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Comic Review: TMNT #97

by Chris M. P.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #97

Story by Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, and Tom Waltz  

Art by Michael Dialynas and Ronda Pattison

Published by IDW 

Released August 28th, 2019

City at War, Part 5! 

City at War, Part 5. With enemies victorious on all sides and allies in short supply, the TMNT are at their lowest point. Yet as the TMNT start to blame themselves, a greater threat looms ever closer…

We’re marching strong into TMNT #100 as issue #97 puts us in the heat of war with a story that moves at a strong pace and solid artwork to match. From a personal perspective, I don’t believe I’m alone when I say that the IDW iteration of the TMNT is among my favorites. While not flawless, through the years it has always interpreted enough new, old, and reimagined ideas to stay fresh and innovative. And as we approach a landmark issue #100, this series continue to add to the Turtle lore by upping the stakes and changing the landscape. 

I’m talking about the characterization of Karai as she’s become one of my favorite comic villains in recent memory and (of course) the news that’s been making comic world headlines: the addition of the fifth Ninja Turtle, Jennika. Issue 97 has many plotlines traveling throughout but the writing team of Eastman, Curnow, and Waltz keep things focus and present the story in a manner that could catch even the newest readers up. As good comics should, right? I especially loved Metalhead’s pages in this issue. Dialynas and Pattison’s artwork is solid and passable. I can’t say that it really jumps out and makes me want to hang it in my home, but it works for the story and is stylish enough to help the story. 

Issue 97 leaves on a low note for the Turtles but a high note for the reader. I look forward to the war to continue into issue 98, and as a lifelong TMNT fan, I’m eager to see what issue 100 will bring us. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #97 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

 

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