Would you read an IDW Tales of the TMNT Multiverse

[Jester]

Something that came up in the movie thread was how would that script work as a "Elseworlds" tale...well why couldn't IDW do an Elseworld imprint where they could:
A. Tell brand new "guest artist" stories that are outside IDW continuity.
and
B. Tell new stories from existing universes, like maybe Archie's Forever War, or the final issues of Image or Vol 4.

What do you guys think?

Hey, Bobby, any chance of this coming to light?

[CyberCubed]

With the exception of "Soul's Winter," I don't think I've ever enjoyed an elseworld TMNT story.

Even the Superhero Turtles from Volume 4 and that one Tales issue weren't particularly good stories. And I don't think I have to mention the awful Mark Martin and TomMcWeeny crap.

[Jester]

Have you read the 4 Turtle Soup anthologies?

I think the biggest plus for me, would be going back to the Mirage, Archie, or Image universes.

[CyberCubed]

I think the biggest plus for me, would be going back to the Mirage, Archie, or Image universes.

Well if that's what you have in mind, they might as well just be stand-alone specials. The Image series only needs #24 and 25 to be officially published, Archie just needs The Forever War....and Mirage should just complete Tristan's Gang Wars story besides Volume 4.

Elseworld Tales is usually stuff in a completely separate continuity in a bizarro world dimension.

[Jester]

I know, I just figured calling it Tales of the Multiverse would allow for BOTH.

[The Stryker]

Going back to Mirage? ICK.

Just make a book where the turtles are communists and call it a day.

[Donnie]

Going back to Mirage? ICK.

Just make a book where the turtles are communists and call it a day.

THE Stryker? Wow...at least you're enjoying yourself, I suppose.

As for Jester's original idea, I think it'd be great to have a sort of "Tales" concerning the IDW TMNT. Although I would think the IDW TMNT are taken care of through the micro issues, it would be awesome to see IDW continue on some out-of-IDW material, yeah. I don't think they'd do it though; Bobby & co. are very humble guys, they probably don't believe they should write an end or elaborate on someone else's TMNT story (although they definitely could!)

[ToTheNines]

Going back to Mirage? ICK.

You don't even read the IDW book...

Stay out of the comic book section please. It's the one part of this forum that is mostly asshole and idiot free.

[FoxZerro]

I would be all about something like this. As much as everybody gripes about the Out of Continuity adventures that were Mirage 22-44 I think it was really cool to see other interpretations of the characters in various situations. What I really enjoyed was the various artist interpretations on the Turtles.

One of my favorite things ever is the original Turtle Soup which was just a beautiful anthology. As ridiculous as stories like "In The Army" are, I let it slide because I know its just a standalone story that doesn't necessarily have any bearing on the main story.

The coolest thing about the out of continuity stuff is that the Turtles are still very true to the character's that have been developed. I would love to see a new book where you can have these character's we know and love in new stand alone situations, that don't necessarily have to have any bearing outside of themselves. In the end it would just mean more turtles.

The best part would probably be that each book would probably have a beginning, a middle, and an end.

[Genesis]

Stay out of the comic book section please. It's the one part of this forum that is mostly asshole and idiot free.That's a tall order. It is Stryker we're talking about. Anything serious is beyond him.

While I think this would be a very interesting and ambitious idea, I'd say we're more likely to receive an in-universe Tales than something that explores other realms in the Multiverse.

[The Stryker]

You don't even read the IDW book...

Stay out of the comic book section please. It's the one part of this forum that is mostly asshole and idiot free.

I do! I just got through the second trade. I actually like it.

Whateva. I post where I want! Yes The Stryker. Thank you for noticing random person.

But I digress.

An elseworlds book would be interesting but I don't think the revisiting old continuity thing is a good idea for people that aren't super super deep into the comics world. It requires a pretty steep level of entry that sorta negates the point of elseworldish one shots.

It's more of a What If book idea but even then those are more about alternate outcomes to big known storylines. That would be kinda cool actually. What if The Shredder raised the turtles. Crazy ish like that.

[Lordmylar06]

I think mini-series would be fine on their own, like "Gang Wars" "The Forever War" and even the Image conclusion.
I wouldn't be against a "Tales of the Multiverse" book, but I would suggest separating those conclusions from the book because they're pre-established. Then maybe kicking a multiverse book off after those mini series were done.
I would also think it would be cool to see newer content that related to older TMNT universes.
Yes, there are some iterations I could go without, but with a book like that, I'd be willing to take the stuff not so aligned with what I wanted, just to see more of what I do like.

[Andrew NDB]

I do! I just got through the second trade. I actually like it.

Whateva. I post where I want! Yes The Stryker. Thank you for noticing random person.

But I digress.

An elseworlds book would be interesting but I don't think the revisiting old continuity thing is a good idea for people that aren't super super deep into the comics world. It requires a pretty steep level of entry that sorta negates the point of elseworldish one shots.

It's not difficult to revisit old continuity in manners that wouldn't require any sort of vast knowledge of said continuity. It's called good writing.

[Jephael]

At first I was a little skeptical, but then I thought it might be a really fun idea! The first few issues could be the long-awaited "Forever War" storyarc, then the following issue could have someone write about what happens to the 4Kids TMNT and their New York after they've returned from Turtle Prime at the end of Turtles Forever.

[pannoni1]

Tales are meant to be episodic contributions within a universe and I view them as glorified fanfics with the standards of a canon issue. But when we combine it to be for the multiverse, its the comic book equivalent to free verse poetry, and can lead to experimentation for future canon ideas. Now that the multiverse is large enough to make it feasible, we can reveal lots more revelations than ever. As long as it doesn't cut back on the main canon like Tales Vol. 2 did to Vol. 4, I'm all for it since it just means more TMNT for us!

[Genesis]

What if The Shredder raised the turtles.Come to think of it, I'm surprised that no one has ever really explored that possibility. I mean, we've even seen a nice-guy Shredder from another dimension. Seems more reasonable that we'd see the Turtles raised by the bad guy than that.

[MikeandRaph87]

I like the idea,but if the storyline going on is in relation to one of the two universes I don't like namely Image and Next Mutation, I will not read it. My LCS only gets in Ninja Turtles stuff if it is ordered specifically by a patron. It would be hard to read solcits and then go in and say I want #1-3 but don't want 4-5 because it focuses on a less than interesting version. Then say, "I will let you know when the solcits for six come out if it covers a version I like and how many issues are in that arc". It seems messy,but if we get something like Forever War or a satisfying final battle with Shredder and Krang,The Shredder War,etc. then I am all for it its just messy with the ordering. Of course its all hypothetical.:trazz:

[Matches Malone]

I do! I just got through the second trade. I actually like it.

Whateva. I post where I want! Yes The Stryker. Thank you for noticing random person.

But I digress.

An elseworlds book would be interesting but I don't think the revisiting old continuity thing is a good idea for people that aren't super super deep into the comics world. It requires a pretty steep level of entry that sorta negates the point of elseworldish one shots.

It's more of a What If book idea but even then those are more about alternate outcomes to big known storylines. That would be kinda cool actually. What if The Shredder raised the turtles. Crazy ish like that.

That's true, but there are ways to address that, such as re-releasing those issues prior, similar to how Mirage published the Future Tense trade as a precursor to the (at the time) upcoming Forever War story. Hopefully without the printing errors though...

Or it could just be released as one big trade that includes the conclusion. That would definitely entice those who already own the issues to buy it for the "bonus content."

And I'm sure there are other means, but those are the ones off the top of my head.

[Andrew NDB]

I like the idea,but if the storyline going on is in relation to one of the two universes I don't like namely Image and Next Mutation, I will not read it.

You won't be missed.

[Powder]

I'd love the sh*t out of it.

[Matches Malone]

I would really like this, but I don't know if it would work as an ongoing series if it's meant to be a home for multiple universes. It would be tough and confusing to follow for reasons stated by mikeanddraph87.

Even if they were standalone stories, I wonder how easy or well that could be done without sacrificing the necessary ties to their respective continuities. Good writing aside, we can agree those would be obstacles if the goal is to make them easy to understand for new readers. I imagine these issues would be enough to hold IDW off from doing this. If they were to do anything in the other universes, they would probably, and perhaps should be, standalone issues/graphic novels that aren't tied to an incohesive series.

[Donnie]

Yes The Stryker. Thank you for noticing random person.

I call you out on all of your outlandish, folly-ridden spectacles you'd call posts. Don't play coy.

It's not difficult to revisit old continuity in manners that wouldn't require any sort of vast knowledge of said continuity. It's called good writing.

Precisely...

[The Stryker]

I call you out on all of your outlandish, folly-ridden spectacles you'd call posts. Don't play coy.

I honestly have no idea who you are, dawg.

Sure you can just say good writing but that's way easier said than done. Especially with a universe as dense as the mirageverse. Sure it COULD be done but would anyone outside of the hardcore comic fans want to buy it? This isn't my personal dislike for Mirage talking either. Those books have a ton to take in.

Another decent What If idea is Hamato Yoshi never leaving japan. Just have a whole story about that dude. I'm more of a fan of the outlandish ish though.

[Andrew NDB]

If they get into "What If?" and imaginary universes and all that it might edge too closely to, like, the old DC Elseworlds specials they'd do. Which, while were cool, never really connected to a large audience as they were just... well... too random and divorced from anything seen before, anywhere. And this was Batman and Superman we're talking about.

I could see the viability in, like, a quarterly 48-52 page special "Tales from the Multiverse" type of thing, each one containing 3 short stories, each one from a different TMNT universe. Like the Tales of the TMNT books had frontispieces to set up the story in question, the stories within these specials could be introduced by Renet, or Cudley Cowlick or something, who observe the history and flow of the Multiverse.

[oldmanwinters]

If they get into "What If?" and imaginary universes and all that it might edge too closely to, like, the old DC Elseworlds specials they'd do. Which, while were cool, never really connected to a large audience as they were just... well... too random and divorced from anything seen before, anywhere. And this was Batman and Superman we're talking about.

I could see the viability in, like, a quarterly 48-52 page special "Tales from the Multiverse" type of thing, each one containing 3 short stories, each one from a different TMNT universe. Like the Tales of the TMNT books had frontispieces to set up the story in question, the stories within these specials could be introduced by Renet, or Cudley Cowlick or something, who observe the history and flow of the Multiverse.

I really like a few of those Batman tales. The Batman & Dracula saga, "Gotham by Gaslight", and "Batman: Holy Terror" are probably the most memorable ones I've read. Also, I thought Kia Asamiya's manga story "Batman: Child of Dreams" made for a pretty awesome TPB.

But, yes, most of them are more weird than good.

[The Stryker]

If they get into "What If?" and imaginary universes and all that it might edge too closely to, like, the old DC Elseworlds specials they'd do. Which, while were cool, never really connected to a large audience as they were just... well... too random and divorced from anything seen before, anywhere. And this was Batman and Superman we're talking about.

I could see the viability in, like, a quarterly 48-52 page special "Tales from the Multiverse" type of thing, each one containing 3 short stories, each one from a different TMNT universe. Like the Tales of the TMNT books had frontispieces to set up the story in question, the stories within these specials could be introduced by Renet, or Cudley Cowlick or something, who observe the history and flow of the Multiverse.

See. That sounds a lot more appealing. Shorts would be kinda cool to read.

[Jester]

I could get behind quarterlies...or even annuals...that were multiverse anthologies.

[Donnie]

I guess that's for the best, "dawg".

Another decent What If idea is Hamato Yoshi never leaving japan. Just have a whole story about that dude. I'm more of a fan of the outlandish ish though.

It would actually be interesting if not only did he never leave Japan, but the Turtles and the entire origin (the ooze accident, Utroms, etc.) took place in Japan. Make that Feudal Japan...they wouldn't really have to hide much being in medieval times as contemporary technology would not yet have been invented. Plus, they could be referred to as "demons" by some, hired ninjas by others, etc.

The various incarnations touched upon many of these plot devices (movie 3, 4Kids) but never like that.

[thelouisguy]

Something that came up in the movie thread was how would that script work as a "Elseworlds" tale...well why couldn't IDW do an Elseworld imprint where they could:
A. Tell brand new "guest artist" stories that are outside IDW continuity.
and
B. Tell new stories from existing universes, like maybe Archie's Forever War, or the final issues of Image or Vol 4.

What do you guys think?

Hey, Bobby, any chance of this coming to light?
I never really enjoyed the guest issues that were not canon. I would read guest stories if they were written like the Micro-Series issues; stories that take place alongside the main story but might not affect canon.
Going back to Mirage? ICK.

Just make a book where the turtles are communists and call it a day.
I would read that.
I do! I just got through the second trade. I actually like it.

Whateva. I post where I want! Yes The Stryker. Thank you for noticing random person.

But I digress.

An elseworlds book would be interesting but I don't think the revisiting old continuity thing is a good idea for people that aren't super super deep into the comics world. It requires a pretty steep level of entry that sorta negates the point of elseworldish one shots.

It's more of a What If book idea but even then those are more about alternate outcomes to big known storylines. That would be kinda cool actually. What if The Shredder raised the turtles. Crazy ish like that.
I am glad you are enjoying them!

See. That sounds a lot more appealing. Shorts would be kinda cool to read.
And I agree. As much as I would like them to revisit the Mirage canon, any new stories released by IDW should refer to this new iteration and not confuse the casual reader.

[Jephael]

As much as I would like them to revisit the Mirage canon, any new stories released by IDW should refer to this new iteration and not confuse the casual reader.

If they did a multiverse anthology title, it would be for long-time die-hard fans, not casual fans!

[Andrew NDB]

And newsflash, people... IDW is reprinting all the Mirage and Archie stuff and putting it back on shelves... right now. For the first time ever it's readily accessible. I know a bunch of people that are reading Mirage TMNT for the first time right now.

[thelouisguy]

If they did a multiverse anthology title, it would be for long-time die-hard fans, not casual fans!
Yes, an anthology-style book would be for die-hards. I guess I was referring to quarterly/regularly printed new material.
And newsflash, people... IDW is reprinting all the Mirage and Archie stuff and putting it back on shelves... right now. For the first time ever it's readily accessible. I know a bunch of people that are reading Mirage TMNT for the first time right now.
I know they are reprinting Mirage and Archie stuff right now but it is identified as a reprint. If there were new stories being released, I would assume that they should go with the ongoing series.

[Jester]

You guys do realize there is a wonderful little device known as the editor's note, where the publisher can explain that this story takes place in such and such a universe, between such and such an issue, right? Were Mirage's Tales books confusing because they were one-shots that hopped around within the known canon of the Mirage books?

[BentonGrey]

Hey, great idea Jester! I think this would be a really neat concept. I'd certainly buy something that put the Forever War in print! What's more, I think this would be a great way to tell all kinds of interesting stories that might not fit in easily with what IDW is doing.

That said, I'd also love to see books that just explored other corners of their worlds. The Micro Series is doing that to a degree, but I'd be pretty happy buying three to five Turtle universe books of the quality they're putting out.

[Andrew NDB]

Imagine like a "Tales of the Multiverse" maxi-series anthology, each issue of the first "arc" containing: 1) One part of the Mirage Gang Wars conclusion, 2) One part of the Archie Forever War conclusion, 3) One part of, I dunno, some kind of movie-verse thing, maybe the sequel to the 2007 movie we never got (thankfully).

[BentonGrey]

Imagine like a "Tales of the Multiverse" maxi-series anthology, each issue of the first "arc" containing: 1) One part of the Mirage Gang Wars conclusion, 2) One part of the Archie Forever War conclusion, 3) One part of, I dunno, some kind of movie-verse thing, maybe the sequel to the 2007 movie we never got (thankfully).

More of that hatred for the 2007 flick, I just don't get it....anyway, yeah, I'd definitely buy that. I'd be quite happy with the third item being movie-verse indeed.:tsmile:

[Jephael]

You guys do realize there is a wonderful little device known as the editor's note, where the publisher can explain that this story takes place in such and such a universe, between such and such an issue, right?

Oh yea I didn't think about that earlier.

[Panda_Kahn_fan]

As long as it didn't interfere with the current IDW book and it's continuity, I'd be up for it! :D

[thelouisguy]

As long as it didn't interfere with the current IDW book and it's continuity, I'd be up for it! :D

I really like the current structure of the ongoing series and microseries sidestories/backstories. If they did have what-if stories, I hope they keep them seperate as well.

[Jester]

If they did have what-if stories, I hope they keep them seperate as well.
That's usually what what-if or Elseworld series do, tell stories that are outside the established canon.

[Cowabunga Carl]

I'd love something like this. It would allow writers and artist who have a favorite version a chance to tell stories that they wanted to tell. It would be a lot of fun to see stories from our other favorite universes. Heck who knows maybe us TMNT fans can get them to relaunch some like the did with the original GI Joe book.

[thelouisguy]

That's usually what what-if or Elseworld series do, tell stories that are outside the established canon.

I know, but some Tales of the TMNT are considered canon while others are not. If they were to add a new series, I would like them to make a clear choice.

[chrisdude]

I can't really get into something I know isn't part of a given continuity without thinking, "This isn't real." I mean, I would read it, but I don't think it could hold value to me :ohwell:

It's hard being a Star Trek fan, right now.

[Jephael]

I can't really get into something I know isn't part of a given continuity without thinking, "This isn't real."

I used to feel that way too, but one day it occured to me that it's all just make-believe anyway! Who care's what's canon and what isn't?

COMIC BOOK GUY: "That was an imaginary story dreamed up by Jimmy Olsen after Supergirl's horse Comet kicked him in the head. It never really happened."
BART SIMPSON: "None of this stuff really happened!"
COMIC BOOK GUY: "Get out of my store."

[CyberCubed]

I know, but some Tales of the TMNT are considered canon while others are not. If they were to add a new series, I would like them to make a clear choice.

What on earth are you talking about? All of Tales of the TMNT is canon.

[Andrew NDB]

What on earth are you talking about? All of Tales of the TMNT is canon.

Apparently there were a few that were put out while Steven Murphy was the editor and Peter wasn't directly approving the comics (when the fourth movie came out) that Peter retroactively said aren't canon, but he never really said which ones specifically. I think he alluded that "Swan Song" wouldn't be canon, but I don't think he's said definitively which issues.

[CyberCubed]

The fact that he stopped approving every Tales story means little, they were all written with the intent of being canon. It's not like the Volume 1 guest issues where some are clearly not intended to be canon.

The only other stuff of dubious canon is the specials like the Haunted Pizza, etc.

[Jephael]

As I said in my last post it shouldn't matter what's canon and what isn't anyway. As long as you enjoy the story, that should be what really counts!

[Andrew NDB]

The fact that he stopped approving every Tales story means little, they were all written with the intent of being canon.

That's pretty much my stance on all Mirage comics. I mean, there's comics that you can look at for 5 seconds and go, "OK, obviously there's no way this is canon, or was it ever even intended to be." But the rest? I tend to follow a policy of, "This story happened, until such a time if and when a new story directly contradicts it."

[Powder]

As I said in my last post it shouldn't matter what's canon and what isn't anyway. As long as you enjoy the story, that should be what really counts!

Definitely, but in some cases a defined canon status can be of great significance.

[CyberCubed]

I pretty much consider all of Volume 1 canon except:

- The Mark Martin trilogy
- The Tom Mcweeny trilogy
- Soul's Winter trilogy (its awesome, but its obviously a different set of Turtles)
- Issue #41...the one with the Turtles having dreams


All the rest are canon in my eyes. Even that Egyptian issue where April is a reporter for some reason.

[Toby Barrett]

The turtles can't dream in canon?