IDW Publishing had me at “story by Tom Waltz” and backup story artwork “from Mateus Santolouco” in the latest comic series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Nation. Anything these names are attached to is going to grab my attention and Mutant Nation was no exception.

In this new ongoing series we start off with a Raphael flashback adventure entitled “Attack on Area 51” by writer Tom Waltz and artist Vincenzo Federici. After the events of The Armageddon Game, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles found themselves at a crossroads, attempting to keep their family united while individually feeling the need to break away and explore life in a world that knows about mutants.

To clear his head, Raphael jumps on his motorcycle and heads west on a solo road trip with the wind at his back and no destination in mind…until a dormant enemy out for revenge on the Turtles engineers a dangerous detour to Area 51. When Raphael is held hostage with some unexpected old friends, his soul-searching quest mutates into a crisis as he brawls in the desert to keep the E.P.F.’s cache of coveted technology out of the wrong hands.

In the backup story, writer Erik Burnham presents a four-issue bonus: after the events of The Untold Destiny of the Foot Clan, can Casey Jones tolerate Karai’s descent into ruthlessness, or will he turn his back on the Foot? The answer ripples into the upcoming action in Jason Aaron‘s TMNT!

Each arc of Mutant Nation will feature two stories exploring different corners of the TMNT universe, easily accessible to casual fans but with ties connecting the ongoing series and Nightwatcher. Expect old favorites and new surprises!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Nation does just what it set out to do with this debut issue. The main story from amazing storyteller Waltz features a Raphael solo tale that takes us away from his brothers and into a world outside the normal TMNT Universe. The story gives us real Roadhouse vibes and was an actual better Roadhouse story than the reboot feature film of 2024. Action-packed and full of adventure, this main story is a great start to the new series.

The back up story featuring Casey Jones is also unique in its own way, but is truly brought to life by the artwork of Mateus Santolouco. The Brazilian artist has a keen ability to illustrate the Turtles like few others can. With great lines and action-filled panels, Casey Jones: Agent of the Foot Clan is a striking addition to the world of TMNT.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Nation is a great new comic series from IDW Publishing. With great talent attached, excellent stories and proof that what comes before still matters, the future is bright in Mutant Nation.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Nation #1 hits local comic shops on September 18, 2024 from Dark Horse.