Publisher: Mirage
Writer / Artist: Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird

Ah, this is one of my favorite reads of this year. TMNT Volume 1 is the first time in a decade or two that the first 11 issues have been collected. The single issues Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael and Fugitoid are also included.

After reading these issues it really amazes me how closely the original TMNT movie follows the comics. It truly is one of the most accurate comic book movies ever. I never understood the differences from the cartoon to the movie as a child, but now it makes a lot more sense. Such as April living above an antique shop that was left to her. Or the foot destroying said apartment and antique shop and causing the turtles to flee to Casey’s Grandma’s farm.

Also surprising was how much science fiction is contained in the series. At least half of the book our heroes in a half shell spend in space, on other planets and traveling through time (even running across other independently published Cerebus).

After realizing how big of an influence Frank Miller had on Eastman and Laird, you start seeing some similarities in their work. Especially the dark and gritty tone of the series.

TMNT holds up extremely well. It is extremely entertaining, and brings back a lot of great memories too. We can only hope Mirage continues to publish these collections as most of the issues are tough to come by. You can order this collection on Mirage’s website.