Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a near-perfect microcosm of an IP’s adaptability within a capitalist society. Which is to say, it has been many things to many fans over the years—for better or worse. Created by indie comic visionaries Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird in 1984, the turtles first appeared in a rather violent, Frank Miller inspired comic book, before taking over the world with the much more light-hearted and kid-friendly cartoon in 1987. The last four decades have given us a musical tour, some great TV shows, some non-so-great TV shows, some great movies, some not-so-great movies, some weird comics (see Urban Legends below), and most importantly, a ton of really bizarre action figures. Your age and media preferences probably determine your definitive TMNT text, but it’s kind of amazing how many entry points new fans have had for the long-running franchise. And now, in true turtle style, we’re getting another interpretation for a new generation of fans in the form of the film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which was co-written by Seth Rogen. Will it become a high point of the turtle canon or fall to the depths of Coming Out of Their Shells and the Michael Bay films? Only time will tell. Until then, check out some of the turtle’s greatest comic adventures from the past and present!

For more great comics, make sure to check out the offerings of your local Library branch as well as the hoopla app.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1: Change is Constant

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black & White Classics Vol. 1

Color Version

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Urban Legends Vol. 1

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Bodycount

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Adventures Vol. 1

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures Vol. 1

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro Series Vol. 1 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tales of TMNT Vol. 1