TMNT fans are anxiously awaiting the big-screen return of the heroes in a half-shell. Mutant Mayhem is an animated movie that looks to be a fun and stylized take on the classic characters. Many fans are rewatching the previous films as well as binging the shows in preparation. As many hardcore fans know, the Turtles got their start in the pages of comics. These comics are infamously darker than other forms of media and are the most serious stories. The new movie looks to carry many references to these comics, so here are ten essential Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics for fans to read.
10. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Looking at the title of this crossover, many will think it is nothing but fan service. Once the story is read, however, fans wonder why this hadn’t happened sooner. A series of deadly raids occur in Gotham City. While investigating, Batman learns the group responsible is a highly trained group of ninjas known as the Foot Clan. The Dark Knight believes they have traveled from another dimension, and he soon learns they didn’t come alone. The Turtles also crossed over, and they must team up with Batman in order to stop the Foot. This story has plenty of easter eggs to both franchises and even received an animated adaption that is sure to be as fun as Mutant Mayhem.
9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol 1 #1
When reading the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics, the best place to start is the very beginning. As mentioned before, the comics are far bleaker than other forms of Turtles media. Fans of the 1990 film will recognize this story, as the film borrows heavily from the comic. The comic mostly tells the origins of the Turtles and their master, Splinter. Splinter was the pet rat of a noble ninja. Following a series of events, a man calling himself Shredder murders the ninja. Swearing revenge, Splinter eventually finds four baby turtles covered in a mysterious ooze, which transforms the five of them. This story was originally meant as a one-off story but blossomed into a beloved franchise.
8. Macro Series
The Macro Series was a series of four large-sized comics published between September and December 2018. Each issue followed one of the Turtles on their own missions. This series is so great for several reasons. For starters, it harkens back to the early Mirage days of the series. It also allows each of the four characters to shine on their own. The Macro Series dives deep into the minds and characterizations of the Turtles, allowing fans to really understand what makes each brother unique. As fans know, the group is at its best when they work as a team, but this series shows that each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. Fantastic writing and breathtaking artwork make this series a must-read for fans of the franchise.
7. City at War
City at War is the title of several Turtle arcs. This one was published by IDW in 2019 and to many, is the best one. This story is the accumulation of the last eight years of Turtles comics, although anyone can pick it up and enjoy it. City at War sees New York plunged into a battleground for warring factions, and the Turtles are caught in the middle. As mentioned before, the Turtles are at their best when they work as a team, and this story forces them to do just that. They have allies on various sides, making this war personal for them on several fronts. This story shows just how dark the comics can get, yet also showcases the heart of the characters. The heart will also be on full display in Mutant Mayhem.
6. From the Ashes
Immediately following City at War, From the Ashes sees the results of one of the most cataclysmic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics. The four heroes are now five, as the newly mutated Jennika joins their ranks. Despite a new member, the team is more divided than ever. They must work together like never before, but rising tensions and rivalries stemming from the last story threaten the team. The Turtles are low in allies, and new enemies rise each day. The war may be over, but the heroes quickly realize the battle will never end for them.
5. Change is Constant
When IDW first began publishing Turtles comics, they decided to retell their origins. This new story sees Donatello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo search for Raphael, who has been missing for over a year. While searching, they remember their origins which, as stated before, differs from earlier versions. The turtles, as well as Splinter, are used for experimentation. A young lab intern, April O’Neil, develops an attachment to them. During an attempted kidnapping, the turtles and Splinter are exposed to the mutagen that will change their lives. This comic goes back to the roots of the Mirage days while putting a fresh twist on the characters.
4. The Trial of Krang
While many of the Turtle’s comics are rather dark, this is an example of a more lighthearted one. Krang is finally put on trial for his crimes. The turtles travel to Dimension X for the trail but soon realize Krang has several deadly surprises in store. The story sees allies and rivals of the Turtles join forces to finally bring an end to Krang and his reign of terror. Things, of course, do not go as planned, as the Turtles must fight invading forces looking to free Krang. This comic has a feel that looks to carry over into Mutant Mayhem, making this essential reading going into the film.
3. Attack on Technodrome
When Krang uses his Technodrome to attack Earth, the Turtles look for allies in an unlikely place. In order to stop Krang and his forces from wiping out every species on Earth, the Heroes in a Half Shell turn to Shredder and the Foot Clan for assistance. It is humans and mutants against Krang and his army, and it is all hands on deck. The uneasy alliance between the Turtles and the Foot Clan leads to rising tensions in the team. They must put their personal feelings aside in order to stand a chance against the Technodrome. Krang will play a large part in the upcoming movie, and this is one of the best Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics to feature him.
2. Vengeance
Following Attack on Technodrome, Vengeance sees the aftermath of the battle with Krang. The Turtles have suffered losses and are battle weary. They have little time to recoup as the Foot Clan is quickly rebuilding and has the Turtles in their sights. This epic comic is a perfect continuation of the previous story, proving that the Turtles must always be alert. Once again, warring factions are threatening the city, and the brothers must stand together to stop them.
1. The Last Ronin
One of the more recent story arcs, The Last Ronin, has already been called one of the best stories in the franchise. Franchise creates Kevin Eastman, and Peter Laird return to take the series back to its dark roots. This gritty story follows a lone Turtle in a future NYC that has been taken over by the Shredder’s grandson. This Turtle is the last of the classic team, with the other three having been murdered. He is seeking vengeance for his fallen brothers and is more violent than the Turtles have ever been. The Last Ronin proves that this franchise isn’t just for kids. It is as dark and gritty as any other comic in the franchise and will likely be the gold standard going forward. Mutant Mayhem looks to be fun and light-hearted, a stark contrast to this story.
