Micro-Series #5: Splinter by Erik Burnham.

[ToTheNines]

Due out in June, art by CP Wilson III.

I'm very excited about this, Splinter rarely get solo time and Burnham is an excellent writer. If you don't believe me, just check out IDW's current Ghostbusters ongoing book.

REEEEALLY, can't wait to see Peterson's cover though.

Here's Willson III's take on the TMNT, I dig it.

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/037/b/5/teenage_mutant_ninja_turtles_by_cp_wilson_iii_by_a shcanallstars-d4ouq1g.jpg

[azrael]

I can not efffing wait for this.

[oldmanwinters]

I missed the source on this one. Was it on the IDW forums?

[ToTheNines]

Yes, sir. Bobby Curnow himself.

[Matches Malone]

Due out in June, art by CP Wilson III.

I'm very excited about this, Splinter rarely get solo time and Burnham is an excellent writer. If you don't believe me, just check out IDW's current Ghostbusters ongoing book.

REEEEALLY, can't wait to see Peterson's cover though.

Here's Willson III's take on the TMNT, I dig it.

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/037/b/5/teenage_mutant_ninja_turtles_by_cp_wilson_iii_by_a shcanallstars-d4ouq1g.jpg

Good stuff! Too bad he's drawing the Splinter micro, but I'm sure we'll get a turtle or two somewhere in the issue. Checked out his art and he seems very versatile, so I'm sure he'll have no trouble doing a TMNT comic. The potential of this ongoing Micro-Series is very exciting!

[oldmanwinters]

Ah, okay, here it is:
http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=279541#279541

Fifty pages of this thread!! Bravo!

As a reward:

The next micro series will be:

#5: Splinter by Erik Burham and CP Wilson III.

#6: Casey Jones by ???

#7: April by ???

#8: ???

The ??? will be answered in time!

[marcelangelo]

**** me in the ass!!!!this is one hell of interesting artwork!!!!!!!cannot wait to see and most of all read more of that take on the turtles!!!!I say GOOD that he does the splinter micro, the sensei/father figure should be a strong image for us to believe in this character...

[Eiko]

Wow awsome cant wait.

[Mayhem]

Which explains why David Petersen didn't know what the fourth one was, maybe he hadn't been told what covers to draw :lol:

[Oculus Orbus]

Nice, CP Wilson III is a great artist. I'm not so sure about his turtles, but I think he'll probably do a nice job with the book.

[Jester]

Yea! and also :(, because my wallet can't repel an force of this magnitude.

[Jephael]

You know at first I didn't like the idea of IDW rehashing Eastman and Laird's old Micro Series issues, but after having read the first 3 I'm really impressed, and am glad to see they're gonna do ones for other characters, not just the Turtles.

[Powder]

They're not rehashes. Educate yourself. They have tributes and similar thematics, but they don't tell the same story whatsofriggin'ever.

I don't care for the turtle art in the OP, personally. Maybe that won't be a problem though, since the book is Splinter-centric.

[oldmanwinters]

They're not rehashes. Educate yourself. They have tributes and similar thematics, but they don't tell the same story whatsofriggin'ever.

:tread:


rehash
tr.v. re·hashed, re·hash·ing, re·hash·es
1. To bring forth again in another form without significant alteration: rehashing old ideas.
2. To discuss again.
n. (rhsh)
The act or result of rehashing: a rehash of an old plot.

vb [riːˈhæʃ]
(tr) to rework, reuse, or make over (old or already used material)
n [ˈriːˌhæʃ]
something consisting of old, reworked, or reused material

Hmm... well, the definition of the word does seem to leave a little bit of wiggle room for interpretation.

[DrSpengler]

Burnham's been ROCKING IDW's Ghostbusters book.

This ought to be great.

[Samhain]

I don't care for the turtle art in the OP, personally. Maybe that won't be a problem though, since the book is Splinter-centric.

Powder, I have to admit that Raphael in that pic reminds me a lot of your drawing style. I'm not sure why, but it does.

[Venom]

I hope #8 is either Shredder or the Fugitoid. I'm ready to see the good doctor arrive on the lam!

PS: Welcome the Technodrome's newest member - Erik Burnham! :D :D

[DonatelloFan]

I think rehashing is definitely the right word here. It's not the same stories, but when you release single story issues just like Eastman & Laird did, it's rehashing. But luckily it's new stories.

Hell, I thought Issue #5 was a damn Splinter Micro Series. It seemed to be all about him. Just my take on it.

I would LOVE to see a Micro Series issue on other characters, too. A Shredder issue would simply be awesome. As long as it didn't focus on his time feuding with Yoshi. I mean come on, how many times can I see Saki and Yoshi confront each other in the past? (I haven't read all the comics yet. Is Shredder even in it yet besides the flashback as Saki?)

Oh, and LOVE the Turtles drawing in the first post. Very nice.

And Venom, you say you hope number EIGHT is Shredder or Fugitoid? Does that mean #'s 6 and 7 are already taken by other characters?

[Venom]

And Venom, you say you hope number EIGHT is Shredder or Fugitoid? Does that mean #'s 6 and 7 are already taken by other characters?

Yeah, Casey has 6 and April has 7. :)

[Raph's Girl]

And Venom, you say you hope number EIGHT is Shredder or Fugitoid? Does that mean #'s 6 and 7 are already taken by other characters?

Scroll up and u can see that 6 is Casey and 7 is April :)

[CyberCubed]

I think rehashing is definitely the right word here. It's not the same stories, but when you release single story issues just like Eastman & Laird did, it's rehashing. But luckily it's new stories.

Hell, I thought Issue #5 was a damn Splinter Micro Series. It seemed to be all about him. Just my take on it.

I would LOVE to see a Micro Series issue on other characters, too. A Shredder issue would simply be awesome. As long as it didn't focus on his time feuding with Yoshi. I mean come on, how many times can I see Saki and Yoshi confront each other in the past? (I haven't read all the comics yet. Is Shredder even in it yet besides the flashback as Saki?)

Oh, and LOVE the Turtles drawing in the first post. Very nice.

And Venom, you say you hope number EIGHT is Shredder or Fugitoid? Does that mean #'s 6 and 7 are already taken by other characters?

Rehashing is not the right word. Micro's for the main cast with totally different stories is far from the meaning of the word.

[DonatelloFan]

Hoooooooly hell.

Rehashing an IDEA. Where do you think they got the idea for doing a micro-series for each character? Out of the blue? No, they got it from freakin' Eastman & Laird. But, I give it to them, they're taking it to the next level by instituting more characters (which I love by the way).

It's sad that one word can take over a thread. That's the kind of crap that makes people not want to come back, because they think people will jump over something as stupid as this.

They got the idea from E&L, deal with it. IDW is doing good with the Turtles, and I hope to have all the comics soon (just missing 1E or 1G, and 2C), and will buy any Turtles issue they release, as long as the stories are readable.

[Cowabunga Carl]

I'm so excited for more micros. The idea we will see more of Splinter, Casey, April, and I hope Hob, is awesome. This is an awesome end to the day.

[Erik Burnham]

PS: Welcome the Technodrome's newest member - Erik Burnham! :D :D

Hello, everyone. (:

[TonySiegel]

*hyperventilates* *gains composure* *retreats to the Himalayas on a spiritual quest*

[Jephael]

Okay, did anyone actually read my earlier statement or did you all just see that one word and decide to flip out over it?!

You know at first I didn't like the idea, but after having read the first 3 I'm really impressed, and am glad to see they're gonna do ones for other characters, not just the Turtles.

I was simply comparing how I feel now about the IDW Micro Series to how I felt then!

[Samhain]

Okay, did anyone actually read my earlier statement or did you all just see that one word and decide to flip out over it?!



I was simply comparing how I feel now about the IDW Micro Series to how I felt then!

Your quote wasn't exactly what you said.

[Erik Burnham]

Again, heya, folks. Just signed in when word got back to me that discussion sparked some here.

I'm excited - and terrified - to be writing this Micro (first draft done and all, but still waiting for Nickelodeon's revision notes.)

I can say, as of the first draft:

* I have seen Peterson's cover. Wow.
* The Turtles make a very small (but, I hope, worthwhile) appearance.

I just realized I can't say anything else without spoiling things I'm not allowed to spoil. lol. Even the Turtle tease may have been too much, but I'll risk it since it doesn't intrude on any of Tom's work. (;

In any case, I feel lucky to have been allowed to take part.

More as it develops. (:

[Jester]

Great to hear. Welcome and thanks for keeping us posted!

[Plasticplayhouse]

I'm looking forward to the additional micro's!

[Jephael]

Your quote wasn't exactly what you said.

I know, I edited it.

[Master Splinter]

Excellent news!

-ms

[Cowabunga Carl]

Could Splinter's issue be where we are introduced to the Rat King? I'm thinking that would be awesome.

[Donnie]

This issue is gonna be so awesome, I can't wait! Thanks for popping in w the latest Erik! Congrats on landing the job too!

Hob, I agree that this would be a perfect intro for Rat King. Let's hope!

Personally I'd much rather see a Hob or Shredder micro before Casey, we got a lot of him already in the first few issues.

[Samhain]

This issue is gonna be so awesome, I can't wait! Thanks for popping in w the latest Erik! Congrats on landing the job too!

Hob, I agree that this would be a perfect intro for Rat King. Let's hope!

Personally I'd much rather see a Hob or Shredder micro before Casey, we got a lot of him already in the first few issues.

The less we see of Shredder, the better. The thing that made Mirage Shredder such a cool villain was that besides the first issue, we hardly ever saw him.

[ToTheNines]

* The Turtles make a very small (but, I hope, worthwhile) appearance.

This interests me. I know the Micro's release dates don't always match up with the chronology, but it would seem that Splinter's going to be captured by the end of #8.

Hob, I agree that this would be a perfect intro for Rat King. Let's hope!

Let's hope not. I'd like some questions to be answered before any big mind-benders like the Rat King is introduced.

Personally I'd much rather see a Hob or Shredder micro before Casey, we got a lot of him already in the first few issues.

We've got plenty of Casey and Raph yeah, but he hasn't had any panel-time with Leo, Don or Mike.

The less we see of Shredder, the better. The thing that made Mirage Shredder such a cool villain was that besides the first issue, we hardly ever saw him.

Agreed, but this isn't Mirage Shredder. I'd personally really like to know what makes this Shredder tick. He's never really been a villain with an understandable motive.

[Samhain]

Agreed, but this isn't Mirage Shredder. I'd personally really like to know what makes this Shredder tick. He's never really been a villain with an understandable motive.

I realize this isn't Mirage Shredder, but I think Peter and Kevin really knew what they were doing when writing those original issues. I'm just scared that by Shredder getting his own micro-issue, that ''mystery'' won't be there any more. I really don't want to see that much.

[ToTheNines]

Well they killed Shredder, I don't expect IDW to do that. If they keep him alive, the "mystery" can only go on so long before that gets old, especially considering he somehow survived the past 600 years.

[Samhain]

Well they killed Shredder, I don't expect IDW to do that. If they keep him alive, the "mystery" can only go on so long before that gets old, especially considering he somehow survived the past 600 years.

Well, they either kill him eventually or he will turn into 4kids Shredder in which case I might drop the book. I really want villains to just die. I don't want to read for years about how Shredder is just hangin' out, doing his thing. Idw can drag it out for as long as they want but if they want to really knock this outta the park, they will kill Shredder. And keep him dead.

[Oculus Orbus]

Idw can drag it out for as long as they want but if they want to really knock this outta the park, they will kill Shredder. And keep him dead.

As much as I'd love to see something along those lines, I really doubt it'll happen. IDW is probably gonna have Shredder around for as long as they can, but we'll see.

[CyberCubed]

I definitely see Shredder and Krang remaining the main villains for a long period of time, perhaps most of the series.

[Uki]

This is killer awesome news! I'm so in love with the stuff IDW is cranking out for TMNT-I'm glad there's even more coming.

If #8 was Fugitoid, I might have an absolute fit of joy. I sincerely hope he's in the cards for this canon. :)

[Donnie]

The less we see of Shredder, the better. The thing that made Mirage Shredder such a cool villain was that besides the first issue, we hardly ever saw him.

Well to each his own, but I always thought that was a disadvantage to Mirage's Shredder. I like villains that are a tad relatable, we all have dark sides. For instance, in Thor's movie Loki was an extremely likable villain. Not that I want to like Shredder or anything, but I think understanding why the villain constantly chooses evil is an interesting concept.


Let's hope not. I'd like some questions to be answered before any big mind-benders like the Rat King is introduced.

I don't see it as a mind bender. They could just give a teaser, like they did with Bebop & Rock.


We've got plenty of Casey and Raph yeah, but he hasn't had any panel-time with Leo, Don or Mike.

True, but is that really important? I guess to Casey fans, but to me Casey is Raph's friend, although he has strong ties with the others in some incarnations...I don't need to see him interact with any other Turtle but Raph, save maybe Donatello - Mirage Donnie obviously didn't really get along with the guy, but this new IDW Don may get along with him better.

Agreed, but this isn't Mirage Shredder. I'd personally really like to know what makes this Shredder tick. He's never really been a villain with an understandable motive.

Gotta agree with this.

[Master Splinter]

http://mutantooze.org/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/SpinterMicro.jpg

Surprised this hasn't been posted yet. Unless I missed it... Snagged it off Ninja Pizza's Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NinjaPizza).

-ms

[oldmanwinters]

http://mutantooze.org/wiki/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/SpinterMicro.jpg

Surprised this hasn't been posted yet. Unless I missed it... Snagged it off Ninja Pizza's Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NinjaPizza).

-ms

*ahem*
http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=36885

You must be spending too much time over in the Fan Works section!
:tcool:

[Master Splinter]

*ahem*
http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=36885

You must be spending too much time over in the Fan Works section!
:tcool:

Hah, I usually click New Posts when I get on the forums and apparently this did thread did not show up. Gotta change my forum habits.

-ms

[FearlessLeader]

True, but is that really important? I guess to Casey fans, but to me Casey is Raph's friend, although he has strong ties with the others in some incarnations...I don't need to see him interact with any other Turtle but Raph, save maybe Donatello - Mirage Donnie obviously didn't really get along with the guy, but this new IDW Don may get along with him better.


I might well say this because after Leonardo, Casey is probably my 2nd favorite character, but I think it is important. I think Casey does just as much to tie the guys to the outside world as April does and I also think he's as sympathetic and dynamic of a character.

I also loved Leo's and Casey's relationship in the 4Kids cartoon (Casey's obvious respect for Leo and Leo eventually treating Casey almost like another one of his brothers to look after) and I would love to see something like that developed again.

[ToTheNines]

More Wilson III turtle art.

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/073/4/4/raphael____by_cpwilsoniii-d4sr0b8.jpg

[marcelangelo]

woah, wilson III's art really does it for me I must say...it has substance, something that I miss very dearly in the ongoing series so far...anyway, i would be happy to get a fugitoid micro, too...but I for me have to say I think this character is so much a peter laird character that it is hard to imagine that someone else could really contribute something worthwhile..I am interested in finding out if such a task was possible though...

[Powder]

Pretty rad stuff, very COMIC. Bold, extremely expressive, lots of black detail. Neat.

[Redeemer]

Could Splinter's issue be where we are introduced to the Rat King? I'm thinking that would be awesome.

That would be awesome :D

[Redeemer]

Wow can't wait I hope we get a shredder Micro as well!!

[TurtleTitan97]

More Wilson III turtle art.

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/073/4/4/raphael____by_cpwilsoniii-d4sr0b8.jpg

:teek: That's amazing!:tgrin:

[CyberCubed]

More Hamato Yoshi/Oroku Saki backstory is always good. I think this issue will feel like a sequel to #5.

[Plasticplayhouse]

Wow, I'm really feeling Wilson's art. Like powder said, its got a lot of emotion and the linework gives it some grit. Can't wait for this issue!

On a side note, I'd like to see a shredder, rat king, and leatherhead micro. Though I'm sure RK and LH would need to be intro'd first.

[rich]

Here are all the covers for the Splinter Micro...

Cover A (Petersen) (http://www.tmnt-ninjaturtles.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IDW-One-shot_Splinter_Cover-A_Petersen.jpg)

Cover B (Wilson III) (http://www.tmnt-ninjaturtles.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IDW-One-shot_Splinter_Cover-B_WilsonIII.jpg)

Cover RI (Petersen B&W) (http://www.tmnt-ninjaturtles.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IDW-One-shot_Splinter_Cover-RI_Petersen_BW.jpg)

[oldmanwinters]

Here are all the covers for the Splinter Micro...

Cover A (Petersen) (http://www.tmnt-ninjaturtles.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IDW-One-shot_Splinter_Cover-A_Petersen.jpg)

Cover B (Wilson III) (http://www.tmnt-ninjaturtles.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IDW-One-shot_Splinter_Cover-B_WilsonIII.jpg)

Cover RI (Petersen B&W) (http://www.tmnt-ninjaturtles.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IDW-One-shot_Splinter_Cover-RI_Petersen_BW.jpg)

Wow, lots of action going on in that Wilson cover!

[Dirty Blond]

Has it been established that subsequent one-shots will be in continuity?

[Toby Barrett]

Splinter takes place during issue #11, so I don't see why they wouldn't be.

[CyberCubed]

Has it been established that subsequent one-shots will be in continuity?

Do you actually believe IDW would allow continuity to be messed up this early in the series? The series is streamlined, I doubt we'll ever get out-of-continuity stories.

[TonySiegel]

I loathe having to pick between three very exquisite covers... Hopefully the issue turns out very strong on the content side of things.

[Lampy]

i'm loving the Wilson cover. Not only Splinter starring the cover, but Hamato Yoshi too! i am getting B!!!

[Dirty Blond]

Do you actually believe IDW would allow continuity to be messed up this early in the series? The series is streamlined, I doubt we'll ever get out-of-continuity stories.

Let me re-phrase that: Has it been reported that subsequent micros will follow whatever arc the IDW TMNT find themselves?

[Grimlock]

Peterson's cover is pretty good but I'm not looking forward to seeing Wilson 3's artwork on the interior. His Splinter looks goofy.

[Powder]

Odds are I can really only afford to do one cover, and that'll be Petersons, seeing how I got all of his other covers. In due time, I'd love to get Wilsons too. I think he does some pretty cool work. I've not seen much of it though, so I'm eager to peep those interiors. Too bad he's not doing something largely turtle oriented, 'cause I think his turtles are better than his Splinter. But I do like his Splinter too. His turtles are just super sick to me, that's all.

[Lampy]

i like his splinter. i guess the only thing that throws it off is the short snout. but there's not much difference between his and Duncan's Splinter. Just smaller snout and curlier fur.

[Erik Burnham]

...three weeks to go on this one!

I'm suitably nervous. Still not allowed to give any hints as to plot, but I will reiterate the following sentiment:

CP Wilson III did such a bang up job on the art -- it is a BEAUTIFUL book.

Also, Bobby wanted you to know about the rap battle. (Kidding. KIDDING. Joke from the IDW forum.)

Really look forward to you guys' reaction, and hope to play in the Turtleverse again one day.

[***First of Two Latin Kings***]

I'm looking forward to this too...I'll be preordering it off of ebay as soon as I see one for cover price (I order comics for several people who don't have comic book stores near them). I have SO many IDW books coming in the mail...

[Powder]

I'm still excited for this, definitely. I've no doubt enjoyed the mini-series books the most of this new run. Splinter tales are few & far between, too.

[Coola Yagami]

I'm still excited for this, definitely. I've no doubt enjoyed the mini-series books the most of this new run. Splinter tales are few & far between, too.

Kinda hate to say it, cause I've been digging the 'main covers' of the micros... but the Splinter one isn't doing it for me. I do like the alternate with Yoshi in it, showcasing how he finds himself in the exact same situation centuries later.

[corvus]

Anybody know the exact date that the splinter issue comes out? I've been told the 20th and 27th.

[rich]

Anybody know the exact date that the splinter issue comes out? I've been told the 20th and 27th.

It's next week (the 20th).

[BAXTER STOCKMAN 19]

It's next week (the 20th).


Next week is #11 http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=35670

Splnter is coming June 27

[rich]

Next week is #11 http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=35670

Splnter is coming June 27

Those were the originally solicited dates but I'm pretty confident that they've now changed and Splinter is on the 20th (next week) and #11 on the 27th (2 weeks out).

[Powder]

Oh, if that's the case, HELL YEAH. I love it when we get books 2 weeks in a row. LOVE IT.

[corvus]

Yeah I'll just call my local comic book shop and see if they've got it on the 20th before wasting gas.

[Powder]

My shop has the 20th.

[Drose18]

Ah, okay, here it is:
http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=279541#279541

Isnt 8 gonna be fugitoid???

[oldmanwinters]

Isnt 8 gonna be fugitoid???

Yeah (http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=37862), but I made that post back in MARCH. The Fugitoid Micro was announced earlier this month.

[ToTheNines]

Found the preview: http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/06/18/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-micoseries-5-splinter-preview/

[oldmanwinters]

Found the preview: http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/06/18/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-micoseries-5-splinter-preview/

Sweet! It picks up right in the middle of Splinter's fight with the Foot Clan. I was curious as to when they were gonna set the story/flashback in the established continuity. Kudos to IDW for planning these release dates out so well.

[Toby Barrett]

Wow, Alopex is looking UG-lay XD

[corvus]

Wow, Alopex is looking UG-lay XD

As is Karai.

[DarkLightDragon]

I'm guessing the person calling out to Yoshi on the last panel is Tang Shen.

[Donnie]

This issue looks phenomenal, the art is breathtaking. Can't wait to read it!

[Rdan]

Well, the art is awesome! I can not tell yet that I like idea of temperamental MS, it is necessary to consider it release completely. Want it soooooooo badly much :)

[DrSpengler]

Here's my review of TMNT Microseries #5: Splinter at TMNT Entity. (http://tmntentity.blogspot.com/2012/06/publication-date-june-20-2012-script.html)

Really, really great sequel to TMNT #5. A satisfying answer to that question "how can a ninja assassin have a code against killing?" that's been bugging some of us. And a great look into Yoshi's youth; we find out which Turtle *really* takes after him the most.

More great stuff by Burnham. Go read Ghostbusters.

[Raph's Girl]

And now we know how Yoshi and Tang Shen met... dawwww... And boy would Raph be surprised as to how much he's like his daddy!

[Redeemer]

And now we know how Yoshi and Tang Shen met... dawwww... And boy would Raph be surprised as to how much he's like his daddy!

lol seriously right?????? I was hoping to see more of the foot fight, but the back story was excellent and still have a good amount of action, I am wondering how or why Saki was given leadership and not Yoshi??? What happened to Yoshi's master??

[Plasticplayhouse]

I just picked this issue up after work. I'm looking forward to reading it tonight!

[Matches Malone]

Great issue! The idea that Splinter wishes to learn from his past and give his sons a better life is really interesting and gives him a new dimension never seen before. It really reminds me of Kenshin, if anyone has seen that anime, the master assassin who turns his back on killing trying to find peace and constantly finding his past catching up to him and pulling him back.

[Killer Moth]

Here's my review of TMNT Microseries #5: Splinter at TMNT Entity. (http://tmntentity.blogspot.com/2012/06/publication-date-june-20-2012-script.html)

Really, really great sequel to TMNT #5. A satisfying answer to that question "how can a ninja assassin have a code against killing?" that's been bugging some of us. And a great look into Yoshi's youth; we find out which Turtle *really* takes after him the most.

More great stuff by Burnham. Go read Ghostbusters.

No argument, here. In addition to tbe back story -- as Yoshi is in most media, save for here and the 87 series, is a ghost for obvious reasons -- the best part, besides addressing Splinter's motivations, would be the progression of the Yoshi/Shen relationship, and giving a good answer as to why Yoshi fell in love with her in the first place. The best page, for me, was noticing which Turtle examplified which quality of hers (which is better -- Raph's bit with Casey or Mikey declaring "fried green beans are awesome"?). Other than the 2003 episode which explored the matter, this issue helped prove that Shen is not a living prop when given the chance. Huzzah.

And, yes, I liked the panel with the bird, too. Any time any motivation of any character is addressed (including mysterious ones like Splinter) makes me happy, and this issue certainly did. Can't wait for April's, whenever that is.

[Redeemer]

Great issue! The idea that Splinter wishes to learn from his past and give his sons a better life is really interesting and gives him a new dimension never seen before. It really reminds me of Kenshin, if anyone has seen that anime, the master assassin who turns his back on killing trying to find peace and constantly finding his past catching up to him and pulling him back.

Wow I watched a good amount of that anime and I can't believe I didn't make the connection.....But yeah it is so true!

[Weapons@theready]

Great issue, i think perhaps my favorite micro out of all five thus far,

a good look at the Splinter versus killing without making it seem unnatural and gives light to why the Turtles don't kill yet, because although they were trained in the fighting art of ninjutsu, they have not been trained to kill. However, **** just got real on the last page

[DrSpengler]

This issue really did a great job of smoothing inconsistencies over; namely that nagging "no kill policy but they were raised as ninja and ninja are assassins and Splinter swore to kill Saki and I don't underst-" *head explodes*

I daresay that I really like this version of Splinter, perhaps even more than the Mirage incarnation. Stories like TMNT (Vol. 1) #9 never sat entirely well with me, because it featured Splinter treating the Turtles less like sons and more like tools.

In TMNT (Vol. 1) #1 he explains that he raised them in the deadly arts for the sole purpose of getting revenge for him, which isn't exactly a sweet fatherly motivation but whatever. #9, though, had Splinter agreeing to deploy his psycho murder-happy gaggle of 12 year-olds to take up somebody ELSE'S blood debt. And considering how nonchalantly even Mikey was slaughtering Foot Soldiers in that story, it clearly wasn't their first time killing.


...And then we get Tales of the TMNT Vol. 2, with stories where Splinter dotes on them like a nanny and is constantly worries about their safety and doesn't want them to stray too far, etc. Mirage's portrayal of Splinter was so bipolar; they wanted to have it both ways and it just didn't work.

Here, there's a solid explanation for Splinter's change in attitude that's built off previous character development and works in-story. It's a deviation from Mirage, but in a good way, if you ask me. I'd rather have a Splinter who strictly enforces "defense only" and "no killing" over a revenge-hungry old man that sends his 12 year-old children on murder sprees.

Even better is that Splinter isn't passing down his need for vengeance unfairly upon his sons, but saving them from that path. He decides at the end to deal with Saki himself, not force a life of killing upon his children.

It made for a Splinter that felt really well-rounded and rational. I'm very happy with how IDW is handling him.

[CyberCubed]

Can't wait to get this one myself, I hope this brings Andrew's fears to rest too.

It really does prove that IDW really does have a long term plan for everything, and all the little complaints we had along the way are being addressed or put to rest. This series is going to be awesome.

[ToTheNines]

Wowwww, best issue out of the Microseries by far.

The art was very gritty and stylish. Fit in perfectly with Duncan's and Santolouco's styles. Coloring was perfect too. Glad to see Jay bring his A-game back (I thought he rocked it in Infestation 2, but was unimpressed with the Leo Micro).

I knew Burnham wouldn't fail to impress. This is easily the best and most interesting version of Hamato Yoshi to date. The last page was just... sublime. Glad I was alone in the living room when I read that, the face I made was probably ridiculous. This was the most bad-ass Splinter has been since Tales #11.

I must admit though... I'm worried that there's going to be a lot of "overlap" in next weeks issue.

[oldmanwinters]

Well said, Spengs. I agree about the Mirage bi-polar problem. A new continuity is a welcome opportunity for character development.

[Ninjinister]

Once again Diamond botched several of my LCS's orders, and I'm left without a Micro-Series. Last time, I waited over a month for Leo. This time, though, it'll close its doors before that long. I hope Splint shows up next week.

[BAXTER STOCKMAN 19]

Just finished reading it! it was an amaing issue! Cant wait until the next one where Shredder will fight turtles !!

[Plasticplayhouse]

Awesome story and amazing art! Even the coloring was on point! It really added to the art. It's hard to believe this was colored by the same person who's work was so majorly underwhelming in the Leo issue.

I have to agree that this is by far the best micro thus far and that I'm liking this splinter back-story more than the mirage version.

[HotJuicyBurgers]

This micro was awesome. Gives a splinter a depth that he never really had before, and he still manages to be a badass.
I couldn't resist buying all 3 variants this time, and I'm glad lol

[ToTheNines]

The buttholes at IGN didn't review this :(

[corvus]

There's one page where Karai and Alopex look bad. After that the arts good. In issue ten didn't Karai give one of her swords to splinter but here he doesn't have one and she has both and when it goes back and shows Saki executing Yoshi he doesn't have claws. And those minor things are the only problems I could find with the issue. I like the character development, we even learn more about Saki, I was hoping we'd see how he got his scar.

[Killer Moth]

This issue really did a great job of smoothing inconsistencies over; namely that nagging "no kill policy but they were raised as ninja and ninja are assassins and Splinter swore to kill Saki and I don't underst-" *head explodes*

I daresay that I really like this version of Splinter, perhaps even more than the Mirage incarnation. Stories like TMNT (Vol. 1) #9 never sat entirely well with me, because it featured Splinter treating the Turtles less like sons and more like tools.

In TMNT (Vol. 1) #1 he explains that he raised them in the deadly arts for the sole purpose of getting revenge for him, which isn't exactly a sweet fatherly motivation but whatever. #9, though, had Splinter agreeing to deploy his psycho murder-happy gaggle of 12 year-olds to take up somebody ELSE'S blood debt. And considering how nonchalantly even Mikey was slaughtering Foot Soldiers in that story, it clearly wasn't their first time killing.


...And then we get Tales of the TMNT Vol. 2, with stories where Splinter dotes on them like a nanny and is constantly worries about their safety and doesn't want them to stray too far, etc. Mirage's portrayal of Splinter was so bipolar; they wanted to have it both ways and it just didn't work.

Here, there's a solid explanation for Splinter's change in attitude that's built off previous character development and works in-story. It's a deviation from Mirage, but in a good way, if you ask me. I'd rather have a Splinter who strictly enforces "defense only" and "no killing" over a revenge-hungry old man that sends his 12 year-old children on murder sprees.

Even better is that Splinter isn't passing down his need for vengeance unfairly upon his sons, but saving them from that path. He decides at the end to deal with Saki himself, not force a life of killing upon his children.

It made for a Splinter that felt really well-rounded and rational. I'm very happy with how IDW is handling him.

Good points, all, and I wouldn't mind adding a few more points. Since you cite issue #9 extensively, I decided to check the cover date, and it was Sept of 1986. Of course, a year plus later, came the Fred Wolf version of Splinter, and then a little later, the movie one voiced by Elmo and TMNT Adventures. In turn, as the original intention of revenge became downplayed for obvious reasons, so did Splinter's original characterization.

Whether Mirage would have organically toned down Splinter during the late 80's or 90's is a fair question (and to be left for the rest of you, as you're more familar with Mirage-behind-the-scenes), but the fact remains the rising, younger fanbase grew up with a more fatherly/lighter Splinter. Come Tales Vol. 2, created long after the 87 series, Adventures and the original movies, the father characterization might have just struck. And the 2003 version was able to be molded in that shape, yet still retaining his comic roots. And whatever one might think of Forever, they did treat 87 Splinter with dignity.

In the age of animated adaptations and new media, some characterizations can re-make and re-mold even the original. In Splinter's case, it may have been for the best, as the whole "assassins raised for revenge's sake" can be rather unpleasant to think about, given all the ramifications. (And you do a good job considering all that.) In fairness to Eastman and Laird, it isn't like such revising was necessary at the time -- who knew Splinter would be a major worldwide success only a handful of years later?

The other thing is that IDW Splinter gets a refreshingly complete motivation with this issue. Splinter, in all versions, usually has decent motivation, except it usually doesn't get past "beating or killing Shredder or avenging Master Yoshi," at least, initially. Furthermore, until now, Splinter in all forms always had an air of mystery about him (I think you said that once on TMNT Entity), which is why the Splinter micro is far appealing more in its both deconstruction and reconstruction of the Splinter character.

Apologies for the length, but I was on a roll.

[Samhain]

LOVED the issue. I never really ''liked'' Splinter as a character, but this IDW Splinter I'm really diggin', I must say. Oh, and the art was just beautiful!

[Redeemer]

The buttholes at IGN didn't review this :(

Those B@$T@##S.....how dare they!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh well :ohwell: there loss!

[corvus]

Splinter is kind of straying from his archtype which is way better. In mirage we got to see all the turtles act less archtypical over the years but splinter always seemed to be whatever type of old man character fit the story.

[ToTheNines]

Sucks that a lot of you guys haven't picked this up yet.

I know Andrew, in particular, will really like this one.

[Slade]

I really enjoyed this micro. Loved the Splinter and Teng Shin backstory and seeing that SPlinter had some anger issues as well.

[Coola Yagami]

I do wonder if Andrew would like this and like Splinter's motivation... or if he would continue to insist that the Turtles kill something and NOW.

[corvus]

I'm pretty sure they'll kill something eventually.

[Mayhem]

Sucks that a lot of you guys haven't picked this up yet.

I know Andrew, in particular, will really like this one.
My comic place doesn't get its stock until Friday, and then ships out Monday, so I won't get it until middle of next week... how it works in the UK when the magazines are being imported. Least I get all the variants...

[***First of Two Latin Kings***]

I won't have mine until tomorrow or Monday.

[Jephael]

Hey I probably won't have mine for another couple of weeks since I ordered it from eBay a couple days ago.

[corvus]

Why eBay? You could just get it at a different website with faster shipping.

[***First of Two Latin Kings***]

I order mine from ebay, too-- there are advantages to this (like ebay bucks).

I have to say, this was by far the most impressive micro series yet, and I'll probably finally write in to IDW BECAUSE of this issue. Tang Shen is forever in the foreground, a strong thematic driving force like Yoshi was in the 4Kids' series. I'm beginning to wonder if the powers that be decided not to use Rocksteady and Bebop after all, simply because balancing more "Mirage" elements with MWS elements is difficult (although Stephen Murphy had an uncanny knack for pulling this off).

[Andrew NDB]

Wow, I had no idea this was even out until I went to the store today for the first time in 3 weeks. I will post my thoughts shortly.

[Kendamu]

Wow, I had no idea this was even out until I went to the store today for the first time in 3 weeks. I will post my thoughts shortly.

Whether you end up liking it or not, at least they finally explained Splinter's current philosophy about violence.

[Andrew NDB]

I'm surprised this one wasn't planned along with all the other micro-series (I did read that it wasn't originally, right?) -- it's a pretty pivotal piece in the puzzle of making heads or tails on the Splinter no-killing policy. In fact, I'm beginning to think that as things move forward this whole sub-arc may be less about "this is why the Turtles don't kill their enemies" and turn out to be more about "this is why the Turtles one day started killing some of their enemies"... as weird as it seems to me that we have to wrap our heads around the idea that an ongoing story about ninjas has to first explain how and why its titular characters come to be able to kill fellow sword-brandishers trying to kill them long after their training was already completed.

It's a pretty strong issue, maybe even right there next to #5 in my book. I'm always a big sucker for big flashback stuff so this wasn't difficult to digest at all. Everything hit home well on all fronts and fired on all cylinders from art to story. Both Erik Burnham and Charles Wilson seem welcome additions to the IDW TMNT family, as far as I'm concerned.

[Erik Burnham]

Hi, guys!

Thanks for the kind words so far on Splinter. (: I'd be open for questions, but I dunno, y'all have analyses that beat anything I could come up with! lol

[Powder]

Only just got around to picking this up today. Really good read. I thought the writing was extremely well done, some of the best in the series so far IMO. The art was pretty rad too, though some of the faces were a bit inconsistent at times. Overall though, a very very solid issue.

[Eiko]

My fav micro so far very well done story. Splinter Rocks

[Donnie]

Erik,

This was easily my favorite Micro issue. The writing was superb, showing meaning and depth in a character that I thought had been long overdue in terms of character development. It wasn't really done much in Mirage, at least to my knowledge. "City At War" had development for Splinter, but not like IDW. It actually seems that one of Waltz's main focuses throughout the narrative is Splinter's inner turmoil. Your issue amplified that and brought it to the forefront of this on-going story.

So, hats off and congrats! I hope you write many more TMNT stories for us!

[Redrumh2o]

It pains me to post this without being able to afford any, but all of the pages for the Splinter micro have just been posted online

http://comicarthouse.com/cpw3tmnt5.html

[Donnie]

It pains me to post this without being able to afford any, but all of the pages for the Splinter micro have just been posted online

http://comicarthouse.com/cpw3tmnt5.html

Hm...the $65 might be in my range if I'm crazy enough. Does this place have a good track record for getting artwork to you safely and unspoiled?

[Erik Burnham]

Hey, Michelangelo -- thanks! (:

I tried hard to write a Splinter/Yoshi that felt true to what Tom was doing, so I'm glad it meshed for you... my personal goals on the book were to show Splinter as a tough customer (the last line is one of my favorite moments in anything I've written) and, as many have noticed, to show young Yoshi as having an obviously Raphael-like temperament. (:

I've told Bobby that whenever he has another opening for me to play in this sandbox, I'd be more than happy to -- so hopefully, I'll be back soon!

(Side note -- man alive do I want to buy some of Charles' pages right now! Why didja have to go and post the link, Redrumh2o? LOL)

[Donnie]

Hey, Michelangelo -- thanks! (:

I tried hard to write a Splinter/Yoshi that felt true to what Tom was doing, so I'm glad it meshed for you... my personal goals on the book were to show Splinter as a tough customer (the last line is one of my favorite moments in anything I've written) and, as many have noticed, to show young Yoshi as having an obviously Raphael-like temperament. (:

I've told Bobby that whenever he has another opening for me to play in this sandbox, I'd be more than happy to -- so hopefully, I'll be back soon!

(Side note -- man alive do I want to buy some of Charles' pages right now! Why didja have to go and post the link, Redrumh2o? LOL)

Awesome, and thanks for the reply! It definitely meshed for me, all of those elements were clearly shown. I hope Tom lets you play in the sandbox again too! Lol.

About the art for sale - I know, right?! Why Redrum, why?! Now I might be -$65.

[AquaParade]

Yeah, I agree with most that this was a great issue. Easily one of my top two or three favorites of IDW's tmnt run so far. Splinter was really given great depth, and I love the angle that he shares much in common with Raphael. In a way it gives Raphael a bit more depth as well, seeing where his character could end up.
I also loved the way you presented the turtles, Erik! Mikey discovering a favorite new food was great! I really enjoy seeing the turtles slowly become accustomed to american/human culture, and the reactions they have. Truly makes them feel like outsiders. Maybe you should take over the ongoing series at some point! ;) You seem to have a great grip on the characters, even with just one issue as proof.

At this point, I am starting to enjoy the micro series more than the regular ongoing. I am hoping that I will eventually be able to go back and read all the micro's without it feeling too disjointed without the ongoing series. I don't know if it'd really come together by itself though.

[Erik Burnham]

Yeah, I agree with most that this was a great issue. Easily one of my top two or three favorites of IDW's tmnt run so far. Splinter was really given great depth, and I love the angle that he shares much in common with Raphael. In a way it gives Raphael a bit more depth as well, seeing where his character could end up.
I also loved the way you presented the turtles, Erik! Mikey discovering a favorite new food was great! I really enjoy seeing the turtles slowly become accustomed to american/human culture, and the reactions they have. Truly makes them feel like outsiders. Maybe you should take over the ongoing series at some point! ;) You seem to have a great grip on the characters, even with just one issue as proof.


High praise, thank you! (:

[DrSpengler]

Just going by the one-shot nature of the Microseries, you were a good choice to put on the book, Erik.

I've been reading Ghostbusters (duh) and you've got a great handle on how to pace an arc with individual issue-long stories. It makes the book really accessible to newcomers whilst still paying off in the long term for dedicated readers.

That sort of pacing has become something of a "lost art" in the modern comic industry as more and more writers go for the decompressed serialized style.

Hopefully IDW gives you some more Microseries in the future! And keep up the great work on Ghostbusters!

[Erik Burnham]

Just going by the one-shot nature of the Microseries, you were a good choice to put on the book, Erik.

I've been reading Ghostbusters (duh) and you've got a great handle on how to pace an arc with individual issue-long stories. It makes the book really accessible to newcomers whilst still paying off in the long term for dedicated readers.

That sort of pacing has become something of a "lost art" in the modern comic industry as more and more writers go for the decompressed serialized style.

Hopefully IDW gives you some more Microseries in the future! And keep up the great work on Ghostbusters!

Hah! The funny thing is, all along I thought I was doing decompression with the second arc! Don't tell me -- I was doing it wrong! (;

[DrSpengler]

Hah! The funny thing is, all along I thought I was doing decompression with the second arc! Don't tell me -- I was doing it wrong! (;

If I'm wrong then I don't wanna be right.

[Erik Burnham]

Just for fun (and because I discovered TwitCasts yesterday) I'm going to have some fun this afternoon 3pm Central (4 Eastern/1 Pacific US times) and do a Twitcast Q&A about comics.

Comics making Qs, Qs about anything I wrote (Ghostbusters, Turtles, A-Team, etc), general fun talk.

A virtual panel. (:

Anyone that wants to drop by, I'll tweet the link and all shortly before 3. Let's talk comics! (Well, I'll talk, you'll type...)

My twitter info should be below. Hope to see ya -- and yes, this is totally an excuse to play with the shiny new toy of Twitcast. (Well, new to me.) (:

[Candy Kappa]

I freaking loved it.

Still waiting or the Leo issue, neither the Leo micro or the Don micro came to my comic shop.

[Erik Burnham]

Okay, bugs worked out -- back up on a twitcast in a couple mins

http://en.twitcasting.tv/erikburnham

And glad you loved Splinter! (:

[marcelangelo]

hey eric!
just wanted to tell you how much the splinter micro means to me!you and charles did a fantastic job on this comic!!
I love how much tang shen means to hamato and splinter...very interesting twist for me is that hamato is actually clsely bnd to raphael with the anger cluding their minds, so how very fitting to have (human)raphael being yelled at in that moment under the tree...
visually the issue was a pleasure trip as well!I love it that if you look on the right side of that little river that hamato is told to sit at and meditate it feels like their is a sewer run out;)maybe this only appears in front of my eyes, but anyway, beautiful foreshadowing;)...
the action scenes are really delicate, I enjoy that you can actually FOLLOW the actions of the fight!something that was brought t fruition in the original mirage comics and something-I think-is missing in dan duncans output in the ongoing.no offense, just observation here...
I re read it just a few hours ago and noticed that splinter is strangling one foot soldier with his tail?hahaha, that is GREAT!!!;)
anyway, too many words already, I hope you two will come back when time permits(I follow ghostbusters, too), congratulations on a superb turtles comic!
cowabunga, marcel

[Erik Burnham]

hey eric!
just wanted to tell you how much the splinter micro means to me!you and charles did a fantastic job on this comic!!
I love how much tang shen means to hamato and splinter...very interesting twist for me is that hamato is actually clsely bnd to raphael with the anger cluding their minds, so how very fitting to have (human)raphael being yelled at in that moment under the tree...
visually the issue was a pleasure trip as well!I love it that if you look on the right side of that little river that hamato is told to sit at and meditate it feels like their is a sewer run out;)maybe this only appears in front of my eyes, but anyway, beautiful foreshadowing;)...
the action scenes are really delicate, I enjoy that you can actually FOLLOW the actions of the fight!something that was brought t fruition in the original mirage comics and something-I think-is missing in dan duncans output in the ongoing.no offense, just observation here...
I re read it just a few hours ago and noticed that splinter is strangling one foot soldier with his tail?hahaha, that is GREAT!!!;)
anyway, too many words already, I hope you two will come back when time permits(I follow ghostbusters, too), congratulations on a superb turtles comic!
cowabunga, marcel

Thank you very much! (: Charles really did a great job on the choreography of the fights... he brought so much to the book!

[Erik Burnham]

And hey, anyone who happens to be heading to San Diego Comic-Con -- Charles and I will both be there! He's going to be at booth M-13 (iirc) all weekend.

Me? I'm wandering, but I do have one set signing time at the IDW booth on Friday at 6pm, if you need Splinter signed or just want to say hello.

Just throwing it out there! (This is my first SDCC! Good vibes my way!) (:

[Rdan]

Sorry for being your personal slowpoke, but this comic is the gratest book, that IDW have given to a turtle franchise.

[Erik Burnham]

Hey, better late than never! Glad you enjoyed it! (: