Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:
Secret History of the Foot Clan #1
Story by Mateus Santolouco
Script by Mateus Santolouco & Erik Burnham
Art by Mateus Santolouco
Colors by Joao “Azitona” Vieira
Letters by Shawn Lee
Edits by Bobby Curnow
IDW Publishing
Release Date: January 9, 2013
Cover Price: $3.99

In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Secret Origin of the Foot Clan #1, you get about 3 issues worth of story. I mean it. It’s REALLY packed with the history of how the foot clan came to be. After reading it, I can’t help but think, “Is there any more story that they can tell?” I guess we’ll find out.

With a story by Mateus Santolouco, and a script by Mateus Santolouco and Erik Burnham, this is a perfect blend of humor/history/mystery/suspense and action. Now, I don’t know who exactly scripted what, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Burnham was brought in to provide dialogue for the Turtles and contribute that unique brand of humor that he brings to Ghostbusters on a monthly basis. This issue is, simply put, a great story. You’re really gonna enjoy this book. I’ll even go so far as to say non-Turtle fans will get some enjoyment out of it.

This issue has a TON of ancient ninja action and Japanese history and it’s peppered with bits of current continuity. So, you have two stories going on, one set way in the past focusing on the Foot Clan and one in “current times” involving a professor, the Turtles, Casey, and April. Both blend seamlessly into each other and have a great natural flow. Some great writing here!

Art wise, Mateus Santolouco is, in my opinion, fantastic. He changes styles SO quick and complete that it’s hard to believe he drew the whole issue. Now THAT is talent!!! He uses different tons, colors, and line work in each of the different eras, and it really works. Joao “Azitona” Vieira also deserves a shout-out, because he went above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to the colors in this book. The scenes that take place in the past are muted, yet gorgeous and the present day scenes are bright, bold, and outstanding.

Month in and month out, I continue to be impressed by IDW’s handling of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle property. They put great creators on great series that tell great stories. You’re definitely going to enjoy this book. A nice jumping on point for new fans, and for fans who buy the books on a regular basis, this is a really nice treat.