Suit Up: A New Era For Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

They've been around since the 80s. They've been in cartoons. They've been in the movie theaters. They've even been on lunchboxes. Now they're here in this month's Suit Up! ... and we supply the pizza! Ok, maybe not, but we'll wait until you grab a slice, and head on back to read this article while you munch on that choice food of the gods. We want you to know that things are once again heating up for the heroes in a half shell, courtesy of the TMNT Universe #1 (JUN160422) from IDW Publishing.

Featuring a backup story by Kevin Eastman and Bill Sienkiewicz, this new ongoing title also introduces a new era for the Turtles, and there's nothing more exciting than a new highway that leads to destinations unknown! Written by Paul Allor, and illustrated by Damian Couceiro, the new book shows a mysterious new mutant has targeted Baxter Stockman. So guess who has to come to the rescue? Little does everyone know that a larger trap is being laid by a new arch-foe, so the rescue effort just got complicated tenfold!

Not that the Turtles aren't used to chaos, confusion, and calamity. If you follow their regular adventures, you know that they're not only used to the bottom falling out, they're experts at navigating the sewers as it's usually an extended period of time that passes before the "all clear" is given. Take for example the turn of events in the ongoing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #61 (JUN160414).

This is the kick-off for a tale titled "Chasing Phantoms,"  and it picks up from the events of the last issue. In a story by Tom Waltz and Kevin Eastman, with art by Dave Wachter, the guys and Splinter are still reeling from the last roller coaster ride, but now they've come under attack by the Street Phantoms! No rest for the weary. At all. And no quarter is given. What does a Turtle have to do to get a free moment these days?

But that's life if you're a Turtle. Life is always faster than you, and half the time you're doing nothing but playing catch-up. You, being the readers however, are not encumbered with the same burden of being two steps behind. The "here" and "now" are always at your fingertips if you peruse PREVIEWS. For example, if you prefer your Turtles in the animated vein, then you can simply switch gears and check out the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Amazing Adventures #13 (JUN160417) written by Caleb Goellner and Matt Manning, with art by Chad Thomas and Buster Moody.

In this installment of the series — which starts a new storyline called "The Drip" — Donatello accidentally creates a new water-based mutant in his lab. New science is usually a good thing...unless the science creates an "ally" which later becomes a nuisance!

But it's not all doom and gloom this month, Turtle fans. Rest easy. We know that you've only got so much stamina. Not to mention, if you've had more than one slice of pizza while you're reading this, you may find yourself more down for a nap than reading a new book. If that's the case, and you're wondering what might fit well under your heavy head, check out the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles plushes in the Toys, Statues, and Models section of the June PREVIEWS. There you'll find plush versions of Donatello (JUN162628), Leonardo (JUN162629), Michaelangelo (JUN162630), Raphael (JUN162631), and Splinter (JUN162632).

So, did we give you enough Turtle time for one day? If you're still itching for some cool collectibles, don't forget that the TMNT Donatello 1/4 Scale Figure (JUN162635) is also available to preorder. This figure is accurate to the classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, and features 30 points of articulation, double knee joints, bo staff accessory, and interchangeable hands!

Look for all of these terrific Turtles toys and books in the June edition of the PREVIEWS comic shop catalog!