Chris Cooper reviews the latest in IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series….
“While strategically secluded in Northampton, the Turtles are hit by new revelations involving enemies’ shifting loyalties, miracle cures, and ghosts from the past. And in the present, grave danger is about to strike! What new Foot Clan menace is hunting the Turtles?“
Issue #31 of TMNT sure gets through a lot in a short space. It could easily be a mess. But each scene is written and presented so perfectly that it doesn’t feel rushed at all.
To give you an idea of just how much stuff is covered, here are a few bullet points…
– New haircut!
– Inter mutant relations?
– Scenes reminiscent of the first film!
– Fighting!
– Contemplation!
Yep, it’s all going on.
I can’t speak highly enough of the balance achieved by this story. ‘Northampton’ appeared at first to be a rest from the hectic action that took place throughout ‘City Fall’. But this hasn’t stopped the overall story from progressing in exciting ways whilst giving us and the characters some time to take a breath and reflect on the sheer amount they’ve been through.
Conversations take centre stage, revealing sides to our heroes we hadn’t yet seen. They also keep us on our toes, as I surprised more than once. Some titles struggle to make an impression on you in 30 pages. TMNT leaves me with something to ponder every few pages.
Ross Campbell’s artwork continues to impress here. I don’t wish to repeat myself so lets just go with ‘engaging and beautiful’.
Be sure to check out the letters section at the back. The included artwork gives you a really good look at how different each turtle actually appears. I hadn’t noticed that only Mikey had knee pads. Very interesting.
Every month I know I’m going to be thoroughly entertained and left waiting for more. This month does nothing to disappoint.
Chris Cooper
Originally published March 5, 2014. Updated April 14, 2018.
