The Survival Game

YOU'RE NOT ON   NICKTOONS   ANYMORE!

Some TMNT stuff really isn't for little kids.

Credits

• Script: Unknown
• Pencils: Jim Lawson
• Inks: Ryan Brown
• Lettering: Steve Lavigne

• Major characters: Raphael, Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo
• Originally published in: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4 (2nd print)
• Cover date: May 1987
• Page count: 8

Synopsis

In an alley, Raph is stumbling around, apparently suffering from memory loss. He last recalls being in New York City with his brothers before suddenly being engulfed in a bright light. Next thing he knew, he was on another planet and his brothers were trying to kill him. He thinks the composition of the atmosphere of whatever planet they’re on is causing his brothers to go crazy.

Needing to defend himself, Raph breaks into a nearby gun store and shoplifts a laser pistol. He then decides to hunt down and kill the other Turtles before they can kill him.

Raph spots Leo edging around a street corner, also bearing a laser gun. Raph gets the drop on him, shooting him through the chest. He then leaps up to a fire escape and waits patiently for Mikey to come sneaking by below. Raph shoots him dead, remarking that it's a dishonorable way to die. Raph then scales to the roof of the building for a place to hide.

Don climbs up the other side of the building and spots Raph's bandana on the other side of a ledge. Thinking he's got the drop on his brother, Don surprises him with his own laser gun, only to discover that Raph has tied his bandana around a chimney pipe. Before Don can realize he's been set up, Raph moves in for the kill and shoots him.

As Raph ponders his grim work, Leo, Mike and Don gather up to congratulate Raph for winning their game of laser tag. Raph, having imagined the whole scenario, comes to and says that he just really got into it.

Transcript

• The Survival Game/Transcript

Reprinted in

• Shell Shock

Trivia

• This story was done by the same creative team as the Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic, first published only weeks before the first Tales issue.
• According to Kevin Eastman's editorial at the beginning of TMNT (Vol. 1) #10, "The Survival Game" was intended as a preview for the upcoming Tales of the TMNT ongoing series, hence the "Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" branding on the first page of this story.
• A Ninja Turtles T-shirt can be seen for sale in the window outside the clothing shop on page 4.
• A "Gizmo" comic can be seen on the ground on page 5. "Gizmo" was a comic produced by Mirage Studios staffer Michael Dooney at the time.