A new era of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is upon us. IDW has confirmed that Eisner-award-winning writer Jason Aaron (Thor, The Avengers) is taking over as writer of the book later this year. The news was first reported by ComicBook.com, with the outlet revealing that his run will begin with a 10-page prelude story in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Alpha #1 this summer.
Important to note for fans, IDW’s current Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series will not be rebooted with this new book. The new series is merely a relaunch and will exist in the same universe as IDW’s previously published TMNT comic books. Aaron had the following to say about it in a statement.
“Launching a new TMNT comic series in the midst of the characters’ 40th anniversary is clearly one of those dream jobs of all comic book dream jobs. Especially for me, a kid who first fell in love with the Turtles all those years ago because of that original Mirage Studios series, buying those groundbreaking issues fresh off the rack, comics that kicked you in the face with their action-packed grit and gloriously raw attitude. I couldn’t be more honored and thrilled to get to add to that esteemed legacy of comic book face-kicking, especially as part of an amazing IDW run that has expanded the world and timeline of the Turtles in such daring and exciting ways. In terms of what’s to come, the kid in me wants you to know that you can expect some good old-fashioned grit, a sprinkle of dark, new attitude and all the bone-cracking action that four mutated ninja brothers can possibly handle.”
A new era for the Ninja Turtles
IDW Publishing Co-Publisher Mark Doyle adds, “Jason is one of the best storytellers in comics and he just gets the Turtles. Add to that the amazing artists he’s working with and you have the recipe for some great TMNT comics that we cannot wait to bring to fans!” Jamie S. Rich, IDW’s Editor-in-Chief, also had the following to say.
“Working with Jason Aaron has been something I have wanted to do for a long time, so that in itself is a treat. Even better, though, is getting to go on an expedition with him to explore a fictional world that he hasn’t worked in before. And of course, he has not disappointed. From the very first conversations, it was clear that he brought a real passion to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the sort of excitement you can only get from a true fan. He’s a master of his craft, and each new script has only gotten me more excited for the rest of the world to see what he’s coming up with.”
It’s been a big couple of years for the heroes in a half-shell. Last year saw the release of the hit movie Mutant Mayhem. It is getting a sequel as well as a spin-off TV show. The best-selling comic The Last Ronin is getting a sequel series, and the original is also being turned into a video game. It’s a good time to be a fan of Donnie, Mikey, Leo and Raph.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Alpha #1 hits shelves in June.
What do you think? Are you excited that Jason Aaron is writing TMNT? Do you plan on reading along? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
