IDW Announces ‘TMNT Amazing Adventures’, With Backup Story By James Kochalka

Here at ComicsAlliance, we've gone to bat pretty hard for IDW's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics, but the ongoing story in the comics isn't their only avenue for telling stories of mutant mayhem. For almost two years, TMNT New Animated Adventures has been on the shelves, tying into the cartoon that's currently running on Nickelodeon, telling kid friendly stories that are frequently pretty weird. And now, it looks like they're going to get weirder.

This August, IDW is relaunching the cartoon tie-in as TMNT Amazing Adventures, and for the first issue of the new book, they've got a variant cover by Samurai Jack's Andy Suriano and a backup story by Superf*ckers' own James Kochalka - and I never knew how badly I wanted to see what that guy has to say about Michelangelo until now.

The main story will be provided by Landry Walker, writer of Danger Club and Supergirl's Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade, with art by Chad Thomas. Both of them are returning from New Animated Adventures. What sets this series apart, however, is that it's both building on and separating itself from what fans have seen in the cartoon. According to editor Bobby Curnow, this includes the introduction of new characters:

"What’s really fun about this series is that we can now start to create new characters and have the overall plot build on itself. The comic will still be episodic and easy to jump into at any point, but we can start to have reoccurring themes and character development, without worrying if it directly conflicts with the show. The show will still be our inspiration, and we’re playing in that world… we can just stray a bit further from the playground now, which should open up a lot of creativity from our talent. James Kochalka’s short story for #1 is a perfect example. It’s loopy and fun as heck."

No release date has been announced. Here's the official solicitation:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Amazing Adventures #1
Landry Walker, James Kochalka (w) • Chad Thomas, Kochalka (a) • Jon Sommariva (c)
This new series will feature crazier stories in it’s own all-ages continuity that draws inspiration from the hit Nickelodeon cartoon! Featuring backups from some of the finest cartoonists in comics today!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99