TMNT Returns to NYC For a New Era, And We Have the Exclusive Origin of the Series

The critically-acclaimed new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series written by superstar writer, Jason Aaron (who is having himself a heck of a year with this hit series, a hit DC series with Absolute Superman, a hit Image series, Bug Wars, and even a hit Uncle Scrooge comic over at Marvel) is out with its first collection of the opening arc, "Return to New York."

However, beyond the standard collection of this storyline (collecting the first six issues of the series), IDW is also releasing a Library Edition of the first arc, and CBR has an exclusive look at some of the extra material from the collection, specifically Jason Aaron's original outline for the series!

What was Jason Aaron's original pitch for the series?

Written in September 2023, it is remarkable just how thorough Jason Aaron's original pitch for this series was, and how much of it was translated pretty much exactly as he initially described it, luckily depicted by a variety of star artists throughout the series.

It is interesting, though, that the outline includes two notable parts of the story that are redacted, so it is clear that there are parts of the story that include some major twists that aren't yet revealed, and that just speaks to how much planning Aaron has put into this series.

What was the solicitation for this collection?

The official IDW solicitation for this collection is as follows:

The TMNT are back in a new series, and this Library Edition provides an upscale experience with extra features!

This oversize hardcover is perfect for fans who want a little more! Along with the prelude story “Long Way from Home” and issues #1–6 of the series, this edition contains extra back matter like the series outline, process pages, inked pages, and more!

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have all left New York to pursue their own interests, but gathering forces will pull them back together in this first arc of a new ongoing series by superstar writer Jason Aaron and an all-star lineup of artists, including Joëlle Jones, Rafael Albuquerque, Cliff Chiang, Chris Burnham, Darick Robertson, and Juan Ferreyra!

Raphael is in prison. Michelangelo is living in Tokyo, where he’s become a TV star. Leonardo is traveling the world in search of peace. Donatello is trapped in a mutant zoo and forced to fight rich men looking for a thrill. And what has been going on in New York while the Turtles are scattered across the globe?

More than two million Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics have been sold in 2024! Join in on the fun!

Both the regular edition of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turbles Volume 1: Return to New York, and the Library Edition, are on sale now!