Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #122
Story by Sophie Campbell
Art by Jodi Nishijima
Published by IDW
Released October 20th, 2021
The fallout from the confrontation between the Mutanimals and the TMNT continues with many questioning what direction Mutant Town is headed for. While the Turtles discuss their new path forward, Hob begins to set his sights on a new target: Baxter Stockman!
ICE CREAM AIN’T THE ONLY THINGS THAT’S COLD…
After a pretty mundane issue filled with petty cross species relationship drama and childish inner turmoil, can IDW’s TMNT head in a more suitable direction? Answer: Not really. While the plot is moving forward, Campbell’s writing still feels caught up with intricacies that are simply not very interesting. Here’s The Rundown:
THE RAD:
-Nishijima’s crisp and solid artwork give the characters a defined and colorful vibe.
-Hob is the only character that’s benefitting from the current series run. He’s interesting…vile yet intriguing. Probably because he doesn’t have a sappy love interest or delve into the political climate.
-Got to see Splinter Clan’s Halloween costumes. That’s always pretty fun.
THE BAD:
-Ninja Turtles discussing the foundation of democracy for most of the issue isn’t very tantalizing.
-Jennika basically says the TMNT are out of their element. But who is she to say that?
-More political rallies, talks of establishing a judicial system and journalistic newspapers are not why I read TMNT.
Notes: TMNT #122 is another miss for Campbell. I’m not saying you can’t take these characters to places they’ve never been. IDW’s take on TMNT has always been about family at its core. And with that comes drama, love, and consequences. But there is a time and place for it. Campbell’s writing focuses on aspects that simply are not that interesting or, at least, shouldn’t take up so much of the story. At this rate, I’m expecting 16 pages devoted to The Turtles filing their taxes. Just because you can write it, doesn’t mean you should. And I feel like that’s the theme with Campbell’s TMNT run so far. It’s Ninja Turtles, not some Netflix Teen drama or West Wing. When the hell was the last time someone ninja kicked someone else?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #122 is now available wherever comics are sold!