Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #79 Cover (2011) ft. Agent John Bishop, Commander Zom, Donatello, The Earth Protection Force, The Foot Clan, Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Raphael & Splinter

Alright, let us try this again...

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is an important discovery in my childhood that clearly continues to stand as pivotal storytelling. Currently, it is one of just two comics I still collect and adore. My introduction to them was a VHS copy of "The Case of the Killer Pizzas" which entertained me but the live movie truly showcased how heavily layered and multidimensional the heroes in a half shell truly are. Dark undertones with a splash of humor would be a high bar I'd judge all stories after.

When I found out the turtles were getting a new book, I foolishly assumed it would be a cartoon version and ignored it. Then, months later, an internet headline about Donnie's near death shook my world and told me this wasn't the safe take I assumed (I hadn't known the original comics weren't so child friendly either at this time) and proceeded to recollect them even as the book was into the 80s...which I NEVER do.

Worth it!

The stories I would devour issue after issue truly expanded my view of these reptilian Ninjas in so many ways...City Fall, The Trial of General Krang, Vengeance (My reigning favorite story) and here...Invasion of the Triceratons!

I can't recall when I first saw the Triceratons but loved their concept, backstory and significance to the planet Earth! Add in this issue's cliffhanger of Splinter (now leader of the Foot) having captured Commander Zom for execution followed by his own sons interrupting in pledge to stop him by all means and you've got a true earth shaking story!

Big thanks to Damian Couceiro for the imagery, Kevin Eastman for the storytelling, and Mark Hay for the sale!

"Cowabunga!"