Chris Cooper reviews Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #61…
“Chasing Phantoms” Part 1! While the Turtles and Splinter are still reeling from the events of TMNT #60, they come under attack by the Street Phantoms! Will Splinter let this challenge to his rule stand?
I have an announcement!
I’ve made a decision and I wanted to share it with you. It’s a big one.
When we were little my twin brother and I liked Raphel and Leonardo. At some point we swapped. I’ve no idea why but we were very young and probably very fickle.
Well, in the IDW universe at least I’ve changed my mind again.
Michaelangelo is now my favourite turtle.
Why did I change my mind? Anyone who reads these reviews will know I’ve long agreed with Mikey’s point of view on things. We have a lot in common – empathy for others, a strong sense of right and wrong, and a love of pizza. He also wears cool hats (thanks Mateus). It had never been enough to quite dislodge Leo (swords are cool, blue is my favourite colour and I really to him a lot being the eldest of four).
But #61 is one of the best written issues we’ve had in a while and has convinced me that Mikey deserves the top spot. This issue may be light on action but that’s not to say there aren’t battles. They’re just philosophical ones.
‘Chasing Phantoms’ builds on the various strands covered since The Shredder was dispatched and Splinter took over the Foot Clan. We’ve seen how the turtles have reacted and it comes to a head here. I’ve been critical of the stories post #50 but get the impression it may have been building up to something. Hopefully that’s the case and I won’t continue to look back on the fifties with as such negativity.
The artwork is pretty good. This isn’t a frantic series of panels to fill so if you’re looking for exciting poses and cool images then you’ll be out of luck. Facial expressions are a bit hit and miss but how each character holds themselves fits them really well. In a story that is full of dialogue and includes some strong opinions this is particularly important.
The Foot Clan are moving in a different direction but is it enough? Tom Waltz nails every piece of dialogue in this issue. I get why each character is doing what they’re doing but the best thing about it is that it makes you question the characters. Sure they’re the heroes but does that mean they get a free pass?
Once you’ve read the comic I have a question for you. Who’s side are you on?
I’m siding with my new favourite.
Chris Cooper
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https://youtu.be/b7Ozs5mj5ao?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng
Originally published August 29, 2016. Updated April 14, 2018.
