Since the series’ inception, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has been a fan-favorite franchise that’s never failed to produce captivating stories that were destined from the start to be beloved for decades to come – no matter the medium. From comics, to animated series, to live-action films, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has stood the test of time for one seemingly overly simplistic reason: it just never stopped being cool. And now, practically every corner of TMNT history is being celebrated in the 40th Anniversary one-shot comic – which is why it’s a must-read for Shellheads everywhere.

Screen Rant got the chance to read an early copy of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 40th Anniversary Comics Celebration, which contains 11 stories all set in different eras of the TMNT franchise. From the original Mirage Studios era and the current IDW Publishing, to the classic ‘90s cartoon, the 2003 animated series, and even Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And the incredible creative teams make each individual story shine on its own, while also perfectly complimenting the others to create an epic collection of original TMNT tales.

TMNT’s 40th Anniversary Comic Brilliantly Honors the History of the Franchise

The cover art for this one-shot alone is the perfect tribute to the origin of the TMNT series, as it’s done by the creators of the franchise themselves, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. Then, fans of the first-ever TMNT comic are greeted with a familiar tone and style, as “Mirage 1 Story” takes fans back in time to the era of the classic comic. Not only that, but this original tale is tied directly to a more modern and widely beloved TMNT story that was also championed by Eastman and Laird, allowing the creators to bring their story full circle.

Following “Mirage 1 Story”, fans get a number of mini comics delving deeper into the more grungy, grittier take on the Turtles from the Mirage era as well as the all-too-often-overlooked Image Comics era dubbed ‘Urban Legends’. Then, things lighten up exponentially when readers are thrown into the continuity of the classic ‘90s animated series, before going through the many eras of TV Turtles with a story set in the 2003 animated series, the 2012 show, and finally Rise of the TMNT.

The first half of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 40th Anniversary Comics Celebration is, indeed, a celebration of the Turtles’ extensive history throughout many different eras and mediums, including and especially the comic that started it all. It’s a brilliant collection that will leave fans feeling nostalgic and excited at the same time, and this anniversary one-shot doesn’t stop there.

The Significance of TMNT’s Most Recent Canon is Highlighted in the 40th Anniversary One-Shot

IDW Publishing is the Definitive Continuity for TMNT Canon, & the 40th Anniversary Comic Highlights that Fact

After speed-running through the TMNT’s history, fans are given the chance to pause and reflect upon the recently concluded 150 issue storyline in the current canon of IDW Publishing’s TMNT. The story “Father’s Day” is a somber tale that focuses on the legacy of Master Splinter through the eyes of those who love him. Written by Tom Waltz, who was integral in shaping the current era of TMNT, “Father’s Day” is the perfect Swan Song for the entire first volume of IDW’s TMNT.

Fans are then brought to the events of one of the Turtles’ most intense storylines in the franchise’s history with “Teen Spirit”: Armageddon Game. As shown in the Armageddon Game event, the Turtles learn to wield magic from Master Shredder in order to defeat the Rat King. This training ushered in both the final chapters of Armageddon Game and the entire Road to 150 event, as the Turtles’ ability to wield magic was integral to those storylines unfolding.

The TMNT’s IDW Publishing era is one that will be remembered as the definitive continuity for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as it has expertly intertwined the best elements from past eras while also forging a bold and exciting future for the Turtles. And the best part? TMNT fans are still in the IDW era right now, a fact that won’t change anytime soon. Indeed, it’s that fact alone that’s one of the most understated elements of this 40th Anniversary one-shot, as it reminds fans of the exciting new era of TMNT canon that’s just over the horizon.

TMNT’s 40th Anniversary Comic Teases the Turtles’ Bright Future

One of the most exciting things about this 40th Anniversary one-shot comic isn’t what’s included (though it can’t be overstated enough how utterly awesome this issue is), but what’s not included. Right now, the Ninja Turtles are in a bit of a transitional period, as the first volume of IDW’s TMNT came to an end with issue #150, setting the stage for an all-new TMNT #1, championed by legendary comic book writer Jason Aaron, who’s partnering with a number of fantastic artists including Joëlle Jones, Rafael Albuquerque, Cliff Chiang, and Chris Burnham to usher in this new TMNT era.

The fact that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is giving fans the opportunity to reflect on the past is creating anticipation and excitement for what’s to come in TMNT lore. The opening pages of the 40th Anniversary comic highlight the Turtles’ origins, which is swiftly followed by their many television iterations, before delivering an outstanding (and tear-jerking) final look at the Turtles’ most recent era. And now, after reading the 40th Anniversary one-shot, fans only have even more groundbreaking TMNT stories to look forward to.

After reading the early copy of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 40th Anniversary Comics Celebration, it’s fair to say that this issue is one that absolutely needs to be on the shelf of every Shellhead in the world, as it is the perfect celebration of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ legendary legacy.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 40th Anniversary Comics Celebration by IDW Publishing is available July 10, 2024.