Chris Cooper reviews Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #49…
“A final battle looms as Karai decrees a “Gauntlet” battle between ancient foes Splinter and Shredder but first the Turtles must defeat the Foot mutants— Koya, Bludgeon, Bebop & Rocksteady!”
Though this issue is hugely riveting, with great art and a thrilling conclusion, I couldn’t help but come away amused by it all. That may be an odd thing to say when the stakes are so high and we’re so close to the issue 50 ‘conclusion’, but my amusement stems from one idea.
The idea that Shredder is getting shafted from multiple angles.
Full of brains and brawn he’s quite rightly a formidable foe. But he does seem very prone to outbursts and not always seeing the bigger picture. His rage and ego allow him to be corralled by those close to him. It’s going to come back on him, soon hopefully, and I’m expecting to really enjoy his realisation that those he holds in high regard might not be as good for him as he thinks.
If you’ve been following IDW’s TMNT from the start, you’ll find this a very tantalising issue. The threat of The Foot has hovered over Splinter and his sons over two lifetimes now, with their clashes generally interrupted by other forces or ending in stalemate. Finally there is a chance to settle it once and for all. Mutants v mutants before the big dookaroo of Hamato Yoshi v Oroku Saki. I can’t wait to see it! Honestly though, can anyone really die? IDW got pretty close with the horrific beating of Donatello, but he was back quickly in some form.
Shredder’s possible comeuppance may have me rubbing my hands with glee, but what of our heroes?
Michelangelo has always had the most empathy among his brothers (one of the reasons he is now my favourite IDW turtle, sorry Leo), and his concern over actually having to kill someone, enemy or not, is a legitimate one. Splinter’s explanation as to why he may have to however is convincing. Layers of history and characterisation that have built up over the last four years add up to make these paternal scenes shine.
I may have ruined my usual spoiler free take on things as it is (apologies) so I’ll wrap this up. Next month’s issue #50 is a double size story that claims to wrap up long standing story arcs. Issue #49 is an awesome lead in to it. If you’re not reading this series you really should be.
Chris Cooper is a Flickering Myth Staff Writer, and owner of the blog Super Duper Stuff. Follow him on Twitter @SDCCooper or visit the blog’s Facebook page.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng&v=8k_v0cVxqEY
Originally published August 19, 2015. Updated November 7, 2019.
