TMNT Goes Dark: Zombies, Horror, and a Villain's Return This September
Iowa comic fans who grew up with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as lighthearted heroes are in for a shock this fall. IDW Publishing is releasing a one-shot comic that takes the franchise into its darkest territory yet, with zombies, a resurrected villain, and a brutal gang war set in Mutant Town.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Hunger #1 hits stores Sept. 30. The 40-page issue, priced at $5.99, brings back the dead in a story that writer Paul Allor describes as a mix of surreal horror, intimate character drama, and violent gang conflict. The creative team includes artist Gavin Smith.
What Makes This TMNT Story So Dark?
The core of the story centers on Hun, the abusive father of Casey Jones, returning from the afterlife. In this universe, Hun is the leader of the Purple Dragons street gang. He is back and wants his old position. He is described as a cold-blooded opportunist who relishes violence and control.
Allor told AIPT that he wrote Hun as part Ken McElroy, the infamous Missouri outlaw, and part gangland boogeyman. He called him an all evil bastard. You dont beat Hun, you just hope to survive him, Allor said.
Who Are the Heroes in This Fight?
Two characters returning from the Battle Nexus, Slash and Ninjara, are the ones who must stop Hun. They are trying to find their way back into the world without losing themselves to violence all over again, Allor explained.
I wanted this comic to feel like a surreal horror story, a brutal gang war, and an intimate character study, all crashing together on one very bad night in Mutant Town. Hun returns from the dead with no interest in redemption or explanation; he just wants his power back. Against that, Slash and Ninjara are trying to find a way back into the world without losing themselves to violence all over again.
Allor also credited IDW and Nickelodeon for letting him and Smith take very big swings in the structure and narration of this issue.
How Does This Fit Into the Main TMNT Series?
IDW suggests reading this one-shot between issues #22 (Legacy #300) and #23 of the main TMNT series written by Gene Luen Yang. The main series is also getting darker. TMNT #23 features a variant cover of a zombified Raphael to celebrate IDW Darks second anniversary.
The variant cover and this new comic show IDW is taking the turtles into darker and darker storylines, which is a significant shift from the franchises fun and humorous roots.
Cover Art and Availability
The one-shot features covers by artists Gavin Smith, Dev Madan, Jeffery Cruz, Igor Manti, and Isobel Rees. It will be available Sept. 30 wherever comic books are sold.
For Iowa readers, this is a chance to see a beloved franchise take a bold, mature turn. The story promises to challenge the traditional image of the Turtles and deliver a horror-tinged narrative that is both brutal and thought-provoking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a new TMNT series or a one-shot?
This is a one-shot comic, not a new ongoing series. It is a single 40-page issue that tells a complete story within the current TMNT universe.
Do I need to read the main TMNT series first?
IDW suggests reading it between issues #22 and #23 of the main series for the best experience, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone horror story.
How much does the comic cost?
The suggested retail price is $5.99 for the 40-page issue.
For Iowa comic fans, this is a must-read for those who enjoy darker takes on classic characters. The story offers a fresh, mature perspective on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe.