The Jason Aaron era of TMNT may have come to an end, but we get one more flashback to that era before we go forward. The Turtles are back on the same page, but before they move forward, they must discover what happened when they were apart.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual #1

Written By Kenny Porter – Art By Michael Shelfer & Maria Keane

Colors By Ronda Pattison – Letters By Darran Robinson

Edited By Dave Wielgosz – Published By IDW Publishing

***Minor Spoilers Possible***

While We Were Apart

After defeating DA Hale and saving New York, the Turtles are back on the same page. But there are still some questions that need to be answered. Namely, what were they all up to when they went their separate ways? Michaelangelo tells of the show he starred in, and his encounter with a Tengu at Mount Kurama in Japan. Raphel is next, as he tells tales of punching people in the face in different states. Finally, Leonardo reveals a rescue mission he went on to save a mutant that didn’t end quite how he thought it would.

Bridging the Gap

This annual does a fantastic job of adding to the story that we have all come to know and love. Kenny Porter does an excellent job of adding to the Aaron story arc to bridge the gap going into the next era. Tying up the loose ends and letting the readers know what the Turtles were up to in their separation really puts a cherry on top. The emotional tone the issue takes with Leonardo’s story is a beautiful gut punch that really drives home what the previous run was.

The art in this issue is really good and captures the essence of the story completely. Michael Shelfer with Maria Keane do an amazing job of showing the tone of each individual story. Letting the reader know not only the mood of the story, but how each Turtle has a unique personality. The art also does a great job of capturing the action in this issue as well. Ronda Pattison does an impeccable job of matching the colors with the art and making every panel jump off the page.

Check Out My Review of TMNT #12

Final Thoughts

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual #1 bridges the gap between the arc that just finished up and the new arc to come seamlessly. Showing us what are heroes were up to while they were apart well at the same time showing the unity they have now really sets the tone for where the story is going next. This is my Pick of the Week and should be at the top of your list when you visit the LCS this week!

Overall Grade: 10/10

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