Comic Review: TMNT Dimension X #5

The finale of the Dimension X miniseries is upon us, and not a moment too soon. Can the fifth and final issue break the miniseries’ tendency to be entertaining but cripplingly predictable? We’ll find out.

Comic Review: TMNT Dimension X #5 (of 5)

(W) Devin Grayson, (A) Craig Rousseau, (C) Leonardo Ito

See that look on Mikey’s face? That’s the look of someone who just read TMNT Dimension X #5. As has been the case throughout this miniseries, a new creative team takes the reins in this issue. Veteran writer Devin Grayson manages to defy expectations by twisting the miniseries’ formula so that the somewhat predictable outcome remains, but the journey is unlike anything delivered in the previous four installments. This is complemented by the delightfully cartoonish art Craig Rousseau and bright colors of Leonardo Ito.

What makes this issue stand out from the others in this miniseries is the nature of the witness. Whereas the others have been individuals with their own quirks, this time it is an entire planet with a shared consciousness among its plant-like lifeforms. Even though Hakk-R arrives first (and a quick battle with the Turtles ensues), he almost immediately departs as he believes there is no way for the entire planet to serve as a witness. Normally, he would be right, but the Turtles’ insistence on gathering evidence leads them on a journey that ultimately explores the ideas of discrimination and individualism vs. collectivism.

Unfortunately, Grayson is unable to fully explore these philosophical ideas given the space constraints of a single-issue that must also wrap up the miniseries itself. These topics are brushed aside as quickly as they are introduced. It’s a real shame, and I would love to see Grayson given an entire miniseries (or story-arc within TMNT Universe) to fully flesh out her ideas.

Instead, this entire issue reads like a creator’s vision colliding head-on with an editorial mandate right up to the abrupt ending. The issue opens in media res, with Hakk-R already on-planted talking with locals. The Turtles arrive shortly after, but their Neutrino escorts remain in orbit and engaged some sort of space-battle, which isn’t really cleared up. Meanwhile, the art from Rousseau and Ito is solid, but readers might get whiplash from how different it is compared to the previous issue.

This fifth and final installment proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that TMNT Dimension X is a frustratingly inconsistent miniseries. If you are a completionist and must read everything TMNT-related, go for it. Otherwise, I cannot in good faith recommend anyone pick this up. With the final tally being 5 issues at $3.99 an issue, you’re better off spending your money elsewhere.