A brand-new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series kicked off today, and the first issue has already earned Screen Rant’s stamp of approval. IDW Publishing, in partnership with Nickelodeon, released Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Coastal Chaos #1, bringing Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael back for a beach day that goes very wrong.
The new comic continues the story that began on screen. In 2024, Paramount+ launched the two-season animated series Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which was meant to bridge the 2023 film Mutant Mayhem and its planned 2027 sequel. IDW brought that version of the Turtles to comics in October 2025, and now writer Andrew Joustra and artist Louie Joyce are carrying the tale forward.
Mikey’s Surf Lesson Goes Wrong
The issue opens with the Turtles enjoying a relaxed day at the shore. Michelangelo, or Mikey, takes the spotlight as he tries to learn how to surf. He has one major concern during the lesson: a shark attack.
That fear becomes real fast. Mikey is attacked by a shark with limbs.
The brothers are confused. Donatello, Leonardo, and Raphael doubt what Mikey claims he saw. But longtime fans of the franchise know better. Mikey wasn’t mistaken. The issue marks the first appearance of Armaggon, the iconic mutant shark of the TMNT franchise.
Armaggon Is Coming
Armaggon isn’t named in the first issue. The Turtles are still trying to process the idea that a mutant shark might be patrolling the waters near their home. From the reader’s perspective, though, there’s no mystery.
The synopsis for issue #2 confirms the threat: “Sharks can sense a drop of blood in the water, and if the mutant shark Armaggon has his way, the Jersey Shore will run red!”
That’s a clear promise of trouble ahead.
Legacy Characters and Modern Dialogue
Coastal Chaos wastes no time bringing in familiar faces. Master Splinter appears in the issue, and the story grounds itself in the larger TMNT mythology. Joustra’s writing also keeps the series feeling current, with dialogue that reflects how people actually talk today.
The issue sets up the beach setting, introduces the threat, and leaves readers wanting the next chapter.
The Art Carries the Issue
The standout element is Louie Joyce’s artwork. His style is raw, bold, and a little chaotic, which fits the comic’s overall feel. The character designs add personality to each Turtle.
It’s fun, unique, and colorful. The art sets this chapter of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles apart from previous eras and stories.
A Quick Look at the TMNT Timeline
| Release | Title | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Mutant Mayhem | Film |
| 2024 | Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | Animated TV series |
| 2025 | Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | Comic series |
| 2026 | Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Coastal Chaos #1 | Comic series |
| 2027 | Mutant Mayhem sequel | Film |
The Franchise Keeps Growing
The Turtles have been everywhere. Beyond the comics and TV shows, the franchise spans a long list of video games, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, TMNT: The Last Ronin, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection, among many others.
This new comic adds another entry to that long history. It connects the animated series to the comics while introducing a classic villain to a new generation of readers.
Screen Rant’s Stamp of Approval
Screen Rant has given the first issue its stamp of approval. The comic sets up a clear conflict, brings in a recognizable threat, and does it all with strong art and sharp writing.
The issue is available to read now, and the next chapter promises Armaggon will make his presence known in a big way.
Source: screenrant.com
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