Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #125
Story by Sophie Campbell
Art by Pablo Tunica and Ronda Pattinson
Published by IDW
Released January 19th, 2021
The Turtles come face-to-face with a territorial group – the Punk Frogs! Will Mutant Town crumble when the two sides collide? Meanwhile, a new villain emerges AND the return of the Triceratons! A new era of TMNT starts here!
Can a New Era Mean a Better Era?
TMNT Issue 124 saw a cozy warm winter issue. But it’s time to turn up the stakes and get this motor running again. Because it feels like we stall more than ride these days when it comes to IDW’s TMNT series. I’m happy to say that TMNT #125 is the remedy as we’re treated to a story of familiarity, ninja action, and consequences. The Utroms and Triceratrons (or what’s left of them) are back. It’s truly been ages since we’ve seen them and their mere presence makes the issue feel more “ninja-turtley” than ever. Casey Jones also has some meaningful interactions and finally wears the hockey mask. But the standout characters in this issue are the “Punk Frogs” which are, get this, punk frogs. And while they have a brief story-time they certainly make their presence known. Here’s a quick breakdown:
THE RAD:
- Utroms, Triceratrons, Hockey-masked Casey, and ninja action make this new plot line feel like the Ninja Turtles of old so far.
- Tunica’s artwork is very flowy and sketchy with a great selection of angles. It makes the artwork more emotive. And Pattinson’s colors always set the tone just right.
- Campbell tells us just enough and always keeps a good pace in this issue.
- Punk Frogs look great and I already hate them. Makes for good villains.
THE BAD:
- Not too thrilled about a “birth” plotline. Not that I’m against it, it’s just with Pattinson’s previous writing I feel like we’re going to get a Triceratron Lifetime movie instead of what this book needs to be.
- Some of Tunica’s expressions on the characters make them look a little “Out of Our Shells”.
Notes: I recommend #125. It throws out some very interesting plot points. Not only the Punk Frogs and Triceratrons but the creepy Dr. Barlow and the Splinter Dojo being burned down. Genuinely intrigued into where we go from here. I can only hope Campbell and the team keep up the energy!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #125 is now available wherever comics are sold!