Summary
Since the series’ inception,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtleshas been a fan-favorite franchise that’s never failed to produce captivating stories that were destined from the start to be beloved for decades to come - no matter the medium. From comics, to animated series, to live-action films,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtleshas stood the test of time for one seemingly overly simplistic reason: it just never stopped being cool. And now,practically every corner ofTMNThistoryis being celebrated in the 40th Anniversary one-shot comic - which is why it’s a must-read for Shellheads everywhere.
Screen Rant got the chance to read an early copy ofTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 40th Anniversary Comics Celebration, which contains 11 stories all set in different eras of theTMNTfranchise. From the original Mirage Studios era and the current IDW Publishing, to the classic ‘90s cartoon, the 2003 animated series, and evenRise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And the incredible creative teams make each individual story shine on its own, while also perfectly complimenting the others to create anepic collection of originalTMNTtales.
Letters by: Tom Napolitano and Shawn Lee
Rise of the TMNT
“Father’s Day”
Art by: Pablo Tunica
Letters by: Tom Napolitano
TMNT Pinups by Artists: Freddie E. Williams II, David Peterson, Ken Mitchroney with colors by Aaron Hazouri, Dan Duncan with colors by Ronda Pattison, Ronda Pattison, Sophie Campbell, Jodi Nishijima, and Stan Sakai with colors by Emi Fujii
“Return To New York”: New TMNT Writer Jason Aaron Teases The Turtles' Next Comic Era
Jason Aaron is the writer for the next chapter of IDW Publishing’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic series. Screen Rant spoke with Aaron about it!
TMNT’s 40th Anniversary Comic Brilliantly Honors the History of the Franchise
The cover art for this one-shot alone is the perfect tribute to the origin of theTMNTseries, as it’s done by the creators of the franchise themselves, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. Then, fans of the first-everTMNTcomic are greeted with a familiar tone and style, as“Mirage 1 Story” takes fans back in time to the era of the classic comic. Not only that, but this original tale is tied directly to a more modern and widely belovedTMNTstory that was also championed by Eastman and Laird, allowing the creators to bring their story full circle.
Following “Mirage 1 Story”, fans get a number of mini comics delving deeper into the more grungy, grittier take on the Turtles from the Mirage era as well asthe all-too-often-overlooked Image Comics era dubbed ‘Urban Legends’. Then, things lighten up exponentially when readers are thrown into the continuity of the classic ‘90s animated series, before going through the many eras of TVTurtleswith a story set in the 2003 animated series, the 2012 show, and finallyRise of the TMNT.
The first half ofTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 40th Anniversary Comics Celebrationis, indeed, a celebration of the Turtles’ extensive history throughout many different eras and mediums, including and especially the comic that started it all. It’s a brilliant collection that will leave fans feeling nostalgic and excited at the same time, and this anniversary one-shot doesn’t stop there.
The Significance of TMNT’s Most Recent Canon is Highlighted in the 40th Anniversary One-Shot
IDW Publishing is the Definitive Continuity forTMNTCanon, & the 40th Anniversary Comic Highlights that Fact
After speed-running through theTMNT’s history, fans are given the chance to pause and reflect upon the recently concluded 150 issue storyline in the current canon of IDW Publishing’sTMNT. The story “Father’s Day” is a somber tale that focuses on the legacy of Master Splinter through the eyes of those who love him. Written by Tom Waltz, who was integral in shaping the current era ofTMNT,“Father’s Day” is the perfect Swan Song for the entire first volume of IDW’sTMNT.
Fans are then brought to the events of one of the Turtles’ most intense storylines in the franchise’s history with “Teen Spirit”:Armageddon Game. As shown in theArmageddon Gameevent, the Turtles learn to wield magic from Master Shredder in order to defeat the Rat King. This training ushered in both the final chapters ofArmageddon Gameand the entireRoad to 150event, asthe Turtles’ ability to wield magic was integral to those storylines unfolding.
With “Teen Spirit”, fans are shown the process of the Turtles learning magic that they were robbed of seeing before, fleshing out arguably the most important moment in their most recent storylines.
TheTMNT’s IDW Publishing era is one that will be remembered as the definitive continuity forTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as it has expertly intertwined the best elements from past eras while also forging a bold and exciting future for the Turtles.And the best part?TMNTfans are still in the IDW era right now, a fact that won’t change anytime soon. Indeed, it’s that fact alone that’s one of the most understated elements of this 40th Anniversary one-shot, as it reminds fans of the exciting new era ofTMNTcanon that’s just over the horizon.
TMNT’s 40th Anniversary Comic Teases the Turtles’ Bright Future
One of the most exciting things about this 40th Anniversary one-shot comic isn’t what’s included (though it can’t be overstated enough how utterly awesome this issue is), but what’s not included. Right now, the Ninja Turtles are in a bit of a transitional period, asthe first volume of IDW’sTMNTcame to an end with issue #150, setting the stage for an all-newTMNT#1, championed by legendary comic book writer Jason Aaron, who’s partnering with a number of fantastic artists including Joëlle Jones, Rafael Albuquerque, Cliff Chiang, and Chris Burnham to usher in this newTMNTera.
The fact thatTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesis giving fans the opportunity to reflect on the past is creating anticipation and excitement for what’s to come inTMNTlore. The opening pages of the 40th Anniversary comic highlight the Turtles’ origins, which is swiftly followed by their many television iterations, before delivering an outstanding (and tear-jerking) final look at the Turtles’ most recent era. And now, after reading the 40th Anniversary one-shot, fans only have even more groundbreakingTMNTstories to look forward to.
After reading the early copy ofTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 40th Anniversary Comics Celebration, it’s fair to say that this issue is one that absolutely needs to be on the shelf of every Shellhead in the world, as it is the perfect celebration of theTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ legendary legacy.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 40th Anniversary Comics Celebrationby IDW Publishing is available July 12, 2025.
