Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Tales of the TMNT) is a thrilling continuation of the TMNT saga, building on the rich lore established by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem while introducing fresh, dynamic storytelling. This new animated series stands out for its deep character development, stunning visuals, and a narrative that feels both expansive and intimate. By combining long-form storytelling with a comic book-inspired narrative structure, Tales of the TMNT offers fans an experience that is both familiar and refreshingly new, making it a standout entry in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe.
A Comic Book Meets a Sketch Book Brought to Life in Animation
One of the most impressive aspects of Tales of the TMNT is how it effortlessly captures the essence of a comic book brought to life. The series adopts a narrative structure that mirrors the pacing, depth, and intricate plotlines typical of the best TMNT comics. Each episode is carefully crafted to build upon the last, creating a seamless flow that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
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The episodic format allows for detailed character development, with each Turtle getting moments to shine. The show’s ability to weave multiple story arcs together while maintaining a cohesive overall narrative is a testament to its strong writing and respect for the source material.
The New Generation of Talent
The voice performances in Tales of the TMNT are nothing short of stellar, with each actor bringing their character to life with distinct personality and charm. Nicolas Cantu as Leonardo, Micah Abbey as Donatello, Shamon Brown Jr. as Michelangelo, and Brady Noon as Raphael deliver performances that capture the essence of their respective Turtles, making each character feel both familiar and new.
Their interactions are filled with the brotherly banter and camaraderie that fans have come to expect, while also allowing for moments of introspection and growth. Ayo Edebiri’s portrayal of April O’Neil adds depth to the character, making her a vital and dynamic part of the team. The decision to voice Splinter without Jackie Chan was a bold move, but it works brilliantly, somehow maintaining Splinter’s wisdom and warmth by speaking an entirely made-up language.
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Among the new characters, Bishop, voiced by Alanna Ubach, stands out as a particularly compelling addition to the series. Ubach’s performance brings a unique intensity to Bishop, making her a formidable and intriguing character. Her portrayal is both fierce and nuanced, adding layers of complexity to Bishop that elevate her beyond a standard antagonist role. Ubach expertly conveys the character’s calculated menace while hinting at a deeper backstory, ensuring that Bishop is a character who leaves a lasting impression. Her performance, along with the other guest stars, contributes significantly to the richness of the series, making every character feel essential to the story.
Visuals and World-Building
Visually, Tales of the TMNT is a masterpiece. The art style is vibrant, gritty, and goofy perfectly capturing the dueling natures of the Turtles’ world. It is also a brilliant dimensional change from the film, going to a 2D from the 3D, but still brings that perfectly imperfect charm. The animation is fluid and dynamic, bringing the action-packed scenes to life with a sense of energy and excitement that is palpable. The design of the characters and the world around them is detailed and thoughtful, immersing the audience in a cartoony yet undeniably New York New York City.
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The sound design further enhances this immersion, with masterful use of audio to complement the visuals. Every fight, every movement is accompanied by sound effects that make the world feel alive and real.
Some Forced Critique
While I am loving Tales of the TMNT, the series does lack the standout soundtrack that the film had, which keeps it from reaching the same cinematic heights. The absence of a memorable musical score is a minor blemish on an otherwise fantastic production. But it is noticeable and noteworthy.
While the series does a fantastic job of telling a concise and focused story, the short order of episodes leaves a bit to be desired. This brevity guarantees a tightly woven narrative but also denies the series the opportunity to explore more of the world and characters in a less structured way. Sometimes, the most fun and memorable moments in TMNT lore come from those random, standalone episodes that allow the characters to engage in more lighthearted or experimental adventures. The series’ commitment to its long-form narrative is commendable, but it does come at the cost of these potential side stories.
Give Me More Tales of the TMNT!
Tales of the TMNT is a more than worthy addition to the TMNT’ 40 year tenure. It beautifully follows up on the film, enhancing its lore while carving out its own space in the TMNT universe. The series is a fun watch for everyone, delivering thrills, laughs, and heart for all ages. Despite some minor flaws, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and their ability to adapt and thrive in any era.
For enhancing what the film started and finding that impossible balance of familiarly brand new, my Tales of the TMNT review gets a
9/10
Join Leo, Raph, Donnie, and Mikey on their latest adventures as they tackle new challenges and confront old enemies in Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles now streaming on Paramount+.
About Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Release Date: August 9, 2024
Executive Producers: Christ Yost, Alan Wan
Showrunners: Claudia Spinelli and Nikki Price
Cast: Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Ayo Edebiri
Logline
Don’t miss Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the epic 12 episode event streaming August 9th, exclusively on Paramount+.
Are you excited for Tales of the TMNT? Which character are you most looking forward to seeing in action? Which other series is you favorite so far? Share your thoughts and join the conversation on Discord.
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