This 20th issue of the current Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series marks a significant milestone in the comics history of the Heroes in a Half-Shell. That’s because this is the 300th mainline TMNT comic overall, which is incredibly impressive. The Turtles themselves have now been around since 1984, which is also, in itself, pretty damn impressive.

They’ve somewhat appropriately mutated many different times, from their origins as deliberate parodies of the ultra violent comics that took over in the 80s, to a family friendly animated show and even on to become the sort of dark heroes that their creators initially made fun of. And much more besides!

This current run of their comic has been pretty consistently excellent, and has seen several characters return from the dead, as well as our central characters having their familial bonds broken, then fixed and deepening as the series continues.

This issue picks up in the wake of the last story arc, with their father and mother having cheated death. However, the returns from the realm of the dead are causing the veil between worlds to weaken, and our heroes must promise to ensure that they protect a certain powerful artifact in their possession, so that no further resurrections occur. Except with the news spreading among friends and foes alike of their mystical object, that might be harder than it seems…

It’s a fun issue, with some nicely heartfelt elements which set up some potential conflicts for the future. The ever reliable Freddie E. Williams II doesn’t miss a beat with his glorious artwork either.

Given that it’s an anniversary issue, we also have a backup story which does a good job of showcasing the variety in the eras of the Turtles, thanks to time traveller Renet’s views of the multiverse. It’s a lovely, very appropriate and nostalgic glimpse of how far the Turtles have come, and how things have changed and adapted over the years.

If you’re a fan, you won’t want to miss this issue. It’s a testament to just how strong and malleable the central concept of the TMNT has been over the years, with changes subtle and otherwise, demonstrating just how many of their variations have worked well in such different ways. And a great ongoing story too!

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