MLGG: Pop Culture News, Reviews & Interviews

The Heroes in a Half Shell have had quite a 2022, with the retro tribute beat ’em up Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge hitting consoles (and PC) in June, followed by a stunning compilation of genuine retro titles – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection – arriving at the end of August.

The world of video games isn’t the only place to find the warm glow of nostalgia applied to the Turtles either, as IDW’s Saturday Morning Adventures line of comics has expanded with a TMNT series.

For the uninitiated, the Saturday Morning Adventures comics are intended to ape the style and tone of the 80s cartoons we middle aged geeks grew up with; the first series was a multi-part GI Joe story (and was excellent), with this follow up mini series focusing on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

In this third issue, blackouts and electrical issues are spreading across New York. April and the Turtles investigate – but what could it possibly have to do with the vigilante Casey Jones? And is there a bigger issue at hand?

Like the second issue, the line between hero and villain is blurred, though Casey Jones and his brand of vigilante justice is no stranger to the near-crossing of that line.

It’s as colourful, fast-paced, gag-filled and fun as you’d expect of a comic paying homage to the 80s cartoon; it’s a blast.

In an era where TMNT comics can often be a little on the mature (not to mention convoluted) side, having a one-and-done story that can be read and enjoyed by readers of all ages, without having to bone up on loads of continuity, is really refreshing.

Though the art is far from bad – it’s actually really lovely, especially the bold colouring – it doesn’t quite feel like the cartoon in the way that the illustration of the GI Joe Saturday Morning Adventures series did. It’s hardly worth complaining about, however, because the storytelling is clear and it’s a great piece of work nonetheless.

It is a shame that these Saturday Morning Adventures series are limited, because they could live quite happily alongside the more continuity heavy, adult oriented comics featuring the same characters.

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