The Good
If you're a fan of the Ninja Turtles and haven't picked up this issue yet, immediately stop what you're doing and get it. I don't care if you're at work or reading from your smart phone in the bathroom, go get yourself a physical or digital copy ASAP. No matter how much I praise this issue in the following paragraphs, it just won't do it justice and is a must read for any TMNT fan.
Written by Mateus Santolouco & Erik Burnham, this series explores the rich roots of the Foot Clan. There's so much heart and passion thrown into this story and it's executed in such a superb way. The pace of the book kept a ridiculously tight grip on my interest and refused to let go. To top it off, the ending is almost guaranteed to make any fan thrilled for the next issue. Cheesy cliffhangers are far too common but this is one that's overflowing with potential and intrigue.
Yes, the $3.99 price tag might be intimidating to some, but you're getting so much more content here than you would it a vast majority of other books (or at least it feels that way). It's a truly impressive feat and a shockingly good reading experience.
Mateus Santolouco also provided the art and it's jaw-droppingly awesome. It's rough around the edges, packed with detail and brings a whole new feel to the franchise. The combat comes to life as motion is represented almost flawlessly and strikes feel devastating. The first battle is sure to have anyone hooked.
There's even slight modifications to the Turtles (their masks) and it works well. There's also plenty of little touches that are worth praise. For example, panels from the past are outlined with rough edges, while scenes in the present have solid borders. There's plenty to commend here when it comes to both the writing and art.
The Bad
Mikey's face creeped me out a bit in the van. It basically looked like he had googly eyes behind his mask. Aside from that, no major complaints. This issue was incredible.
The Verdict
If possible, I'd give this issue 6/5 stars. But I can't, so a flawless 5/5 will have to suffice. If you like TMNT or even consider yourself remotely interested in the franchise, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. It's a top-notch first issue with a phenomenal story and equally impressive artwork.