he was in TMNT V.1 #1.
The future Raph thing was cool and to see the story end like that, that it was being told by Rapheal was just icing on the cake. It made it cool and makes me wish we could see more of the future TMNT. I still think TMNT V3 Image series when Raph has the eye patch. Great issue.

[DK2]

OOPs I meant Jim didn't draw Splinter like that before TMNT Vol. 4 with a moustache. Thats what I meant to say.

[Andrew NDB]

Yeah, I kind of wish Lawson would have tried to go out of his comfort zone a bit more and tried to make the Turtles more youthful, or more reminiscent of how they look in TMNT Vol. 1 #1. But it seems like Lawson took a page from Berger in his "style" this issue, in some ways, in many places. Which was kind of refreshing and cool.

I wish they would have done duotones, if only just for this issue. That would have really cinched it for me here.

[tilallr1]

Excellent issue. Loved it! Been a while.

More Future Raph please.

[discordiatookie]

I absolutely loved this issue. The bit with Mikey banging on Raph's door actually made me laugh out loud. Really great issue, the art was superb also. (And yeah, it also reminded me a bit on Berger's - twas the part where Leo and Raph were nose to nose...)

And a very bittersweet ending - after such a great, funny, sweet story, to throw us an end like that... totally unexpected, actually knocked me back a bit.

So yeah, this one is up there for me, absolutely loved it.

[Machias Banshee]

*Misses Paperback Bazaar even more*

I've seen pics on the official site about this, and I'd Love to get my hands on it, but... is this going to be available on Wowio? We have a comic shop in the next time over, but I can never get there in time... :(

[TristanHuwJones]

*Misses Paperback Bazaar even more*

I've seen pics on the official site about this, and I'd Love to get my hands on it, but... is this going to be available on Wowio? We have a comic shop in the next time over, but I can never get there in time... :(

You can order it straight from Mirage, or grahamcrackers.com (which I've found to be one of the better online retailers).

[Evenstar227]

But I wish the way the turtles were drawn we're more youthful somehow or something. They just look like they way they are now.

Yeah, they look practically the same as in Vol 4. Then again, in last month's issue's backup story Donny tells April that turtles don't age the way mammals do. So who knows?

I thought this was an excellent story. Great heart, great humor (11.30am water break; 11.35am time out :lol:). The ending threw me for a loop...despite knowing Future Raph was going to be in the issue.

Can't wait for next month's! Jones & Harmon FTW! :tthumbsu:

[jimmyjams]

wow, can't wait to go grab my copy. sounds like a great book.

[Andrew NDB]

Yeah, they look practically the same as in Vol 4. Then again, in last month's issue's backup story Donny tells April that turtles don't age the way mammals do.

In the case of red-earred sliders, though (which the TMNT are), they age even worse than humans. Even outside of captivity, they don't live longer than 30 years.

[turkishproverb]

Ah, but for a mammal of that size living thirty years would be an unusually impressive lifespan. Most rodents and similarly sized animals don't live more than 5.

[Evenstar227]

In the case of red-earred sliders, though (which the TMNT are), they age even worse than humans. Even outside of captivity, they don't live longer than 30 years.

But would there be a discernable difference in their appearance at age 15 as opposed to age 30? That's more what I was getting at, rather than life span. (My personal opinion re: life span is that the mutagen made things go all kerflooey with them, so they could very well live longer than a normal RES. Only time, or Peter [or Dan, or Tristan, or whomever is writing] will tell.)

[TristanHuwJones]

If Tales goes into next year (fingers crossed, make sure you buy up this year people!) I'll be taking a stab at this. The mutagen is capable of a number of things I'm sure. Just look at what it did to the vampire infection in Vol.4. I kinda look at it like, if it could turn four small turtles into the TMNT, imagine what would be going on internally. I also tend to attribute it to the Utroms having to develop organic skins here on Earth for their exosuits.

[Andrew NDB]

But would there be a discernable difference in their appearance at age 15 as opposed to age 30?

Yes. They never really stop growing.

[Andrew NDB]

I also tend to attribute it to the Utroms having to develop organic skins here on Earth for their exosuits.

Yes, my thinking as well. The waste or byproduct from the skins grown for the exosuits + Transmat waste = TCRI mutagen. The way I see it.

[Leo656]

Just picked it up yesterday, good stuff. I actually like issues like this once in a while, something a bit slower and more character-driven.

Glad I'm not the only one who got a kick out of "April" in her OT outfit. Snicker.

[NightwatchersOnlygirl]

I've got the tales of the TMNT 55 today it's so cool Raph got a teddy bear aw that's so cute

[Kendamu]

I got this one earlier this week in the mail. I've already read it about a billion times. The intro page was amazing and the "day in the life" kind of story was also a really fun read. I really like this kind of stuff. I got a real kick out of Captain Awesome and Major Bummer. Drawing stuff like that is exactly the kind of thing I did as a kid if I wasn't with my friends.

[VaughnMichael]

I enjoyed this issue just like everyone else and my complaints are about the same as those already said so I won't get into it besides the fact that i wish they'd have given them the pre-tmnt look with the full head band instead of just around the eyes.
The story was great though, I was taken a bit by suprise by the way Leo acted and the way Splinter talked to him.
Mikey doing the comic thing made me think of his writting in the image series, I have to wonder why he stopped.
The end was pretty sad in my eyes, Tristan you say it wasn't important but to me it was the most important part of the comic.
It's odd though we've known for years that at some point they're going to go their differnt ways but no matter how many times I see a hint of it, it always makes me sad and tear up a bit and I don't even know why.

[Archon_Turtle]

Raph should have been battling giant robots...or dragons...or vampires...or...Giant Robot Dragon Vampires.

Hey trist! Lets do a comic about Giant Robot Dragon Vampires, k?

[TristanHuwJones]

VM, I didn't say it was unimportant, as it is, but it just wasn't a huge part of the story -- I didn't want people thinking there was a massive section of the book set in the far flung future (as to avoid spoilers, people were just loosely saying "loved the future Raph part" without really saying what it entailed). So when it wasn't a "huge deal" it was just a couple of pages as opposed to half a book.

Archon, so long as there are rainbows, or pirates, or dinosaurs in that mix, then it's a deal... or rainbow pirate dinosaurs...

[Andrew NDB]

Mikey doing the comic thing made me think of his writting in the image series, I have to wonder why he stopped.

Mike wrote in Mirage Vol. 1. You don't remember the issue where Mike was writing a story about him rescuing a maiden and fighting a tyrant in Feudal Japan, then it ends and we see Mike at a typewriter?

[Cipher]

The end was pretty sad in my eyes, Tristan you say it wasn't important but to me it was the most important part of the comic.
It's odd though we've known for years that at some point they're going to go their differnt ways but no matter how many times I see a hint of it, it always makes me sad and tear up a bit and I don't even know why.I second this notion. I've yet to read this issue (plan on ordering it along with 54 and 56 once that hits shelves) but I've loved every future Turtle bit I've read. The epilogue in the recent Tales Vol 1 Collection and "Swan Song" are two pieces I hold at the pinnacle of TMNT stories. I think it's great that these bittersweet hints keep being dropped. I can't think of another series that does that.

And although I asked about it, Tristan, I never assumed the future Raph part was more than a page or two.

On the subject, I can't help but think that an issue or story arc in Tales about the Turtles' deaths in the far flung future would be amazing. I'm not sure if Laird is dead set against that sort of thing though.

[TristanHuwJones]

I second this notion. I've yet to read this issue (plan on ordering it along with 54 and 56 once that hits shelves) but I've loved every future Turtle bit I've read. The epilogue in the recent Tales Vol 1 Collection and "Swan Song" are two pieces I hold at the pinnacle of TMNT stories. I think it's great that these bittersweet hints keep being dropped. I can't think of another series that does that.

Tales #56 just hit the printers, so I'm guessing it'll be out early March.
I would love to see an Old Man Raph story, along the same lines as Old Man Logan. I'm pretty sure Raph would be the only one left alive (as his youthful appearance seems to suggest in the Tales TPB splashes), and you could really cut loose on the story!

And although I asked about it, Tristan, I never assumed the future Raph part was more than a page or two.

No I know, I just didn't want a snowballing effect of other people just seeing that one line and thinking there was a Future Raph story there (beyond a couple of pages). No biggie.

On the subject, I can't help but think that an issue or story arc in Tales about the Turtles' deaths in the far flung future would be amazing. I'm not sure if Laird is dead set against that sort of thing though.

I have a feeling Leo'd be the first to go in some sort of sacrifice move. I reckon Mike would be next, not sure how, followed by Don (of old age) and Raph.

[Cipher]

I have a feeling Leo'd be the first to go in some sort of sacrifice move. I reckon Mike would be next, not sure how, followed by Don (of old age) and Raph.I assumed Raph's youthful appearence in the Tales splashes meant he died first, like Donatello's hologram was projecting them as they appeared when they died.

It makes sense too, considering we know that Leo gave up fighting after killing Complete Carnage, and Donatello seems to live to a ripe old age. But Raph appears to keep on fighting, losing an eye, tearing through Foot in 2060's Tokyo, and apparently ending up in a swamp of all things.

[Archon_Turtle]

VM, I didn't say it was unimportant, as it is, but it just wasn't a huge part of the story -- I didn't want people thinking there was a massive section of the book set in the far flung future (as to avoid spoilers, people were just loosely saying "loved the future Raph part" without really saying what it entailed). So when it wasn't a "huge deal" it was just a couple of pages as opposed to half a book.

Archon, so long as there are rainbows, or pirates, or dinosaurs in that mix, then it's a deal... or rainbow pirate dinosaurs...

Giant Robot Dragon Vampires VERSUS Rainbow Pirate Dinosaurs! It will be the most epic cross over since "the Jetsons meet the Flintstones"

[TristanHuwJones]

But not as epic as Superman and the Masters of the Universe. That is sacred ground that none shall tread!

[Ninjinister]

Tales #56 just hit the printers, so I'm guessing it'll be out early March.
I would love to see an Old Man Raph story, along the same lines as Old Man Logan. I'm pretty sure Raph would be the only one left alive (as his youthful appearance seems to suggest in the Tales TPB splashes), and you could really cut loose on the story!


*Cough* I would have loved to have seen Andrew Modeen's Future Raph story have been approved. I read the synopsis, and I thought it was as good as, if not more than, a few select Tales issues that were accepted. 'Course, that could go the same for a few others like a certain story with a buff warthog and rhinoceros anthropomorph invasion....

[Archon_Turtle]

*Cough* I would have loved to have seen Andrew Modeen's Future Raph story have been approved. I read the synopsis, and I thought it was as good as, if not more than, a few select Tales issues that were accepted. 'Course, that could go the same for a few others like a certain story with a buff warthog and rhinoceros anthropomorph invasion....

How dare you try to put this thread back on subject! heh.

I too would love a future raph story, done by anyone. I dunno if theyd ever make it "cannon" but I love love love "what if" stories.

[Ninjinister]

I'd also like to know what the Hell happens with Mike in the future. We have stories of Raph, Don, and Leo, but none of Mike. The only time we see Future Mike is in the Tales vol. 1 collected frontispieces/epilogue - and his only differences in appearance (other than looking older) - are that he doesn't wear his eyemask anymore, and has a shoulder strap like Leo.

[VaughnMichael]

VM, I didn't say it was unimportant, as it is, but it just wasn't a huge part of the story -- I didn't want people thinking there was a massive section of the book set in the far flung future (as to avoid spoilers, people were just loosely saying "loved the future Raph part" without really saying what it entailed). So when it wasn't a "huge deal" it was just a couple of pages as opposed to half a book.
Gotcha, and I think allot of it has to do with peoples love for the unknown.
Mike wrote in Mirage Vol. 1. You don't remember the issue where Mike was writing a story about him rescuing a maiden and fighting a tyrant in Feudal Japan, then it ends and we see Mike at a typewriter?
Ah, the art in that issue is one of my faves but honestly no I didn't remember that and I'm not quite sure that issue is included in the continuity.
I have a feeling Leo'd be the first to go in some sort of sacrifice move. I reckon Mike would be next, not sure how, followed by Don (of old age) and Raph.
I def. agree with that order, ad for Mike I could see him being so cocky, foolish, or overly trusting of someone and it could end his life.

[Raven]

I havent picked up anything TMNT comic related in a LONG time, but after hearing about this issue and what Trist has coming up (Which Im way to excited for!), looks like Im gonna have to start picking up some of these now!

[Andrew NDB]

I'm not sure what Peter has in mind, but I've always imagined Mike dying before all the other Turtles in a scenario that the other Turtles hold some measure of guilt over (like, they could've stopped it, or something) and that death being what really, finally drives them apart pretty much for good.

*Cough* I would have loved to have seen Andrew Modeen's Future Raph story have been approved. I read the synopsis, and I thought it was as good as, if not more than, a few select Tales issues that were accepted.

Thanks, man.

[oldmanwinters]

I'm not sure what Peter has in mind, but I've always imagined Mike dying before all the other Turtles in a scenario that the other Turtles hold some measure of guilt over (like, they could've stopped it, or something) and that death being what really, finally drives them apart pretty much for good


I keep thinking back to that line Splinter gave Mikey in Tales 2.9 about his lack of a killer instinct might lead to his undoing in the harsh realities of life. Yet, by the end of the story, Splinter blesses this way of life, albeit different from his own. His analogy of the most beautiful flowers growing by the river back being the first to be washed away when the river floods seems to foreshadow a premature end to Michelangelo's life. That's why I agree that he will likely be the first Turtle to die.


Glad I'm not the only one who got a kick out of "April" in her OT outfit. Snicker.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/TMNT/roboaprilcrop.jpg
Yeah, very creepy! Jim really got the hair and jumpsuit right though!

[Andrew NDB]

I keep thinking back to that line Splinter gave Mikey in Tales 2.9 about his lack of a killer instinct might lead to his undoing in the harsh realities of life. Yet, by the end of the story, Splinter blesses this way of life, albeit different from his own. His analogy of the most beautiful flowers growing by the river back being the first to be washed away when the river floods seems to foreshadow a premature end to Michelangelo's life. That's why I agree that he will likely be the first Turtle to die.

Maybe I'm remembering it funny, but I think there was some deliberate focus on Mike in the Plastron Cafe #1 future story with Donatello in Japan -- when Chet makes the holographic TMNT. Not real focus, but like, Mikey was kind of highlighted in a poignant panel.

Also, and I don't doubt this probably is not canon, but it's funny that in the REALLY future Raph story in the Palladium "Road Hogs" comic based on the Mirage TMNT, with the mutated second generation TMNT, senile Raph keeps calling all three of them "Mike." As if haunted by the name, somehow. Really struck me.

[funatic]

did anyone get a notion from the final full-page panel that Mikey is lost in space somewhere? WILD THEORY ALERT: perhaps he never returns from his current interstellar hiatus in vol. 4???

[oldmanwinters]

did anyone get a notion from the final full-page panel that Mikey is lost in space somewhere? WILD THEORY ALERT: perhaps he never returns from his current interstellar hiatus in vol. 4???

Hmm, interesting theory! Is there anything in the established Mirage continuity that would debunk this theory? And even if Mikey does return at the end of Volume 4, perhaps he goes away again sometime in the future?

[Vivi]

I'm not sure what Peter has in mind, but I've always imagined Mike dying before all the other Turtles in a scenario that the other Turtles hold some measure of guilt over (like, they could've stopped it, or something) and that death being what really, finally drives them apart pretty much for good.


it breaks my heart a little to think that's what may have happened. ergh...don't like to think about it.

the distant future does not sound like a good place, but i am waiting patiently to get a hold of the current issue.

[Cipher]

the distant future does not sound like a good place, but i am waiting patiently to get a hold of the current issue.That's what I love about the Mirage universe. All the time you read their wild, teenage adventures, you know the Turtles are all going to become lonely, bitter old mutants. It creates a nicely bittersweet tone.

Hmm, interesting theory! Is there anything in the established Mirage continuity that would debunk this theory? And even if Mikey does return at the end of Volume 4, perhaps he goes away again sometime in the future? Apart from his aged appearence in Don's hollogram in the Tales book, I don't think so.

[Time Mistress]

Wow, what a wonderful issue this was! Just a perfect reminder of why I love TMNT. It's stories that this that make me glad I'm still collecting this comic. As a Raph and Mike fan this issue was pure win for me. I'm putting in another vote for more "Old Man Raph." Can't wait till the next issue too as the dream team is back.

[Venom]

Just received my copy in the mail today. Great issue!! Berger really crafted a lovely story about the guys' younger years. I found myself actually laughing out loud at Mike's antics!

[Raven]

Got a copy over the weekned, I wasent sure how I was going to take the story but I was captavated through out the whole story. The ending was a sad but well tied ending, with all that happens it kind of makes you tear up inside just knowing what is and could happen to the guys down the road.

Great issue! Cant wait for the next one.

[Cipher]

I finally got a copy. It was a fantastic issue. I love how bittersweet the ending is. "Life at best is bittersweet" is almost like the mantra of the Mirage universe, I suppose.

Also, I got a kick out of the Turtles reaction to Splinter's story. "Yoshi did the right thing. Killing the man in public would have drawn unwanted attention." Aw, that's so twisted.

[CyberCubed]

This is an issue I randomly missed until now, glad to finally read it. Very good story overall.

Raph sleeping with the teddy bear, Mike pretending to be Splinter while knocking on Raph's door, fun stuff. Then the far-flung future with Raph living on his own, missing the days of his youth. Man, all the Mirage comics have the same theme to them, don't they?

"Life at best, is bittersweet."

It's a theme that runs throughout the entire Mirage universe. It almost brought a tear to my eye, and this is the reason why I still read TMNT comics.

[Bry]

I missed this one until last week as well, and I have to agree, I really enjoyed it. Nothing epic, just a nice, funny, touching little character story about the family before their world changed (several times). I seemed to noticed a little something different in Lawson's art, particularly in the Turtles' facial expressions, that I really liked. And yeah, the ending was very surprising and intriguing. Made me a bit more interested about the "Future Turtles" and what'll eventually drive them apart.

Really good work all around!

[Coola Yagami]

I grabbed this issue too. It was cool seeing the TMNT doing their normal thing, but man was their training ever extensive. I liked the Mike/Raph jokin around, and the scene where all 4 of them were basically bombarding Splinter with their banter.

I never noticed till reading these posts, but yeah, the TMNT should have looked younger in this one if this was before Issue 1, at least don't give Splinter the mustache that Lawson seems so fond of.

The twist ending was pretty interesting. Raph being so fond of the old days, and yeah, the old dsays, before Shredder, before City at War, before everything else... When they were still so carefree. The line 'We never knew how good we had it' kinda struck a chord as I remember my own carefree childhood before adulthood hit me with responsility and bill-paying. Kinda weird/creepy how Raph keeps an 80's April android around. Guess he needed the company.

I don't think Mikey's dead, he's just... out there somewhere. Before Tales ends, they REALLY need to make some issue post-Volune-4 as to what exactly was the final thing that made the 4 turtles part ways for keeps.

[Cipher]

I don't think Mikey's dead, he's just... out there somewhere. Before Tales ends, they REALLY need to make some issue post-Volune-4 as to what exactly was the final thing that made the 4 turtles part ways for keeps.While I definitely want to see some more future Turtles stories (at least find out what happens to old Mike), I really wouldn't want to read a story about some event that made them split up. I think it's one of those things that's better left unaddressed. I like to assume they just grow apart, especially once they can go out in the world. That's just life, and it's perfectly in tone with the rest of the series. "Life at best is bittersweet."