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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Color Classics #3
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Color Classics Vol. 3
Discover, or revisit, the original Mirage Studios' comics collected in order—and in color—for the first time! Follow the original adventures of Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo, Casey Jones, and Splinter in the stories "The Unmentionables," "Dome Doom," "Distractions," and the three-part "Return to New York." Also includes the stories "A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Story" by Mark Martin and "The Shell of the Dragon" by Mark Bode. Collects Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles issues #14–21 originally published by Mirage Studios.
- GenresComicsGraphic Novels
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2020
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33 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Eastman
1,161 books358 followersKevin B. Eastman is an American comic book artist, co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 13, 2022
I consider myself a HUGE TMNT fan and even I have to admit that this early stuff is pretty bad. Only a couple of stories stood out, with everything else being rubbish. And, to make matters worse, once the good stuff came, the volume was nearing its conclusion. Bleh.
December 13, 2020
These Turtle comics are pretty weird and kind of bad. But also whenever they get back into the plot it's pretty good? Like throughout this issue it felt like Eastman and Laird kept losing the plot of their own story, having the Turtles crossover with superheroes and issues where the turtles are making their own comic books with them in it. Which is different and weird, and I kind of appreciate it. But mostly I'm just weirded out by it. Lol
I think I mostly didn't like this comic because of those problems, and how the turtles, aside from the 'Return to Manhattan' (?) storyline really make the Boys feel like background characters in their own graphic novel.
The highlight of this collection was the 'Return to Manhattan' issues, with the turtles having been in hiding since the first issue, and their run-in with Shredder, tensions are getting high in their new hiding place and the brothers start fighting, as they do. But we got Shredder clones and a return of the bad guy himself, plus some friendly Triceraton action and the return to New York!
I think I mostly didn't like this comic because of those problems, and how the turtles, aside from the 'Return to Manhattan' (?) storyline really make the Boys feel like background characters in their own graphic novel.
The highlight of this collection was the 'Return to Manhattan' issues, with the turtles having been in hiding since the first issue, and their run-in with Shredder, tensions are getting high in their new hiding place and the brothers start fighting, as they do. But we got Shredder clones and a return of the bad guy himself, plus some friendly Triceraton action and the return to New York!
November 24, 2020
This is a collected reprinting of the original TMNT comics. It was nice to see the stuff from my childhood again. Sadly only a few of the stories really make the cut in terms of art and story.
Most of the stories and art were at best a 2 star, some were 1. But then, there were two stories that truly saved this comic. The story "Distractions" where Michaelangelo is in Feudal Japan and has to fight a corrupt Samurai lord, is really good and I enjoyed it immensely. Sadly, you have to go past three of four sub-par stories with grotesque art. But, it is worth it.
Then there is one more shitty story and the really good 4-part "Return to New York".
So a blast from the past where some of the stories have not aged well. But those two stories saved this volume and were truly what makes the TMNT series a great one. The rest? Meh.
Most of the stories and art were at best a 2 star, some were 1. But then, there were two stories that truly saved this comic. The story "Distractions" where Michaelangelo is in Feudal Japan and has to fight a corrupt Samurai lord, is really good and I enjoyed it immensely. Sadly, you have to go past three of four sub-par stories with grotesque art. But, it is worth it.
Then there is one more shitty story and the really good 4-part "Return to New York".
So a blast from the past where some of the stories have not aged well. But those two stories saved this volume and were truly what makes the TMNT series a great one. The rest? Meh.
August 19, 2025
Wasn’t that interested in the short stories at first but when I got back to the main storyline it was amazing and worth it
October 15, 2023
Unmentionables is fun, but other than that, stories range from being ACTUALLY unmentionable (does that joke work if I mention them?) to just a little below average. It's the most disappointing collection of stories so far, and the Beancurd story was so hard to get through. The art was probably the worst art I've ever seen in comics. EVER. And the actual story bored me to death.
The only good part of this collection is enough to raise it to 3 stars, because "Return to New York" is the GREATEST TMNT story I've read so far. It's better than any of the early stuff, even. Action packed with good pacing, actual plot rather than boring one-offs that could be in any sub-par universe, Triceratons, the Foot, Shredder, and Eastman's most polished art that's been featured in the series so far... Must I go on? You can skip everything else here, but DO NOT miss Return to NY. Essential Turtles and a perfect return not just to the city, but to form.
Next, I'm continuing this series in TMNT Ultimate B&W Collection Vol. 4.
Edit: I was under the impression that Eastman did almost all the art throughout the series, but it seems like I was wrong. Still good art!
The only good part of this collection is enough to raise it to 3 stars, because "Return to New York" is the GREATEST TMNT story I've read so far. It's better than any of the early stuff, even. Action packed with good pacing, actual plot rather than boring one-offs that could be in any sub-par universe, Triceratons, the Foot, Shredder, and Eastman's most polished art that's been featured in the series so far... Must I go on? You can skip everything else here, but DO NOT miss Return to NY. Essential Turtles and a perfect return not just to the city, but to form.
Next, I'm continuing this series in TMNT Ultimate B&W Collection Vol. 4.
Edit: I was under the impression that Eastman did almost all the art throughout the series, but it seems like I was wrong. Still good art!
March 30, 2025
What a weird and final volume in the collection.
The first half feels and looks disjointed, clearly written and drawn by other artists.
The second half is awesome, epic yet happens in a relatively … intimate setting?
The first half is 2 stars. Fun but not memorable. The second half is 4 stars. Awesome and what I love about the TMNT and an incredible way to wrap up the original run.
Let’s settle on 3 as overall score.
Glad I own a piece of nerd history in my collection.
The first half feels and looks disjointed, clearly written and drawn by other artists.
The second half is awesome, epic yet happens in a relatively … intimate setting?
The first half is 2 stars. Fun but not memorable. The second half is 4 stars. Awesome and what I love about the TMNT and an incredible way to wrap up the original run.
Let’s settle on 3 as overall score.
Glad I own a piece of nerd history in my collection.
August 4, 2024
Worth It
Lots of great art the stories bring in the lore and it’s just great. The amount of stuff they put into each issue and the action within are just perfect.
Lots of great art the stories bring in the lore and it’s just great. The amount of stuff they put into each issue and the action within are just perfect.
March 5, 2025
I guess I’m in my comics era. I’ve really been enjoying reading a lot of stuff I’ve missed over the years. And the Turtles comics were very much a welcome surprise
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews