The first TMNT Comic book series. Created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird and self published, the comic sold surprisingly well and kicked off the independent sales boom of the eighties. Eastman and Laird both wrote and illustrated the first eleven issues of the comic before taking a break from collaborating with each other and took turns (along with other Mirage staff) to write solo stories and collaborate with others. The nineteenth issue saw both the creators reuniting on writing duties with Jim Lawson providing the art for the the three part "Return To New York" story.
By now the turtles had become huge in the mass media thanks to an animated series and merchandising blitz. This however left little time for the Eastman and Laird to participate in the comic as they were overseeing numerous licensing deals as well as fending off lawsuits from greedy opportunists. The comic soon became an anthology book with a revolving door of guest writers and artists showcasing up and coming talents such as Richard Corben, Michael Zulli, and Rick Veitch among others, some of which worked within the Mirage continuity, while others did their own vision of the turtles, ranging from ultra comedic to ultra serious and the downright bizarre. During this time Mirage regulars such as Michael Dooney and A.C. Farley also did several issues.
The forty-eighth issue saw the return of Eastman and Laird as writers. Lawson once again provided the art for the two part "Shades of Grey" story. The fiftieth issue was first part of a thirteen part "City at War" story and was a silent issue with no text whatsoever that was written and drawn by both Eastman and Laird. The rest of the story was once again drawn by Lawson. This multi-part epic ended the first volume of the TMNT. The book was relaunched with a second volume a few months later this time published in color.
Collected Editions
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (First Comics):
- Book I (#1-3)
- Book II (#4-6)
- Book III (#7-9)
- Book IV (Leonardo #1, TMNT #10-11)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection
- Volume 1 (#1-7 & Raphael #1)
- Volume 2 (#8-11)
- Volume 3 (#12, 14, 15, 17, 19-21)
- Volume 4 (#48-55)
- Volume 5 (#56-62)
- Volume 6
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles CLASSICS
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