Reader's Diary #1438- Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles The Ultimate Collection Vol. 1

I was not into the animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as a kid but don't recall precisely why. Perhaps they just came a bit too late. First airing in 1987, I would have been approaching 11, maybe a bit too old. Still, between the movies, video games, and merchandising, they've certainly been hard to avoid.

I have for the longest time been curious about the comics that started it all off. I'd heard that they were grittier and cooler. So, finally getting my hands on this collection, I can understand the appeal.

I don't think they were that gritty, but sure, there's a bit of bloody violence here or there. They are funny and cool though. A pleasant surprise was the great art. Thick inky lines, lots of shading and details, and consistent style; I was not surprised to Dave Sim and Frank Miller listed as influences. I could also see Robert Crumb in there.

The stories were fast paced and interesting, though I did enjoy the early ones that were set in New York rather than outer space. The grimy art was better suited for the streets and the ninja monsters who lurk in the shadows and the sewers made more sense (from a comic book perspective, of course).