Time to Celebrate: TMNT Turns 40 in 2024

As the iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise marks its 40th anniversary this year, IDW Publishing is set to commemorate the occasion with an exciting relaunch. Alongside the highly anticipated ongoing series helmed by acclaimed writer Jason Aaron (known for his work on Thor and Avengers), IDW is introducing four new titles that promise to invigorate the beloved Turtles universe.

Leading the charge is a fresh anthology series that harkens back to the Turtles’ origins in black-and-white comics, albeit with a modern twist—now rendered in black, white and green. This innovative venture will showcase a rotating roster of talented writers and artists with each issue, including luminaries like Declan Shalvey, Paulina Ganucheau, Javier Rodriguez and Jock. Shalvey, reflecting on his involvement, expressed his childhood affinity for the Turtles and his excitement at the opportunity to contribute to their legacy, calling it a dream come true.

In addition to this anthology series, fans can anticipate a special one-shot issue featuring stories by industry veterans Tom Waltz, Gavin Smith, Jason Aaron, and Chris Burnham. Notably, this marks Aaron’s debut as a TMNT writer, with his narrative poised to set the tone for the forthcoming comics. The issue will delve into the aftermath of the emotional rollercoaster of “TMNT #150,” promising to captivate readers with its exploration of fan-favorite character Jennika.

Scheduled for release on June 5, 2024, is “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Alpha #1”, which will mark the beginning of IDW’s extensive plans to celebrate the Turtles’ milestone anniversary, thus handing the reins over to Jason Aaron to scribe the series.

Aaron’s debut coincides with the departure of longtime series writer Sophie Campbell, who bids farewell to the franchise following the landmark release of its 150th issue on April 10. This milestone installment, featuring artwork by Vincenzo Federici, Fero Pe, Dan Duncan and Campbell herself, alongside vibrant colors by Ronda Pattison, marks the culmination of the series’ gripping time-travel saga. As Donatello, Venus di Milo, and Bob navigate the temporal landscape in their quest to thwart the menacing Armaggon, fans can expect an epic conclusion to this thrilling narrative arc.

Aaron’s tenure at IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles kicks off in July of 2024 with the eagerly awaited Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, boasting the artistic talents of Jöelle Jones. Subsequent issues in the series will showcase the formidable skills of Rafael Albuquerque, Cliff Chiang, and Chris Burnham, ensuring a visually stunning journey through the Turtles’ world.

With more announcements on the horizon, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo are all poised for a memorable 40th birthday party, ensuring that fans, both old and new, have much to look forward to in the ever-expanding TMNT universe.