V4I25-28: Tiny Donnie, Alien Toys & The Shredder Returns

In this episode of Ninja Turtle Nerds, We dive into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Volume 4, Issues 25–28! Shadow is hunted by a terrifying alien toy, Leonardo opens a portal to the Battle Nexus, Michelangelo escapes an alien prison, Donatello is tiny, and somehow… the Shredder is back?!Plus, we look back at the movies, music, video games, and pop culture of late 2005 through mid-2006 as Volume 4 continues to prove that absolutely nothing is normal in the world of TMNT.Issues covered: TMNT Vol. 4 #25–28Cover dates: December 2005–June 2006Email: [email protected], review, and subscribe!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 4 issues #21-24, originally released in 2005! We’re breaking down the increasingly bizarre stories of the Mirage-era TMNT comics, including Mikey’s space prison, Donnie getting shrunk, Raph’s giant mutant transformation, and April’s shocking revelation about her origins.We’ll also take a look at what was happening in the world of entertainment when these issues hit comic shops, from Revenge of the Sith and Batman Begins to the launch of the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 reveal, and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Plus, we discuss the strange pacing of these issues, the ongoing vampire storyline, Donnie’s increasingly ridiculous robot solutions, and why Issue #24 gets a 4.5/5 from us.The Ninja Turtle Nerds are working our way through TMNT comics four issues at a time, revisiting the stories, characters, weirdness, and nostalgia along the way. If you love the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, TMNT comics, Mirage Studios, and comic book deep dives, make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review!Follow the Ninja Turtle Nerds:Email: [email protected]#TMNT #TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles #NinjaTurtles #TMNTComics #MirageTMNT #MirageStudios #TMNTVol4 #TMNTPodcast #NinjaTurtleNerds #TeenageMutantNinjaTurtlesComics #TMNT2005 #ComicBooks #ComicBookPodcast #TurtlePower #TMNTNerds

The journey through TMNT Volume 4 continues as we dive into Issues #17–20, one of the most eventful stretches of the series so far.In this episode of Ninja Turtle Nerds, we break down Michelangelo's unexpected adventure at Earth's alien immigration center, the mysterious new visitors arriving on the planet, Shadow's continued development, and the growing tensions surrounding the Turtles' ever-changing world. We also discuss the return of familiar faces, the expanding sci-fi elements that make Volume 4 so unique, and how Peter Laird continues to build a version of the TMNT universe unlike anything that came before.Along the way, we share our favorite moments, debate the biggest reveals, point out hidden details, and discuss how these issues fit into the larger story of Volume 4.Whether you've been following along with our complete TMNT comic retrospective or you're discovering these comics for the first time, join us for another deep dive into one of the most ambitious eras in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles history.🐢 Topics include:TMNT Volume 4 Issues #17–20Michelangelo's alien adventureShadow's continuing storyNew alien characters and Earth diplomacyPeter Laird's world-buildingEaster eggs, theories, and comic discussionIf you enjoy the episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and let us know your thoughts on these issues in the comments!

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?