The Ninja Turtle Nerds

Cowabunga, Turtle fans! This week on Ninja Turtle Nerds, we're diving back into Mirage Volume 4 with issues #13 through #16. As the series continues to push the Turtles into new territory, we break down the major story developments, character moments, and the unique storytelling choices that make Volume 4 one of the most fascinating eras in TMNT history.From the growing tensions within the Hamato clan to the increasingly strange and ambitious direction of the series, we'll discuss what works, what surprises us, and how these issues fit into Peter Laird's long-term vision for the Turtles. Join us as we analyze the comics, share our favorite moments, and continue our journey through one of the most talked-about runs in TMNT history.Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and let us know your thoughts on Volume 4. What did you think of issues #13-16, and where do you think the story is headed next?

This week on Ninja Turtle Nerds, we're diving into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate, the roguelike action game that sends Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael on a mission to rescue Master Splinter. We break down the gameplay, combat, upgrades, story, and how the game adapts the TMNT universe into a fast-paced, replayable experience.From powerful elemental abilities and character builds to boss battles and co-op play, Splintered Fate takes inspiration from modern roguelikes while staying true to what makes the Ninja Turtles great. We discuss what works, what could be improved, and whether this is one of the strongest TMNT video games in recent years.Have you played TMNT: Splintered Fate? Which Turtle is your favorite to use, and what builds have worked best for you? Let us know in the comments! If you enjoy Turtle discussions, game reviews, and all things TMNT, be sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with fellow Turtle fans.Nintendo Therapy Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nintendotherapySidePanel Network Website: https://sidepanelnetwork.my.canva.site/#TMNT#SplinteredFate#TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles#NinjaTurtleNerds#TurtlePower#TMNTGaming#NintendoSwitch#Roguelike#ActionGames#Leonardo#Raphael#Michelangelo#Donatello#GamingPodcast#TMNTFans

This week on Ninja Turtle Nerds, we’re diving back into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Volume 4 with a discussion on issues #9 through #12. We break down the story developments, character moments, and everything happening during this wild stretch of the Mirage-era TMNT comics. If you love deep-cut Turtle lore, comic analysis, and longtime fan discussion, this episode is for you.Volume 4 is one of the most fascinating eras in TMNT history, and these issues continue to push the series in bold directions. We talk about what works, standout moments, and how this run fits into the larger Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles legacy. Whether you’re reading along or revisiting the comics, come hang out with us.Let us know your thoughts on Volume 4 issues 9-12 in the comments, and tell us what TMNT comic era you’d like us to cover next. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the show if you enjoy the episode!Nintendo Therapy Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nintendotherapySidePanel Network Website: https://sidepanelnetwork.my.canva.site/#TMNT #TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles #NinjaTurtleNerds #TMNTComics #MirageTMNT #TMNTVolume4 #ComicPodcast #ComicReview #TurtleFans #NinjaTurtles #ComicBooks #Podcast #GeekCulture #TMNTPodcast #RetroComics

Shellheads, this week we’re diving deeper into the weird, unfinished, and wildly ambitious era of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles history—Mirage Volume 4, issues #5–8.In this episode of Ninja Turtle Nerds, we break down the escalating tension in Donatello’s solo arc as he continues navigating a bizarre future filled with sentient tech, fractured timelines, and moral gray areas that feel way heavier than your average sewer adventure. Meanwhile, Michelangelo’s storyline keeps twisting into unexpected territory, blending introspection with some truly offbeat TMNT storytelling that only this era could deliver.We talk about Peter Laird’s evolving tone during this run, the experimental pacing, and how these issues start to hint at bigger, unfinished ideas that never fully pay off—but are still fascinating to explore. Is this peak Mirage weirdness, or a glimpse at what could have been the boldest TMNT saga ever?Grab a slice, settle in, and join us as we dissect one of the strangest chapters in Turtle history.

This month, We kick off the next chapter of our Mirage-era journey as we begin Volume 4 of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, covering the first four issues in our ongoing monthly deep dive. Written and illustrated by Peter Laird with finishes by Jim Lawson (and additional work by Eric Talbot later in the arc), this era marks a return to Mirage continuity following the Volume 2 fork in the road — and right from the opening cover by Michael Dooney, the Turtles feel grounded, compact, and classic again.We also set the stage in the early 2000s, when these issues first appeared between September 2001 and mid-2002. Pop culture was stacked: films like Spider-Man, Star Wars: Episode II, Blade II, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding filled theaters, Nickelback and Ashanti ruled the charts, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City dominated gaming, and Family Guy was canceled (for now). Against that backdrop, Volume 4 begins a slower-burn, sci-fi-tinged saga that blends grounded family moments with looming cosmic stakes.Issue #1 mirrors the Turtles’ very first alley fight as they clash with the Madhattan Maulitia, while revealing a major shift: the brothers are now in their 30s, feeling every mile of the fight. A rooftop snowmobile chase leaves Michelangelo critically injured and discovered by the imposing alien warrior Magnrok, while Donatello uncovers an abandoned armored truck that feels destined to matter later. Meanwhile, April and Casey attend a fertility appointment, Shadow senses something world-changing on the horizon, and the Fugitoid and Utroms quietly prepare a massive interstellar operation.Issue #2 finds Michelangelo surviving an airborne ambulance mishap and waking inside Kurtzburg Memorial Hospital — a facility that treats superheroes, aliens, and the otherwise unusual. Back in the lair, Donatello and Casey investigate the mysterious armored truck while Raphael contemplates being left alone with skeletonized robbers and his life choices. Shadow navigates teenage secrecy, and the Utrom plan continues to unfold beyond Earth.Issue #3 expands the scope dramatically: a research expedition in Venezuela encounters a wooden, weaponized creature, U.S. Air Defense scrambles as an Utrom craft departs the moon, and Michelangelo receives a scenic flight home courtesy of his rescuer Raptarr. As aliens descend toward New York Harbor, panic spreads, missiles fail spectacularly, and humanity greets first contact with static, confusion, and ineffective gunfire.Issue #4 delivers the payoff: the alien craft peacefully returns the long-lost spacecraft Defiant to Earth and introduces the Utroms to the world — with one clumsy stumble instantly easing global tension. Karai observes events from the shadows, revealing Foot Clan interest in the alien arrival, while a quiet rooftop moment gives way to yet another escalation: a giant robot rising from the sewers.Volume 4 opens with introspection, humor, and domestic calm colliding with cosmic inevitability. The Turtles are older, the world is bigger, and something enormous is clearly on its way.

In this episode of TMNT Nerds, we dive headfirst into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin—the dark, emotional future of the Turtles we never knew we needed. We break down the story’s origins, its connection to early Eastman & Laird ideas, and why this book hits so hard for longtime fans. From the weight of loss and legacy to the brutal, grounded tone that sets it apart from traditional TMNT stories, we talk about what makes The Last Ronin such a standout moment in the franchise.We also dig into the art, action, and character work, discuss how it recontextualizes everything we know about the Turtles, and debate where it ranks among the best TMNT stories ever told. Whether you’re a lifelong shellhead or just discovering this era of TMNT, this episode is a spoiler-filled, fan-driven conversation about grief, perseverance, and what it really means to be the last one standing. 🐢

Holy pepperoni, Batman! The Dark Knight meets the Heroes in a Half Shell in this week’s episode of Movie Math, where everything’s made up and the points don’t matter! Kevin and Shawn dive deep into Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2019) — the crossover that somehow turned out way better than anyone expected.From rooftop showdowns to mutant Arkham inmates, this animated mashup delivers more cowabunga per minute than any Bat-film deserves. We’re breaking down the voice acting, the humor, the action, and of course… the math. Which movie tops our ever-growing Turtles ranking? (Spoiler: it’s climbing fast.)Expect jokes about Bat blimps, skateboarding through Wayne Manor, and why Shredder and Ra’s al Ghul might be the most chaotic team-up since peanut butter and sewer slime.Final Scores:🦇 Kevin: 14 points🐢 Shawn: 12 points🍕 Combined Total: 24 — tying it with Turtles Forever!Grab a slice, cue up the Batmobile, and join us as we answer the ultimate question:Is Batman secretly a pizza folder?

We do some movie math on Turtles Forever! The made for TV movie about the 03 cartoon, the 87 cartoon and the Mirage comics turtles all coming together. Such a simpler time when that was most of the continuity to keep track of.

Shawn's takes on TMNT Mutant Mayhem

Kevin's thoughts on Mutant Mayhem

The Image comics run originally ended with no ending. This week we talk about the fan ending that was created in 2011 before IDW gave the comic it's official conclusion.

The Image comics run originally ended with no ending. This week we talk about the fan ending that was created in 2011 before IDW gave the comic it's official conclusion.

Our thoughts on the new trailer and what is coming up next for our podcast

-Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

-Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

-Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

-Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

She's the Sheriff is an American sitcom television series that aired in first-run syndication from September 19, 1987 to April 1, 1989. Produced by Lorimar Television, the series marked the return of Suzanne Somers to television for the first time since she left her role as Chrissy Snow on ABC's Three's Company in 1980. In 2002, She's the Sheriff was ranked #44 on TV Guide's "50 Worst TV Shows of All Time". Synopsis Somers stars as Hildy Granger, a young woman whose husband, the sheriff of fictional Lakes County, Nevada (near Lake Tahoe), has died suddenly. Now a widow with two children to support, Hildy accepts the county commissioner's offer to appoint her to serve as sheriff herself, despite her lack of relevant experience. The show focuses on her efforts to handle the daily problems of locals and tourists, while learning to work with her four deputies. In particular, Hildy has regular battles with Deputy Max Rubin, who thinks her undeserving of the job.

This comic dropped the same month as the primer of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace! No Scrubs by TLC was the no 1 song you listened to on your way to your midnight screening and a ton of shows aired their final episodes! -Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

Futurama primers on fox, Cher is on top with "Believe" and The Matrix hits the box office! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 20th Image comics issue had some steep competition for entertainment this month! Hear our thoughts.  -Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

This week the Mutant Mayhem trailer finally dropped! Hear Kevin's thoughts after we cover Image comics Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles number 19. We also talk about the movies, music and video games that were out the month of this comic.  -Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

Female singers who go by 1 name, Turok 2 Seeds of Evil, and the end of Wishbone on PBS! All this and more Image comics TMNT this week!  -Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

All month long it was I don’t wanna Miss A Thing by Aerosmith because Armageddon. F Zero X was on the cover of Nintendo Power and Total Request Live primers on MTV. That was the month Image Comics Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles issue 17 went on sale!  -Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

-Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

Tine to remember everyone's favorite TV show Internet tonight! Also the Image comic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles go Astral crazy.  -Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

The Price Is Right's 5000th episode! Also Raphael puts on the shredder armor or something.  -Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

Power Rangers in Space debuts and Muppets tonight ends. What a roller coaster of a month.  -Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

This week we're talking about Image Comics Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles issue 13! Released during the biggest month of TV show cancellations we've seen yet! -Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

A lot of R rated movies and some Elton John were in the zeitgeist when the world was given Image comics TMNT issue 11! -Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

Oz Premiers on HBO, George Harrison has his final Television appearance, Win Ben Stein's Money Primers on Comedy Central and a new issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is printed by Image Comics!  -Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected]

Spawn on HBO, Starfox 64 and of course some TMNT on this weeks Ninja Turtle Nerds!  -Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

-Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

Sorry for the sound quality on this weeks episode. We had to use our backup audio.  -Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

-Things We Talk About This Week- Star Wars Mission Impossible Mathew Perry Chris Farely Shadows of the Empire Casey Jones new mask -Find Us!- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

The same month in history that gave us E True Hollywood Story and took The Adventures of Pete and Pete from us also saw the release of IMage comics Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles number 5 Find Us! Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

The Ninja Turtles count finger bones and Master Splinter fights a shark monster! Plus some talk about Mortal Kombat, Hey Arnold and Netflix's Daredevil! Find Stew: https://swoproductions.com/ Find Us! Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

We talk about Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Bulletproof staring Adam Sandler and Damon Waynes, David Mammett plays, the Macarena, Might ducks, Clueless the tv show, do astral projections need directions home and Bacta tanks are cool! Find Us! Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

A bonus episode giving a free sample of our weekly patreon exclusive show Nerd Therapy! Available for a pledge of as low as $1 a month a new episode drops every Friday! Find us at https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds Find Us! Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

Kingpin, California Love, Kazaam, and Kirby! All this plus Spencer from Ninja Turtle Power Hour is here to break down the TMNT issue with the fake Wolverine! Ninja Turtle Power Hour: https://anchor.fm/ninjaturtlepowerhour Find Us! Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

Spencer from Ninja Turtle Power Hour drops buy to help us tackle Bone Thugs N Harmony, Pilotwings 64, and of course the first issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Image Comics! It's also time to talk about that time the turtles were interviewed by Barbara Walters!  Ninja Turtle Power Hour: https://anchor.fm/ninjaturtlepowerhour Find Us! Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

On top of wrapping up volume 2 of mirage TMNT we find time to gab about the movie Powder, Mariah Carey, Batman Forever on SNES, flea market video games, Funcoland, movie Soundtracks, movie length, and of course conspiracy theories! Pods we Plug Turtle Der Talk: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tmnt-der-talk/id1001903639 Turtle Power Hour: https://anchor.fm/ninjaturtlepowerhour Captioned Life: https://www.thecaptionedlife.com/ Nerd Byword: https://nerdbyword.com/ Find Us! Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

Theirs always a "put me out of my misery" monster. This week we talk about Tales From the Crypt, the X-Men trilogy, untrustworthy data, nonchalant character deaths and we ask how do comics work? It's Mirage Comics TMNT issue 12!  Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

Halloween, Empire Records, Who shot Mr Burns and Colin Quinn! What more could you want out of a conversation? Some Ninja Turtle talk? WE HAVE THAT TOO! Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

After an 8 month delay in their publishing the Ninja Turtles are back! Amish paradise is of course covered during this discussion. We also touch on the list of things Casey knows exist and we ask ourselves if "Frankenstein" can be a verb. Also, mental alarms are useless. Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

How many characters do we need? 7?8?9? Also Kevin says “books on tape” at one point instead of audio books because he’s old. Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

This week we ask ourselves, do I really like video games? Does anyone remember Madman of the People? Is this a first appearance that's already happened before? Why are giant robots afraid of the police?  Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

Halloween costumes and buying strange items together is what is on our minds this week as we dive deeper into mirage comics TMNT volume 2 issue 7. We also do a quick spotlight on Undercover Leonardo! Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

Talking points this week include Lisa Loeb, Bonus Stages, has Conan O'brien had the best life ever, Turtle weight oil, and the internet has ruined collecting. All this plus any TMNT News that may have sprung up sine last week!  Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

In issue 5 of mirage TMNT volume 2 a turtle and a mutant attack a mutant ninja turtle. This of course leads to discussions about Models Inc, Real World, and Reality TV before we close out our coverage of the Gameboy trilogy with Radical Rescue! Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds

As volume 2 continues we find ourselves discussing killer robots, Star Trek on the SNES, Ken Griffy Baseball, weather or not turtles fight with honor, Barney the dinosaur, and the Simpsons 100th episode! All this plus our thoughts on the 2nd Ninja Turtles Game Boy game "Back from the Sewers."  Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMNTNerds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmntnerds/ Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Tmntnerds