The wait is nearly over. After months of anticipation and 300k+ preorders, IDW’s newest era of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics led by Jason Aaron finally debuts next week. I was lucky enough to get an advance copy thanks to IDW & wanted to share my spoiler-free thoughts on a book that is HEAVY on feels.

Cutting to the chase, the Heroes in a Half Shell are back in a big way. Jason Aaron and Joëlle Jones' Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 is a triumphant debut, evoking the gritty, brooding tone of classic Eastman/Laird Era Turtles. This first issue is a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and artwork, setting the bar into the stratosphere for the rest of the series.

Aaron's decision to put Raphael front and center in the first issue is a stroke of genius, leveraging the loner Turtle's complex personality to introduce the darker themes of this new direction compared to some of Sophie Campbell’s final arcs in the previous run. With a keen understanding of Raph's moral code and sense of justice, Aaron crafts a compelling story that feels both deeply personal and utterly true to the character. The situation we find him in seems like a sentence nobody would choose, yet we learn that Raph appears to have had some say in how he got there. While Raphael isn’t a brand new character that needs an introduction, it’s still quite an impressive character study by Aaron. It hints at a deeper backstory that promises to unfold in the issues to come.

But Aaron's sharp script is only half the equation – Joëlle Jones' artwork is, without a doubt, some of the best TMNT art ever. Yes, I loved the work by the giants of comics that have worked on previous series. Jones’ art rises to the task. Her panels are crisp, evocative, and captivating, with a keen sense of emotion and detail that elevates the story to even higher highs. She uses various layouts throughout the book to capture the emotion and energy of individual scenes, with one of the most impressive being an action sequence that takes place across an expertly choreographed double page spread. Ronda Pattinson's colors and Shawn Lee's letters are the perfect complements to Jones' artwork, rounding out a truly exceptional visual experience. These are visuals that could tell an entire story on their own.

What's most impressive about this debut issue is the sense of scope and direction that Aaron establishes from the outset. It's clear that he has a plan in place to bring the brothers together, but the journey promises to be just as compelling as the destination. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 sets a new standard for the franchise, delivering everything fans could possibly want and then some. If you're a lifetime TMNT comic fan, or are looking to jump onboard for this new run, get ready for one shell of a great read.

Rating: 10/10