Chris Cooper reviews Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #72…
“Pantheon Family Reunion,” Part 2 of 2. A group of powerful and mysterious beings who decide the course of history can’t seem to stop arguing with each other. What happens when they realize that mutants may threaten their world order?
TMNT #72, as far as I can see, is a promise.
It’s the promise of one almighty battle, as the TMNT and their comrades take on something far bigger than ninjas, mutants, robots or aliens. It’s a battle that I’m honestly not sure about. I’ve now met the Pantheon, and I don’t know what IDW is going to do to give our guys a chance!
There isn’t really anything in terms of story progression, other than a resolution of last month’s cliffhanger. But to think less of it would be a mistake. Whilst this may not be a ground-breaking issue it does exactly what it needs to do between everyone involved. It’s the sort of tale that could only take place after the strong universe building that IDW have achieved. There’s so much history with these characters that you can read more into each piece of dialogue. From brotherly love, to family issues, to enemies with usefulness, #72 draws upon all that has come before as it looks to the future.
Overall I enjoy Wachter’s art, but one thing is bugging me this month…Leonardo’s swords. They’re too damn skinny! It’s not a big deal in the end but it rubs me the wrong way when swords look more like toothpicks. Otherwise I stand by what I said last month; Wachter is a spot-on choice for the Pantheon.
Oh! We get to see more of Alberto too. I really feel for poor Alberto.
Rating: 7/10
Chris Cooper
Originally published July 30, 2017. Updated April 15, 2018.
