For the last few days, rumors have been swirling that writer Jason Aaron, fresh off a 20 year stint at Marvel, would be helming a relaunched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles book from IDW later this year. Sure enough, courtesy of an exclusive from ComicBook.com that Jason Aaron is indeed set helm the upcoming TMNT relaunch, beginning with a 10-page prelude story in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Alpha #1 one-shot on sale in June.
As previously announced, IDW has renewed its TMNT licensing deal with Paramount in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the franchise. Likewise, this relaunch will be a continuation of the the current continuity.
Aaron stated the following:
“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.”
IDW Publishing Co-Publisher Mark Doyle 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!”
Jamie S. Rich, IDW’s Editor-in-Chief, expressed great excitement:
“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.”
