The IDW Saturday Morning Adventures concept is ingenious; moderncomics with original storylines, based on classic 80s cartoons, in the original style and tone of the shows they’re based on. It makes for a nostalgic experience for adults who grew up eagerly consuming each animated series the first time around, but they’re also suitable for younger readers who may be familiar with more modern incarnations of the characters, but should enjoy the fast paced, colourful and somewhat campy stories found in the Saturday Morning Adventures comics nonetheless.

The TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures mini series was such a success that it spawned an ongoing title, and this is the second issue of that (still running) series.

In this issue, the Rat King has seized control of three of the Turtles; having lost the ability to corral the rats in New York City, his power has mutated to allow him to control the Turtles instead. Using them for his own nefarious ends, it’s up to Donatello, Splinter and April to rescue the trio of brainwashed Turtles and put a stop to the Rat King’s criminal shenanigans.

The action unfolds at a very fast pace in this issue, and it’s a fun ride, every step of the way. The artwork is brilliantly evocative of the style of the classic cartoon, and the overall tone sits at a suitably silly level; so much so that it really feels as if it could be a lost episode. There’s a lot to like here, with bold, colourful artwork and a delightfully campy script; it all wraps up quite neatly, albeit with an Epilogue that leaves things open for a sequel style adventure.

I absolutely adore the Saturday Morning Adventures comics, and it’s easy to see how and why the TMNT series has continued, even alongside its more serious comic book brethren. Sometimes, you just want a silly, fun and action packed story; that’s certainly what you get here.