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COMIC REVIEW: TMNT #124

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #124

Story by Sophie Campbell

Art by Jodi Nishijima and Ken Garing (colors)

Published by IDW 

Released December 15th, 2021

The TMNT and their Mutant Town neighbors celebrate the holidays, but not everyone is enjoying the times-the Turtles feel the absence of Master Splinter, tensions are rising in the neighborhood, and a new threat is emerging. Can the Turtles find their way back to the spirit of the season before disaster strikes?

SILENT NIGHT, NINJA NIGHT

It’s the last 2021 issue of TMNT! And despite bumpy narratives, needless romances, and lack of direction…Campbell and company closes the year with a quiet cozy story of family, friends, and togetherness for the holidays. It’s the type of issue that should come once in a blue moon considering an action title. But Campbell’s writing has shifted TMNT into a slice-of-life furry-drama, so while this issue isn’t a breath of fresh air…its execution is at least. A comic with no words. Yet a strong narrative led solely with artwork from the new Ken Garing and regular Jodi Nishijima. Let’s break it down, ninjas. 

THE RAD: 

– A brisk cozy succinct holiday story filled with cameos and emotional memories. 

– We’re focused on our Turtles brothers and delve into some memories with Splinter, who is sorely missed from the current series. 

– Oroku Saki being a bro and looking out for the Splinter Clan. 

THE BAD 

– Nishijima and Garing’s artwork is NOT bad by any means, but overall feels like a step down from Ronda Pattinson. Though the linework has a great sense of movement, and could make for some great action panels down the line.  

Notes: TMNT #124 is a solid side note in the current story. I enjoyed the creatively silent approach to the issue (especially when “Ninja” is in the title). I loved the cameos, seeing Casey back with the gang, as well as the Turtles’ memories with Master Splinter. The tease of the next baddies and assumption of those annoying weasels being gone could (hopefully) lead us to stronger issues for 2022. Have a Cowabunga Christmas, kids. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #124 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

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Cowabunga Christmas Comics!

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

To many the holidays could bring a lot of stress due to the hectic hussle-bussle of Christmas shopping, family get togethers, or just the general onset “scrooge-ness” attitude. But there can be a relaxing side to the season such as curling up in front of a warm fire, listening to some gentle holiday music, and watching the silent snowfall outside your window. This all sounds well and good but, if you’re like me, you’re wondering how can the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles be inserted into this? 

Well, my brothers and sisters, if you rely on your Turtle Power anything can be accomplished. And in the realm of TMNT comic books, I managed to dig and find some retro stories that involve our favorite Heroes in a Halfshell and the Christmas holiday. So sip some eggnog and hang up your stockings with care within your precious sewer lair as I present you with four Ninja Turtle Christmas tales that’s guaranteed to get you in the truly tubular holiday mood. 

Ladies Home Journal “Twas the Fight Before Christmas” December 1990.

This is a short n’sweet four page comic found in Ladies Home Journal of all things. I couldn’t tell you if having comic *ahem* much more a Ninja Turtles comic in this magazine was something normal. But coming across it felt downright bizarre. A couple of thugs steal a little girls Christmas gifts so the Ninja Turtles decide to go beat the ever loving hell out of them. They find out these crooks have a stockpile of stolen toys, so the Turtles end the adventure by dressing up as Santa and handing out the toys to all the children.  

The standout of this comic is Michaelangelo explaining his “Special Christmas Pizza” which consists of sausage, mushroom, turkey, ham, yams, sugarplums, and plenty of cheese. Even in the simplest of forms, the TMNT always make sure to bestow you with at least some killer pizza ingredients. If anybody wants to make that pizza this Christmas season, I’d seriously crown you TMNT-King/Queen. I’d like to thank GoGreenMachine.org for sharing this awesome tidbit of TMNT comic culture with the world. 

TMNT Magazine “Twas the Night Before Christmas” Winter 1993.

This short tale stems from the Welsh TMNT Magazine and involves BeBop and Rocksteady pulling a “Home Alone 2” by robbing street Santas of their charity cash. How low! Making their escape on a rooftop they come across the real Santa Claus as the TMNT arrive and proceed to pummel the heck out of their gross mutant faces. 

Santa thanks the Turtles by giving them gifts as well as gifting Bebop and Rocksteady. This makes the Turtles a bit miffed but Santa explains that the holiday season isn’t just about being naughty and nice, but about forgiveness and compassion. Bebop and Rocksteady apologize to the Toitles as Santa flies into the night. 

This simple 6 page comic is pretty to look at (TMNT Adventure’s Brian Thomas helms it) as it packs a lot of personality, color, and pizazz but I find the lesson to be a little muddled. Bebop and Rocksteady steal from charities on friggen Christmas. I understand forgiveness and compassion, but maybe they shouldn’t really be given gifts and instead some community service and jail time. 

But, then again, perhaps New York’s legal system doesn’t have anything in place regarding large mutated warthogs and rhinos. That would explain a lot about the TMNT universe actually. 

Thanks to the always amazing TMNTEntity.Blogspot.com for being an amazing resource.

Tales of the TMNT Vol. 2 Issue 40 November 2007

Out of the previously mentioned comics, I’d probably recommend this one first and foremost. With story by Murphy, Diego Jourdan, and Martin Casanova (Bossanova? Chevy Nova?) as well as art by Diego Jourdan this issue of Tales of the TMNT shows you how powerful and minimalist the comic medium can truly be. With very little dialogue the story is told almost solely by its visuals, and Jourdan’s art echoes the original black and white grittiness of the Mirage run, yet with a more Manga style. 

The story takes place on Christmas day in Tokyo 2060. Raphael finds an abandoned baby and comes across ladies of the night, mutants, and robotic foot soldiers who all seem to be after the child. The payoff is interesting as the story doesn’t need much buildup or insight. It’s sort of a one shot “elseworlds” tale and does enough to make it an interesting one.I love the look of Raph in this issue: Leather jacket, eye patch, and using the katanas of Leonardo (which makes you wonder if his brother met his demise previously). 

It’s a bleak and interesting issue that any Turtle fan should pick up (especially if you love Raphael). It’s nowhere as “fluffy” or “Christmas-y” as the comics I previously mentioned but it gets the point across just fine and is probably the one that will stick with you the most. 

That is if you’re still not wondering why the Ninja Turtles are featured in Ladies Home Journal. 

IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #65 November 2016

We now go from bleak and gritty to bright and cheery with this fantastic IDW issue. Written by Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, and Tom Waltz accompanied by Mateus Santolouco’s always beautiful artwork, this is TMNT silliness and fun at its best. Michelangelo decides to throw a Christmas par-tay and everyone is invited (whether the brothers like it or not). Not only is it a sharp and beautiful issue with a lot of visual gags (I love that Mikey has “The Great Pumpkin” on at his Christmas party) but the writing of inane party chatter between characters makes this issue gold. Whether it’s Mondo Gecko just zoning out at the star on top of the tree or Pigeon Pete rocking to the “12 Days of Christmas”, the writing really nails the vibe of a mutant Christmas party. We don’t always see our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles simply being teenagers, and what I really love about this issue there’s no high stakes or heated battles…it’s just a couple of mutant teens putting together a party for their buds.

You can also read this issue on it’s own without any need to know the current story arc either. So if you want some light turtle-reading to get your head in the holidays you have that option with issue 65. It also has Pepperoni eating pepperoni and this Donatello face:

With the Ninja Turtles being such icons in popular culture for decades now, it’s no surprise that even the Christmas season plays a role in their comic book adventures. And, of course, Christmas expands beyond just their comics…the 2003 animated series adapted the Mirage story “The Christmas Aliens”. And, if you’re simply a glutton for punishment, you can always check out 1994’s direct-to-video We Wish You a Turtle Christmas online. It ain’t pretty, but as a TMNT diehard it’s just something you have to endure. The 2012 Nickelodeon show also released some Christmas themed storybooks called The Santa Snatcher and Merry Mutants! for the younger Turtle fans. 
 
So I hope you enjoyed reading about some of our Ninja Turtles’ Christmas adventures. Perhaps you’ll dig these out and give them another read on a brisk winter’s night. Or maybe even add these titles to your letter to Santa. Either way, there’s always time for Turtles this holiday season! Merry Christmas dudes and dudettes! And have a radical New Year!

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Retro Christmas Review: Michelangelo Micro Series

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

Michelangelo: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle 

Story and Art: Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird 

First Printing: December, 1985 

Second Printing: December, 1990

“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the town, Turtle Santa drove like crazy to not let the kids down. Instead of a sleigh, a truck full of toys, destined to be the presents for good girls and boys. But evil thieves wanted to steal the toys at all costs. Poor, poor Turtle Santa, all hope was lost..” 

It’s Christmas time, dudes and dudettes! That means we’re gonna meet up with the Ghost of Christmas Past and travel back to December 1985. At this time, each Turtle brother was given their own single “micro series” (one full size issue). Today we’re looking at Michelangelo: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle because, you guessed it, it’s a Christmas story! Maybe not your typical Christmas tale as there’s gunfire, high speed chases, and mutant turtles…but Gremlins was already a thing so I think it counts. 

Michelangelo finds himself taking in the holiday sights and sounds one New York evening when he decides his “disguise” is doing so well he might as well do some Christmas shopping for his brothers. After befriending a stray cat Mikey heads into a local toy store and discovers a toy delivery being hijacked by thieves. Being the admirable hero he is, Mikey intervenes which leads to a high speed chase through the snowy streets of New York. After defeating the crooks and taking control of the truck (now being pursued by police cars) Mikey loses the 5-0 and reaches out to his brothers and April about his day. The Turtles and April decide to dress as Santa and his merry elves as they head to the local orphanage and hand out the stolen toys to every girl and boy for a turtle-y awesome Christmas. 

Of course, that is just a brief synopsis of the plot as I don’t want to take away too much. There’s something so incredibly charming about the original Eastman and Laird TMNT run that I just cherish as a fan of comics, art, and storytelling. They’re crude looking yet so earnest and entertaining. Whenever I read an early issue of TMNT I have a smile on my face from ear to ear. And this issue is no different. Michelangelo may not have his party attitude or surfer lingo just yet, but it’s Mikey nonetheless. I love the somber start of this comic, this mutant turtle taking in casual holiday festivities and daydreaming to himself. I loved the panels in the toy store seeing what influenced Eastman and Laird (I see Stormtooper helmets, Han Solo Blasters, and a Fugitoid mask!) .

This comic really nails a Christmas feeling as well as having a bit of everything as a TMNT fan. Eastman and Laird’s art style have a huge influence on this as the snowfall really cuts into their usual gritty black cross hatching and linework. For this review, I read a 2012 IDW reissue with colors by Tom Smith’s Scorpion Studios. It’s a great alternative look to the issue and though it gives the story a slightly different personality, I still enjoy the classic black and white look of the Mirage comic. I recommend reading both if you can and seeing what you prefer. Eastman and Laird’s writing is tight, as in most of their early comics, and is linear and focused storytelling. It may be nostalgia talking, but I can never get enough of the original TMNT comic run. So if you haven’t delved into any of it, from one fan to another, you should get on that any way you can.

  

The 2003 television series actually adapted this issue as a Christmas episode titled, “The Christmas Aliens” . The episode does a stellar job adapting the comic. Of course liberties are taken with the violence as it’s a kids show. And the other Turtle brothers are involved slightly more, but overall it’s charming to see this early one shot comic come to life 19 years later! 

All in all, I recommend all of the TMNT Microseries issue that ran from 1986-86, but I’ve decided to touch on the Michalangelo issue because of the Christmas season. And I’m glad I did, and I think you’ll be glad you did as well. As Turtlefans, this is a great way to see the roots of where our TMNT came from. And the heart and independence of the comic may even inspire you to go and create your own in some form. Lastly, cracking open this issue in front of a toasty fire with some hot cocoa is a great way to spend the Christmas season. It maybe not be Charles Dickens, but it’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles which is something I think we can all agree on being just as close to our hearts. 

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Revisiting “We Wish You a Turtle Christmas”

by Kyle Tobey
written by Kyle Tobey

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have had their highs and lows throughout their history. Then there are versions so bad, they make me wonder if it stunted the development of any kid who watched it.

Released in 1994, “We Wish You a Turtle Christmas” might be the worst version of the TMNT. Ever.

This is right after the 1993 movie “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3”, which was, let’s admit, not great. The costumes show how little faith the creators put in children. The heads of the costumes are loose and you can easily see seams. The mouths move, but without reason. They don’t sync with the words, and usually just show more teeth. Instead, you can usually see the actors through the black screen in their mouths. And Splinter. Master Splinter looks like he’s made of used steel wool. 

The special starts with the song “We’re the Turtles.” I thought we knew that, because why else would we be watching this hot garbage.With lines like “We laugh we sing we do our thing, we’re the turtles,” I wonder if the songwriter knew what the TMNT were? This is the first time I’ve heard the turtles sing, and it is, most definitely, not their thing.

The jump immediately in to a parody of a reggae song. It feels racist. Like, this is what a rich lady from the suburbs sings when she’s telling her friends about that one time she smoked pot. This was when I realized I was in for a musical. I wasn’t ready. I’m still not. Nowhere on the cover art did I see musical. Granted, I watched this on YouTube, but no one warned me. I saw a the Rockafeller Christmas tree. Ugh.

We finally get to the point of the video. Due to a mix up, none of the Turtles got Master Splinter a gift! It’s Christmas Eve! All the stores will be closing soon! They only have a few hours to get him something. They better hurry up and… sing another song. 

It drove me nuts. They are Ninjas. They can move really fast, but instead waste time singing “Gotta Get a Gift.” I couldn’t focus on the song. Focus guys! You said it yourself! You literally have 2 hours. Get it together.

They eventually get outside, and they get surrounded by kids. In this universe, kids are used to giant mutant turtles and aren’t screaming. Instead, they help them sing a song. I think the turtles killed a child on rollerskates, but I can’t be sure.

Michelangelo sings opera. I swear we’re almost done.

They get Splinter a gift. Framed pepperoni pizza. Time for the next song, “Wrap Rap.” I just… look. I try to be positive about things, but this is a dumpster fire. Was cocaine still popular in 1994?

Finally in the homestretch, the penultimate song is a Turtle version of the 12 Days of Christmas. When the song started, I thought, “Ok, at least this is coming from something. It can’t be that bad.” I was wrong. It is the longest song ever. They cover all 12 days. By the end, you’ve seen the same video clip 12 times. Around the 7th gift for Splinter, you feel like a prisoner. You’ve been taken hostage by the song, and have a sense of Stockholm Syndrome when you think “Maybe it’s not so bad” since it’s been stuck in your head for 2 days. But it is. It is that bad. 

There’s another song to close out the video. “We Wish You a Turtle Christmas,” the name of the video. At this point, though, all songs are “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” There are no other songs.

The video was worse than I thought. It made me want to slap anyone who says “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” is the worst version. This video made me rethink all of the 90’s. There are some things that are bad, but enjoyable on silly level. This isn’t one of those things. This is a waste of time. But you don’t just lose the 23 minutes it took to watch the special. It stays with you. You’ll have a single line from the 12 days of Christmas stuck in your head for days. This video takes you hostage. Stay away from it.

“4 video games.” Ugh.

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2018 Holiday Gift Guide

by Kyle Tobey
written by Kyle Tobey

The holidays are here!

Chances are if you’re here, you’re a major TMNT fan, or a loved one sent you here so you know what to get them! There is a lot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stuff out there. It’s hard to keep it all in order! We’re here to help! Here are some of the coolest TMNT products you can grab for your friends, family, or yourself this Holiday Season!

For the Gamer

TMNT Munchkin

Even the standard edition of this TMNT Munchkins game looks like a lot of fun. Image Source: IDW Games, Steve Jackson Games.

The hit card game Munchkin released a TMNT version on Kickstarter. While the Duoshade edition was a Kickstarter exclusive, you can still pick up the Deluxe edition at Gamestop and the standard edition wherever tabletop games are sold. It’s a really fun game where the objective is to be the first to reach level 10!

Official Munchkin TMNT

For the High End Collector

Krang TMNT PVC Statue from Good Smile Company

Krang and his mandroid are looking amazing on this pedestal. Image Source: Goodsmile.

From artist James Jean, Krang is the final statue in the villain series. This is a total eye-catcher, and standing at over 10 inches,  its sure to make an amazing piece for the adult collector in your life. Collect Shredder, Bebop, and Rocksteady (and if you can find them, the original 4 Turtles as well) to create the complete diorama!

BigBadToyStore

For the Kids

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Playmates

The Turtle Lair playset is just one of two play areas which can be combined to create one massive set. Image Source: Playmates Toys, Nickelodeon.

The Turtle Lair playset is just one of two play areas which can be combined to create one massive set. Image Source: Playmates Toys, Nickelodeon.

Playmates is still putting out some of the best figures out there for anyone who wants to play with their toys. These figures are a lot of fun, and the Turtle Tank and Lair playset look like great additions to any kids’ toybox. The figures are durable enough for some harder players, and continue the long TMNT tradition of showing off their weirder characters. You can get Basic figures, Deluxe figures, and Giant sized!

Playmates Rise of the TMNT

 

For the Skater

Santa Cruz Skateboards

Legendary Skateboard Company Santa Cruz Skateboards recently released their first wave of collaborations with TMNT. The home of the iconic “Screaming Hand” put a Turtle twist on their classic iconography, in addition to designs straight from your memories. My favorites are the skate deck based on the original 90’s movie and the hat, but everything in this line is a great take on a classic skate company.

Santa Cruz x TMNT

For the Music Lover

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Soundtrack

Waxwork Records has released a double LP vinyl of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film soundtrack. This is the first time the soundtrack has been released in full! While some color ways have sold out, others are still available. Grab yours while you can!

Waxwork Records

For the Reader

IDW Series Hardcover

Since it’s first publication in 2011, the IDW Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series has been one of the best versions of the TMNT to date. It’s a bit more adult in tone, but this captures the essence of the original Mirage series perfectly, while taking from all versions after it. It’s already the longest running TMNT comic series to date and has issue #200 in its’ sights. If they haven’t checked out the series yet, Hardcover Volume 1 is the best place to start out. It collects the first 12 issues of the series, plus 4 issues of the Micro-series.

IDW Hardcover Volume 1

For the Mature Reader

IDW Re-Release of BODYCOUNT

After being out of print for years, this gritty take on the TMNT is very 90’s, and very violent. This story focuses on the relationship between Casey and Raph making sure to show off its’ muscles. For any fans of Heavy Metal Magazine, or if you think TMNT is just for kids, check out this crazy grindhouse action story!

Bodycount

For the Chef

The turtles are known for their… special taste for pizza. If you’ve ever wanted to try some of the more edible pizza recipes, this is the book for you! Try out a bunch of different pizza toppings, and dare your friends to try the same.

Anyone else ready for some oddly terrific or strangely horrible pizzas? Image Source: Insight Editions.

Anyone else ready for some oddly terrific or strangely horrible pizzas? Image Source: Insight Editions.

TMNT Pizza Cookbook

For the Person Who Likes Surprises

TMNT Box – $9.99 a month

In the interest of transparency, TMNT Box are affiliates of this site. With that said, it’s a fun, inexpensive box with a new surprise each month. Past months have include tshirts, hoodies, pins, comics, and other fun toys and products.  This is a great, affordable gift that keeps giving as long as you keep your membership!

TMNT Box

For the Pinhead

Zen Monkey Studios Pins

I’ve been a big fan of Zen Monkey Studios for a few years now, and that only grew when they were able to get the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles license. They showed off their fandom at this year’s NYCC, with exclusive shirts and pin designsfrom versions of the turtles not usually seen. They have tons of throwback designs, as well as originals as well, they are sure to have something that will make everyone on your list smile.

Zen Monkey Studios

These are what we would want this year for the Holidays! Do you have another idea for the shellhead in your life? Let us know in the comments!

 

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