I LOVE RAPH. I somehow always forget that the TMNT are so much gruffer and raw in the comics than in the cartoons, and am always a little surprised by the amount of violence. This was a good opening to a new story.

Last week I got a graphic novel early review digital book from Net Galley: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1: Return to New York by Jason Aaron, Joelle Jones, Rafael Albuquerque, Cliff Chiang, Chris Burnham, Darick Roberston, and Juan Ferreyra. There are some spoilers in the review that follows.

In TMNT Vol. 1, the first four issues deal with a different Turtle each issue: Donatello, Ralphel, Michelangelo, and Leonardo. The turtles have drifted apart from each other and New York. Don is in mutant hunting prison, Ralphel is a human prison, Mikey is in Japan with his own TV show, and Leo is communing with regular turtles. When the foot clan attacks each of them, the group has to get back together and go back to New York. The final two issues deal with the group’s return to a very different New York.

Each issue of TMNT Vol. 1 is drawn by a different artist. Chris Burnam’s style is a darker, muddy style that fits well with Don’s setting and mind state (which is not good). Joelle Jones takes a much cleaner dramatic approach to Ralphel’s stay in prison. Meanwhile Rafael Albuquerque has an almost anime style to Mike’s time in Japan. And Cliff Chiang has an American animated style to Leo’s time with regular turtles. Each of the art styles fit well with the turtle it focused on.

Darick Roberston handles the first of the issues where everyone is together with a dark style that kicks a punch when it needs to do. So does Juan Ferreyra, who the regular artist on the series. I like all of the art styles in the book, though Cliff Chiang’s style was my personal favorite. Leo’s issue rocked!

As for the writing, Jason Aaron understands each of the turtles very well and each one of them feels true to who we know but with some surprises, especially Donatello. Whew. Poor Don. The storyline is really good, it introduces a new very complex villain along with classic ones and the ending left me wanting more. This volume is just the start of what should be epic run for Jason Aaron and Juan Ferreyra!

I thought it was a great graphic novel overall. I enjoyed each of the art styles, the spotlight issues, and seeing the turtles back together. If you love TMNT, I think you’ll enjoy this comic too.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher, IDW, for the early digital copy of TMNT Vol. 1: Return to New York. The trade paperback releases on June 24, 2025.

A dark but well-done graphic novel for the Teenage Mutant Turtles! The story is full of action and the graphics really pop and add to the story. You find yourself immersed in the story and wanting more! The story ends on a cliffhanger and I for one, cannot wait to read the next book. Be forewarned, this is not your original TMNTs, but a great read for the adult readers.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

An exhilarating, action packed story for TMNT fans everywhere. The four heroes are scattered across the world and something terrifying is unfolding in New York. Great writing and artwork. The art style leaps off each page and grabs the reader. It makes you want to read more.

Does a good job of setting up a starting point for this new series. Dark with the classic riffing humor of the turtles. Artwork is beautiful.

4.5/5

The turtles are separated, lost to each other and to themselves. Will they find their way back to each other and forgive? Will they fight back against the encroaching corruption? Read to find out... or not?

This was a hell of a read! The initial chapters were re-introducing the turtles and their current situation while the last two focused on the new evil. Reading through the first chapters felt a tad slow.

The art is great and detailed! I love how some of the smaller panels fit nicely in the larger panel, great use of the page.

As for the story, I am curious to see what will happen next to our beloved turtles and if they can forgive each other and become the brothers they once were.

If you're a fan of TMNT, then this is a must-read for you!

#TeenageMutantNinjaTurtlesVol1ReturntoNewYork #NetGalley

I mean, it's TMNT! The art is beautiful and the plot is really fun! A great pick for TMNT fans, or someone trying to get to know more about them.

I appreciate the ARC copy, and while I wish the giant watermark wasn't on every page since it is very distracting and annoying, I understand why it is there.