Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc of this graphic novel.

First off, the nostalgia I got from reading this was incredible. I’ve loved TMNT since I was a kid and this made me feel so many things from childhood. I loved it.

Second, the artists who collaborated with the author did such an amazing job on the story telling in pictures. I loved the incorporation of several artists. This was so much fun to not only read but to look at.

The ninja turtles are so badass. This was a great visualization of just how badass they are.

I really enjoyed this entry but it is very adult. While the language and violence are too crazy, the themes and art style feel more adult. I think this is a great entry if you are a fan of the turtles but as a school librarian, I would not get it for my campus.

I like the Ninja Turtles, and I've really enjoyed IDW's run on the series. When I saw a Volume 1 that was advertised as a good jumping in point, I was intrigued. One of my favorite parts of the IDW series, but also one of the downfalls, is the world built up around the Turtles. It's hard to pick up if you don't have all the backstory, but if you do have that backstory, it helps deepen the text, particularly if there's a drag to the storyline.

What's interesting about Return to New York was the fact that it is a good jumping in point, but you're jumping in to a story already in action. I was thinking this would be a reboot. It's not. That's ok! The story is good, it's clearly laying the groundwork for the future, and while I didn't know everything that was going on, I didn't feel lost. I felt like I joined a story in action that would be revealed to me as it went along. But, knowing the story from the earlier titles certainly helped.

The different art styles in the book were enjoyable, and I enjoyed the artistic callbacks to the original series. I'm intrigued, I'll definitely be looking out for the next titles in the series.

This was outstanding! I’m not really sure where to begin since there was so much good in this book. Definitely one of the better comics I’ve read.

My first impression of this series was an image of shrivelled up, weak Donny holding a decaying dead rat on Twitter. I was really not sure this was the right direction for the series, but boy am I glad I gave it a go.

The writing was too notch all the way through. It hits every emotion and blends genres and themes so well.

The artwork was unique for this book as each characters intro issue had their own artists. I thought this really worked well to differentiate where each of the Turtles were mentally and physically at the start of this story. And I believe issue six’s artist is going to be working on the next arc, which I think is a great choice as he blended together a lot of great elements from the other artists in this book as well as his own touch.

I was on a TMNT hiatus for a long time, but I am right back into it now. Can’t wait for more of this series, and for me to finish the original Vol. 1 series that I’m halfway through.

Thank you to IDW and NetGalley for providing this ARC!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review those books I grew up reading and watching TMNT and this was another great read. The artwork was great and can’t wait to read the next in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley, IDW, and the team behind the comic for the ARC

I was not at all disappointed by this one. When I heard gritty TMNT comics were getting dropped, I was SOLD. Aaron is absolutely the right person to be leading the writing on this, it is easy to make a NYC under the Foot’s heel and the Turtles split and have it be basic and hokey but the directions he took Donatello specifically in were bold. Also, the art style complimented the story perfectly. I’m definitely stoked for Volume 2 when it comes out.

After twelve plus years and 200 or more issues of massive story, IDW relaunched the main Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles book with a new direction and jumping on point. Firstly, I love that they didn't immediately reboot it back to square one. Secondly, I really enjoyed the continued focus on the characters over the plot (although the plot is very good as well). I like that these characters all retained the mileage they've accumulated. I'm very excited to see where it's all going amid this new status quo with some new enemies. I'll be keeping up.

Special Thanks to IDW Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.

It felt like a fresh approach to the TMNT franchise, I liked how the story was set up with the individual intros. Im not a huge TMNT reader but i enjoyed the story and the visuals were amazing.

The Turtles are broken up and scattered across the world: Donnie is enslaved and forced to fight cage matches against mutant-haters; Mikey’s starring in a hit Japanese TV show about his life; Raph’s in prison; Leo’s in India, meditating with non-mutant flesh-eating turtles. Meanwhile in New York City, a brutal new mayoral candidate seeks to consolidate his populist anti-mutant platform with the help of the Foot Clan.

When I heard that Jason Aaron was thankfully moving on from his stagnation at Marvel, I was expecting better comics from him either at DC or Boom, which didn’t happen (so far) - but it did at IDW on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles of all places! Return to New York is both Jason Aaron and the Turtles’ best comic in years.

Look at that insane lineup of artists - those aren’t cover artists, they’re all artists that drew at least one issue in this book: Joelle Jones, Rafael Albuquerque, Cliff Chiang, Chris Burnham, Darick Robertson, Juan Ferreyra. All of them incredible artists, and all of them lending their talents to this book - this is such an amazing comic to look at because of this many top-tier creators on it.

And it also makes sense to do it this way too, to highlight the team’s divided self. Each artist draws a different character, including the villain of the story, the Penguin-esque DA Hale, running for mayor of NYC. I like that Aaron took the time to write the character’s background and motivations properly so that the story feels more fleshed out and understandable.

That said, this isn’t totally a perfect jumping on point for new readers. We don’t know why the Turtles have gone their separate ways, what happened to Splinter, and Donnie was a real surprise to me - he seems to be much older than the others for some reason and he’s got a metal shell?! So I feel like if you haven’t been following TMNT for a while, aspects of the story are going to seem somewhat puzzling.

Speaking of Donnie though: despite having known about the Turtles since I was of single-digit age, I don’t think I ever had a favourite Turtle, for whatever reason. Jason Aaron made it very clear to me though who that one is: it’s Donatello. Of course he’s the best. In fact, if this book had been entirely about Donnie only, it might’ve been even better than it was - his storyline was by far the most compelling while the others were… just ok.

The slightly uneven quality of the others’ stories - Mikey and Leo’s were the weakest - and the fact that this is basically an entire book of table-setting, are the only real critiques I have of this one. If Aaron had gotten the gang together sooner and provided a storyline that went beyond mere setup, this would’ve been a more satisfying read.

Otherwise, I thought Jason Aaron’s writing was near-perfect. The tone is exactly what it should be, the voices are dead on - yeah, this is what I’m looking for in a Turtles comic. And I didn’t even know I wanted to read a Jason Aaron Turtles comic!

IDW might have the single worst logo of any comics company ever and be on the verge of bankruptcy, but I really want them to stay around if only for this series to continue.

Jason Aaron’s back and he found his mojo again on a Turtles book - this Turtles book! One of the comics highlights of the year, I found TMNT, Volume 1: Return to New York both unexpectedly moving (luv ya Donnie) and enjoyable. Turtle power indeed.

I loved watching the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles show as a kid and my boys (five and 3) love the Ninja Turtles, still, I had never read any of the comics. This comic does not start at the beginning of the series, but starts in their future when the brothers have gone their separate ways. It was a dark story more for high school students or older, but I really enjoyed the story. The art is fantastic and the story is engaging. It ended on a cliffhanger as many comics do, and it definitely made me want to keep reading! I would highly recommend this to older fans of Ninja Turtles or even newer fans who are high school age or older!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the digital ARC. This did not impact my review. I thoroughly enjoyed the graphic novel and plan to read more in the series as they are released!

The art? Perfection.
The story? Amazing.
Concept? Yup, loved it.
This was a bit darker than I anticipated and did lack some of the signature comic quips that I love about TMNT. The overall story was well thought out and the inner monologues were true to character.
I like where it’s going and can’t wait for volume two!
Cliff hanger! (Obviously)
Thank you #natgalley for the ARC, I loved this.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a TMNT comic on a regular basis. I was a huge fan of the 90’s animated series. Had all the toys. Even the really cool sewer play set and the van that shot pizza discs. Eventually I fell out of the turtle love. I decided to give this ARC of the first volume of TMNT from @idwpublishing a chance, mainly because Jason Aaron was writing the book. I mean, why skip over Jason Aaron? Exactly, you wouldn’t. All I gotta say after reading this is HOLY ICE CREAM AND ANCHOVIES PIZZA, DUDES! This was absolutely fantastic. Jason does an amazing job telling this story of the new status quo for our favorite reptilian teens. The brothers are scattered, separated into different situation. Whether it’s Ralph in prison or Mikey in Japan as a huge tv star, Aaron makes you hang on to every page as you jump into this great starting point for any new reader. Do you need to read anything before this to know what is going on? No. Sure it may give you some context, but really IDW and Jason Aaron do a great job of getting you caught up in this volume on what has came before. I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. It’s that good. Now, excuse me while I go tell my comic shop to put this series on my pull list.

#IDWreviews #TMNT #5stars #JasonAaron

This is such a return to form for turtles comics. Best volume in a while.

Jason Aaron throws the turtles into turmoil and rebuilds them anew from the ground up with some fun new quirks and mania and ends the volume leaving us wanting more. This is the fresh restart I was hoping for.

Another great nostalgic TMNT omnibus comic read with really great illustrations that make the story grittier and more emotional with the storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley, IDW Publishing, and Jason Aaron (et. al.) for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was excited to see a new Ninja Turtles graphic novel, especially with a writer I really admire, like Jason Aaron. This Ninja Turtles collection is a new run that follows after the main ending of the original. The Turtles all seem to be doing their own thing, whether imprisoned or making a TV show. When the Foot Clan returns, they seek each other out, knowing they must step up to face the threat.

While I understand that the series was following the different Turtles and showing what they were up to, ultimately bringing them and the story together, it felt rather disjointed at times. My favorite was Donatello's story, actually. He was in this fighting pit for mutant animals and he aimed to keep the other animals safe by being the one to fight. He befriends a rat and calls him Splinter/Father (though it is just a rat). The insanity that he shows demonstrates the harsh life he has lived in the fighting pit for however long. The Turtles reuniting seem like they are just mad at the world and can't deem to find a way to work together anymore. There is a lack of brotherly love that follows the traditional Turtles.

This new series is rather dark and bleak, but it is certainly something fans are sill sure to devour.

Looooooved the art. The writing was good, but it made me sad. I feel so bad for them and what they went through.

Jason Aaron delivers an exciting and nostalgic take on our favorite heroes in a half-shell with Return to New York, Vol. 1. Right from the start, the story pulls you in with a mix of action, humor, and that classic TMNT energy.

One of the biggest strengths of this volume is how well Aaron captures the original personalities of all four turtles. Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo each feel true to themselves, making their dialogue and interactions authentic and familiar. The balance of light and dark tones is also handled well—the story has its gritty moments but never feels overwhelmingly bleak.

The humor was a standout for me. There was one recurring joke in particular that had me laughing out loud, and the mix of action and comedy really made for an enjoyable read. The plot itself is solid and does a great job setting up what’s to come.

I also have to mention the artwork, which I absolutely loved. It beautifully blends the feel of the original comics with a fresh, modern style. The visuals perfectly complement the tone of the story, capturing both the grittiness and the fun energy that make TMNT so great.

Overall, this was a fun, nostalgic read that stays true to the TMNT legacy while introducing fresh storytelling. If you’re a longtime fan or just looking for a solid TMNT story, this is definitely worth checking out! I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.

Thank you NetGalley and Jason Aaron for the chance to read this!

Thank you NetGalley! This was a great read for my child and I as we are currently obsessed with Ninja Turtles. We love the graphic novel type book and the illustrations are great

I go decades without reading a TMNT comic, then two within a few months (even leaving aside Drawing Blood, which is a cousin at least). And this has definite similarities to The Last Ronin, with NYC having fallen under the sway of the Foot ninja clan in the turtles' absence (and indeed, a fairly similar supporting cast overall, though I suppose that's no worse than how almost everyone who gets eg a go on Batman wants to run through the same handful of overexposed foes). But where that series had no ideas past an off-the-shelf cyberpunk dystopia, this one gives us a suited son of the city desperate to prove he's the big man by throwing his considerable weight around, even as the real power players hide in the shadows and laugh at him, which for some unaccountable reason feels much more timely.

Similarly, while I initially sighed at yet another comic in which the heroes have been torn asunder for reasons unseen and unspecified, Jason Aaron at least has some fun lampshading the narrative contortions which hold off explaining what happened to the readers. And splitting the team is a fine excuse to get a bunch of different artists to do an issue each, including some very good ones (Cliff Chiang, Darick Robertson, Chris Burnham), each of them a smart match for the very different situations the brothers find themselves in. Which I hesitate to specify, some of them coming as quite a surprise, especially after the first two had made me worry we were just getting variations on a limited theme.

More than anything, though, what elevates this is simply that Aaron can write. The balance between angst, recrimination and fun never tips too far or invalidates the other strands; he can even take something as elemental as the memory many readers will have of trying to use nunchucks, and making an embarrassing hash of it, and incorporate that as a meaningful character note for the Michaelangelo spotlight issue. I don't know how long he's going to be on the book, even assuming IDW gets through its current worries, and I've never read a long run by him that didn't have its wobbles and losses of focus. But equally, I've never read anything major by him that didn't have some impressive insights, witty scenes, and of course face-crunching violence. Add this one to that list.

(Netgalley ARC)

Great start to a series looking forward to more great art. Thanks for the ark for this book. First book by the author does the turtles justice