Chris Cooper reviews the latest issue of IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles…
“While Leonardo and the Foot bring the fight to the Savate ninjas, the other Turtles call upon all of their allies to prepare for War. City Fall continues to escalate when Splinter crosses a line by helping Old Hob get his revenge!”
Ooooooo. If this were a game of chess, I’d say that all the pieces were in place and both players (or this case, several) are ready to make their moves.
Though this issue still has its fair share of action it feels like the calm before the storm, and can’t help but feel like a slight lull in proceedings even though it is necessary.
Although initially thrown by the different art style at the beginning (very pretty work by Charles Paul Wilson III), the issue soon settles back into Mateus Santolouco’s fantastic artwork; which spared me a panic attack. Don’t take him away!
Two things jumped out. First off Raphael does a great impression of Batman. Secondly, Mikey’s hat! His ushanka not only looks rather sweet on him; it perfectly represents his personality and suits him well. Whilst Leonardo is out of good guy action, Michaelangelo is my clear favourite of the turtles.
Though The Shredder has managed to twist Leo into believing he is member of The Foot and is acting accordingly, I must admit a liking of how they work together. Shredder’s motivations may be entirely selfish, yet, he saves Leonardo on one occasion and appears to treat him as a son. Turning on the turtles against the rest is a big deal and works well, but I look forward to seeing him back in blue.
If you read last month’s issue #25 then you might be expecting to see a couple of classic villains. Don’t expect them though, as our favourite warthog (unless you love The Lion King) and rhino are taking centre stage in the villains micro series next month.
Yet again this month brings us excellent writing, characterisation, artwork, colouring and lettering. The level of consistency is really quite astounding. So even though I say this is a lull, it’s still a great issue and something others should aspire to.
Chris Cooper
Originally published September 26, 2013. Updated April 14, 2018.
