When there's something strange. In your neighborhood. Who you gonna call? Master Splinter!
Originally published on 8/15/2023 at Multiversity Comics. Revision dates noted throughout article.
Volume 5 - Vol. I
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2011) #1-100, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Micro Series” #1-8, “Infestation 2: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1-2, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Secret History of the Foot Clan” #1-4, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Villain Micro-Series” #1-8, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Utrom Empire” #1-3, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time” #1-4, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Ghostbusters” #1-4, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutanimals” #1-4, “Free Comic Book Day: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2015), “Free Comic Book Day: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2017,) “Free Comic Book Day: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2019,) “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey & April” #1-4, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Deviations” #1, “Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything” #1-5, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe” #1-25, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Dimension X” #1-5, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Ghostbusters II” #1-5, “Bebop & Rocksteady Hit the Road” #1-5, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Macro Series” #1-4, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder in Hell” #1-5, “The X-Files: Conspiracy: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” #1, “IDW 20/20: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” #1, “Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” #1-6, “Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II” #1-6, “Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III” #1-6, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual” (2012,) “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual” (2014,) “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 30th Anniversary Special,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: 40th Anniversary Comics Celebration”
Age rating
T for teen. Of all the series, this one gets the heaviest but isn’t always, or usually, heavy. If you were good reading the original series, or most of what DC and Marvel is putting out, it’s the same vibe.
Start here if…
You’re looking to get into current “TMNT” comics while being 100% caught up on all the backstory. For anyone who wants to read a LOT of comics but not read a metric ton of “TMNT” comics. It’s also for the lapsed fan who wants to see any and all of the previous eras remixed and redone.
Throughout the last few parts, I’ve talked about the sale of the entire “TMNT” enterprise - sans Volume 4 - to Viacom but then kept referring to IDW trades. What gives? The long and short is that IDW aka Idea and Design Works was given the license for all “TMNT” comics in 2011 by Viacom (now owned by Paramount,) just a couple years after acquiring the Turtles. Once they got it, they launched a brand new series “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (Vol. 5) and began to reprint as many past iterations as they could, either in single-issue floppies like Volume 1’s “B&W Classics” and “Color Classics” and then in collections, straight to collections like “TMNT Adventures” or into big omnibuses/ultimate collections.
I’ve already talked enough about those older comics though. If you want details and reading orders, check out the past 4 parts. We’re here to talk about Volume 5, which is really just the designation used to help place it in relation to the others; most just call it the IDW “TMNT” comic.
What’s notable about Volume 5, and why the IDW designation is more common, is that it’s the first non-tie-in series to not be set in the “Mirage Continuity.” Volume 3 may have gotten the boot but it was published with Volumes 1 & 2 as its past. Volume 5 is a complete reboot. Additionally, it’s the first turtles comic that Kevin Eastman has had long-term involvement in since the original run, even providing layouts for the first few issues, though he’s much more a story/creative consultant and occasional issue creator than hands-on creative force. That distinction goes to Tom Waltz & Bobby Curnow.
I don’t want to reduce this just to the writers but this is meant to be just some table setting before the order. While I can’t list all the artists from the main title, I can list a few of the big ones - Dan Duncan, Mateus Santolouco, Corey Smith, David Wachter, Michael Dialynas, and Sophie Campbell.
Big shout out here to the other two mainstays of the series too - Ronda Pattinson on colors and Shawn Lee on letters. Over 130 issues apiece! They kept this thing feeling consistent and whole alongside the writers.
You’ll also notice that I called this “Volume 5 - Vol. I.” That’s because the trades renumber themselves after issue #100 and a new creator takes the reins from Waltz, though he’s still pretty involved. We’ll get there, don’t worry.
I should stop yammering on because in this run there are SO. MANY. COMICS. It is by far the longest continuous “TMNT” mainline and US-based comic and has a ton of spin-offs. While this sounds like trying to find every comic would make my head explode, it wasn’t nearly as bad as figuring out Volume 1, or even “Adventures.” Most of that comes down to these comics being modern and thus having well documented publication dates, contents, as well as the expectation that they will be collected in a reasonable time and in a sensible order. There are always exceptions, of course, but for the most part it holds true here.
In fact, it holds doubly true for many licensed IDW series.
See, IDW has this thing called the “IDW Collections” where they take series that have had a lot of mini-series or various eras and recollect them into these gorgeous oversized hardcovers (and now softcovers!) with a brand new reading order. Sometimes it’s pretty drastic - like the “Transformers Phase 1” stuff - and sometimes it’s more subtle, which is the case for “TMNT.” They’re also wicked comprehensive; though, as I’ll point out later, a few holes remain.
Because of this, and because Volume 5 has so many readily accessible reading orders, I’m doing these lists a little differently than I would otherwise. For one, just assume that if a series is here, it has “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” at the top. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, like the main series, I’ll only be using the specific identifiers. I’ll detail the other specifics at each stage but the gist is I’m doing three lists: For the Trades, IDW Collectionist, and Publication Completionist.
For The Trades
As the name implies, this reading order uses the trade collections as its base. Because the various series and events in Volume 5 proper are mostly chronological, that’s what this order prioritizes. Why not the “IDW collections” though? The reason is because trades are cheaper, more accessible, and allow you to catch up to current far faster. Also because the simplicity of the IDW Collection list means I could write “read “TMNT IDW Collections” 1-13 in that order,” and be done with it.
Or it would have been that simple if there weren’t also a bunch of out of continuity crossovers.
IDW’s gone back and forth over the years on whether it's a good idea to crossover their many licensed properties. When they had a lot from different license holders, this was more common. In the years since, they seem to have lost a lot of these licenses, taking the trades & singles out of print and digital along with it; they’re also having other issues as well [though as of 2025, there's been a bit of a rebound.] Regardless, most of these crossovers or special events were treated as extraneous, at least within the “TMNT” world.
Because I’m trying to be as comprehensive as I can, I will be including any crossovers that were collected based on publication date and marking them in *italics* so you know you can skip over them if you can’t find them. The only exceptions are the two “Ghostbusters” crossovers. For some reason they’re collected in the “IDW Collections” and I have to assume that makes them more canon than the others? Ugh. This is why I ignored “continuity” in Volume 1.
[Elias of the future here: I cannot believe the “Ghostbusters” had to remain in the IDW Collections because it has key plot points for the ongoing meta-narrative and “Armageddon Game.” Absolutely bonkers.]
I’m also going to slot in the two annual issues as individual listings because, apparently, they were not in any of the regular trades. Who knew? They are in the IDW Collections. I won’t be listing them as primary, as I normally would, because if you’re getting the IDW Collections already, you might as well just be reading those.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," Volume 1: Change is Constant: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #1-4
”Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Micro-Series,” Volume 1: "Micro-Series" #1-4
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 2: Enemies Old, Enemies New: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #5-8
“Infestation 2,” Volume 3 OR Infestation 2: The Complete Series: "Infestation 2: TMNT" #1-2 & “Infestation 2: Dungeons & Dragons” #1-2. Complete collection also includes “Infestation 2” #1-2, “Infestation 2 Team-Up” #1, “Infestation 2: 30 Days of Night” #1, “Infestation 2: G.I. Joe” #1-2, “Infestation 2: Transformers #1-2.”
A perfect example of one of the IDW crossovers I meant. Two issues bookending a series of one-shots or two issue mini-series that take place in the various books of IDW licenses or publishes. It takes place well outside the bounds of the main series but if you want to read it, this is when it came out.
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 3: Shadows of the Past: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #9-12
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Micro-Series,” Volume 2: Micro-Series" #5-8
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," Volume 4: Sins of the Fathers: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #13-16
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual” 2012 [UNCOLLECTED IN TRADE:] “IDW Collection,” Vol. 3 only.
There was actually a deluxe hardcover edition of the Annual, which was fully drawn by Kevin Eastman, that was colored and had a bunch of process work with it. This is the same for the 2014 annual so if you can track those down, give them a read. Otherwise, find the single issue and read it here.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," Volume 5: Krang War: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #17-20
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: 40th Anniversary Comics Celebration:” The Deluxe Edition: ‘Splinter's Day Off,' & 'Alone,' 'Monsters,' 'Gang Wars,' 'Old Scores,' 'Downtime,' 'The Man Behind the Mask,' ' What About Tomorrow?,' 'Splinter Forever,' 'Kraang Among Us,' 'Farewell,' 'Father's Day,' 'Teen Spirit'
As with the many other 40th anniversary stories, only ‘Splinter’s Day Off’ matters for this section. As for its location here and not at the end, I’ll expound on that in the Publication Completionist list.
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secret History of the Foot Clan:” "The Secret History of the Foot Clan" #1-4
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," Volume 6: City Fall Part 1: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #21-24
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Villain Micro-Series,” Volume 1: "Villain Micro-Series" #1-4
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," Volume 7: City Fall Part 2: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #25-28
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Villain Micro-Series,” Volume 2: "Villain Micro-Series" #5-8
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," Volume 8: Northampton: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #29-32
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Utrom Empire:” "Utrom Empire" #1-3
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," Volume 9: Monsters, Misfits, and Madmen: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #33-36
"The X-Files: Conspiracy:" "The X-Files: Conspiracy: TMNT" & “Conspiracy” #1-2, “Conspiracy: Ghostbusters,” “Conspiracy: Transformers,” “Conspiracy: The Crow”
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual” 2014 [UNCOLLECTED IN TRADE:] “IDW Collection,” Vol. 4 only.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time:” "Turtles in Time" #1-4
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," Volume 10: New Mutant Order: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #37-40
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Ghostbusters:” "TMNT/Ghostbusters" #1-4
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 11: Attack On Technodrome: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #41-44
“Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:” - "Batman/TMNT" #1-6
“Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II:” - "Batman/TMNT II" #1-6
“Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III:” - "Batman/TMNT III" #1-6
While being out of continuity, the first volume of “Batman/TMNT” makes explicit reference to the events of ‘Attack on Technodrome,’ so I chose to locate it here. Since the three don’t share many other references to later events and instead tell a cohesive story, I grouped them together. For a true publication reading order, slot in the first series after “TMNT,” Volume 14, the second after “TMNT Universe,” Volume 4, and the third after “TMNT,” Volume 23.
There’s also an Omnibus collecting all three that just came out as of the time of writing that also includes the deluxe edition of the original mini.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutanimals:” "Mutanimals" #1-4
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 12: Vengeance Part 1: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #45-47, “FCBD 2015”
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey & April:” "Casey & April" #1-4
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 13: Vengeance Part 2: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #48-50
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 14: Order from Chaos: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #51-55
“Deviations:” "TMNT: Deviations" #1 & “G.I. Joe: Deviations,” “Transformers: Deviations,” “The X-Files: Deviations,” “Ghostbusters: Deviations”
This and the later “IDW 20/20” series - which has yet to be collected so it’s not in THIS list - are essentially “Elseworlds” or “What If?” stories for various IDW series of the time, hence their lack of inclusion in the “canon.” They’re not quite the same as the crossovers but they share the same fragmented approach.
If this trade is too difficult to track down, an alternative collection is “Best Of TMNT Collection,” Vol. 5. You could also read this after “City Fall, Part 1” as it’s an alternate take on issue #22.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything:” "Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything" #1-5
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 15: Leatherhead: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #56-60
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 16: Chasing Phantoms: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #61-65
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe,” Volume 1: "TMNT Universe" #1-5
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 17: Desperate Measures: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #66-70
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe,” Volume 2: The New Strangeness: "TMNT Universe" #6-10
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Dimension X:” "Dimension X" #1-5
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 18: Trial of Krang: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #71-75, "FCBD 2017"
"Usagi Yojimbo/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Complete Collection:" “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo” & ‘Turtle Soup and Rabbit Stew,’ ‘The Crossing,’ ‘The Treaty,’ “Usagi Yojimbo” (Vol. 2) #1-3
As per tradition, “TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo” will not get italics as it is special and I won’t hear otherwise. It's also here because that's the approximate publication point of the original comic.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Ghostbusters,” Volume 2: "TMNT/Ghostbusters II" #1-5
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe,” Volume 3: Karai’s Path: "TMNT Universe" #11-15
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 19: Invasion of the Triceratons: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #76-80
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe,” Volume 4: Home: "TMNT Universe" #16-20
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 20: Kingdom of Rats: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #81-85 & 'Kingdom of Rats Prologue'
I should note that the ‘Kingdom of Rats Prologue’ is actually a backup in “TMNT Universe” #19 and is also collected in Volume 4. However, since it appears at the start of the trade, I figured it’d be good to mention it as it isn’t officially credited on the copyright page of the volume.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe,” Volume 5: The Coming Doom: "TMNT Universe" #21-25
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Bebop & Rocksteady Hit the Road:” "Bebop & Rocksteady Hit the Road" #1-5
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Volume 21: Battle Lines: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #86-89
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Macro Series:” "Macro Series" #1-4
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 22: City at War Part 1: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #90-95 & “Free Comic Book Day” 2019
I had a bear of a time confirming the placement of “Free Comic Book Day” 2019. Why? Well, for some fakakta reason this issue goes by two different names, has been partially re-released twice, and may or may not be just the ending to issue #93 and then a creative recap of the important plot points thus far. Bear with me here.
First off: the subtitle for the issue is “Casualty of War.” That is also the name of the first story. I was able to find the same pages at the end of issue #93 with no interruption within the pages of ‘City at War, Part 1.’ This is the name it appears under when I try to find the issue on ComiXology or on IDW’s website, which sadly linked the name with the 2015 “FCBD” issue instead. I have yet to confirm if this story appeared in the ORIGINAL issue #93 but I think it’s safe to assume, based on pacing and page counts, that this was the case. Still, I’m leaving it in place just in case on the subsequent lists.
Now comes the fun part. The second story is called “Road to War.” This is a recap of the story thus far and all the important bits, narrated by a key character. It is inessential but is a good refresher for anyone who’s forgotten the whole heck of a lot that’s happened. That story is then UPDATED for the free “Road to 100” one-shot to incorporate the events of ‘City at War’ up through issue #99 and reuses the same cover as “FCBD” 2019. It does not, however, include “Casualty of War.” This one-shot is not on any of the lists below because by the time you’d be reading it, you’ll have already read both the story arc itself AND “FCBD” 2019.
Finally, there’s the “Road to 100” Deluxe Edition, which reprints neither version of “Road to War” nor “Casualty of War,” and is instead a reprint of issue #100 with an extensive interview/oral history of the IDW series to that point - a seriously good buy if you’re interested in that kind of thing, which, let’s be real, you probably are.
Hopefully this helps anyone avoid the frantic and way too long search I had to do to confirm what in the heck was happening with this issue.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder in Hell:” "Shredder in Hell" #1-5
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 23: City at War Part 2: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #96-100
IDW Collectionist
This is the reading order for those who want every story in the best* possible order, crisscrossing when necessary and lumped together when not. It’s also for anyone who’s reading or re-reading these in single issues rather than the trades or the actual “IDW Collection” hardcovers/softcovers.
*I’m sure there are other bespoke orders out there. This is the one that the folks at IDW have created and one that worked quite well for me when doing this read through originally.
Not many notes on this one. It’s pretty straightforward. Same rules for the out-of-continuity crossover issues apply - you can find their trades above - and I will be breaking this section up by the collection number so I don’t have to keep writing it. I also won’t be underlining like I have for all the past lists since, well, there’s only one item per line. No need to differentiate. Finally, if I’ve included a short story, I’ll be prefacing it with the issue it can be found in.
Vol. 1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #1-4
“30th Anniversary Special” - ‘A Lot to Learn'
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #5
"Micro-Series: Raphael" #1
Despite each issue having a subtitle, the “Micro Series” is actually a numbered series this time. Same for the “Villain Micro-Series” and “Macro Series.”
"Micro-Series: Michelangelo" #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #6
"Micro-Series: Donatello" #3
"Infestation 2: TMNT" #1-2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #7-8
"Micro-Series: Leonardo" #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #9-10
"Micro-Series: Splinter" #5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #11-12
Vol. 2
"Micro-Series: Casey Jones" #6
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #13-14
"Micro-Series: April" #7
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #15-16
"Micro-Series: Fugitoid" #8
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #17-20
“FCBD 2024” - ’Splinter's Day Off’
While this story isn’t collected in the IDW Collections, it’s also not an “out-of-continuity crossover” so I left it unitalicized. Again, see Publication Completionist for the full story.
"Villains Micro-Series: Krang" #1
"Villains Micro-Series: Baxter Stockman" #2
"The Secret History of the Foot Clan" #1-4
Vol. 3
"TMNT Annual" 2012
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #21-22
"Villains Micro-Series: Old Hob" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #23-24
"Villains Micro-Series: Alopex" #4
"Villains Micro-Series: Karai" #5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #25
"Villains Micro-Series: Hun" #6
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #26
"Villains Micro-Series: Bebop & Rocksteady" #7
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #27-28
"Villains Micro-Series: Shredder" #8
Vol. 4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #29
"Utrom Empire" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #30
"Utrom Empire" #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #31-32
"Utrom Empire" #3
"TMNT Annual" 2014
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #33
*"The X-Files: Conspiracy: TMNT" #1*
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #34-37
Vol. 5
"Turtles in Time" #1-4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #38-40
"TMNT/Ghostbusters" #1-4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #41-44
"Batman/TMNT" #1-6
"Batman/TMNT II” #1-6
"Batman/TMNT III” #1-6
Vol. 6
"Mutanimals" #1-4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #45-46
"Free Comic Book Day" 2015
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #47-50
"Casey & April" #1-4
Vol. 7
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #51-58
"TMNT: Deviations" #1
As mentioned above, you can also read this after issue #22.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #59-64
Vol. 8
"Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything" #1-5
"TMNT Universe" #1-4 - ‘The War to Come’
"TMNT Universe" #1-5 (Backup) - ‘Inside Out'
“TMNT Universe” was a pseudo-anthology title that ran alongside the main “TMNT” book for a couple years. It featured two stories per issue, with the exception of #11 & #25, often serializing one and/or the other over the course of a few months. While the trades collected the stories part-and-parcel, the “IDW Collection” splits the two. Since I’m making this list for anyone trying to recreate the order with single issues, I’m leading with the issue #s, then indicating whether it was a backup, and then the title of the story.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #65
"TMNT Universe" #5 - ‘Urban Legends’
"TMNT Universe" #6 - ‘The Rot in the Shell’
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #66
"TMNT Universe" #10 (Backup) - Teenage Mutant Ninja Pepperoni'
"TMNT Universe" #6-9 (Backup) - ‘What is Ninja?'
"TMNT Universe" #7-8 - ‘Metalhead 2.0’
Vol. 9
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #67-70
"TMNT Universe" #9-10 - ‘Toad Baron’s Ball’
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #71-72
"TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo" #1
If you read Part 1 of this series, you may be wondering why this crossover is included again. Simple. It’s included in Volume 9 and, apparently, features this version of the turtles?
I have to admit, that bit went over my head when I read the story back in 2017. As for why I put it on that list as well, I could say it’s because I think all the “TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo” stories read well one after the other, which is true, but the real reason is I forgot it was slotted in here and thought if I didn’t put it on that list, it wouldn’t end up anywhere.
Regardless, there’s no harm in reading it twice. More Stan Sakai art!
"TMNT Universe" #11 - ‘The Jersey Devil’
"TMNT Universe" #12-15 - ‘Karai’s Path’
"TMNT Universe" #12-15 (Backup) - ‘Prey'
Vol. 10
"TMNT Universe" #19-20 - ‘Service Animals’
"TMNT Universe" #20 - ‘Through Red Eyes'
"Free Comic Book Day" 2017
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #73
"Dimension X" #1-5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #74-75
"TMNT/Ghostbusters 2" #1-5
Vol. 11
"TMNT Universe" #16-17 - ‘From the Heart, For the Herd’
"TMNT Universe" #16-17 (Backup) - ‘Triceratots!'
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #76-77
"TMNT Universe" #18 - ‘Monster Hunt’
"TMNT Universe" #18 (Backup) - ‘Mutagen Maintenance'
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #78
"TMNT Universe" #21 (Backup) - ‘How Woody Spent His Triceraton Invasion'
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #79-80
"TMNT Universe" #21-22 - ‘Lost Causes’
"TMNT Universe" #22 (Backup) - ‘Dangerous Waters'
"TMNT Universe" #23 (Backup) - ‘Nobody Cares'
"TMNT Universe" #19 (Backup) - ‘Kingdom of Rats Prologue’
The prologue is actually not listed as it’s own thing in the collections and instead is added to the credits of “TMNT” (Vol. 5) #81. It’s weird because the single issue DOESN’T include the prologue but the trade “Kingdom of Rats” does.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #81-84
"Macro-Series: Donatello" #1
Vol. 12
"Macro-Series: Michelangelo" #2
"TMNT Universe" #23-24 - ‘...And Out Came the Reptiles’
"TMNT Universe" #24 (Backup) - ‘Life At Sea'
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #85
"TMNT Universe" #25
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #86-88
"Bebop & Rocksteady Hit the Road" #1-5
"Macro-Series: Leonardo" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #89
Vol. 13
"Macro-Series: Raphael" #4
"TMNT: IDW 20/20" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #90-93
"Free Comic Book Day" 2019
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #94-99
"Shredder in Hell" #1-5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #100
Publication Completionist
Why, oh why, would you read this way, I ask? Why, oh why, would I even list this as an OPTION? Honestly? Curiosity. I wanted to know how different this order would be from the IDW Collection aka the chronological order since the chronological order fixes any real-life problems like publishing delays or prologue stories that really do work better as prologues. It allows for a smoother experience whereas what I wanted was the chunkiest, bumpiest, most mashed-up Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987) cartoon pizza topping combo of a list.
i.e. What was it like to be reading these books as they came out?
Well, after much consternation and consulting with the TMNT Wikia, Comic Vine, and TMNT: The Collection, I was able to make an order that is as close as I could get to reading these things as they were published. For any dates that had two comics on them, I made notes in case you want to flip them around. It’s not TOO different from the chronological one but it’s different enough to merit placement. Let’s go!
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #1-4
"Micro-Series: Raphael" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #5
"Micro-Series: Michelangelo" #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #6-7
"Micro-Series: Donatello" #3
"Infestation 2: TMNT" #1-2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #8
"Micro-Series: Leonardo" #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #9-10
"Micro-Series: Splinter" #5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #11-12
"Micro-Series: Casey Jones" #6
#12 and “Casey Jones” can be read in either order.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #13
"Micro-Series: April" #7
"Micro-Series: Fugitoid" #8
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #14-15
"TMNT Annual" 2012
#15 and “Annual” 2012 can be read in either order.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #16-17
"The Secret History of the Foot Clan" #1-2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #18-19
"The Secret History of the Foot Clan" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #20
"The Secret History of the Foot Clan" #4
#20 and “Foot Clan” #4 can be read in either order.
"Villains Micro-Series: Krang" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #21
"Villains Micro-Series: Baxter Stockman" #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #22
"Villains Micro-Series: Old Hob" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #23
"Villains Micro-Series: Alopex" #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #24
"Villains Micro-Series: Karai" #5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #25
"Villains Micro-Series: Hun" #6
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #26
"Villains Micro-Series: Bebop & Rocksteady" #7
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #27-28
#27 and “Bebop & Rocksteady” can be read in either order.
"Villains Micro-Series: Shredder" #8
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #29
"Utrom Empire" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #30
#30 and “Utrom Empire” #1 can be read in either order.
"Utrom Empire" #2
"The X-Files: Conspiracy: TMNT" #1
“X-Files” and “Utrom Empire” #2 can be read in either order.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #31
"Utrom Empire" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #32-33
“30th Anniversary Special” - ‘A Lot to Learn'
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #34-35
"Turtles in Time" #1
#35 and “Turtles in Time” #1 can be read in either order.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #36
"Turtles in Time" #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #37
"TMNT Annual" 2014
"Turtles in Time" #3-4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #38-39
"TMNT/Ghostbusters" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #40
"TMNT/Ghostbusters" #2
#40 and “Ghostbusters” #2 can be read in either order.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #41
"TMNT/Ghostbusters" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #42
"TMNT/Ghostbusters" #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #43
"Mutanimals" #1
#43 and “Mutanimals” #1 can be read in either order.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #44
"Mutanimals" #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #45
"Free Comic Book Day" 2015
"Mutanimals" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #46
"Mutanimals" #4
"Casey & April" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #47
"Casey & April" #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #48-49
"Casey & April" #3-4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #50-52
"Batman/TMNT" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #53
"Batman/TMNT" #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #54
"Batman/TMNT" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #55
"Batman/TMNT" #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #56
"TMNT: Deviations" #1
"Batman/TMNT" #5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #57
"Batman/TMNT" #6
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #58
#58 and “Batman/TMNT” #6 can be read in either order, but I’d leave this one as is to close out “Batman/TMNT” earlier while keeping the pattern.
"Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything" #1-2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #59
"Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything" #3-5
#59 and “Bebop & Rocksteady” #3 can be read in either order.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #60-61
"TMNT Universe" #1
Because this is issue by issue, I’m not splitting out the Universe main titles & back-ups.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #62
"TMNT Universe" #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #63
"TMNT Universe" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #64
"TMNT Universe" #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #65
"TMNT Universe" #5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #66
"TMNT Universe" #6
#66 and “Universe” #6 can be read in either order, though I believe this one keeps the pattern better.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #67
"TMNT Universe" #7-8
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #68
"TMNT Universe" #9
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #69
"Free Comic Book Day" 2017
"TMNT Universe" #10
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #70
"TMNT Universe" #11
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #71
"TMNT Universe" #12
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #72
"TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo" #1
#72 and “Usagi Yojimbo” can be read in either order.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #73
"Dimension X" #1
#73 and “Dimension X” #1 can be read in either order.
"TMNT Universe" #13
"Dimension X" #2-5
“Universe” #13 and “Dimension X” #2 can be read in either order
"TMNT Universe" #14
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #74
"TMNT Universe" #15
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #75
"TMNT/Ghostbusters 2" #1-3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #76
#76 and “Ghostbusters 2” #3 can be read in either order.
"TMNT/Ghostbusters 2" #4
"TMNT Universe" #16
“Universe” #16 and “Ghostbusters 2” #4 can be read in either order.
"TMNT/Ghostbusters 2" #5
"Batman/TMNT II” #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #77
#77 and “Batman/TMNT II” #1 can be read in either order.
"Batman/TMNT II” #2
"TMNT Universe" #17
“Universe” #17 and “Batman/TMNT II” #2 can be read in either order.
"TMNT Universe" #18
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #78
"Batman/TMNT II” #3
"TMNT Universe" #19
"Batman/TMNT II” #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #79
"Batman/TMNT II” #5
"TMNT Universe" #20
“Universe” #20 and “Batman/TMNT II” #5 can be read in either order.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #80-81
"Batman/TMNT II” #6
"TMNT Universe" #21-#22
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #82-83
The two pairs - “Universe” #21 and “Batman/TMNT II” #6 & #82 and “Universe” #22 - can be read in either order within each pair, though I think it’s best read as I have it above to keep the two-parter in “Universe” together and finish “Batman/TMNT II” before moving on.
"TMNT Universe" #23-24
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #84
"TMNT Universe" #25
"Bebop & Rocksteady Hit the Road" #1-3
“Universe” #25 and “Bebop & Rocksteady” #1 can be read in either order, though I prefer this one to close out “Universe” before starting a new mini.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #85
"Bebop & Rocksteady Hit the Road" #4-5
#85 and “Bebop & Rocksteady” #4 can be read in either order, though I prefer this one as it’s a cleaner break in the weekly mini and doesn’t leave issue #5 dangling.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #86
"Macro-Series: Donatello" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #87
"Macro-Series: Michelangelo" #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #88
"Macro-Series: Leonardo" #3
#88 and “Macro-Series” #3 can be read in either order, though this order keeps the pattern.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #89
"Macro-Series: Raphael" #4
#89 and “Macro-Series” #4 can be read in either order, though this order keeps the pattern.
"TMNT: IDW 20/20" #1
"Shredder in Hell" #1
“IDW 20/20” and “Shredder in Hell” #1 can be read in either order, though with it being out-of-continuity, it really doesn’t matter.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #90-91
"Shredder in Hell" #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #92-93
"Batman/TMNT III” #1
"Free Comic Book Day" 2019
"Shredder in Hell" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #94
"Batman/TMNT III” #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #95
"Batman/TMNT III” #3
#95 and “Batman/TMNT III” #3 can be read in either order, though this order keeps the pattern.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #96
"Batman/TMNT III” #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #97
"Shredder in Hell" #4
#97 and “Shredder in Hell” #4 can be read in either order.
"Batman/TMNT III” #5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #98
"Batman/TMNT III” #6
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #99
"Shredder in Hell" #5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #100
“FCBD 2024” - ‘Splinter’s Day Off’
So. Couple of notes with this one. First, I decided to list the issue ‘Splinter’s Day Off’ first debuted in and not where it was eventually collected: “40th Anniversary Comics Celebration: The Deluxe Edition.” This kept with the pattern I’d set-up since these lists really are for reading the single issues (or retrofitting the trades to the IDW orders.)
Second, you’ll notice that it’s WAY off from its location on both the For the Trades and IDW Collectionist lists. That’s because ‘Spinter’s Day Off’ wasn’t published until 2024 (hence “FCBD 2024,”) a full 11 years after the issue preceding it on those other lists, “TMNT” (Vol. 5) #20, and a little under five years after “TMNT” (Vol. 5) #100.
However, the story is for sure set during this part of the run, particularly the early bits, which is why I had it sit in approximate chronological order up there. If you want the true blue publication order, read this with the other “FCBD 2024” story listed, uh, about 100 more issues down.
As for the exact placement, you can thank the list on the Technodrome Forums for that. I had no idea where this story should fit.
Volume 5 - Vol. II
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2011) #101-150, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual” (2020,) “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual” (2021,) “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual” (2022), “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual” (2023,) “Free Comic Book Day: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2022,) “Jennika” #1-3, “Jennika II” #1-6, “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” #1-5, "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II" #1-5, "Armageddon Game Opening Moves" #1-2, "The Armageddon Game" #1-8, "The Armageddon Game - The Alliance" #1-6, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: 40th Anniversary Comics Celebration,” "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan" #1-5, "TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo: Where/When" #1-5, "TMNT vs. Street Fighter" #1-5, "TMNT/Stranger Things" #1-4, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin" #1-5, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin: The Lost Years" #1-5, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin - Lost Day Special" #1, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution #1-5
Age rating
T for teen. New verse, same as the first.
Start Here If…
You’re looking to read modern “TMNT” comics and can’t decide if you want to jump head-first into the newest era, thereby avoiding 100s of issues of baggage, or if you want to save some time while still feeling sufficiently prepared.
The “Reborn” era provides a clean starting point with a radically different status quo than the initial 100 issues. Still the same series, just a new direction that weaves in the old.
After the massive shake-up that was “TMNT” (Vol. 5) #100, Waltz & Curnow stepped back from the scripting & story chair and Sophie Campbell took the reins. By all accounts, the two remained involved - Curnow was the editor until he left IDW as far as I’m aware and Eastman & Waltz retain story consultant credit. However it was Campbell driving the plot as writer/artist for the first few issues, then just writer for most of the rest. Ronda Pattison & Shawn Lee remained on as well. Ronda even scripted a few of the early issues of “Reborn.”
Let’s also get that elephant out of the room. Yes, they did renumber and rename the trades to “Reborn” Vol. 1, Vol. 2, etc. I actually think this was a smart idea, seeing as how it’s a natural breaking point, makes it easy to keep track of how far into the era we are since it started at #101, and doesn’t stop the single issue numbering, thus confusing everyone. Plus, it gave me the excuse to break up this era’s list.
OK. That’s enough preamble. The three lists are below, same as before.
For The Trades
Were “Reborn” still the most current run, this would have been the best place to get caught up on “TMNT” as the “IDW Collections” always lag the series by at least a year and a half, usually more. Once September 2025 rolls around though, this order will functionally be the same as Volume 5 - Vol. I, so all the same caveats and reasonings apply.
As usual, I’ve italicized the series that are “out-of-continuity” aka the crossovers. I also chose to include the “MMPR/TMNT” crossover here instead of at the end of the previous list. Only one issue crossed over with the pre-“Reborn” issues and it didn’t feel right to tack it on at the end.
You’ll notice, however, I did tack on at the end “The Last Ronin” et al., sectioning it off from the rest of the list, despite it coming out in the midst of “Reborn.” Because of the “ronin-verse’s” unique history as both a future story and a new collaboration (ideas-wise, at least) between Eastman and Laird - based on an unused story idea from the original run - it didn’t make sense to keep it with the rest of the trades.
It’ll always be at the end, so why not move it there now?
If you’re looking to read it in publication order, “The Last Ronin” came out after Volume 4 while “Lost Years” came out after Volume 7. This is the other primary reason I didn’t split the “ronin-verse” books out into their own.
Lastly, I included the “Armageddon Game” deluxe hardcover that came out in late 2024 in the list because it provides the easiest method of reading the whole event. However, it’s not the most accessible and I couldn’t confirm if it includes the FCBD 2022 short story. As such, I’ve left it in italics prior to the volumes it collects.
“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:” "MMPR/TMNT" #1-5
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Reborn," Volume 1: From the Ashes: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #101-105
”Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Jennika:” "TMNT: Jennika" #1-3
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Reborn," Volume 2: Life After Death: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #106-110
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Jennika II:" "TMNT: Jennika II" #1-6
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Reborn," Volume 3: Time After Time: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #112-117
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Reborn," Volume 4: Sow Wind, Reap Storm: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #118-123
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Reborn," Volume 5: Mystic Sister: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #124-130
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Armageddon Game” Deluxe Edition - 2021-2022 Annual, "The Armageddon Game - Opening Moves" #1–2, "The Armageddon Game - The Alliance" #1-6, "The Armageddon Game" #1-8, "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #131-139
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Reborn," Volume 6: Game Changers: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #131-132, Annual 2022, and Free Comic book Day 2022
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: 40th Anniversary Comics Celebration: The Deluxe Edition:” ‘Father’s Day,’ ‘Teen Spirit,’ & ’Splinter's Day Off,' 'Alone,' 'Monsters,' 'Gang Wars,' 'Old Scores,' 'Downtime,' 'The Man Behind the Mask,' ' What About Tomorrow?,' 'Splinter Forever,' 'Kraang Among Us,' and 'Farewell'
Oh the headaches these anniversary specials create for me and for the “complete” IDW collections. The original “40th Anniversary Comics Celebration” was published a little after “Reborn” wrapped up while this deluxe edition came out a few months after that.
I went back and forth on whether to leave it at the end or move it here, as there are really only two stories in it that need slotting in; the rest were on the other lists. I went with the move since they both fit in before “Armageddon Game” and it’s a simple enough swap without being obtrusive. Why it ended up after volume 6 is because that’s approximately where ‘Teen Spirit’ is collected in the IDW Collections and since ‘Father’s Day’ happens even earlier, I erred on the side of the later story.
Last note: if you happen to be reading the “Armageddon Game” Deluxe hardcover, read this trade first.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Armageddon Game - Opening Moves:" 2020-2021 Annuals, "The Armageddon Game - Opening Moves" #1-2 & ‘Kingdom of Rats Prelude,' "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #84
"Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II:" “MMPR/TMNT II” #1-5
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Armageddon Game: The Alliance:" "The Armageddon Game - The Alliance" #1-6
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Reborn," Volume 7: Isolation: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #133-139
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Armageddon Game:" "The Armageddon Game" #1-8
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen:" "TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen" #1-5
As per tradition, “TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo” will not get italics as it is special and I won’t hear otherwise.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Reborn," Volume 8, Damage Done: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #140-144, Annual 2023
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vs. Street Fighter:" "TMNT vs. Street Fighter" #1-5
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Stranger Things:” "TMNT x Stranger Things" #1-4
Apparently there’s an X in this one. I dunno if that’s accurate but whatever. We’ve got slashes, versus and now exes. Why not?
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Reborn,” Volume 9: First, Last, Always: "TMNT" (Vol. 5) #145-150
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan:” “The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan” #1-5
”Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin:" "The Last Ronin" #1-5
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin: Lost Years:" "The Last Ronin: Lost Years" #1-5, "Lost Day Special"
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution:" "The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution” #1-5
Yes, I know “Re-Evolution” came out basically after “Reborn” ended. I’m keeping it with the rest of that series. Maybe I’ll split these three out into their own category at some point.
IDW Collectionist
As of writing, the final volume of this era has yet to come out, though it has been solicited so I have a pretty good idea of what’s going to be collected. That said, I have no idea what the “proper” reading order will be for that volume, even if I can hazard a guess. In keeping with my custom, only what’s printed in the books themselves will go here (with the exception of the crossovers,) so volume 18 will have to wait for a mid-fall update.
I wonder if the paperback printings will include ‘Father’s Day’ from the 40th anniversary special in any of the volumes because, as of writing, that is the only place you can read the story.
I’ve also left off all the “roninverese” titles for the same reasons as above. Always at the end and the collections are the whole thing.
Vol. 14
"MMPR/TMNT" #1-5
"MMPR/TMNT II" #1-5
Following the “Batman/TMNT” precedent, I’m grouping the crossovers by the first volume’s location.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #101
"TMNT Annual" 2020
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #102-105
"Jennika" #1-3
Much like “Universe,” “Jennika” was actually two stories in every issue. They just happen to be collected together here as well as in the regular trades so no need to split them out.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #106-112
Vol. 15
"Jennika II" #1-3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #113-117
"Jennika II" #4-6
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #118-124
Vol. 16
"TMNT Annual” 2021
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #125-130
"The Armageddon Game: Opening Moves" #1-2
"TMNT Annual” 2022
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #131-132
"Free Comic Book Day" 2022
Vol. 17
“40th Anniversary Comics Celebration” - ‘Teen Spirit’
"The Armageddon Game" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #133
"The Armageddon Game" #2
"The Armageddon Game: The Alliance" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #134
"The Armageddon Game" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #135
"The Armageddon Game: The Alliance" #2
"The Armageddon Game: The Alliance" #3
"The Armageddon Game" #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #136
"The Armageddon Game: The Alliance" #4
"The Armageddon Game" #5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #137
"The Armageddon Game - The Alliance" #5
"The Armageddon Game" #6
Publication Completionist
For some reason, I always assumed this part of the list would simply grow and grow and grow. That is no longer the case. This truly is the complete list (or at least as complete as it’ll get as of writing.)
"MMPR/TMNT" #1
For the full nonsense experience, read this either directly before or after “Shredder in Hell” #5. Since I’ve given you three options, they are in most to least recommended: here, after, before.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #101
"MMPR/TMNT" #2
#101 and “MMPR/TMNT” #42 can be read in either order, but this fits the pattern better.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #102
"MMPR/TMNT" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #103
"Jennika" #1
"MMPR/TMNT" #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #104
"Jennika" #2
#104 and “Jennika” #2 can be read in either order.
"MMPR/TMNT" #5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #105-106
"TMNT Annual" 2020
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #107-109
#107 and “Annual” 2020 can be read in either order.
"Jennika" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #110
"The Last Ronin" #1
"Jennika II" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #111
"Jennika II" #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #112
"Jennika II" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #113
#113 and “Jennkial” #3 can be read in either order, but this fits the pattern better.
"Jennika II" #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #114
"The Last Ronin" #2
"Jennika II" #5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #115
"Jennika II" #6
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #116
"The Last Ronin" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #117-119
"TMNT Annual" 2021
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #120
"The Last Ronin" #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #121-127
"TMNT Annual" 2022
#127 and “Annual” 2022 can be read in either order.
"The Last Ronin" #5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #128
"Free Comic Book Day" 2022
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #129-130
"The Armageddon Game - Opening Moves" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #131
"The Armageddon Game - Opening Moves" #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #132
"The Armageddon Game" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #133
"The Armageddon Game" #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #134
"The Armageddon Game: The Alliance" #1
#134 and “Alliance” #1 can be read in either order.
"The Armageddon Game" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #135
#135 and “Armageddon Game” #3 can be read in either order. I tried to put “Armageddon Game” first because it’s a big event and I presume the main title would be more reactive to those events. This way the pattern is also “AG,” “TMNT,” “AG,” “TMNT,” etc.
"The Armageddon Game: The Alliance" #2
"MMPR/TMNT II" #1
"The Armageddon Game: The Alliance" #3
"The Armageddon Game" #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #136
#136 and “Armageddon Game” #4 can be read in either order. Same notation as above.
"MMPR/TMNT II" #2
"The Last Ronin: The Lost Years" #1
“MMPR/TMNT II” #2 and “The Lost Years” #1 can be read in either order.
"The Armageddon Game: The Alliance" #4
"The Armageddon Game" #5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #137
#137 and “Armageddon Game” #5 can be read in either order. Same notation as above.)
"MMPR/TMNT II" #3
"The Armageddon Game: The Alliance" #5
"The Last Ronin: The Lost Years" #2
"The Armageddon Game" #6
“Armageddon Game” #6 and “The Lost Years” #2 can be read in either order, though this keeps “TMNT” and “Armageddon Game” directly next to each other.
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #138
"MMPR/TMNT II" #4
"TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen" #1
"The Armageddon Game: The Alliance" #6
"The Last Ronin: The Lost Years" #3
"The Armageddon Game" #7
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #139
#139, “Armageddon Game” #7 and “The Lost Years” #3 can be read in any order, though this one keeps “TMNT” and “Armageddon Game” directly next to each other.
"MMPR/TMNT II" #5
"TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen" #2-3
“MMPR/TMNT II” #5 and “Where/When” #2 can be read in either order, though this one allows “MMRP/TMNT” to end before “WhereWhen” continues.
"TMNT vs. Street Fighter" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #140
"The Last Ronin: The Lost Years" #4
"TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen" #4
“The Lost Years” #4 and “Where/When” #2 can be read in either order, though this one allows “MMRP/TMNT” to end before “WhereWhen” continues.
"The Armageddon Game" #8
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #141
"TMNT Annual" 2023
"TMNT x Stranger Things" #1
#141, “Annual” 2023 aka “Out of Time” and “Stranger Things” #1 can be read in either order, though this one prioritizes the mainline books over starting a new crossover mini.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin: Lost Day Special" #1
"TMNT vs. Street Fighter" #2
“Lost Day Special” #1 and “Street Fighter” #2 can be read in either order.
"TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen" #5
"The Last Ronin: The Lost Years" #5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #142
"TMNT x Stranger Things" #2
"TMNT vs. Street Fighter" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #143
"TMNT x Stranger Things" #3
#143 and "Stranger Things" #3 can be read in either order. This just keeps the pattern of “TMNT,” “Stranger Things,” “Street Fighter.”
"TMNT vs. Street Fighter" #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #144
"TMNT x Stranger Things" #4
"TMNT vs. Street Fighter" #5
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #145
#145 and “Street Fighter” #5 can be read in either order. This just keeps the pattern and allows “Street Fighter” to finish without breaking up the final arc of “Reborn.”
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #146
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #147
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #148
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution "#1
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #149
"TMNT: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan" #1
"TMNT: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan" #2
"TMNT" (Vol. 5) #150
"TMNT: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan” #3
"TMNT: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan" #4
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution” #2
“Untold Destiny” #4 and “Re-Evolution” #2 can be read in either order. I prefer this one as it has fewer breaks between “Untold Destiny” issues.
“40th Anniversary Comics Celebration” - ‘Father's Day’ & ‘Teen Spirit’
"TMNT: The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan" #5
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution” #3
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution” #4
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution” #5
Technically, by the rules I’ve set up, “Re-Evolution” #3-5 should be read during the next volume. The last issue didn’t come out until April 2025! Actually, a lot of the post-#150 issues came out after the next volume had (sort-of) begun. It seems silly, though, to arbitrarily leave them off this list just to place them “perfectly” by publication date. Even I have limits.
Instead, I’ll make notes where any issues that are “out of order,” as it were, should be read. Sounds good? Ok. Let’s go!
Volume 6
“Free Comic Book Day” (2024,) “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” Alpha, “TMNT” (Vol. 6) #1-present, “TMNT: Mutant Nation” #1-present, “TMNT: Nightwatcher” #1-7, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black, White, and Green" #1-4, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto" #1-4, "Masters of the Universe/TMNT: Turtles of Grayskull" #1-4
Age rating
T for teen. Third time’s the charm.
Start Here If…
You want to hit the ground running and get caught up to present in no time flat with none of that silly “context.” Easy jumping on point, made even easier by a renumbering.
Sigh.
With issue #150, Sophie Cambell’s run on “TMNT,” and that of the “Reborn” era, came to an end. It was a bittersweet moment, as unlike #100, #150 was a bit of a softer conclusion, less a culmination and more a final arc before saying goodbye.
Apparently Sophie had stayed on well beyond what she originally planned - it sounds like she was going to cut back her participation around 125 or so to work on other projects - thanks in part to Waltz’s pitch for “Armageddon Game,” which truly felt like the completion of his tenure on the title: a big, blow-out event that tied-up a bunch of the mystical loose ends and laid the groundwork for another status quo shift.
Personally, I think ‘Damage Done,’ Sophie’s second to last arc, was a better finale for “Reborn.” More fitting, more thematically meaningful, and more resonant, as the actual final arc felt like the next, big meta-narrative being suddenly rushed to its end rather than letting it play out in the background until #190 to 200. A shame too, because I was really digging a lot of the interpersonal conflict and questions of community building and politics in Mutant Town.
Ah well. #150 concluded and #151 was right around the corner, with a new “Alpha” one-shot to lead us into Jason Aaron’s run. Wait? What’s that? Its not #151 but a new #1. Are you kidding me?
I understand this is the way of comics nowadays. I understand it is what the new folks at IDW (management having seen some significant shifts since #100 came out) think is best for sales.
I also understand that this had happened before, when Eastman and Laird stepped away in full. But that made sense - the original creators were done and passing the torch - whereas this has all the sticky fingerprints of a marketing scheme. A scheme that feeds a short-sighted practice that ends up confusing readers in the long-run, contributes to churn more than it does help spur new readers to jump on, and just makes the industry as a whole feel more cynical.
I mean, this was one of the few comics still in the triple digits folks! You had something here! Renumber the trades again with a new subtitle to help differentiate it. Book and trade readers are far more number sensitive than your average floppy reader nowadays.
Don’t renumber within the same continuity and make it even more annoying to refer to issues or shelve a trade on a shelf. Don’t throw all those subscriptions at comic shops out the window. Don’t keep falling back on the nonsense Marvel and DC keep doing. Be better!
Bah.
/rant over
Now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, let’s get cracking at Volume 6. As it stands, we’re still in the first year or so of stories and the first trades are just starting to come out. No IDW Collection has been announced as of yet either. In fact, they’re marketing 18 as the “final” volume. We’ll see if that’s final-final or final of “Act 1” ala “Transformers.”
Update not two weeks after writing this: Jason Aaron and co.'s time on the title is ending with issue #12 with Gene Luen Yang & Freddie Williams II picking up the baton at #13. Yang is great and Williams II has proven he can do the Turtles justice, so I'm not worried but...it is strange that after all that hype, Aaron is just leaving after a year.
Two years, sure. Not ideal but sure. One year though? With white-hot sales? And with a couple other books seeming like they had different plans for their endings? I dunno. Seems there's more to the story, even if it's just Aaron had to back out way earlier than he wanted.
Actually, this seems most likely since the title's schedule has creeping up to bi-monthly the last few issues.
I'm not going to speculate on anything beyond this. Isn't my place and I know jack diddly about the behind the scenes of IDW or the Turtles. At least they're not doing a THIRD #1. Let this volume crack #100 again folks!
Because of this, there are only two lists: For The Trades and Publication Completionist. Let’s get going, shall we?
For The Trades
Normally I’d have a note here about how this is the best way to catch up with the era but, for once, I’m early enough that the trades are kinda the worst way to catch up. Nothing is out! Give it a couple months and that will change a little.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black, White, and Green:" "Black, White, and Green" #1-4
While this probably could have closed out “Reborn” owing to its anthology nature, the “Free Comic Book Day” 2024 issue which contained our first taste of the new volume was published just a hair before “BWG” #1 and since it’s a free-ish floating series anyway, I felt it better to kick off something new rather than close out something old.
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 1: Return to New York: ‘Long Way from Home' (from Alpha), "TMNT" (Vol. 6) #1-6
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Nation,” Vol. 1: ‘Monster Island,’ "Mutant Nation" #1-5
The rest of these have not been published as of the time this article has gone up.
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Nightwatcher:” ‘Who is Nightwatcher?,’ "Nightwatcher" #1-7
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto:” "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto" #1-4
"Masters of the Universe/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles of Grayskull:" "Masters of the Universe/TMNT: Turtles of Grayskull" #1-4
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Volume 2: NYC vs. TMNT: "TMNT" (Vol. 6) #7-12
Publication Completionist
There are a bunch of new series solicited and coming up but I won’t be listing them yet as who knows if any of their pub dates will slip. I will be splitting out the short stories where appropriate, however. Since there’s no IDW Collection list to compare to, this is the best way for me to list the original issues and their stories in case you’re wondering where the ones on the trades list came from.
“FCBD” 2024 - ‘Who is Nightwatcher?’
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black, White, and Green" #1
For the full experience, both of these issues should be read before “Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan” #3 from the “Reborn” list.
“TMNT” Alpha - ‘Long Way From Home’
“TMNT” Alpha - ‘Monster Island’
Technically these can be read in either order but, like, they’re in the same issue.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black, White, and Green" #2
For the full experience, "TMNT" Alpha and “Black, White, and Green” #2 should be read before “Untold Destiny” #4. “BWG” #2 and “Untold Destiny” #4 can be read in either order. My preference is for before so as to keep the new pattern.
"TMNT" (Vol. 6) #1
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black, White, and Green" #3
"Nightwatcher" #1
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black, White, and Green" #4
"Mutant Nation" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 6) #2
"Masters of the Universe/TMNT: Turtles of Grayskull" #1
"Nightwatcher" #2
This is where “Re-Evolution” #3 would be read.
"TMNT" (Vol. 6) #3
"Nightwatcher" #3
"Mutant Nation" #2
"Masters of the Universe/TMNT: Turtles of Grayskull" #2
“Mutant Nation” #2 and “Turtles of Grayskull” #2 can be read in either order. This order keeps the out-of-continuity and in-continuity books grouped together.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto" #1
"TMNT" (Vol. 6) #4
"Nightwatcher" #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 6) #5
"Mutant Nation" #3
"Nightwatcher" #5
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto" #2
“Nightwatcher” #5 and “TMNT x Naruto” #2 can be read in either order.
"Masters of the Universe/TMNT: Turtles of Grayskull" #3
"TMNT" (Vol. 6) #6
This is where “Re-Evolution” #4 would be read. It, #6, and “Turtles of Grayskull” #3 can be read in any order. This one keeps the pattern of the out-of-continuity stories.
"Mutant Nation" #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 6) #7
"Nightwatcher" #6
"Mutant Nation" #5
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto" #3
"Nightwatcher" #7
"TMNT" (Vol. 6) #8
"Masters of the Universe/TMNT: Turtles of Grayskull" #4
This is where “Re-Evolution” #5 would be read.
"Mutant Nation" #6
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto" #4
"TMNT" (Vol. 6) #9
"Mutant Nation" #7
#9 and "Mutant Nation" #7 can be read in either order.
"Mutant Nation" #8
"TMNT" (Vol. 6) #10
"TMNT" (Vol. 6) #11
Next time! Wait? There’s a next time?! (Get ready to get weird, folks.)
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Elias Rosner
Elias Rosner
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