Chris Cooper reviews the first issue of IDW’s four-part miniseries Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secret History of the Foot Clan…
“Demons, ninjas, and hostile takeovers-what more can you expect from a TMNT comic? The first instalment of this new miniseries reveals a history never told before about the original founder of the Foot. Join the Turtles as they get a history lesson that they will never forget!“
Wow. Let’s not beat around the bush here. This is an awesome comic. If I could somehow capture it in a bottle and drink it, it would taste heavenly. SHOTFC (It is a long title!) rather obviously travels back hundreds of years to show us the early history of The Foot. I was fearful that it would be a lame tie in or a cash grab, as no one who reads the main series (check out my previous reviews) would want to miss out on details that could add to the story in the present. I needn’t have worried.
Issue 1 looks beautiful. I mean really gorgeous. The style and colours fuse perfectly and really suit the time period. My experience of one guy working on both writing and artwork is poor, so I am mightily impressed by Mateus Santolouco, who nails it. I don’t know why the TMNT are on the front, as they are barely in the book, though their design is very cool. If it keeps up this level of artwork and storytelling it can keep going and I’d happily buy it each month. I’m very intrigued as to how this will all tie together, but will keep my theories to myself for now. Santolouco (who can move onto the main title anytime and it would be fine by me) and Burnham have crafted a fantastic tale with plenty of action and drama. Plus there are Samurais and lots of sword fighting, which we all know is awesome.
The last page is surprising, in a very cool way. What a great way to finish an issue; leaving me salivating at the prospect of next month’s issue. It’s not often you get to the end of a comic and your jaw drops at what just happened. SHOTFC #1 has slipped under my radar like a ninja and hit hard. That I can’t wait to read issue 2 should tell you all you need to know.
Chris Cooper
Originally published January 10, 2013. Updated November 6, 2019.
