Rumour: Jason Aaron Reportedly Writing IDW TMNT Relaunch

[ZariusTwo]

Jason Aaron, the recent writer of Marvel's Avengers titles, has currently taken over the Superman comic books at DC Comics. He first wrote Jane Foster as Thor as well as writing Ghost Rider, Wolverine, X-Men, Star Wars, Punisher, Doctor Strange, Hulk, Conan and more for Marvel Comics. He also has creator-owned comic books Scalped and The Other Side from DC Comics and Southern Bastards, The Goddamned, Sea of Stars, from Image Comics. And recently Once Upon a Time at the End of the World from Boom Studios.

Expect an announcement any day now. Heroes In A Scalped Shell, anyone? Could it be May? How about June? Definitely before San Diego Comic-Con in July…


https://bleedingcool.com/comics/jason-aaron-to-write-the-new-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-1/

[Bahamut810]

I dont read DC/Marvel but if that's the case I will take a look at his stuff. If he had anything to do with the new socially aware son of superman stuff...I will just pass on everything

[BornAgain]

He’s done some recent Marvel stinkers but almost everything at Marvel stinks now.

“Scalped” is an awesome comic. Hopefully he can bring some of that energy to the book. Much bigger name than I expected but TLR probably put some respect on TMNT again in the industry.

[Monty Mole]

Was his Punisher run any good? Was really turned off with him changing Frank into a ninja

[Andrew NDB]

It doesn't bode well for the majority in our wish to toss Jennika if he is the one that had Jane Foster go from damsel girlfriend to equal rights superhero replacement.

Oh, he's one of those guys? And he's the one that changed the Punisher symbol into a weirdo demon thing? lol... yeah, enjoy your Vol. 2, guys. hahah...

[CyberCubed]

I don't understand why IDW is being so secretive of the future of the comic after issue 150. They won't confirm who the writer is, if it's #151 or a new #1, etc. It's bizarre.

[Bahamut810]

They are probably waiting for various levels of approval to make the press release. I wouldn't be surprised if the re-up of the license gave Nick more oversight to large events.

[Cowabung-Gal]

If he is chosen, I have no doubt that he will:

1.) Feminize the turtles and make them critics of “bro culture” and “toxic masculinity”

2.) Keep Jennika around and have her steal the spotlight from the og turtles…again

3.) Sprinkle in some identity politics and MAGA parodies/references to persuade the readers to be socially aware

4.) Go for that “girls rule and boys drool” rhetoric

5.) Call the fandom toxic for criticizing his writing

6.) Come up with more pointless, boring crossovers like MLP X TMNT or Goosebumps X TMNT

7.) Prove me right

[Andrew NDB]

I don't understand why IDW is being so secretive of the future of the comic after issue 150. They won't confirm who the writer is, if it's #151 or a new #1, etc. It's bizarre.

Seems pretty conclusive there won't be a #151.

[CyberCubed]

Since they're apparently keeping the same continuity they can't change too much of the established characters or current direction of the series. Also how does a new writer even catch up on 10+ years of history? Does he get like a story bible or "cliffnotes" version of all the important events? I doubt anyone is going back reading 200+ IDW TMNT comics.

[joe-eyeball]

Was his Punisher run any good? Was really turned off with him changing Frank into a ninja

When he took over The Punisher Max run from Garth Ennis it was pretty good in my opinion but his later runs with the character left little to be desired.

[Bahamut810]

6.) Come up with more pointless, boring crossovers like MLP X TMNT or Goosebumps X TMNT

...I want to read MLPXTMNT. Pinkie Pie and Michelangelo would totally be besties.

Since they're apparently keeping the same continuity they can't change too much of the established characters or current direction of the series. Also how does a new writer even catch up on 10+ years of history? Does he get like a story bible or "cliffnotes" version of all the important events? I doubt anyone is going back reading 200+ IDW TMNT comics.

I would read the backlog of good comics...

However, the past does not matter. If he is the guy who went out of his way to ruin punisher then the past will just be re-written so that all the boys are retroactively bad people and then will be written out. The new series will be them being outted ad dangerous abusers then the comic will focus on Jennika, Sheena, Aleopex and the rest of the band.

[Andrew NDB]

Also how does a new writer even catch up on 10+ years of history?

The same way writers caught up with 40+ years of history when they'd end up on DC books: editors. But they don't really do that anymore.

[ProphetofGanja]

Well this guy wrote Southern Bastards, and I enjoyed that series quite a bit until almost the very end (I could expand on that, if anyone's curious) so I'm intrigued, at least.

Since they're apparently keeping the same continuity they can't change too much of the established characters or current direction of the series. Also how does a new writer even catch up on 10+ years of history? Does he get like a story bible or "cliffnotes" version of all the important events? I doubt anyone is going back reading 200+ IDW TMNT comics.

You seem to be vastly underestimating the power of a new #1's ability to retcon past events :lol:

[Icegaze]

So long as Jennika and the mutant town support cast are no longer the focus of the story, and we shift away from the slice of life tone, I’m all ears. I’m curious to see what direction our turtle bros are headed.

[neatoman]

So long as Jennika and the mutant town support cast are no longer the focus of the story, and we shift away from the slice of life tone, I’m all ears. I’m curious to see what direction our turtle bros are headed.

Yeah, I wouldn't be too worried about those characters sticking around. You know how each spider-Man writer may have their original characters in the supporting cast they like to show a lot, but when someone else takes over it's pretty much just the Lee/Ditko/Romita characters who sticks around? I kinda get the feeling that the new writer is just going to default to more established characters and eventually forget these newer ones.

[MikeandRaph87]

I miss the days where the worst thing forced upon readers was environmentalism and Islam and Buddhism basics.

I may just sit this out.

Here is his bibliography that dates back to 2007. Most of it is Thor, Avengers and Punisher. His DC work is more sporadic and the Action Comics run seems to be the first long-term title commitment to DC.
DC Comics
The Other Side #1–5 (with Cameron Stewart, Vertigo, 2006)
Scalped (with R. M. Guéra, John Paul Leon (#12), Davide Furnò (#18–20, 36–37, 44), Francesco Francavilla (#27), Danijel Žeželj (#35) and Jason Latour (#43), Vertigo, 2007–2012)
Joker's Asylum Volume One Penguin one-shot (2008)
X-Men:
Wolverine by Jason Aaron: The Complete Collection Volume 1 (tpb, 392 pages, 2013, ISBN 0-7851-8541-0) includes:
Wolverine vol. 2 #175: "A Good Man" (with UDON Studios, Aaron's first published work — a co-feature, 2002)
Wolverine vol. 3:
"The Man in the Pit" (with Howard Chaykin, in #56, 2007)
"Get Mystique!" (with Ron Garney, in #62–65, 2008)
"A Mile in My Moccasins" (with Adam Kubert, in #73–74, 2009)
Wolverine: Manifest Destiny #1–4 (with Stephen Segovia, 2008–2009)
Wolverine: Weapon X (with Ron Garney, Yanick Paquette (#6–9), C. P. Smith (#10) and Davide Gianfelice (#16), 2009–2010)
Wolverine vol. 4 (with Renato Guedes, Jefte Palo (#5.1), Daniel Acuña (#6–9), Goran Sudžuka (#15–16), Ron Garney (#17–19) and Steven Sanders + Billy Tan (#300–304), 2010–2012)
6-issue spin-off limited series Astonishing Spider-Man & Wolverine (written by Aaron, art by Adam Kubert, 2010–2011)
X-Force Special: Ain't No Dog: "Hunters and Killers" (with Werther Dell'Edera, co-feature in one-shot, 2008)
Wolverine: Japan's Most Wanted #1–13 (co-written by Aaron and Jason Latour, art by Paco Diaz and Alé Garza (#8–9), 2014) pages, 2020, ISBN 1-3029-2341-2)
Black Panther vol. 3 #39–41: "See Wakanda and Die" (with Jefte Palo, 2008) Richard Isanove, digital one-shot, 2008)
Punisher MAX #1–22 (with Steve Dillon, 2010–2012)
Fear Itself #7: "Epilogue: Saturday" (with Mike Choi, co-feature, 2011)
The Incredible Hulk vol. 3 #1–15 (with Marc Silvestri, Whilce Portacio, Jefte Palo, Steve Dillon (#8), Pasqual Ferry (#9), Tom Raney (#10), Dalibor Talaji? (#11) and Carlos Pacheco (#12), 2011–2012)
Avengers vs. X-Men (20212) co-writter
"The Invincible Iron Man vs. Magneto" (with Adam Kubert, in #1, 2012)
"Angel vs. Hawkeye" (with John Romita, Jr., in #5, 2012)
"Iron Fist vs. Iceman" (with Ramón K. Pérez, in #6, 2012)
BrooklyKnight (with Mike Deodato, Jr., free promotional one-shot, 2013)
Thor:
Thor: God of Thunder (with Esad Ribi?, Butch Guice (#6), Nic Klein (#12), Ron Garney, Das Pastoras (#18), Agustín Alessio (#24) and R. M. Guéra + Simon Bisley (#25), 2012–2014)
Thor)
the 8-issue fourth volume of the Thor ongoing series (written by Aaron, art by Russell Dauterman and Jorge Molina (#5), 2014–2015) 4-issue spin-off limited series Secret Wars: Thors (written by Aaron, art by Chris Sprouse and Goran Sudžuka (#2–3), 2015–2016)
The Mighty Thor vol. 2 (with Russell Dauterman, Frazer Irving (#12), Steve Epting (#13–14), Valerio Schiti (#19–23) and James Harren (#701), 2016–2018)
5-issue spin-off limited series The Unworthy Thor (written by Aaron, art by Olivier Coipel and various artists, 2017)
Generations: the Mighty Thor and the Unworthy Thor one-shot (written by Aaron, art by Mahmud Asrar, 2017)
The Mighty Thor: At the Gates of Valhalla one-shot (written by Aaron, art by Ramón K. Pérez and Jen Bartel, 2018)
Thor by Jason Aaron: The Complete Collection Volume 5
King Thor #1-4 limited series with Esad Ribi? and Das Pastoras (#3), 2019–2020)
Thor vol. 6 #24: "Who Wields Who?" (with Das Pastoras, co-feature, 2022)
Original Sin:
Original Sin #1–8 (with Mike Deodato, Jr., 2014)
Original Sin: Thor and Loki — The Tenth Realm six issue limited series
Star Wars
Star Wars vol. 4 (with John Cassaday, Simone Bianchi, Stuart Immonen, Mike Deodato, Jr. (#13–14), Mike Mayhew (#15, 20), Leinil Francis Yu, Jorge Molina and Salvador Larroca, 2015–2017) collected as:
Vader Down (collects #13–14, Star Wars: Darth Vader #13–15 and the Star Wars: Vader Down one-shot, tpb, 152 pages, 2016, ISBN 0-7851-9789-3)
Volume 2 (collects #11–20, hc, 272 pages, 2018, ISBN 1-3029-0897-9)
Doctor Strange by Jason Aaron #1–20 and Land and Mike Deodato, Jr., one-shot, 2017)
The Avengers:
The Avengers vol. 7 (with Ed McGuinness, Paco Medina, Sara Pichelli (#7), David Marquez, Andrea Sorrentino (#13 and 26), Jason Masters (#21), Stefano Caselli, Dale Keown (#26 and 39), Javier Garrón, Luca Maresca (#42 and 45), Flaviano (#49), Aaron Kuder + Carlos Pacheco (#50), Juan Frigeri (#51–54) and Ivan Fiorelli (#61–62), 2018–2023)
Challenge of the Ghost Riders #22–62
Avengers 1,000,000 B.C. one-shot (written by Aaron, art by Kev Walker, 2022)
Avengers Assemble: Alpha one-shot (written by Aaron, art by Bryan Hitch, 2023)
Includes the Avengers Assemble: Omega one-shot (written by Aaron, art by Aaron Kuder, Ivan Fiorelli, Javier Garrón and Jim Towe, 2023)
Incoming!: "The Avengers" (with Andrea Sorrentino, anthology one-shot, 2020)
Avengers Forever vol. 2 (with Aaron Kuder, Carlos Magno (#2) and Jim Towe (#4–6, 10–11, 14), 2022–2023) 1469-3)
War of the Realms: War Scrolls #1–3: "The God without Fear" (with Andrea Sorrentino, anthology, 2019
Valkyrie:
Jane Foster: Valkyrie (co-written by Aaron with Al Ewing (#1–7) and Torunn Grønbekk (#8–10), art by CAFU, Pere Pérez (#6–7) and Ramon Rosanas (#9–10), 2019–2020)
King in Black: Return of the Valkyries #1–4 (co-written by Aaron and Torunn Grønbekk, art by Nina Vakueva, 2021)
The Mighty Valkyries #1–5 (co-written by Aaron and Torunn Grønbekk, art by Mattia de Iulis, 2021
The Amazing Spider-Man: Full Circle: "Part Seven" (with Cameron Stewart and Mark Bagley, anthology one-shot, 2019)
Heroes Return: "The Man Who Rebooted the World" (with Ed McGuinness, one-shot, 2021)
Miracleman #0: "The Man Whose Dreams Were Miracles" (with Leinil Francis Yu, co-feature, 2022)
Image Comics
24Seven Volume 2: "This Mortal Coil" (with Miguel Alves, anthology graphic novel, 240 pages, 2007
Pilot Season: Ripclaw (with Jorge Lucas, one-shot, Top Cow, 2007with Moritat, anthology, 2009)
Southern Bastards (with Jason Latour):
Southern Bastards (with issues #12 and 18 written by Jason Latour and drawn by Chris Brunner, 2014–2018)
Here Was a Man (collects #1–4, tpb, 128 pages, 2014,
Gridiron#5–20
Thought Bubble Anthology #6: "Earl Around the World" (2017)
The Goddamned (with R. M. Guéra):
The Goddamned #1–5 (2015–2016)
The Goddamned: The Virgin Brides #1–5 (2020–2021)
Sea of Stars (co-written by Aaron and Dennis Hallum, art by Stephen Green, 2019–2021)
The People of the Broken Moon #6–11
The Old Guard: Tales Through Time #5: "An Old Soul" (with Rafael Albuquerque, anthology, 2021)
Other publishers
Country Ass-Whuppin': A Tornado Relief Anthology: "Ass Kicked in Alabama" (with Ryan Cody, one-shot, 12-Gauge Comics, 2012)
Love is Love (untitled one-page story, with Jason Latour, anthology graphic novel, 144 pages, IDW Publishing, 2016
Sound and Fury (co-written by Aaron and Ryan Cady, art by Takashi Okazaki, Vasilis Lolos, Rosi Kampe, Rufus Dayglo and Josan González, graphic novel, 144 pages,
Once Upon a Time at the End of the World (with Alexandre Tefenkgi (#1–5), Leila del Duca (#6–10) and Nick Dragotta (#11–15), Boom! Studios, 2022–23(

[CyberCubed]

Characters they can easily get rid of:

- Jennika and Sheena can simply stay in a band somewhere away from the Turtles adventures.

- Alopex and the weasels are already written out

- Lita can go to the future with Renet/Future Lita for training as a time travel apprentice.

- Bob and Camen are kinda boring, so I don't really care about them

- Venus will likely stick around, I assume.

Everyone else is already a recurring character so it doesn't matter if we see them much or not. But i do think something should be done with Sally, the Regenta to wrap up the Utrom/Triceraton stuff.

[TigerClaw]

Characters they can easily get rid of:

- Jennika and Sheena can simply stay in a band somewhere away from the Turtles adventures.

- Alopex and the weasels are already written out

- Lita can go to the future with Renet/Future Lita for training as a time travel apprentice.

- Bob and Camen are kinda boring, so I don't really care about them

- Venus will likely stick around, I assume.

Everyone else is already a recurring character so it doesn't matter if we see them much or not. But i do think something should be done with Sally, the Regenta to wrap up the Utrom/Triceraton stuff.
Not happening as they are gonna do spinoff comics, and those characters can easily get there own spinoffs, If Jennika can get her own spinoff, so can Alopex.

[hypered1]

Not happening as they are gonna do spinoff comics, and those characters can easily get there own spinoffs, If Jennika can get her own spinoff, so can Alopex.

Yeah, Jenny's not going anywhere. There's a pb collection of her minis and intro issues out in June and an action figure later this year too.

[CyberCubed]

When they say spinoffs I assume they just mean short mini-series like we've always been getting. Jennika for example got a 6-issue mini-series shortly after issue 100. But they could still be kept out of the main series especially if the writer doesn't want to use them. Depends how many mini's that IDW can put out at once.

Also Sophie is still reassuring everyone on her twitter in her replies that IDW TMNT is not getting a reboot. I assume she's correct, since she obviously has more insider knowledge than anyone else at the moment. Weirdly Tom Waltz hasn't made any comment on his twitter, he's just promoting The Last Ronin Part 2 there.

[Autbot_Benz]

As someone who really enjoyed and owns his entire run of Thor. I think Jason Aaron will do well on Turtles. I also have his Doctor Strange Omnibus.

[Andrew NDB]

When they say spinoffs I assume they just mean short mini-series like we've always been getting. Jennika for example got a 6-issue mini-series shortly after issue 100. But they could still be kept out of the main series especially if the writer doesn't want to use them. Depends how many mini's that IDW can put out at once.

Also Sophie is still reassuring everyone on her twitter in her replies that IDW TMNT is not getting a reboot. I assume she's correct, since she obviously has more insider knowledge than anyone else at the moment. Weirdly Tom Waltz hasn't made any comment on his twitter, he's just promoting The Last Ronin Part 2 there.

IDW TMNT is continuing. No Vol. 2 announced yet. New minis to come. None of this is a reboot.

<---- All of these things can be true.

[ZariusTwo]

His DC work is more sporadic and the Action Comics run seems to be the first long-term title commitment to DC.]

He's only on AC for a handful of issues. Action Comics reportedly no longer has a permanent writer and DC don't know when they'll assign one.

[TheLabRat]

Weirdly, no writers want a mutant turtle villain. Many hacks still want a fifth core ninja turtle.

[Sumac]

Weirdly, no writers want a mutant turtle villain. Many hacks still want a fifth core ninja turtle.
Of course, fifth Turtle would allow them to cement their status in the history of the franchise. Generic Turtle villain would not. :lol:
That's what people without a talent do!

[TurtleGurkle]

Jason Aaron + a relaunch should bring in a lot of new readers. Wonder who the artist is?

[hypered1]

Confirmation that Aaron is taking over and the numbering will reset:

https://comicbook.com/comics/news/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-tmnt-jason-aaron-idw/

Also gives us a clearer timeline:

Jan: #147
Feb: #148
Mar: #149, UDFC #1
Apr: #150, UDFC #2, FCBD
May: UDFC #3
Jun: Vol.2 - Alpha #1, UDFC #4
Jul: Vol.2 #1, UDFC #5

[Andrew NDB]

https://comicbook.com/comics/news/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-tmnt-jason-aaron-idw/

Well, there you go. There's your Vol. 2, #1 announcement. And it's preceded by an Alpha #1 special? That sure reminds me of the "Age of Apocalypse."

And maybe this dude is going to be A-OK.

"Especially for me, a kid who first fell in love with the Turtles all those years ago because of that original Mirage Studios series, buying those groundbreaking issues fresh off the rack, comics that kicked you in the face with their action-packed grit and gloriously raw attitude."

Hey, that's music to my ears.

[Cowabung-Gal]

"Especially for me, a kid who first fell in love with the Turtles all those years ago because of that original Mirage Studios series, buying those groundbreaking issues fresh off the rack, comics that kicked you in the face with their action-packed grit and gloriously raw attitude."

Hey, that's music to my ears.

Keep in mind, though: they all claim to be longtime fans, whether that is true or not, in order to get the job. And these modern writers are always thinking of ways to “fix” the past, like inserting their own ideology into the storyline or retconning certain things that are considered “problematic”.

So don’t get your hopes up

[BornAgain]

If you want to see what Aaron can do, read Scalped. It’s gritty, raw and tons of fun. Main character even wields nunchucks.

This has much potential. Can’t wait to see who they bring on as artist. Hopefully they didn’t break the bank on Aaron. I get the hesitation surrounding him given the culture wars and Aaron’s arguable involvement in some of that. It’s a big can of worms that I don’t feel like opening, but I do get those worries. He has the talent and he understands the TMNT so this could go either way.


It’s exciting to see that they are putting so much faith in the TMNT brand at IDW. Even as someone who hasn’t read the ongoing for years, I think they continue to do a fantastic job with the license. There’s been something for everyone at this point.

[Shargor]

Keep in mind, though: they all claim to be longtime fans, whether that is true or not, in order to get the job. And these modern writers are always thinking of ways to “fix” the past, like inserting their own ideology into the storyline or retconning certain things that are considered “problematic”.

So don’t get your hopes up

Well, to be frank, Aaron is too big of a name for TMNT, and I don't believe that IDW can meet his regular rate. So yeah, in this case I believe that in order to convince him working on a new series, he has to be a fan.

[Cowabung-Gal]

Well, to be frank, Aaron is too big of a name for TMNT, and I don't believe that IDW can meet his regular rate. So yeah, in this case I believe that in order to convince him working on a new series, he has to be a fan.

Seth Rogen is a big name too, but he obviously knows squat about TMNT yet he was hired to produce the next movie, and the heap of garbage that is Mutant Mayhem was what we got from him. All you have to do is play with the toys in the 80s and poof, you’re qualified for the job.

At this point, I’d trust lesser known people like Andrew to write the new comic series. Shoot, even fanfic writers could provide better material.

[CyberCubed]

It's weird how they confirm this is set in the same IDW universe yet from everything he says it feels like he wants to start things off fresh.

Like Shredder is at the moment a reformed "good guy" in IDW and is currently in Dimension X. If he wants to use Shredder he has to continue off from that. And also Splinter is dead, I hope he doesn't do something like bring Splinter back to life.

IDW has already used like 95% of all important TMNT characters in some fashion.

[Cowabung-Gal]

And also Splinter is dead, I hope he doesn't do something like bring Splinter back to life.

As a longtime comic reader, you should know by now that they always come back.

[Shargor]

Seth Rogen is a big name too, but he obviously knows squat about TMNT yet he was hired to produce the next movie, and the heap of garbage that is Mutant Mayhem was what we got from him. All you have to do is play with the toys in the 80s and poof, you’re qualified for the job.

At this point, I’d trust lesser known people like Andrew to write the new comic series. Shoot, even fanfic writers could provide better material.

First of all, Seth Rogen is not in the same category in Hollywood, as Aaron in comic industry. Michael Bay is a better comparison, but he didn't direct movies himself.

Also, TMNT as a comic property never had BIG names behind it on the long run. I mean, it's hard to expect for Jonathan Hickman or Jim Lee to work on TMNT ongoing.

Just to clarify, I'm not talking about quality, cause Aaron has as many stinkers as masterpieces, but he is a really big name. Like suitable for Big Two main ongoings name. And I don't remember when else TMNT has this big of a name behind it. So yeah, I believe, that he has to be a fan. It doesn't guarantee success, but it's better that he is than if he wasn't.

[Shargor]

It's weird how they confirm this is set in the same IDW universe yet from everything he says it feels like he wants to start things off fresh.

Like Shredder is at the moment a reformed "good guy" in IDW and is currently in Dimension X. If he wants to use Shredder he has to continue off from that. And also Splinter is dead, I hope he doesn't do something like bring Splinter back to life.

IDW has already used like 95% of all important TMNT characters in some fashion.

It's a good point of worry, cause Jason is from Big 2 background where it's normal to ignore all previous events for your own run. So I hope editors will guide him accordingly.

[CyberCubed]

Considering he already signed a contract he must either be willing to work for lower pay for IDW or they're paying him a lot to come to the series and increase sales. I don't know how much comic writers get paid but I imagine it'll be 5 times whatever Sophie made as a monthly writer.

[hypered1]

And I don't remember when else TMNT has this big of a name behind it.

Unless you count the one panel of Turtle Soup that Jack Kirby drew

https://cafans.b-cdn.net/images/Category_39368/subcat_108071/vzVFChXq_3008200027471sbpi.jpg

[Shargor]

Unless you count the one panel of Turtle Soup that Jack Kirby drew
https://tmnt/images/4/48/Kingkirb.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20110613195237

Sure, but I was talking about some significant volume of work, and not just a cover/pinup or even a short story, that Corben (a gargantuan figure in comics) did.

[Cowabung-Gal]

So yeah, I believe, that he has to be a fan. It doesn't guarantee success, but it's better that he is than if he wasn't.

Well, if he is indeed a fan, then it would be a great betrayal if he mucked it up like Campbell did. Big shots like him usually do backstab the fans. Just look what happened to Scott Pilgrim and He-Man.

I’ve been let down and hurt too many times to let my guard down. Call me pessimistic, I don’t care. I ain’t giving this guy the benefit of a doubt.

[Shargor]

Well, if he is indeed a fan, then it would be a great betrayal if he mucked it up like Campbell did. Big shots like him usually do backstab the fans. Just look what happened to Scott Pilgrim and He-Man.

I’ve been let down and hurt too many times to let my guard down. Call me pessimistic, I don’t care. I ain’t giving this guy the benefit of a doubt.

Yeah, I get it. It's not like I'm too optimistic as well, but it's really one of those interesting What If scenarios. It could be glorious, it could be a big fail. But it's a big effort from IDW nonetheless.

[Autbot_Benz]

Congrats to Aaron I think he will do alright.

[BornAgain]

It's weird how they confirm this is set in the same IDW universe yet from everything he says it feels like he wants to start things off fresh.

Like Shredder is at the moment a reformed "good guy" in IDW and is currently in Dimension X. If he wants to use Shredder he has to continue off from that. And also Splinter is dead, I hope he doesn't do something like bring Splinter back to life.

IDW has already used like 95% of all important TMNT characters in some fashion.

I know what you mean but it’s also possible that there will be some time refresh within continuity. Aren’t they dealing with a time-travel story that leads up to #150.

On one hand it’d be cool to have an entirely fresh angle, especially since it sounds like he wants to bring a new tone to the book. On the other, do I really want to go through a TMNT origin again? It’s often the best part but damn if I haven’t been through it a hundred times. Also, the reincarnation angle is unique to this universe and would kind of be a shame to throw away when it still feels fresh.

The ongoing hasn’t clicked with me for a long time and I’m not in love with many of the concepts and scenarios that have been established in this series but I’ll leave all that behind quite easily if Aaron is given a clean set-up that can take us back to basics, at least to some extent.

Btw his run on Thor was not all bad. The start of it, “God Butcher”, is the coolest Thor story I’ve read or seen. Check that out too.

[Bahamut810]

With his most recent Punisher go where he turned Frank Castle into a wife beater who, when he was able to bring the his wife back (the person he loved enough to go in a rampage against the criminals of the world) was immediately 'divorced' and all his stuff stolen. The pessimist in me thinks he will take a look at this forum and go "how can I piss these guys off" and base his story off that.

"The fans I don't like hate Jennika? New Main Character!"
"The fans I don't like want ninja stories like back in the day? Well, more Campbell-esque romance stories!"

I am sure we could think up more. I would really like to believe he is coming in with good intentions to make a good TMNT story like with got from Waltz but he is coming from places that don't care about that and just want to piss of the reader base that pays their paychecks.

[MikeandRaph87]

The best thing to do to garner interest is to completely relaunch the book. The only thing that makes sense is IDW is going to close shop in 12 months so it did not want to start something from scratch only to close shop. The new number one will give it a quarter boost but nothing more. IDW chased me away with the Mutant Town angle and it is trying to replace readership and loosing me and other long-time readers did not seem to hurt them, at least not for awhile with Last Ronin samplers. Now, I suspect the numbers are bleeding away and the first crop of readers if they are still buying are filing away as soon as it's purchased to maintain a run or dropped off after #100 and the progressive younger readers did not stick nor did The Last Ronin samplers who were turned off by the messaging and nothingness.

It's funny as Jason Aaron was not a name I knew of, I suppose because I am a DC guy and then in this week's Nightwing issue there is a spotlight on him taking over Action Comics. Is it just for a three issue Bizarro story now? If he is not tasked with a full reboot he could juggle two assignments from two comic companies.

[Bahamut810]

Considering he already signed a contract he must either be willing to work for lower pay for IDW or they're paying him a lot to come to the series and increase sales. I don't know how much comic writers get paid but I imagine it'll be 5 times whatever Sophie made as a monthly writer.

Thinking about it, this may be their plan to save the company. Spending big money to get a big name to bring in fans to stop them from going under.

[Andrew NDB]

No matter what, he would have submitted a pitch that IDW liked. And what is selling big right now for TMNT at IDW? Last Ronin. So it'd be a Last Ronin-flavored pitch, most likely.

[Bahamut810]

No matter what, he would have submitted a pitch that IDW liked. And what is selling big right now for TMNT at IDW? Last Roning. So it'd be a Last Ronin-flavored pitch, most likely.

Fingers crossed!

[CyberCubed]

The best thing to do to garner interest is to completely relaunch the book. The only thing that makes sense is IDW is going to close shop in 12 months so it did not want to start something from scratch only to close shop. The new number one will give it a quarter boost but nothing more. IDW chased me away with the Mutant Town angle and it is trying to replace readership and loosing me and other long-time readers did not seem to hurt them, at least not for awhile with Last Ronin samplers. Now, I suspect the numbers are bleeding away and the first crop of readers if they are still buying are filing away as soon as it's purchased to maintain a run or dropped off after #100 and the progressive younger readers did not stick nor did The Last Ronin samplers who were turned off by the messaging and nothingness

Paramount would not renew the license with IDW if they thought they were going under in a year. Usually companies won't work with licenses that are going to close. Also we have no idea how many years they renewed the contract for either, it could be 1-3 years or whatever. Also remember IDW puts out Star Trek comics as well which Paramount owns.

[CyberCubed]

With his most recent Punisher go where he turned Frank Castle into a wife beater who, when he was able to bring the his wife back (the person he loved enough to go in a rampage against the criminals of the world) was immediately 'divorced' and all his stuff stolen. The pessimist in me thinks he will take a look at this forum and go "how can I piss these guys off" and base his story off that.

"The fans I don't like hate Jennika? New Main Character!"
"The fans I don't like want ninja stories like back in the day? Well, more Campbell-esque romance stories!"

I am sure we could think up more. I would really like to believe he is coming in with good intentions to make a good TMNT story like with got from Waltz but he is coming from places that don't care about that and just want to piss of the reader base that pays their paychecks.

I genuinely believe he'll jettison most of the IDW supporting cast and they'll only appear in mini-series or specials. No way are Alopex, Jennika, all the mutant town characters like Lita the weasels, etc. sticking around.

However the thing that will actually bother me is if Splinter is either brought back to life or Shredder becomes evil again, at that point you might as well just do a real reboot then. I can't see any new writer resisting the urge to write Splinter or Shredder, and knowing they would be effectively "off limits" with the current continuity feels like something no new writer would like.

[Andrew NDB]

I dunno, if it were me, something like "5 Years Later" would make sense. i.e., skip ahead 5 years or so and that's where Vol. 2 starts. Like 90% of the supporting cast is gone, back to basics, etc., and we don't get a lot of information about how things got to there. Then, a combination of new mini-series that that place 5 years ago and little-by-little reveals in the main book, we can fill in the blanks of what happened.

[Bahamut810]

I genuinely believe he'll jettison most of the IDW supporting cast and they'll only appear in mini-series or specials. No way are Alopex, Jennika, all the mutant town characters like Lita the weasels, etc. sticking around.

However the thing that will actually bother me is if Splinter is either brought back to life or Shredder becomes evil again, at that point you might as well just do a real reboot then. I can't see any new writer resisting the urge to write Splinter or Shredder, and knowing they would be effectively "off limits" with the current continuity feels like something no new writer would like.

I like Alopex pre-Sophie. I do not like ValleyGirl Alopex. Bring back Early Alopex!

I feel that with the entire endgame up to 150 they are setting up to give Aaron anything he wants back. The more I think on it the more its going to be a magic button to give him whatever pieces he wants considering the time travelling nature of everything. Donnie just goes back and changes different moments to bring this person back or change that event.

[Cowabung-Gal]

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off was unrelated to the original AND was by the same guy - what big shot was present there? I'm convinced you literally just hate anything different than what you're used to.

The Netflix Scott Pilgrim was pure bait-and-switch, another case of the creators drawing the fans in with nostalgia only to spit in our faces once we get close enough. The modern writers have made it their hobby to crush the fans’ hopes and leave them devastatingly disappointed.

“I’m convinced you literally just hate anything different than what you’re used to.” I’m not used to Mikey being a broody and delusional Dark Knight copycat either, but I still liked The Last Ronin. The blue-armed two-eyed Sonic design is relatively new to me but I still like the movies. Should I assume you absolutely adored the initial design for movie Sonic, aka Ugly Sonic with the human teeth, while everyone else threw a fit over it because it wasn’t even close to the Sonic design we all grew up with?

[hypered1]

The "modern writer" in this case is the original writer too LOL
And the show is completely standalone, a "What If?" if you will. Bryan Lee O'Malley literally said don't go in expecting a remake. The original books exist, go re-read them if you wish.

I'm just saying being miserable and angry about any sort of change in creative direction for these series is stupid in cases like these, a spin-off Netflix cartoon and a restart of a 10-year-old comic. Things can only stay the same for so long so who cares? These are new stories, they're not meant to be the same thing you grew up with. That's existed for 20+ years already, it's done. Creatives don't and shouldn't have to cater to people who can't accept new takes, storytelling would ever move forward.

(Also for the record I don't care about Sonic at all)

It's almost as if they aren't the target audience or something silly like that /s

[Bahamut810]

Obviously but that doesn't mean that creators shouldn't make decisions they feel are right for the story. The creators should not be beholden to the opinions of the audience.

Aaron is obviously a very talented and adept writer and he should be allowed to take this book whatever way he wants without being told he's "backstabbing" the fans if they end up disagreeing with creative choices. The creatives don't owe anyone anything except a book, good or bad, and I think it's weird to treat a harmless comic book or show or whatever as a personal attack because you don't like it.

He does owe the fans something they want to read in a roundabout way. He is being hired by a company to write the comic with the expectation that what he writes will attract a new audience and not (or minimize) loss of current readership. If this was a self-publish or indie thing where his money was on the line I would agree with you but that is not the case. Its literally the job he signed up for.

[Cowabung-Gal]

I'm just saying being miserable and angry about any sort of change in creative direction for these series is stupid in cases like these, a spin-off Netflix cartoon and a restart of a 10-year-old comic. Things can only stay the same for so long so who cares? These are new stories, they're not meant to be the same thing you grew up with. That's existed for 20+ years already, it's done. Creatives don't and shouldn't have to cater to people who can't accept new takes, storytelling would ever move forward.

Obviously but that doesn't mean that creators shouldn't make decisions they feel are right for the story. The creators should not be beholden to the opinions of the audience.

Aaron is obviously a very talented and adept writer and he should be allowed to take this book whatever way he wants without being told he's "backstabbing" the fans if they end up disagreeing with creative choices. The creatives don't owe anyone anything except a book, good or bad, and I think it's weird to treat a harmless comic book or show or whatever as a personal attack because you don't like it.

“This movie is not for you.” “It’s the customer who is wrong, not the creator.” “And if you don’t like my politics, don’t. Buy. My. Book.”

No wonder people are flocking to anime and manga instead

[Zog The Magnificent]

They say "Don't like it, don't buy it!"

Then they say they hate you, that it isn't for you, and if you don't like it, you're racist or sexist or whatever.

Then they loudly complain when people don't read their stuff, after they very deliberately chased them away and told them that it wasn't for them.

And meanwhile, most people just want to read a good comic and enjoy something.

The "modern writer" hates the very people they're ostensibly writing for. But really, most people these days write strictly for themselves, and only as a way to preach a certain message rather then tell a good story.

There's a reason anime, manga, and the independent scene are doing better than ever these days.

As far as Jason Aaron goes, and whether he'll deliver a quality story, I'll believe it when I see it.

[Andrew NDB]

I wonder if Tom was at least offered the title back. That was, after all, always the original plan.

[TheLabRat]

The Last Ronin series is IDW new cash cow so far. If fans weren't interested in Marie and new generation turtles, they might just make "Last Ronin: What If…?" or something else.

[Sumac]

The creatives don't owe anyone anything except a book, good or bad, and I think it's weird to treat a harmless comic book or show or whatever as a personal attack because you don't like it.
Unless "creatives" directly attack audience for disliking it.

[Cloudrunner]

I like Alopex pre-Sophie. I do not like ValleyGirl Alopex. Bring back Early Alopex!


Alopex was my favorite new character in the book for a long while. She had a lot of ups and downs though, where they seemingly forgot about the character or teamed her up pointlessly with Angel. Honestly, I saw the writing on the wall way back during the Alopex/Angel side comic where they went into Toad Baron's realm. That was written by Sophie, and it showed Alopex behaving entirely different to her character, like a goofy valley girl.

I knew that's what the character would turn into if Sophie was the main writer. And I wasn't wrong. I was on board with the Raph romance thing since it had a long buildup and payoff but there was no reason that romance had to result in such a drastic character shift.

They eventually tried to course correct and make Alopex a ninja again after making her get into an argument with Raph but like... what even came out of it? She just kinda acted like a bitch and left. Meh. I think any hope of redeeming the character and making her interesting again is lost. Probably should have just killed her off, would have made a better impetus for Raph going off on his own again like they've decided to do recently.

[ProphetofGanja]

I genuinely believe he'll jettison most of the IDW supporting cast and they'll only appear in mini-series or specials. No way are Alopex, Jennika, all the mutant town characters like Lita the weasels, etc. sticking around.

However the thing that will actually bother me is if Splinter is either brought back to life or Shredder becomes evil again, at that point you might as well just do a real reboot then. I can't see any new writer resisting the urge to write Splinter or Shredder, and knowing they would be effectively "off limits" with the current continuity feels like something no new writer would like.

You mean no more Bob and Carmen??? How ever will I survive!?!? :lol:

I dunno, if it were me, something like "5 Years Later" would make sense. i.e., skip ahead 5 years or so and that's where Vol. 2 starts. Like 90% of the supporting cast is gone, back to basics, etc., and we don't get a lot of information about how things got to there. Then, a combination of new mini-series that that place 5 years ago and little-by-little reveals in the main book, we can fill in the blanks of what happened.

That's... actually a really cool idea. I could totally get on board with something like that.

Alopex was my favorite new character in the book for a long while. She had a lot of ups and downs though, where they seemingly forgot about the character or teamed her up pointlessly with Angel. Honestly, I saw the writing on the wall way back during the Alopex/Angel side comic where they went into Toad Baron's realm. That was written by Sophie, and it showed Alopex behaving entirely different to her character, like a goofy valley girl.

I knew that's what the character would turn into if Sophie was the main writer. And I wasn't wrong. I was on board with the Raph romance thing since it had a long buildup and payoff but there was no reason that romance had to result in such a drastic character shift.

They eventually tried to course correct and make Alopex a ninja again after making her get into an argument with Raph but like... what even came out of it? She just kinda acted like a bitch and left. Meh. I think any hope of redeeming the character and making her interesting again is lost. Probably should have just killed her off, would have made a better impetus for Raph going off on his own again like they've decided to do recently.

Agreed; I liked Alopex a lot but she's been criminally misused for years now.

[CyberCubed]

Yeah a brief time skip after issue 150 would make sense, and be an easy way to do a "clean slate" and get rid of a lot of the baggage of all these exta supporting characters that have been lingering around. Not just the ones Sophie introduced but ones from Tom Waltz run too that haven't done anything but merely exist for awhile.

[BornAgain]

Five years is a bit much. They don’t *need* to be teenagers but I don’t think they need to skip through the remaining years of youth. You can set a new slate in 1-2 years I’d think.

[Cloudrunner]

You mean no more Bob and Carmen??? How ever will I survive!?!? :lol:

lol Bob and Carmen. The most pointlessly hyped additions to the cast. Who in the world even ****ing cares that they're here?

[ProphetofGanja]

Five years is a bit much. They don’t *need* to be teenagers but I don’t think they need to skip through the remaining years of youth. You can set a new slate in 1-2 years I’d think.

Now I'm curious how many years have actually passed in-universe in IDW

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/70/57/4f/70574fe577a26b8da0bdc804fa803688.gif

[Andrew NDB]

Five years is a bit much. They don’t *need* to be teenagers but I don’t think they need to skip through the remaining years of youth. You can set a new slate in 1-2 years I’d think.

It depends on how time moves in IDW TMNT. Is it like Mirage TMNT, where time is passing AND they're getting older? Or is it like Marvel and DC where time is passing but nobody's really getting any older?

[BornAgain]

Yeah, you guys are asking the right questions but it might be one of those things we don’t want to tug at too hard. I remember when it was confirmed that barely a year had passed during Peter Parker’s time as Spider-Man in the Bendis & Bagley USM comic and I sort of wish I never knew. Comic timelines can be awkward.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Buddhism

Buddhism is a major relgiion in Japan, and such references in TMNT should not be a problem.

[CyberCubed]

IDW did a few Christmas issues in different years so at least a few years have passed. Given we have 150 main issues and another 100+ with all the mini-series and specials, I'd find it hard to believe if at least 5 years hasn't passed by now. All these big events fighting Shredder, Krang, Rat King, Bishop, etc. all can't be happening week after week either. There was also a time gap during the mutant town stuff after Splinter died.

[MikeandRaph87]

Buddhism is a major relgiion in Japan, and such references in TMNT should not be a problem.

I did not mean it in a condenacending manner, but enlightening children about environmental issues, and both Hinduism and Buddhism religions in Archie Adventures. I would much rather learn the basics of other religions and the political pushing of the greenhouse effect than gender confusion.

[Galactus]

Jason Aaron has written some great stuff, some awful stuff and some so-so stuff so this could go in any direction.

[CyberCubed]

Tom Waltz seems excited about him being the next writer:

https://twitter.com/TomWaltz/status/1747326067919217042

Though since Tom technically isn't an IDW employee anymore, I wonder if he consulted with him about any of the continuity or anything.

[member_removed]

Jason Aaron has written some great stuff, some awful stuff and some so-so stuff so this could go in any direction.

I've always meant to read Scalped. There was a period there in the late 90's and early 00's where I pretty much follow anything released by Vertigo.

[Shargor]

I've always meant to read Scalped. There was a period there in the late 90's and early 00's where I pretty much follow anything released by Vertigo.

Scalped is an incredible comic. One of the crown jewels of the 00s Vertigo. Highly recommended regardless of the Aaron/TMNT connection.

[TheLabRat]

There are a lot of problems with this comic.

- Pointless bloated cast who get more spotlight than the Turtles. Original Four Turtles are no longer the main characters, more like side characters in their own book.

- In the early stories, the turtles can beat horde of thugs and Old Hob. After that, they even beat Shredder and Karai in the first war against Foot. Now? Even some minor villains can beat them. They have to rely on others to defeat most villains. Honestly, no one likes to see enemies become more dangerous while the main characters become weaker.

- Some villains, like Null, Stockman, Krang or Ch'rell, are even more passive than saturday morning cartoon villains. Even in AG, they're not actually involed much in the story. Only Dr. Jasper Barlow did something noteworthy after AG arc. Also, the writers try to pretend villains like Karai and Hob are anti-heroes. Even if the crime they commit are serious, they can still get away with it without any consequences.

- Some big event like City at War, Armageddon Game wasted many issues on superfluous plots and mess, and then at the last second a deus ex machina to clean up the remaining big threat that no one was dealing with the whole time. Especially Armageddon Game arc has two or three different comics are running at the same time to present this entire story arc and it's all so badly put together and sloppy and convoluted.

[CyberCubed]

This is why a brand new writer is a good thing. The comic had gotten stale even before Sophie came on full time and felt like it was just retreading itself for awhile. A lot of the plots from before lingered into these 50 issues as well and some of them are still not done.

New blood and writing style is much needed.

[Wednesday's Serial]

This is why a brand new writer is a good thing. The comic had gotten stale even before Sophie came on full time and felt like it was just retreading itself for awhile. A lot of the plots from before lingered into these 50 issues as well and some of them are still not done.

New blood and writing style is much needed.

But Aaron?

[Wednesday's Serial]

Was his Punisher run any good? Was really turned off with him changing Frank into a ninja

No. It was awful. Aaron is the single worst writer to get an extended run with the Punisher, twice over.

This latest run was worse than his Max ending. Which was just lame.

[Monty Mole]

No. It was awful. Aaron is the single worst writer to get an extended run with the Punisher, twice over.

This latest run was worse than his Max ending. Which was just lame.

Yeah, he did Kingpin dirty in his Max run.

Still curious to see how he writes the Turtles though. It's just a continuation of the IDW Turtles so I don't really care, he can do what he wants with them.

[Andrew NDB]

I revise my stance. This guy could be the best thing ever for a Turtles comic. Depending on what edicts he's given.

[CyberCubed]

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51328b_5d6af142f6164b8d8b8f19c3e8bb9c85~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_560,h_328,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/51328b_5d6af142f6164b8d8b8f19c3e8bb9c85~mv2.jpg

I haven't read any of his comics or writing, but at least he's an industry veteran and looks like he knows how comics work. Looks like a guy also more interested in the down-to-earth gritty aspects of TMNT also which is a good thing.

[MikeandRaph87]

FmADvuN1N2c?feature=shared

[CyberCubed]

Ah yes youtubers and their fake outrage. His writing could be good, it could not be, I don't see why people are bringing this up now.

[Bahamut810]

Best thing that happens is that it turns out good. Worst is that it kills the TMNT audience and there is not enough fan replacement to take their place which potentially tanks the company...

So yeah...

[Autbot_Benz]

https://i.imgur.com/GM09GvZ.png

[BornAgain]

Best thing that happens is that it turns out good. Worst is that it kills the TMNT audience and there is not enough fan replacement to take their place which potentially tanks the company...

So yeah...

I think TLR is outselling by quite a bit anyway though. Aaron’s name will keep the book at least as healthy as it was before he came on. They’ll have to worry about keeping him around though so I guess it’s a concern on that level.

[neatoman]

https://i.imgur.com/GM09GvZ.png

Ah, so it is confirmed then?

[Autbot_Benz]

Ah, so it is confirmed then?

ya back on the 16th

Confirmation that Aaron is taking over and the numbering will reset:

https://comicbook.com/comics/news/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-tmnt-jason-aaron-idw/

Also gives us a clearer timeline:

Jan: #147
Feb: #148
Mar: #149, UDFC #1
Apr: #150, UDFC #2, FCBD
May: UDFC #3
Jun: Vol.2 - Alpha #1, UDFC #4
Jul: Vol.2 #1, UDFC #5

[CyberCubed]

I wonder how long he'll stay on for, as I said before, IDW is probably paying him double or triple what Sophie got as a writer. I doubt he would sign on to IDW if he wasn't getting a good paycheck. I don't think he'll stay on for a 50-issue run.

[Jeff]

I wonder how long he'll stay on for, as I said before, IDW is probably paying him double or triple what Sophie got as a writer. I doubt he would sign on to IDW if he wasn't getting a good paycheck. I don't think he'll stay on for a 50-issue run.

i don't think writers get paid as much as we all think they get paid. They can churn out product quicker than it takes to draw it, that's why writers on his level have way more titles out than artists. i'm sure he'll get paid more, but they're not breaking the bank.

[CyberCubed]

Is there anything online that shows how much comic book writers get paid? I obviously know all the "big" writers at DC or Marvel get the most, but I'm curious for the other ones.

[Shargor]

https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/01/22/tmnt2024-full-01-1705931456552.jpg?width=1000

https://www.ign.com/articles/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-relaunch-creators-jason-aaron

Wow, what an unbelievable roster of artists. This whole relaunch looks like we are talking about high profile Big 2 title. As if IDW is putting everything on this series.

[frank_one]

"Unbelievable roster of artists"? Those artworks seem pretty bland to me.

[RaphaelinSTL]

Honestly, I like all of them except for Raphael. I hate that angle of the bandannas.

Donatello's artist is the best by far.

[Cowabung-Gal]

Well, at least they’re not wearing pants and hoodies anymore

[Wentos]

What is this emotion I'm feeling? Is it... hope?
For real though, what a murderer's row of talent. I guess the surprise success of The Last Ronin finally made IDW realize that TMNT is still a big deal to a lot of people, and not just one of many old throwaway licenses to make mediocre comics out of.

It's about time something like this happened. This should have happened when TMNT first went up for grabs 15 years ago. Where did Tom Waltz even come from? Was TMNT his first writing gig? Did IDW hire him off the street?

Well, at least they’re not wearing pants and hoodies anymore
And no 5th girl turtle in sight! Maybe we'll get lucky and she'll die in #150.

[TMNT is cooler than MOTU]

The fact that this is a continuation and not a full reboot makes me a little skeptical. But I'll check out the first few issues with an open mind and hope for the best.

[Andrew NDB]

The fact that this is a continuation and not a full reboot makes me a little skeptical.

I mean, they have to say that. I'd imagine it'll be a little bit like what "Year of the Turtle" is to TMNTA.

[BornAgain]

These are excellent artists and probably more expensive than what we typically get.

[CyberCubed]

And no 5th girl turtle in sight! Maybe we'll get lucky and she'll die in #150.

Which one? There are 3, yes 3, female Mutant Turtles in IDW at the moment. Jennika, Venus and Lita who also has a future counterpart so that technically makes 4.

Hell if you count Sophie making a cameo of her own fanfic female turtle from deviantart in that future issue, there are 5 female Mutant Turtles in IDW. Lmao.

[IndigoErth]

Not bad, I'm not disliking any. I'm not a fan of the trend in the lack of ankles in Turtle designs that at least two of the four appear to have, but that's my only very small complaint.

[CyberCubed]

It's about time something like this happened. This should have happened when TMNT first went up for grabs 15 years ago. Where did Tom Waltz even come from? Was TMNT his first writing gig? Did IDW hire him off the street?


?

Tom Waltz had been working at IDW for years before they got the TMNT license. He's written over 500 published comics or books.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tom-Waltz/author/B001JP0AQY?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/people/1362/tom-waltz/comics

[Jeff]

"Unbelievable roster of artists"? Those artworks seem pretty bland to me.

These are pretty big names in comics, and are in no way bland.

[Andrew NDB]

They seem OK. I like them best in order of right to left, on that image there.

[frank_one]

These are pretty big names in comics, and are in no way bland.I'm not saying these artists are bland, what I'm saying is those depictions of the Turtles I see in that image are bland. Big names? Yes (I mean, I don't know them, but if you guys say these are famous artists I believe you). Big depictions of the Turtles? No. I've seen better stuff from a lot of artists who have worked with IDW in the past. Duncan, Santolouco, Escorza brothers to name a few.

[IMJ]

Making continuity-mini-series is what you do when you are trying to get something in print but barely have the reader-base to support it. It's been Valiant Comic publishing model for years now.

Marvel does it too, but all things in proportion. When Marvel does it, it's because they are testing the water on a launch or title that they feel might not make it as a regular monthly rather than a publishing-model linewide.

Ironically, the entire industry has used this model as they continue to decline, which also accounts for the constant relaunches and renumbering to "#1" on a volume. In some way, shape or form, everything is a mini-series nowadays because the comic industry has turned to a dumpster fire.

[ProphetofGanja]

I figured it was just a third (fourth? I lost rack) round of one-shots featuring each of the four main Turtles

[Donnie]

They seem OK. I like them best in order of right to left, on that image there.

Same. Exactly the same. That Donatello is delightful.

[Cloudrunner]

Santolouco is still my favorite artist for the series, but none of these look particularly bad. They're all certainly steps up from the worst we've seen out of the run.

[Wentos]

?

Tom Waltz had been working at IDW for years before they got the TMNT license. He's written over 500 published comics or books.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tom-Waltz/author/B001JP0AQY?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/people/1362/tom-waltz/comics
In fairness, I did check Comicvine before I made that claim, but LoCG's catalog is much more comprehensive so I appreciate you fact checking me.

However, most of the comics in that 500 you mentioned are books that were released after TMNT had already started, and in fact a ton of them are TMNT itself so the idea that he was handed TMNT because he had a ton of writing experience is not true at all. In fact, with the exception of a handful of esoteric titles like Duke Nukem Forever and Gene Simmons' Zipper, Waltz didn't have ANY writing credits before being handed TMNT. All of his work was in editing.

Tom Waltz didn't deserve to write TMNT back in 2011 based on his track record. At all. IDW wanted a cheap hire that they already knew and figured Eastman's name would carry the book, which it did.

[BornAgain]

Chris Burnham is an absolute gem of an artist. It’s very cartoony and won’t be for everyone but he is one of the better modern comic artists.

And yeah The Last Ronin made this happen. That book was a game changer and we’re not done seeing the ramifications.

[TheLabRat]

Santolouco is still my favorite artist for the series, but none of these look particularly bad. They're all certainly steps up from the worst we've seen out of the run.

More importantly if this series finally get some decent writing. Good art can't save poorly writing.

[frank_one]

Tom Waltz didn't deserve to write TMNT back in 2011 based on his track record. At all. Following your thoughts, Eastman and Laird didn't deserve to obtain success and to become milionaires based on their track record.

[Wentos]

Following your thoughts, Eastman and Laird didn't deserve to obtain success and to become milionaires based on their track record.
There's a big difference between creating a comic book that makes it big, and being handed a comic book that's big already. That would be like saying I deserve to write Superman for DC because Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster were amateurs when they created him.

No offense to the guy, but it's wild that Tom Waltz was handed such a huge book with essentially nothing on his resume.

[frank_one]

That would be like saying I deserve to write Superman for DC because Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster were amateurs when they created him.
Why not? Everyone deserves a chance. Do you have a story? Send it to DC.


No offense to the guy, but it's wild that Tom Waltz was handed such a huge book with essentially nothing on his resume.
I understand what you are implying but I don't think they picked him up randomly from the street. The guy was there working for IDW for a reason. Maybe knowing they were looking for someone for a new TMNT comics he proposed himself with some great and convincing ideas or with a good enough working plan. And all things considered, I think he did a good job.

[CyberCubed]

Sophie says she doesn't believe Jennika will be in the relaunch of #1 (at least at the start):

https://twitter.com/mooncalfe1/status/1748814787125842407

Granted Sophie already wrote Jennika out, but i guess she can still show up any time later on. I do like they are focusing back on the 4 TMNT again for this soft-relaunch.

[Zog The Magnificent]

Sophie says she doesn't believe Jennika will be in the relaunch of #1 (at least at the start):

https://twitter.com/mooncalfe1/status/1748814787125842407

Granted Sophie already wrote Jennika out, but i guess she can still show up any time later on. I do like they are focusing back on the 4 TMNT again for this soft-relaunch.

Thank the maker. I yearn for the day when this whole 50 issue run gets an entry on the "Seasonal Rot" and "Audience Alienating Era" pages on TV Tropes, hopefully followed by an entry on the "Win Back the Crowd" page. I'm not getting my hopes up, but they still exist.

[TigerClaw]

Keep in mind there will be another character that will more then likely appear in the relaunch

Sophie Campbell a few months ago tweeted this image.
https://twitter.com/mooncalfe1/status/1709083500458967552

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7fiWofXYAAoGju?format=jpg&name=large

[CyberCubed]

Why not? Everyone deserves a chance. Do you have a story? Send it to DC.


I understand what you are implying but I don't think they picked him up randomly from the street. The guy was there working for IDW for a reason. Maybe knowing they were looking for someone for a new TMNT comics he proposed himself with some great and convincing ideas or with a good enough working plan. And all things considered, I think he did a good job.

I mean, Sophie Campbell started on deviantart before she got hired to do comics professionally. She was just a fanartist for a long time. Everyone has to start somewhere.

[Vegeta]

Loved Aaron's runs on his wolverine books way back when, I've always been a fan of Sophie's artwork but in terms of understanding storytelling in comic books, this is a bigger upgrade than I would have imagined.

I hope these aren't the same turtles as the og idw run, I think they need a complete refresh. The furry arcs the last few years did a lot of damage to an otherwise stellar comic book, the longest run of comics I've ever followed in my life actually.

[Wentos]

I mean, Sophie Campbell started on deviantart before she got hired to do comics professionally. She was just a fanartist for a long time. Everyone has to start somewhere.
Yes, but by the time she was handed TMNT she was already an established professional with several published works under her belt. TMNT was not her first work of note.

I don't understand the confusion here. "everyone starts somewhere" and "an unproven amateur shouldn't be handed a major franchise" can both be true at the same time. They don't contradict each other.

[Cowabung-Gal]

Sophie says she doesn't believe Jennika will be in the relaunch of #1 (at least at the start):

https://twitter.com/mooncalfe1/status/1748814787125842407

Maybe, maybe not. If not, some new box-checking self-insert character will just take her place.

[Cloudrunner]

Keep in mind there will be another character that will more then likely appear in the relaunch

Sophie Campbell a few months ago tweeted this image.
https://twitter.com/mooncalfe1/status/1709083500458967552

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7fiWofXYAAoGju?format=jpg&name=large

This character just bugs me. Yet another character to take plot points from Alopex, just like Jennika did. I don't know what Sophie (and whatever other writer's) deal is with just wanting to throw away that character. Both Alopex and Old Hob were such strong additions to the series. And rather than make use of them they'd rather pile on more and more characters that do the same ****ing thing. I don't understand the purpose. It's not like a cartoon where you add characters to the series to create more toy opportunities. That doesn't work the same way for comics (and god knows they haven't made anything like that for Alopex or I would have bought it). So it feels like they're just bloating the roster for the hell of it.

[hypered1]

This character just bugs me. Yet another character to take plot points from Alopex, just like Jennika did. I don't know what Sophie (and whatever other writer's) deal is with just wanting to throw away that character. Both Alopex and Old Hob were such strong additions to the series. And rather than make use of them they'd rather pile on more and more characters that do the same ****ing thing. I don't understand the purpose. It's not like a cartoon where you add characters to the series to create more toy opportunities. That doesn't work the same way for comics (and god knows they haven't made anything like that for Alopex or I would have bought it). So it feels like they're just bloating the roster for the hell of it.

For what it's worth there are Jennika and Alopex toys coming later this year.

[CyberCubed]

I'm really surprised Ninjara is appearing post-issue 150. Maybe she'll just be in a mini-series because I doubt Jason Aaron knows anything about the Archie series.

[TigerClaw]

I'm really surprised Ninjara is appearing post-issue 150. Maybe she'll just be in a mini-series because I doubt Jason Aaron knows anything about the Archie series.
Given her connections with Raph, Those two will be paired up in the relaunch, With how Raph keeps on mentioning her name in issue 147.

[TheLabRat]

This character just bugs me. Yet another character to take plot points from Alopex, just like Jennika did. I don't know what Sophie (and whatever other writer's) deal is with just wanting to throw away that character. Both Alopex and Old Hob were such strong additions to the series. And rather than make use of them they'd rather pile on more and more characters that do the same ****ing thing. I don't understand the purpose. It's not like a cartoon where you add characters to the series to create more toy opportunities. That doesn't work the same way for comics (and god knows they haven't made anything like that for Alopex or I would have bought it). So it feels like they're just bloating the roster for the hell of it.

This series has too many superfluous side characters from old series, and their only purpose is "Hey! Do you remember this character!". It's feel like they're just relying on nostalgia bait to maintain interest.

[Zog The Magnificent]

This series has too many superfluous side characters from old series, and their only purpose is "Hey! Do you remember this character!". It's feel like they're just relying on nostalgia bait to maintain interest.

That's exactly what it's been the last few years. Initially, characters were built up to and worked in naturally to the series. Post #100, it's been a non-stop barrage of every character they hadn't used yet, with each one being little more that "Hey look, it's THAT Character! Remember THAT CHARACTER!? THEY'RE HERE NOW! EVERYONE'S HERE!" And so forth.

[Bahamut810]

That's exactly what it's been the last few years. Initially, characters were built up to and worked in naturally to the series. Post #100, it's been a non-stop barrage of every character they hadn't used yet, with each one being little more that "Hey look, it's THAT Character! Remember THAT CHARACTER!? THEY'RE HERE NOW! EVERYONE'S HERE!" And so forth.

I mean...in a world where people pay for nostalgia that was about the only right thing that happened for a long time post-100. It was just utilized in a way that went against the grain.

[CyberCubed]

For some reason now it seems like they're trying to throw in every Archie Adventures comic character under the sun. I think everyone noticed a ton of Archie universe debuts in the comic lately, many which feel forced.

[TigerClaw]

Umeko aka Ninjara will be part of the relaunch.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7fiWofXYAAoGju?format=jpg&name=medium

[Zog The Magnificent]

I mean...in a world where people pay for nostalgia that was about the only right thing that happened for a long time post-100. It was just utilized in a way that went against the grain.

The fact that people pay for it doesn't change the fact that there's a right way and a wrong way to do that sort of thing. Pre #100 IDW? The right way. Everything after that? Absolutely the wrong way to do it. And the fact that people will pay for it doesn't make it good. There are countless crappy or downright immoral things people will pay for regardless.

[Andrew NDB]

Umeko aka Ninjara will be part of the relaunch.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7fiWofXYAAoGju?format=jpg&name=medium

Will she be a part of Jason Aaron's new core book? No, there's absolutely no reason to conclude that. Will she be in new minis/specials from Sophie? Yes, of course.

[TigerClaw]

Will she be a part of Jason Aaron's new core book? No, there's absolutely no reason to conclude that. Will she be in new minis/specials from Sophie? Yes, of course.
She'll be in the new ongoing no doubt.

[Andrew NDB]

She'll be in the new ongoing no doubt.

Based on what?

[Cowabung-Gal]

She'll be in the new ongoing no doubt.

Why? To be in some love triangle with Raph and Alopex?

[Cloudrunner]

Why? To be in some love triangle with Raph and Alopex?

I'm pretty sure that relationship ended. Alopex has gone off on her own (like I think she left the city entirely) and Raph is going through his third or fourth Batman phase.

[CyberCubed]

I seriously doubt Jason Aaron even knows who Ninjara is. Do you really think this guy is going to go read the 70+ issue Archie series run, the only comic she ever appeared in?

Sophie is also the one who decided to have Ninjara debut, so I assume she'll write a mini-series/specials with her after her main series run is done.

[Andrew NDB]

Everything is pointing to Jason doing a boiled down, "back to basics" approach. And he said he's huge into the Mirage material. So I'd imagine it'll just be the core 4 for a while, with Jennika eventually reintroduced. But stuff like Ninjara off the bat? Highly unlikely. Sophie will probably have a bit of fun with her in a mini or two and she'll be left in the toybox for Jason to use later on, if he feels like it. Or she just gets trotted on in OTHER specials or minis by Sophie and that's about it.

[TheLabRat]

I'm pretty sure that relationship ended. Alopex has gone off on her own (like I think she left the city entirely) and Raph is going through his third or fourth Batman phase.
So they wasted 20+ issues on this romantic drama, but in the end it was in vain.:roll:

[hypered1]

I seriously doubt Jason Aaron even knows who Ninjara is. Do you really think this guy is going to go read the 70+ issue Archie series run, the only comic she ever appeared in?

Sophie is also the one who decided to have Ninjara debut, so I assume she'll write a mini-series/specials with her after her main series run is done.

I agree it's unlikely that Ninjara/ Umeko will be introduced straight away in the relaunch however, we don't know whether or not Jason has previously read the Archie run and he may well have done so in the last thirty years since it started.

Also there's nothing to say it wasn't IDW or Nick or both that requested adding any particular character throughout the IDW series, the only difference is that Sophie has been more open about sharing concept arts on social media.

[ZariusTwo]

Aaron will return the TMNT 'to basics' with his first arc, which again uses the title "Return to New York"

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/jason-aaron-going-back-to-basics-on-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles/

[Andrew NDB]

Aaron will return the TMNT 'to basics' with his first arc, which again uses the title "Return to New York"

That already makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. ala, "City at War" INO at IDW for one, and whatever the h*ll "Return to New York" was over at 4Kids -- that sure bore no resemblance whatsoever to the Mirage comic, in story, tone or anything.

[BornAgain]

https://screenrant.com/jason-aaron-new-tmnt-comics-interview/

Good interview with Jason. He’s saying all the right things.

[CyberCubed]

Jason Aaron: To me, especially this year on the 40th anniversary of when the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles first appeared, and the fact that my association with them goes back to that original series, I'm trying to bring in some of the tone of the original in a modern way, and the way that I do stuff. So it's very much looking back to the grittiness and rawness of that original black and white Mirage Studios series, a book that always felt like the characters were grimy, that sewer was grimy, it felt a little grimy after you read it. I want that kind of feel to the book.

This is the best thing. He wants to bring the series back to its roots and its what we need.

It'll be interesting though how they maintain this with the current IDW continuity and all the mutants and characters they introduced.

[Sabacooza]

Talk is cheap. Let's see what he actually does.

[Zog The Magnificent]

Talk is cheap. Let's see what he actually does.

Exactly. I can't count how many times, not even just in TMNT, someone has said they want to "revist the roots," only for it to be nothing like the roots and suck hard.

[Andrew NDB]

Anyone remember Kevin Eastman talking about how NT:TNM was going to return the Turtles to their gritty roots, that these were "older, angrier" Turtles?

Because I do.

[BornAgain]

Idk about holding the guy to something he said 25 years ago. I do remember people here arguing that he was full of crap about the level of violence we’d see in TLR, but that turned out to be very true.

Unfortunately he promoted the PD films but I don’t fully blame him for that. I think it was easy to get excited when they’re showing you the incredible tech they’ll be utilizing, the budget going into the film, and Michael Zulli inspiration.


The “alien turtles” thing was a bad omen from the start, but I can see how you’d get excited about those films in the midst of development. There was a lot of potential and promise, they just didn’t have the right captain. It only took a year or so for Kevin to start politely calling out the PD films for their faults. He knows he backed the wrong horse on that one. In fact, I think it’s one of the only TMNT projects you’ll hear him talk poorly of. To this day, he still likes The Next Mutation.

Talk is cheap, but Jason clearly does understand what makes the Mirage comics great and he seems to be picking up on the same complaints fans here have of IDW’s ongoing when he politely implies it’s completely unfocused and has too many characters.

[CyberCubed]

It can only be a step-up from what Sophie's run has been, so I don't see any reason not to be optimistic about it. I haven't read any of his Marvel comics but they mostly seem to be well received. And wanting to bring the Turtles back to gritty aspect of Mirage is a good sign, even though we know it won't be exactly like it, close enough will be fine.

Basically I just want it to feel like a TMNT comic again. Not just adventures of furries and out of character moments for all characters.

[TheLabRat]

Talk is cheap, but Jason clearly does understand what makes the Mirage comics great and he seems to be picking up on the same complaints fans here have of IDW’s ongoing when he politely implies it’s completely unfocused and has too many characters.
He did point out some facts. Waltz and Campbell's biggest problem has always been that they hype some big ideas but had no intention to follow up the actual consequences and tell the story of what follows from those events. Sometimes, they just forget, and then a years later brought back again for a new storyline with poor execution.

[BornAgain]

He did point out some facts. Waltz and Campbell's biggest problem has always been that they hype some big ideas but had no intention to follow up the actual consequences and tell the story of what follows from those events. Sometimes, they just forget, and then a years later brought back again for a new storyline with poor execution.

I agree. The ongoing is respectable for many reasons but narratively it’s never clicked with me. The pacing is arguably atrocious and while there are awesomely fun concepts, the storytelling itself feels stilted and dull to me. The way the characters speak and such. It almost feels like they are all over-acting and overexplaining. Like a children’s play.

[TheLabRat]

The way the characters speak and such. It almost feels like they are all over-acting and overexplaining. Like a children’s play.
I hate to say it, but Rise TMNT also has some of same elements as IDW, like magic and mutant towns. But Rise TMNT actually does both of those things better than IDW TMNT does, and stick with it.

Aside from the redundant comedy, at least it has some adventure moments and exploring the secrets of this underground city. This better than IDW TMNT waste about two years making some boring Slice of Life arc.

[Toxin45]

could be cool Jason Aaron did some good and some bad stuff but his thor run was super good.

[BornAgain]

https://comicbook.com/comics/news/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-alpha-tmnt-comics-first-look-chris-burnham-jason-aaron-donatello-purple/

[hypered1]

https://screenrant.com/jason-aaron-making-major-changes-to-tmnt-teenager-status/

[CyberCubed]

https://screenrant.com/jason-aaron-making-major-changes-to-tmnt-teenager-status/

Turtles should be over 20 I think, not late teens. We've gone through quite a few Christmas issue.

[Autbot_Benz]

https://screenrant.com/jason-aaron-making-major-changes-to-tmnt-teenager-status/

The Turtles will now be featured in their late teens and dealing with the emotional toll of their past adventures, marking a significant change to their 'teenage' status, especially when compred to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.

Jason Aaron Promises Older, Less Self-Assured Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The TMNT are still unified, they’ve just been changed by their experiences, and they’ve matured with age, as Aaron makes it clear that these Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are “still teens, but they’re definitely in their later teens”.

Here is what Aaron said

[Turtle Soup]

When does this relaunch actually start?
Edit: June.

[Andrew NDB]

Turtles should be over 20 I think, not late teens. We've gone through quite a few Christmas issue.

I still doubt time works like that in IDW. i.e., like Marvel and DC and not Mirage. I'm sure there's been like 50 or more Christmases seen in Batman comics... that doesn't mean Batman is 100.

Though if the Turtles DID become adults, I liked Image's plan that we never got to see where the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" logo would remain the same but then there would be a big "X" over the "Teenage."

[Stu_Padasso]

To be honest, I wouldn’t mind seeing the title being changed to just “Ninja Turtles “ or “TMNT“ like Peter Laird’s Volume 4 where the Turtles in their mid-thirties.

[Andrew NDB]

To be honest, I wouldn’t mind seeing the title being changed to just “Ninja Turtles “ or “TMNT“ like Peter Laird’s Volume 4 where the Turtles in their mid-thirties.

Ideally, I've always liked the idea of the TMNT 1-3 movie title font but just "NINJA TURTLES."

[Stu_Padasso]

Ideally, I've always liked the idea of the TMNT 1-3 movie title font but just "NINJA TURTLES."

Personally, if we ever got a “Steve Barron Cut” of the 1990 film, I’d like to see the title card changed to the style of the black and white Mirage comics out of fidelity to the source material of which it was based on.

And maybe digitally fix some of the visual aspects like where you can see Donatello’s performer’s mouth when he’s laughing or Raphael when he’s yelling “Splinter!” on top of the barn in Michelangelo’s body, and remove the cartoony sound effects during the fight at April’s Second Time Around shop and apartment.

I’d watch that instead of whatever dreck that Seth Rogan produces. And I would think that it would be relatively cheap compared to the Snyder Cut of Justice League.

#stevebarroncut

ETA: Yay! 100 post! I’ve survived the first round of the Technodromes forum’s version of the Hunger Games!