TMNT: Journeys #1 – A Classic Tale Of The Ninja Turtles Is Back In Print For A New Generation!

TMNT: Journeys #1

Writer – Peter Laird

Penciler – Jim Lawson

Inker – Peter Laird

Letter – Peter Laird

Cover – Peter Laird & Michael Dooney

The Story:

In this reprint of the fourth volume of TMNT, the Ninja Turtles are facing off against new and more dangerous threats in New York. Meanwhile, April and Casey Jones prepare for the next step in their relationship… parenthood.

Being a child of the ’80’s, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have always been a part of my fandom. From the comics to the cartoons, from the movies to the video games, TMNT has been a constant in my life since I was 5 years old. One blind spot in this franchise for me, however, is the early comic book runs by Eastman and Laird. Over the years I have gone back and read the original run of the team but I have never read the fourth volume after Kevin Eastman left the book. With IDW deciding to put out this reprint of that volume, this was my chance to dive into this story head first! So I am going to head into this review as if it was a brand new comic, since it is to me, so that means that first up we need to take a look at…

The Writing:

Peter Laird put together an intriguing story that hooked me right away. Starting the story, not in the streets or sewers of NYC but on the moon, provided a quick bit of mystery that made me want to keep going. Not focusing on the turtles for the first few pages was a bold move, but it was one that paid off. When the turtles show up, the story picks up with wonderful exposition helping new readers get an understanding of the brothers as they prepare for a fight. Laird also does a fantastic job of setting the stage and giving the team a threat to deal with that seems real and not just an easy group of thugs that they will roll over without issue. Each turtle gets a moment to shine, showing off their personalities. After all of the build up and action, Laird brings the story back to an emotional center with Casey and April and the concern over April’s pregnancy.

The Art:

Jim Lawson and Peter Laird work perfectly together. The line work and Inks are create the gritty world of 1980’s New York that you would expect from a TMNT book. While for some a lack of color may be a draw back, for me the black and white just feels right. Each panel in this book is well executed and beautiful.

Overall Grade: 9/10

This story deserved to be reprinted. For a book that was released twenty-four years ago, it didn’t feel dated in any way. This book proves that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are a timeless team that can delight readers for decades and still keep us coming back for more.

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