Jason Aaron To Write ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ For IDW
by Olly MacNamee
Goddamn it IDW. Why do you put out your PR at a time when us UK bloggers are hunkering down for the evening? It’s the reason why, after a long day at the chalkface of teaching, I’m only just announcing the news that Jason Aaron is to write the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic upon its relaunch. But then, we’re probably all playing catch-up after it was announced by ComicBook.com yesterday.
Co-created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird and celebrating 40 years of turtle power this year, introduced the four mutant brothers, Aaron is the latest writer to take on these Heroes in a Half-Shell in their new ongoing series from IDW. It promises to be a back-to-basics appraich by the sound of things, being “a raw vision for the iconic franchise’s comics that is also completely fresh and stunning for both longtime shellheads and brand-new readers.”
Speaking about this new gig, Aaron said:
“Launching a new TMNT comic series in the midst of the characters’ 40th anniversary is clearly one of those dream jobs of all comic book dream jobs. Especially for me, a kid who first fell in love with the Turtles all those years ago because of that original Mirage Studios series, buying those groundbreaking issues fresh off the rack, comics that kicked you in the face with their action-packed grit and gloriously raw attitude. I couldn’t be more honored and thrilled to get to add to that esteemed legacy of comic book face-kicking, especially as part of an amazing IDW run that has expanded the world and timeline of the Turtles in such daring and exciting ways. In terms of what’s to come, the kid in me wants you to know that you can expect some good old-fashioned grit, a sprinkle of dark, new attitude and all the bone-cracking action that four mutated ninja brothers can possibly handle.”
Editor-in-Chief Jamie S. Rich added:
“Working with Jason Aaron has been something I have wanted to do for a long time, so that in itself is a treat. Even better, though, is getting to go on an expedition with him to explore a fictional world that he hasn’t worked in before. And of course, he has not disappointed. From the very first conversations, it was clear that he brought a real passion to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the sort of excitement you can only get from a true fan. He’s a master of his craft, and each new script has only gotten me more excited for the rest of the world to see what he’s coming up with.”
Continuing to was lyrical about Aaron, Co-Publisher Mark Doyle also added:
“Jason is one of the best storytellers in comics and he just gets the Turtles. Add to that the amazing artists he’s working with and you have the recipe for some great TMNT comics that we cannot wait to bring to fans!”
The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 will debut this July, but before that fans will be getting a 10-page prelude story to be included in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle: Alpha #1.
