AIPT Comics

Finding the Fugitoid: Andrew Joustra on writing TMNT across animation & comics

Episode Summary

We’re joined by Andrew Joustra, whose creative path has taken him from animation and film straight into the world of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Joustra stops by to talk about making his comics debut with Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4, what it meant to finally see his name on a TMNT comic after years in Hollywood, and why reimagining Fugitoid was the perfect entry point into the franchise. It’s a candid, enthusiastic conversation about lifelong fandom, crossing mediums, and finding the right moment to jump into comics—with the Turtles as the dream project.

Episode Notes

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NEWS

  1. Marvel’s 'Ultimate Endgame' Blind Bags went from collectible to straight-up lottery ticket
  2. Scott Snyder reveals Jonah Hex on the way:
    1. But now to have it be like a load bearing book at DC, or a book that generates excitement and money for them in a way that allows us more creative latitude on other books, the things that it’s engendered for Next Level—I can’t wait for you to see these books. I mean, all of them are really creator forward. They’re real big swings, Lobo and Deathstroke. They’re big over the top epic books. Batwoman, real, real great swing by Greg Rucka and Dani. Zatanna really levels Zatanna up. Firestorm and Shadow of the Bat. I mean, there are just so many good ones. There really are. Legion of Superheroes and Jonah Hex and there’s just a ton coming that we can’t wait for you to see. And they’re all passion projects. And a lot of that is born out of you guys supporting things that are riskier, that are different, that hopefully feel yours. And it’s the best time I’ve ever had in superhero comics. I’m so, so grateful to you guys and so proud of what we’re able to do right now at DC. So first, let me start this end of year thing by just saying thank you.

Our Top Books of the Week:

Dave:

  1. Punisher: Red Band #4 (Ben Percy, Julius Ohta)
  2. Escape #5 (Rick Remender, Daniel Acuna)

Coplan:​​

  1. Ultimate Endgame #1 (Deniz Camp, Jonas Scharf)
  2. Lost Fantasy #6 (Curt Pires, Maxi Dallo)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Coplan: Ultimate Endgame #1 (Deniz Camp, Jonas Scharf)

Dave: Ultimate Endgame #1 (Deniz Camp, Jonas Scharf)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

Interview: Andrew Joustra - Tales of TMNT #4 (out Mar 18, 2026, FOC Feb 9th)

Recently he wrote the theatrical animated short Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 - Lost in New Jersey for Paramount and is currently writing the Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book series for IDW Publishing.

Andrew has dwelled in the sewer for a while now, having been the script & recording coordinator for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and currently working as the script supervisor for its sequel.

1. Andrew’s comics debut

Andrew, Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4 marks your comic-writing debut and kicks off a three-issue arc. What did it feel like to finally see your name on a TMNT comic page after working in animation for so long?

2. Transition from screen to page

You’ve worked as Script Coordinator and Script Manager on Mutant Mayhem and its sequel—what muscles did you have to retrain (or unlearn) when shifting from screenwriting to writing comics?

3. Working with Louie Joyce

Can you talk about collaborating with Louie Joyce on this arc? How did your scripts leave room for visual storytelling, especially with action and emotion?

4. Fugitoid’s debut in Tales

This arc introduces Fugitoid into the Tales of the TMNT universe. What made him the right character to bring into this specific corner of TMNT, and what excites you most about using him in this format?

5. Anti-AI themes and “Chrome Alone 2”

Andrew, you recently wrote the animated short Chrome Alone 2, which has a clear anti-AI message. Without getting into anything off-limits, how important is it for you to sneak big ideas and values into genre storytelling?

6. Franchise stewardship

What’s exciting about Tales of the TMNT specifically as a space for experimentation and tone shifts within the brand?

7. Entry point for new readers

For readers who might be jumping into Tales of the TMNT for the first time, what do you think makes this arc—between your voice, Louie’s art, and Fugitoid’s arrival—a great onboarding point?

8. Fun / silly closer: Last one: If the Turtles were brutally honest, which one would give the worst notes on your script—and why would it definitely be Michelangelo?