‘City at War’ begins with a stab in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles No. 93
By Alex Widen
A new take on a classic Ninja Turtles tale begins!
As the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise celebrates its 35th year, now is the best time to recreate one of their biggest and boldest story arcs. The original “City At War” arc ran from 1992-1993 in Mirage Publishing’s TMNT No. 50-62. It was not only the final storyline of the Ninja Turtles’ first volume, it was also (arguably) the last major TMNT story in which both co-creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird were handling themselves on a monthly basis. Each creator would return to the franchise afterward, but always individually, or working alongside others.
Image by IDW Publishing
The plot involved the Foot Clan — specifically, the Shredder’s Elite Ninja, continuing to be fiercely loyal to him, even in death. It was the story that introduced Karai to the franchise, and it was even adapted to animation during the 2003 era TMNT cartoon from 4Kids Entertainment (as well as referenced in their 2007 CGI film of the same name). IDW Publishing’s incarnation is a bit different, as their own storylines and universe have evolved into their own entity. But as always, Karai is at the center.
Image by IDW Publishing
In a brief prelude in Dimension X, the Turtles’ allies Fugitoid, Dask, Zak, and Kala are enjoying some rare downtime. Their war of rebellion is over, the Triceratons are gone, and their former enemy Krang is dead. Yet their respite is brief, as the Fugitoid foresees danger on the horizon. It is likely Maligna, the insect queen whose hordes were references in issue 75. Unfortunately, the last thing the Ninja Turtles nor their friends and family care about now are more aliens from Dimension X!