Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Is On Netflix, Here’s Why I Need To Talk About It As A Lifelong Turtles Fan

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It hasn’t always been easy being a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan.

Absolutely! We’ve experienced some incredible peaks in our TMNT journey, particularly with the classic cartoons and the recent “The Last Ronin” comic series (a mix of excitement and apprehension about its live-action adaptation). However, for every great rendition we’ve seen, there have been disappointments like “Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation” or “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III“.

But just recently, my all-time favorite TMNT movie, “Mutant Mayhem”, graced our screens, and I’m thrilled to share that the accompanying cartoon, “Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, is now available on Netflix. If you’re a dedicated Turtles enthusiast like me, then this series is a must-watch for you. Let me explain why.

It Serves As A Bridge Between Mutant Mayhem, Which I Loved, And The Greenlit Sequel

There’s something captivating about “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” (and most outstanding films for that matter), leaving me yearning for even more after the credits rolled.

When I heard there would be a follow-up, I was absolutely thrilled. However, it’s not due until October 9th, 2026, which feels like an eternity away!

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but wonder about the untold story between the ending of the first film and the start of the sequel. What transpired during those intriguing gaps?

Step into the world of “Tales from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Set to premiere on Paramount+ in August 2024, this 12-episode series (currently streaming on Netflix) serves as a link between the first film and the second, offering fans a smooth transition they’ll surely appreciate.

As a follower, I find myself immersed in this show as if it’s a heartfelt missive to fans of the movie. It picks up two months after the film ended, and instead of fearing the turtles, characters are now extending invitations for them to join parties. Moreover, Master Splinter is learning to communicate in “vermin” due to his evolving bond with Scumbag.

Additionally, we’ll encounter some fresh antagonists that have me buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming film… all the way in 2026. Goodness, that seems like an eternity away! Luckily, this series will help keep us entertained until then.

The First Story Arc Allows Us To Learn More About Each Individual Turtle From Mutant Mayhem, Which Is Appreciated

Despite having quite a fondness for “Mutant Mayhem”, thanks to its impressive cast, there was one aspect I wasn’t overly keen on: I didn’t have the opportunity to fully grasp all of the Turtles, particularly Michelangelo, who is typically the most expressive Turtle in each iteration of the series.

In this latest portrayal of Mutant Mayhem’s character, Mikey appeared noticeably quieter compared to earlier versions. I was curious to discover more about his background as the film only hinted at his aspiration for stand-up comedy.

It’s fortunate that an episode is devoted to Mikey, and indeed, each of the Turtles have their own episodes initially, as they spend those first four episodes separated from one another.

In the debut episode, titled “Leo Nardo Stands Alone,” I found myself rooting for our Turtles’ leader as he embarked on a perilous journey to reunite with his separated brothers following a fierce battle. The subsequent episode, “Mikey Does the Right Thing,” offered a delightful twist with our goofy Mikey teaming up with an individual yearning for mutant transformation. This adventure not only highlighted Mikey’s lack of readiness but also showcased his kind-hearted nature – traits that truly embody who Mikey is, and which were less apparent in the movie adaptation.

In the third installment, titled “Raphael Contemplates,” we focus on my preferred Turtle, Raphael. The fourth episode, entitled “Donatello Stands Strong,” spotlights everyone’s beloved brainiac, Donatello.

Everything ties together as the Turtles gather once more to thwart a foe they recognize – Bishop, who had been pursuing them relentlessly. This plotline is reminiscent of the movie since Bishop’s background in this adaptation revolves around Superfly, a detail revealed in episode five titled “Bishop Makes Her Move!”. What makes this series intriguing is its blend of old and new elements, creating a sense of both uniqueness and familiarity compared to what has been seen before. Now, let’s delve into…

It Also Feels Different From Any Other TMNT Show That I’ve Ever Seen Before

Having been a devoted fan who’s immersed myself in countless TV series and movies revolving around the Turtle crew, let me assure you that the unique vibe of “Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” sets it apart from any other version I’ve encountered – except for “Mutant Mayhem,” naturally.

However, unlike Mutant Mayhem seemed to be a small introduction, Tales feels like a full course meal. It is the expanded interaction between the Turtles and other mutants that truly makes it stand out, which becomes more evident in the latter half of the series.

Although we’ve had encounters with other mutants on past series, I believe that in Tales, these interactions seem more natural and authentic.

In the subsequent storylines, there appears a trio of mutant characters known as The East River Three, who serve as an engaging contrast to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

In this latest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles outing, I was pleasantly surprised to find a shift in the usual antagonists. Instead of the typical villains like Shredder or Kraang, we have mutants stepping into the limelight as the primary adversaries. This change feels fitting for the storyline presented in the film, offering a fresh and engaging dynamic to the action-packed scenes.

This introduces a unique kind of energy that sets it apart from many prior iterations of the series, which I appreciate because it has an exhilarating and fresh vibe, much like the original feel of Mutant Mayhem.

It Introduces Us To New Variations Of Characters Not Seen In Mutant Mayhem

In this version of Mutant Mayhem, much like how the turtles have evolved from their previous forms, the characters I’m encountering are more developed than before. For instance, there’s Leatherhead, Wingnut, Scumbag, and Ray Fillet – they all seem to have been given a fresh coat of depth.

In the series, there’s a noticeable increase in their encounters with the Turtles, providing us with a deeper understanding of their personalities, making for an enjoyable viewing experience every time.

Instead, let me discuss some Turtles characters that aren’t part of the movie but are well-known from other sources, such as Pigeon Pete, a character introduced in IDW comics and the 2012 show, and Bishop, who hails from the 2003 animated series.

Currently, Pigeon Pete has become an excellent fit in the rowdy Mutant Mayhem team, with Christopher Mintz-Plasse providing his voice. In this rendition of events, it’s Michelangelo’s blood that triggers his mutation instead of Kraang. He then teams up with the other Mutanimals.

Yet, the character I’d like to focus on is Bishop, who undergoes a significant change in the Tales series. In this adaptation, Bishop is portrayed as a woman instead of the usual male figure, and unlike the traditional depiction, she isn’t inherently evil. Instead, she harbors resentment towards all mutants, stemming from events in Mutant Mayhem that were previously unknown to us.

I’m quite fond of how the series reworks the traditional Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters, just like a movie might do, and in a way that significantly improves their depiction – this leads me to my concluding thought.

And Honestly, Who Doesn’t Want More Turtles Content?

Because I don’t subscribe to Paramount+, I unfortunately missed the original release of “Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles“. However, I’m thrilled that it has now appeared on Netflix, joining other TMNT shows such as the 2012 version and “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” which I can now watch.

To express it in a personal and engaging manner, “I must confess, my admiration for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles runs deep – they even outshine the Power Rangers for me! Having watched Mutant Mayhem thrice already, I’m grateful to have found another source of excitement to keep me going until 2026.

Since Tales stands out as an excellent distraction, it manages to be true to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles while still offering something uniquely different. It expands on beloved characters and their stories, placing them in grander, more exhilarating escapades.

Moreover, it not only maintains but additionally ensures that some characters who seem likely to reappear in the upcoming film are kept alive.

If you’re as much of a Turtles enthusiast as I am, don’t miss out on “Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles“. It’s truly one of the greatest Turtles animated series ever made. Let’s shout it together, folks! “Go, Turtle power!

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2025-01-12 19:07