With the entire internet dumping ice water over their heads to raise awareness for ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or, as it is commonly known, Lou Gehrig’s Disease), I thought that I would put a heavy metal spin and a very human face on the story.

Guitar virtuoso Jason Becker was 19 years old and on top of the world. He had already released two critically acclaimed albums with fellow shredder and future Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman under the moniker of Cacophony as well as a blistering solo debut album. He had just been hand picked to be David Lee Roth’s guitarist following in the giant footsteps of Edward Van Halen and Steve Vai. But just one week after getting the Roth gig, his meteoric rise came to a screeching halt when he was diagnosed with ALS and told that he had 3-5 years to live. His first question to the doctor was, “Will I be able to tour?”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:
Secret History of the Foot Clan #1
Story by Mateus Santolouco
Script by Mateus Santolouco & Erik Burnham
Art by Mateus Santolouco
Colors by Joao “Azitona” Vieira
Letters by Shawn Lee
Edits by Bobby Curnow
IDW Publishing
Release Date: January 9, 2013
Cover Price: $3.99

In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Secret Origin of the Foot Clan #1, you get about 3 issues worth of story. I mean it. It’s REALLY packed with the history of how the foot clan came to be. After reading it, I can’t help but think, “Is there any more story that they can tell?” I guess we’ll find out.

With a story by Mateus Santolouco, and a script by Mateus Santolouco and Erik Burnham, this is a perfect blend of humor/history/mystery/suspense and action. Now, I don’t know who exactly scripted what, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Burnham was brought in to provide dialogue for the Turtles and contribute that unique brand of humor that he brings to Ghostbusters on a monthly basis. This issue is, simply put, a great story. You’re really gonna enjoy this book. I’ll even go so far as to say non-Turtle fans will get some enjoyment out of it.