Thank You both for the feedback. I went ahead and picked up the first micro collection as I read the first 12 issues. In my opinion they are not vital to the story but are helpful. I have a basic understanding of the Turtles history but I would have had no idea who/what an Alopex was without the micros. Overall, the story seemed to hit its stride around issue #9 when Shredder and the Foot kidnapped Splinter. I think I'll pick up another couple of trades as I am curious what is up with Krang and the war.