It’s the trial of the century, or however time is measured in Dimension X. With the prosecution in need of witnesses, the Ninja Turtles are tasked with tracking them down. However, in true TMNT fashion, nothing is ever as simple as it seems.
Comic Review: TMNT Dimension X #1
(W) Paul Allor, (A) Pablo Tunica
If you’re looking for a completely standalone series featuring the Turtles in a wacky adventure in Dimension X, this is not the place for it. This miniseries ties directly into the the events of the latest TMNT story arc, “The Trial of Kraang,” and so it only makes sense in that context. Tasked with finding a way for this all to make sense is the creative team of Paul Allor and Pablo Tunica.
Overall, IDW couldn’t have found a more suitable artist for a story set in Dimension X. Tunica brings an independent, counter-culture aesthetic that heightens the weirdness of this world. Whether it’s backgrounds, foregrounds, or the weird creatures that inhabit those spaces, Tunica makes the reader believe that Dimension X is otherworldly. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, as there is one glaring flaw: his rending of the Turtles themselves. Maybe it’s just me, but when I look at his Turtles, all I can see is this:
If you’re an artist, the last thing you want is to remind people of the awful-looking suits from arguably the worst of the live-action films.
Paul Allor’s writing fares much better as a whole, delivering a solid narrative from start to finish. While there is some genuinely enjoyable moments, such as the Turtles’ realization that the world’s physics are controlled by their emotions, there is an overwhelming sense of irrelevancy from start to finish. Yes, the book is fun, and there’s some humor to be had, but it reads like a small piece of a larger whole – which is exactly what it is. Unlike other miniseries such as Secret History of the Foot Clan or Casey & April, this reads like an unnecessary cash grab.
TMNT Dimension X #1 does very little to compel readers to continue on with this miniseries. Completionists might claim to be enamored with it to justify its purchase, but at the end of the day it is a mediocre tie-in with some unique visuals.
What did you think of TMNT Dimension X #1? Let us know in the comments!
