Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #112
Story by Sophie Campbell
Art by Jodi Nishijima
Published by IDW
Released December 9th, 2020
Michelangelo takes to the airwaves as tensions in Mutant Town grow! New mutants have grievances with both the Turtles and the Mutanimals as both groups plan for the future. Plus Casey Jones returns!
Radical Radio and Democracy, Dudes! The Turtles say “Cowabunga!” to Political Climates?
After an adventurous shot of adrenaline that was TMNT #111, Campbell and company return to a more reflective issue ala #109 in which we delve into the lives of Mutant town but, more importantly, the long term effects of turning mutant and the struggle (or lack thereof in some cases) its has on New York citizens.
Mikey’s radio show is off and running, Mona attends a mutant support group, and Casey Jones is randomly back and it doesn’t really matter. Right off the bat, I enjoyed this issue overall. It’s clear that Campbell’s writing is reflecting modern day issues…and many meaningful comic story arcs have come from that. Adapting our reality into fiction is what can make a comics so gripping after all. I know of many TMNT fans who miss the days of the Kraang, robots, and kickin’ Foot for this drama mutant-bending based story arc. But I believe the beauty of TMNT is the ability to tell whatever story you can.
At face value TMNT #112 is about Old Hob’s terroristic “mutant bomb” leading some citizens believing their transformation squandered their life and want retribution. While others believe their mutant form is superior to what they were. Do they support the “Mutanimals” and, essentially, a terrorist group’s actions? It’s a heavy question that’s not as black and white as the old Mirage days (ha). And this leads to violence and the need for democracy.
Nishijima’s artwork is clean and emotive as usual. And Campbell’s writing in this issue is very word heavy but with purpose. The sudden reappearance of Casey Jones was nice to see. Though, his treatment lately (or lack theof) lead me to believe I may be disappointed soon enough. And, personally, I’d rather have Donatello run for Mayor of Mutant town. But I’ll be patient and see what Campbell’s big picture is. As, I’m sure, as we move forward we’ll get the classic action adventure we crave from a TMNT series. But, for now, I appreciate the direction.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #112 is now available wherever comics are sold!
