Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate B&W Collection Vol. 2

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection

by Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird (Artist)

The classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action continues in the second volume of IDW's Ultimate Collections! In this outing, uncover issues #8-11, along with the Michaelangelo, Leonardo, and Donatello "micro-series" one-shots - you've never seen the TURTLES like this!

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

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2011

About the author

Kevin B. Eastman is an American comic book artist, co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great. Highlights include issue #8 which crosses over with Dave Sim's Cerebus. It was really neat that they sent all the pages to Dave Sim so he and Gerhard could draw Cerebus into the pages. The Donatello Microseries was quite clever as well. Donatello meets an artist named Kirby who has a magic pencil that brings his drawings to life. I really appreciate the level of effort put into this and how all of the creations looked like they came directly out of Jack Kirby's head. The notes on each issue are fantastic. I'd forgotten that the relationship between Eastman and Laird had become so strained that issue #11 would be the last that the two collaborated on. From here on, they would alternate issues. This is a great look into the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics.

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 4 out of 5]

There have been various incarnations of the Half-shell Heroes throughout various mediums, but the original comics from Mirage Studios is IMHO the purest form of what Eastman and Laird were creating. TMNT: The Ultimate Collection (Hardcover) is gorgeous. Here, along with some special issues, the fan gets issues 8-11, the last comics jointly produced by the creators. Apparently, by this time Laird and Eastman had decided to go their separate ways, each alternating their opportunities at developing stories for Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello.

Also included in the collection is the crossover with Dave Sim's Cerberus which is not only funny, but brilliantly storyboarded. Both, Eastman and Laird say that they intentionally homage Jack Kirby and Frank Miller. It is extremely evident in these issues. If all you know about TMNT are the silly Cowabunga cartoons, PG movies, and video games, you will be surprised at some of the dark storylines that initiated the universe.

It seems to me such a shame that just as the stories were hitting their stride, there was such turmoil behind the scenes. Lest I forget, each issue continued to end with insight on layouts, panel design, and background information -- everything a geek wants to know and more. 4 and a half Grey Geeks for the blog but 4 stars for GR.

[A.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second volume of Eastman and Laird’s TMNT run continues to show just how great this original Mirage series was. Included here are both the Donatello and Leonardo microseries’, as well as issues 8 thru 11 of the main title. Issue 8 is just a Cerebus crossover, and as someone who doesn’t give a fuck about that character and mostly just knows Dave Sim from his extremely misogynistic rants over the years, can’t say I really enjoyed that issue all too much.

Besides that hiccup, this is a really fun volume that starts to kick TMNT into some more serious storytelling. Both the Donatello and Leonardo one-shots are standouts, as they have some unique storytelling devices going on. It kinda makes me dislike the IDW microseries’ even more since they just feel like lamer versions of these far superior issues. The issue of the turtles retreat from NYC is one of the best from the series so far, and the followup with April keeping a journal as they get situated in Northampton is a fucking solid followup.

Another great Mirage volume for the Eastman & Laird era of Ninja Turtles. Not as consistent as the first one, but the highs are higher than its predecessor. I’m excited to get into the third volume, as this is by far my favorite TMNT run I have gotten into at this point. Just like the first volume, recommended for anyone getting into Ninja Turtles for the first time. I know newbies prefer the IDW run, but I would really recommend starting with the Miarge shit first.

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aside from Issue #8, really enjoyed this collection:)
Had a big smile on my face seeing different scenes that were used in the first movie(even though there were SOME changes).

The notes from Kevin and Peter were once again very interesting... didn't know that their partnership had become strained by a certain point.

The one-shot issues were my favorite parts though and fit Donnie, Mikey, and Leo very well.

[Lissibith · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it may be weird to say about a book featuring a story where an apprentice time-minder takes talking mutant turtles on a trip to different time periods in an effort to escape chores, the second volume of the ultimate Turtles collection feels a lot more grounded than the first.

I imagine that part of it is that we're getting to see more of the character differences between the brothers, and part of it is that these issues all felt more solidly like part of the same ongoing story. Not to mention they hit a major milestone for a comic book - the return of a thought-dead villain.

This collection includes a few regular issues, as well as the one-shots centered on Donatello, Michaelangelo and Leonardo, and for my money, I liked the one-shots better than the regular issues but I liked them all better than many a comic book. Michaelangelo's Christmastime tale shows off his caring nature, Donatello gets a chance to show off his creativity and self-contained introspection, and Leonardo... well, he gets to show off his fighting moves. A lot. In one of the best issues in this entire book, in my estimation.

The annotations - the main reason to buy these versions of the books over the others - are likewise really interesting - from commentary on where later versions borrowed from the books, to discussions of the business side of their artistic partnership, to just what sorts of things they loved seeing in comics, the annotations are always fascinating.

[Rex Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book marks the end of the golden age of TMNT. After issue 12 the two creators took turns creating working on issues due to creative differences. As a result, the stories after this don’t flow as well until we begin the “Return to New York” storyline.

This volume collects issues 8 - 11, plus the Michelangelo, Donatello, and Leonardo one shots. After each issue are notes and annotations by the creators of the series. Here we begin to see them considering stepping back. Their brand was growing and with that came a whole flood of new work and opportunities beyond writing and drawing the series.

Issue 8 is the famous crossover between the turtles and Cerebus the Aardvark (all of the stories of which I have discussed in their own section)- This is a return to Cerebus’s barbarian days, which the comic had actually progressed beyond, and involves the turtles being transported into another dimension and forced to storm the castle of a necromancer with Cerebus. The two art styles mesh together perfectly and none of the characters act differently than in other issues. The only drawback is that the dialogue is way too jokey and riddled with bad puns. It drags down the story.

[Abe Something · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly—issue 10!! A massive leap in illustration and page layout. I want to frame every page of it.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second volume of the original black and white classics collects issues eight through eleven as well as the Michelangelo, Donatello and Leonardo one-shot issues.

This one kicks off with a bang focusing on Michelangelo as he chases down a couple of ne'er-do-wells who robbed a children’s toy store on Christmas Eve.  Anyone that knows me knows that I am a holiday season fanatic, so this was right up my alley.  There were some funny moments here as Mikey tried to take down the stolen truck through the snowy streets of the Big Apple.  After that, things took a bad turn for me.  I had no idea who Cerebus was and had no idea that this was a crossover until the post-story notes by the authors, so you can imagine how lost I was.  The humor in this one didn’t do anything for me – I didn’t even know it was a comedy!  I just thought it was awful writing.

Following that story, we get a strange side adventure with Donatello being transported to a world alongside a fledgling comic book artist where whatever he draws comes to life.  This was written as a tribute to Jack Kirby, so it was interesting in that regard, but did little for me.  Following Donny’s misadventure, the gang tags along with Splinter as he switches bodies with a dying grandfather to solve an ideological dispute with the man’s grandson and father. When did Splinter become Professor X?  This was strange.

The quality is then taken up a notch with a story focused on Leonardo as he battles the Foot Clan solo while the guys get things ready for Christmas at April’s home.  Again, Christmas!  I think this was far and away the duo’s strongest work yet with some extraordinary artwork, pacing and storytelling.  When the dust settles, it’s revealed that The Shredder has returned and things begin to mirror the plot of the original 1990 feature film.

I absolutely loved the final third of this collection.  Alongside April and ally Casey Jones, the Turtles and Splinter escape New York City to Jones’ grandmother’s home while they recoup and recover.  The eleventh issue is especially good with April narrating their lives through journal pages inserted into the issue.

After a rocky start, the collection more than redeemed itself.  Very much looking forward to the third book.

[Nick Kives · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next 8-9 issues of the original series of TMNT from back in the 80s. A weird and classic read and still feels very 80ish for many parts.

This book also has the story that is used for scenes in the original TMNT movie from 1990. The part where The Foot attacks the Turtles in the building that is falling apart and then the drive into the countryside to hide out.

[Kirk]

The Turtles really hit their stride in issue 10. The one-offs help develop the characters. April’s musings on each turtle in the last issue really helps bring all of the characters to life. You can tell that, for the authors, the turtles stopped being just a hobby here. I’m going to keep going with these volumes.

[Alberto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mejor que el Quijote.

[Space Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goofy, over the top, shit load of reference to the creatures inspirations, but with alot of heart. Turtles as they should be.

[Doug Bolden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes an interesting follow-up to the first volume of classic, black&white Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics, by expanding the characters and trying out some new storytelling techniques. It also marks the end of the original team dynamic behind the scenes and so an be treated as the conclusion of a particular "type" of TMNT.

We have here one shots dedicated to Michelangelo, Donatello, and Leonardo interspersed with issues 8-11. The first two one-shots and the first two issues (#s 8 & 9) are basically standalone continuation of the kind of angles and storylines the first volume exemplified. There's a time-travel/medieval/zombie romp set up featuring a cross-over with Cerebus the Aardvark. There's Donnie meeting up with a fictional take on Jack Kirby and going into an alternate dimension where artwork comes to life. Mikey saves Christmas by taking out bandits trying to steal toys from orphans (which is actually my favorite of these more standalone storylines). Finally, we have a story featuring the "pre-teenage" turtles [don't worry, there is nothing really different besides a couple of mild weapon choices, so it feels like a waste of the concept] getting tied up with a "spirit of the samurai vs yakuza" drama. It sort of feels like the police chase story from the previous volume: largely filler that gives an excuse for some action scenes.

As a collective (maybe minus the earnestly sweet Mikey side story), these four issues show the same frenetic, behind-the-scenes over-bravado that the first volume embodied with exuberance. I praised it in the previous review as being a sign of a certain heart and soul, though in ways begins to fray the property just a bit, making it feel less like a collective whole and more like a medium to tell other stories (which, in ways, it was).

However, around the time where you make a decision that these TMNT comics are maybe a bit too varied and less about a collective whole, we get to...the collective whole portion. This kicks off with Leonardo's one-shot, one of the highlights of this volume. In it, we alternate between a brutal fight with Leo against a newly-risen Foot clan and a heartwarming series of scenes of the other brothers (with April and Splinter) setting up for Christmas. The artwork varies between the tense fight and the family moments, and the contrast really helps to give proper weight to the fight sequence (something that was somewhat lacking in recent issues). The events from it are followed by the remaining two issues which show a fight a resurrected Shredder (no explanation is given, as of yet) and then another highlight issue: where the turtles and team recoup in a Northhampton farm.

This latter issue is told largely from April's perspective, and does a lot to establish the gravity of the situation, and to help make the somewhat satirical/weird characters into actual characters.

This sets up for a series of adventures in future volumes where the turtles return to fight Shredder, and etc etc. This is, however, the last issue (for a while) where Eastman and Laird worked closely together to make these comics [they alternated duties after this and brought in other people, partially due to personal conflicts between them], and also is where merchandising and licensing was taking over and overwhelming the ability to make the comics. This is, as far as I can tell, the last "Ultimate Collection" to include a complete print run [the next one skips an issue, and after that it seems to skip around quite a bit]. In that light, there's a certain "purity of vision" that is lost after this volume [even if said "purity of vision" was so over-the-top and kooky]. Around now, in the real world, we also start seeing the TMNT converted into fare for younger children, which contradicts the bloodied original characters (Archie comics was starting to release full color comics that were more in line with the cartoons). The turtles never quite "recovered" from this, while bringing in these new people also helped to expand their impact and create such varied stories.

[Nico · Rating 5 out of 5]

while the first book (excellently, might i add) established almost everything we know of the tmnt, the issues in volume 2 firmly cemented itself into what it truly wants to be. it wears its influence on its sleeve, and it wears it proud. in this volume, we get some wonderful frank miller and jack kirby inspired art and stories, a dave sim "cerebus" crossover that was pretty okay but i've never gotten into cerebus so maybe i'd like it more if i read that, and of course, various japanese influences. each issue is different, but it never gets so different that it becomes jarring or out of place, and it has a nice pacing that feels more right at home in this collection than it would in individual issues, as it starts small, low stakes, self contained stories, before ramping up for 2 of them and ending on a calm sort of "epilogue" for the final issue of the trade.

the first issue of the collection is a michaelangelo one-shot. it's a nice simple story, low stakes and fun. it feels like its the first time mikey's childish side is really explored as he saves christmas. its fun
the next issue, issue 8, is probably the weakest one imo. some lady steals a time sceptar, meets the turtles, they go back further, meet cerebus, fight a bad guy. i kinda ditched this book for a while and forgot about it because of this issue.
the donatello one-shot brings things back however. this is a loveletter to jack kirby, and they aren't subtle about it. its a fun adventure with donatello fighting jack kirby monsters as "kirby" helps by drawing some jack kirby stuff, and it ends on a nice little note
issue 9 is an.... interesting story. it's a prequel story focusing on splinter as he meditates and trades minds with a dying japanese samurai that wants to help his grandson find his way. not my favorite issue, but not a bad one
the leonardo one-shot is where this book really begins to excel however. it does a cool gimmick where the top 3/4 of a page is leonardo wordlessly fighting with foot clan ninjas, even starting right in the middle of the action as the last 1/4 of the page on the bottom is the rest of the gang having fun, getting ready for christmas and wondering where leo is.
issue 10 is my favorite issue so far, everything built up in the leonardo one-shot is concluded here. im not even gonna say anything else, this issue was just so good dude
and issue 11, the final one is a rather calming final issue where april is writing in her journal in the aftermath of the previous 2 issues. we see time go by, we see the characters cope with their struggles, they're not even in new york anymore but a farm in new england. its a slow burn issue as we see the characters through april and its a nice little character study

reading these trades is my first time really reading any tmnt books besides a reprint of the first issue i had as a kid, and reading the annotations at the end of each issue, its kind of sad to see that almost immediately after the last issue in this trade, eastman and laird had a bit of a falling out that affected the books after issue 11. i almost dont want to read the other ultimate collections with how eastman mentions them. "this is the end of the eastman and laird golden age" "this is the last time we would work on tmnt like this-fully connected-still a single mind working the story. even with return to new york and city at war, it was different. not in a bad way, but not in a good way either, it just wasn't the same anymore"
eastman and laird apparently worked separately on tmnt after issue 11, eastman does one issue, laird does another. knowing that makes this feel like a sort of end to me at least. things are still unresolved, but i feel like if i do read the next few trades it won't have the same punch these past 11+ issues did. the "eastman and laird golden age" (as eastman put it) is the culmination of everything eastman and laird love, carefully crafted as a team effort between the two.


but, as they say
life at best is bittersweet

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The TMNT universe continues to serve as a laid back read for me, full of entertainment from a pure and simple recipe. This volume adds a healthy dose of sentimentality that deepens my bond with the characters, making my salty reading snack occasionally sweet and even bitter, especially with the last issue being the last time the creators worked together on a issue (until much much later, although it is said by them that it was never the same). I'm mighty curious to see what happens going forward, as they take turns doing these next comics, will it lose its magic?

Note: I was particularly affected by the Donatello micro-issue. That Jack Kirby message at the end was aimed right at me, big bullseye on my heart.

Note: Giving this one five-stars even though I gave Vol. 1 four stars, and it was just as good. I think I've just grown more attached to the turtles now, even though the comics aren't perfect—my main gripe is with how Renet is shown, and how some of the women were drawn in general, but this doesn't occur enough to ruin anything (looking at you Blacksad).

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm obsessed with the Turtles.

In this volume of the TMNT comics, readers are given a deeper insight into Donatello, Michelangelo, and Leonardo with their one-shot issues (like the Raphael issue from Vol. 1). I really loved getting a chance to see each of the guys on their own! Also, it's Christmas (in several of the issues included in this volume)!! I love Christmas!

I was also super excited to see the return of Shredder. As someone who was first introduced to the Turtles through the movie, Shredder has always been the ultimate TMNT bad guy to me, so I was excited to see him back in action!

On to Volume 3!

[Luiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the one shots. Mikey's and Donnie's make sense ( Donnie's is more in the WTF category) leos was fantastic as a comic long fight. The return of the Shredder vs a better team was fun. Loved the breakdown of the turtles working through their loss. My 3-year-old was “that's Raphael” so i say “no, that's Michelangelo” “Michelangelo doesn't get mad” really good to push them to their limits, Donnie can't stop solving problems, Raph and Casey playing off each other. Very 80’s montage-y at the end to get back in the right frame of mind.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another totally radical collection (minus that one crossover issue with Cerebus, which was kind of terrible).

I had no idea that the 2003 cartoon lifted so many stories directly from the original early comics run, some almost scene for scene. It's almost a little shameful that I hadn't read the originals until now. I particularly enjoy having the commentary by Eastman & Laird on each of the issues- it adds a lot.

(But seriously- they should have left out that Cerebus crossover. So bad.)

[Johnathon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great collection of the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" comics that finds the crew embarking on a series of solo adventures while also crossing over with another indie star, Cerebus, all while an old enemy returns. This volume collects the "Turtles" solo comics before picking the series back up, and both Laird and Eastman's writing & art markedly improve with each issue. The final stories are particularly impressive, with a brutal action scene (that also shows how close the original movie was to the comic). All in all, a great read for any comic fan.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a triumph of visual storytelling and comic artistry. It’s not just the evocative use of black and white— from the lived-in feel of NYC to the stark snow scenes— but the dramatic, imaginative page layouts. An absolute pleasure to look at. This collection also shows off different kinds of Turtle narratives; not every experiment works, but most are genuinely compelling. (I especially like a fantastical adventure starring Donatello and an artist whose pen can bring every drawing to life; plus a quiet, meditative entry narrated by April.)

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read in the second volume of the TMNT Ultimate Collection. A lot of impressive artwork and filled with fun stories. The first one with Michaelangelo stopping thieves from stealing Christmas toys and seeing the return of the Turtles' archnemesis the Shredder. The commentary by the creators on the comics in this volume. I found it interesting they had no desire to bring Shredder back, but wanted to change the setting of the story, so they had a reason for our heroes to flee from New York City. If you enjoyed the first volume, you will enjoy the second volume.

[Frédéric Bonin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible collection. The first issue is a cute but forgettable Christmas story. The second issue is a weird medieval cross-over with a character I never heard of. Both were ok but nothing great or special …

��� but then the rest of the issues were incredible. Ninjas, samurai, reincarnation, martial arts, the foot clan, the return of the Shredder, one turtle gets beaten up badly. So much awesomeness!

I was also a big fan of the original live action movie. It was really cool to see stuff lifted directly from the pages.

Really cool collection I am glad I now own!

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy does this take me back to my childhood. I watched the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie obsessively and here we see the inspiration for it.

Without giving away too much, this volume brings back an enemy thought defeated and begins a troublesome journey for April, Splinter, and the turtles. It ends with a cliffhanger, but leaves you wanting the next volume and the resolution that you can imagine if you’ve seen the movie, but can only hope is even better, the same way this volume is.

Excellent read!

[Steven Shinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I somehow found myself liking this one more than volume 1. I think I’m more used to this art style now. And while I knew the 2003 TV series drew inspiration from these comics given Peter Laird’s involvement, I was still surprised that the entire Kirby episode was pulled from an issue of these comics. I must admit it was kind of weird seeing Cerebus in one of the stories here, even though the art styles of the two IP’s are compatible.

[Mateen Mahboubi · Rating 4 out of 5]

While still far from the cartoon versions that I grew up with, there was a bit more familiarity here with some familiar scenes that were adapted into the first movie as well as a few more light stories (although a bit wild to think about the number of people who may have died in the efforts to save toys for an orphanage).

[Ed Dougherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't wanna just cut and paste my review for volume 1 but basically-- the early stories where the turtles are on earth still rule. All the space stuff is kinda tedious. But the art of that stuff is cool. OK thank u

[King Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would’ve been an easy 5 stars had Cerebus The Aardvark not been apart of the canon now. Not Kevin’s fault the creator of that comic series being a blatant misogynist and homophobic pos. But it still ruins it for me.

[Milad Talavari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply perfect

Volume two was as perfect as the first one. Full of excitement and fun that I would never experience in any other fiction except Batman, maybe. TMNT will always be my favorite, and nothing can change my mind.

[Cannon Qorson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like the Cerebus issue. Raphael killing the messenger threw me out of the story and degraded his character for me. But after that each issue gets awesomer and awesomer! Some of the best stuff in the series.

[John R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection

The best parts of the collection are the authors' notes.

The art and stories hold up, but being able to read the thoughts of Eastman and Laird makes this special.