Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures, Vol. 1

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures

by Erik Burnham (Writer), Tim Lattie (Illustrator), Sarah Myer (Colorist)

Leonardo leads, Donatello does machines, Raphael is cool but rude, Michelangelo is a party dude! The animated Turtles of the original cartoon are back!

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles first appeared in 1984, but it wasn’t until 1987 that a catchy theme song and action-packed cartoon helped make them a global phenomenon! Now, in this miniseries, discover four “lost episodes” that follow in the radical two-toed footsteps of the classic animated series.

First, an unexpected power surge leaves the brothers trapped in a virtual training program, facing digital versions of their most fearsome foes, in “VR in Deep Trouble”! Next, a mysterious piece of tech transforms one of Krang’s stone soldiers into a power ballad–belting rockstar, but how long will the change last? It’s a hair metal adventure “For Those About to Rock”! Then Casey Jones gets superpowers, and he can’t wait to up his crime-fighting game. But when Raph and the others learn his powers come at a cost, can they convince “Super Casey” to give them up? And finally, when Baxter Stockman injects Splinter with microscopic mousers, Donny will have to shrink himself down to save his sensei, in “Big Trouble in Master Splinter”!

Writer Erik Burnham (Ghostbusters, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero—Saturday Morning Adventures) authentically captures ’80s pop culture so that it holds true for longtime fans while immediately appealing to today’s younger audience, and artist Tim Lattie nails the cartoon’s signature look.

Grab a slice and settle in with the world’s most fearsome fighting team, the heroes in a half shell! Cowabunga!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Comic Book, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics, Fantasy, Science Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2023

About the author

Erik Burnham is a Minnesotan writer and artist that first broke into comics with a series of humorous short stories in the Shooting Star Comics Anthology. These stories featured his original creation, Nick Landime, and culminated in a one-shot: Nick Landime vs. the World Crime League, published by Shooting Star in 2005.

Off and on, in this same time period, Erik also produced a short run of an online strip, The Down Side, until technical issues wore him down. He aims to return to the strip one day.

In 2007, Erik found produced work for two other anthologies – a short humor piece for History Graphics Press’ Civil War Adventures #1, and a horror story for Gene Simmons’ House of Horror #3, produced by IDW Publishing.

This lead to several other projects for IDW, up to and including his critically acclaimed run on the ongoing GHOSTBUSTERS comic book.

Erik has worked on other projects not related to comic books, and hopes one day to share those with the public at large. In the meantime, he still lives quietly in Minnesota; any rumors about this being because he’s completely afraid of the forty-nine other states (and Canada) remain unverified at this time.

Reviews

[Jayson · Rating 4 out of 5]

(B+) 78% | Good
Notes: A kiddish tone, though to the bone it's pure nostalgia fuel: a rad façade, all winks and nods—a laid-on-thick renewal.

*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #1-2 ◦ Issues #3-4

[Sean Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burnham is crushing these Saturday Morning Adventures books. This doesn't quite hit the high of the GI Joe book, but damned if he doesn't nail the tone of the original TMNT cartoon. It's a lot of fun.

[Khurram · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. Maybe because of that, my expectations were too high. I like the old-school cartoon artwork. Unfortunately, that is the best thing about the book.

This is a gag/pun a panel book. I remember the cartoon series (the original cartoon series) being funny but balanced with action. This book just does not deliver for me.

The book has four stories, none of which are particularly memorable, just more gags that action. The book finishes with a varient cover gallery and sketchbook.

[Dion Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up with the original TMNT cartoons, so for me reading this was like stepping back into my childhood, the artwork is good and matches the TV show, so much so, that without even meaning to I was narrating these stories in my head with the voices from the show.
The writing was the exactly the same as the show also, even down to Bebop saying sodey-pop instead of soda pop, I loved it.

If you loved the original show, you will love this.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.*

[Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series as the name suggests are comics in the styles of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cartoon from 1987. It looks and feels very much like those old episodes. Very goofy, very silly, breaking the 4th wall and making dumb jokes. Honestly these issues feel like they could have been episodes at the time. It fills me with nostalgia. I am not the kind of turtles fan that feels like this 80s incarnation is the be all and end all of the ninja turtles, but it certainly is fun to revisit, and this collection does a good job of recreating the feel.

[Dubzor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a charming little throwback. However, much like the Batman '66 it doesn't have much legs in the gimmick. At least not now.

It's exactly what you'd expect tacky one liners, goofy plot lines, etc. It just doesn't bother to do anything else. Not that everything NEEDS to be transformative, but one-trick-ponies like this can only go so far before it runs out of steam.

[Jenn Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute art, it reminds me of the old Saturday cartoons, which was the goal. It is everything you want in a Ninja Turtles nostalgia book. I laughed so much at Cowabunga. Very cute book for both kids and those of us old enough to have watched the first movie.

4 stars

[Tiernan Mcloughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

why are these episodes lost again

[Brandon Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know, I know 5 stars seems like a lot. But I feel like this earned it.

It's rare that a book completely delivers on exactly what it promises.

I was immediately pulled back into my childhood in exactly the way I wanted to be. Bright colors, smooth lines, those adorable rounded noses and the lettered belt buckles (did Splinter walk into a leathercraft store and ask for those to be made? and what happened when he did?). Everything was what I wanted it to be.

It's not a triumph of the human spirit, it's just fun. And funny.

Plenty of meta-humor for the adults who grew up with these characters. I'm in my 30's and I was entertained and satisfied. The homages to classic cartoon and sci fi stories are well done and they don't feel ridiculous. All the cool Turtle gear gets a chance to shine (the Turtlevan, the Blimp!) and there's even a new Turtle-sub just for side bets.

I wish I could blot out the memory of this and go and read it again. I loved every page and I dearly hope that more come and soon.

My eternal thanks to the authors (along with their TMNT-Ghostbusters series, which was perfectly done as well). I cannot speak highly enough of this as a fan.

[James Bowman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun set of stories set in the world (and style) of the original 1980s TMNT cartoon. Best of the set is probably the Casey Jones story, but fans of the original cartoon should be pretty happy with this collection. (B+)

[Larry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Ninja Turtles and I had fun with this one but not enough to give it 4 stars.

[Bevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Read through Netgalley*

It's Saturday morning. Your hair is a mess, you're still in your pyjama's, sleep still caught in the corner of your eyes. You sit down in front of the TV, bowl of cereal in your hands careful not to spill, and turn it to your channel. You're ready to scarf down breakfast as you watch Mikey, Donatello, Leo, and Rafael fight Shredder and all his evil side kicks who you hope won't be able to best them because they have Turtle Power!
Feeling nostalgic yet? That's all this is, saturated on every page. Is it perfect? No, but the turtles aren't perfect either! It's fun, it's childhood, it's good art and sometimes silly antics. There's clever moments thrown in randomly (breaking the fourth wall made me chuckle) but in the end, it's the 90s Saturday cartoon I grew up loving.
If you loved it then, you'll love this now.
Cowabunga, dude!

[Ben A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in the era where the Turtles were everywhere. I had the toys, the comics, the video tapes and even the Coming Out of Our Shells album on cassette tape. I loved it all and kept on loving it for a lot longer than most of my friends, and honestly, I still do. Which brings me to Erik Burnham and Tim Lattie's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures series. You could have told me that these stories were based on unreleased scripts from the original cartoon, and I would have believed you. I could hear the characters voices in my head as I read through. It was a fun trip way back to that era of Turtles. I'd love to see the creative team return for another round of stories.

Special Thanks to IDW Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

[Arnold Trebuchet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains 4 entertaining stories that offer variety, humor, and a good time for Turtle fans or new comers. My two favorite stories were: the story about the Ninja Turtles getting stuck in a VR simulation where they had to beat video games full of their classic enemies, and the story where the Ninja Turtles had to take on a super powered Casey Jones, who is normally on their side. As a long time Ninja Turtles fan, I enjoyed seeing appearances from villains I remembered from my childhood. The artwork was amazing, and I loved looking for Easter Eggs, such as Game Boys, that littered the backgrounds. This was an excellent graphic novel and I am definitely looking forward to more Saturday Morning Adventures!

[Ivy Reisner · Rating 5 out of 5]

80s fans and fans of the original cartoon will love this

This covers issues 1-4 of the run. It’s hilarious.

We get turtles trapped in a video game, good guy brain zapped into evil guy (I had so hoped that was a full on brain swap, but no), Casey Jones as super-powered and sort of nuts, and a bit of shrink down and enter Master Splinter Fantasic Voyage action.

They break the fourth wall a lot with lines like “we only have 20 pages or so these days” and when Leo says his “turtle sense” is tingling, Ralph comments he’s pretty sure that’s trademarked.

We get some cute wink-wink jokes. We have a McGuffin named McGuffin. We have a poster advertising the Wild Stallions and one advertising a turtles movie.

We’re clearly in the 80s here, and it’s fun and a bit nostalgic.

[Richard Pulfer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this one was just okay, though I could be persuaded to go as high as 3.5 for nostalgia alone.

So the good - the characters designs, the dialogue, the plots, everything just feels like the 80's cartoon. So if you want to need some classic TMNT, this just might be your best chance to relieve that 80's goodness.

The only downside is I feel like one issue just doesn't quite feel long enough for a TMNT episode. I don't think it's the fault of the writer, the artist or anyone at the creative team. It's just a single issue doesn't quite equal a single episode, and the results comes off as a bit of a rush, albeit a fun rush.

Still, it's a fun read for fans of the classic show!

[Kindle Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO FUN! If like me you grew up in the 80s/ 90s watching TMNT you got to read this!
It’s drawn in the classic style with the same type of humour and vibe from the show!

I really loved the retro art style and I laughed a few times out loud! They broke the fourth wall a few times which always makes me laugh!
There’s no mature content so it makes a great read for kids (or older readers who want a slice of nostalgia!)

I hope we’ll get more of those and I might get a physical copy for my kids in June!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is just like episodes of the classic original show. People forget how silly the show was. They told jokes nonstop, ate weird pizzas, and did cartoon level action where no one gets hurt even with laser guns and ninja weapons involved. That said this is fun but not very deep. If your expecting the Last Ronan story forget it, this is geared toward sugar loaded 8 year olds. I wanted to like this more wish it could go a little more into story and less into slipping on banana peels.

[Mega · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh gee, an issue of a comic where a character(s) gets stuck in a video game-esque simulation, and shenanigans ensue. Never seen that done before.

Also, aw man, come on, why did you have to stab Flyin' Rooster 3 like that? That's the best of the original Flyin' Rooster trilogy on the MES, you can't just stab it like it's nothing! I certainly would've wanted to play it, or any of the other Flyin' Rooster games...... but not The Lost Feathers though, that game is shit.

Issue #1

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the Original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles than this is for you! The art is spot on and colorful! The voices of the characters and their banter amongst each other is exactly as I remembered it to be. It’s not a long read, and great if you are looking for an afternoon of nostalgia.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures is total blast. It's full of all the characters we know and love. The artwork is great as that 80's vibe but it's updated. The story was fun and leave you wanting more. I loved it! So much fun!

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty fun recreation of the vibes and art of the 80s cartoon. I could hear the old voices of every character in my head with every line. Only things missing are the animated action and the music. Despite all that, the jokes and the episodic adventures do feel more for the kids of that era and and weren't quite up to par.

[Forrest Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Satisfied my turtle itch. It brought back memories from my childhood watching the cartoon in the afternoons and Saturday. I will always cherish that time and love TMNT. Definitely reccomend for all.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was a blast from the past! It took me straight back to the 80’s and 90’s. The drawings and coloring reminded me of the 80’s style. Definitely a fun read!

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty fun book. It’s built on 4 issues of supposed “Lost Episodes” from the original cartoon series.
The art resembles the cartoon nicely and it is fairly well-written. I love how colourful the pages are. It’s obviously for younger readers (Teenagers) but still enjoyable enough!
Would recommend.

[HayLee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these a lot. I didn’t grow up with the original cartoon, but it was still amazing without the nostalgia. The art was amazing, and the stories were cute, and I felt as if though the characters were accurately portrayed.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, one of the stronger entries I've read! It embraces and is iconically tmnt. It doesn't take itself too seriously, while having some genuinely interesting stories (and some really cheezy ones!). The stories are also long enough to be worthwhile.

[Chris Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This comic has the same art style, tone and humour as the old 80s show. It's exactly what I was hoping it'd be. I enjoyed it.

[Amber A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A massive punch of nostalgia straight to the brain!.. Really, this is a fun throwback for fans of the original TMNT 80's/90's cartoon or for anyone in need of a quick dose of dad jokes, likeable villains, and fresh pizza topping/combo ideas.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

[Emir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy does this take me back. The Turtles are back in action and better than ever. Great art and writing. Super fun to follow along with the Turtles as they fight the bad guys once again! Love it