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REVIEW: TMNT ANNUAL 2022

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual 2022

Story by Juni Ba

Art by Juni Ba and Ronda Pattinson

Published by IDW 

Released March 30th, 2022

 The Turtles embark on a secret mission to their roots, but a mysterious creature hunts them relentlessly. The Turtles will have to find a new way to come together to escape their foe-and the pain that haunts them. A special story of remembrance and family written and drawn by acclaimed artist Juni Ba!

“I KINDA MISS THIS, GUYS…”

Leonardo confesses that as he and his brothers face a supernatural adversary that preys on insecurities. That’s what TMNT Annual 2022 is essentially about. Yet, it’s about so much more. It’s about facing loss, overcoming insecurities, and rising above it all. And it’s a short tale executed wonderfully by Juni Ba. I miss it too, Leo. I think a majority of TMNT fans do. And I’ll touch on that in the “notes”. I wasn’t expected much with the Annual…as last years had a great story of the Rat King that (so far) has led nowhere into the main title nearly a year later. But I was immediately hooked into Ba’s story as it presented something we haven’t seen in whats felt like forever: Direction. 

Well, perhaps that’s harsh. But direction on brand with what IDW’s TMNT title has become beloved for. Ba leaves the furry fan fiction and aimless relationship drama in the sewers, and decides to paint us a picture (literally) of growth and determination. And Ba has said more in one issue than the two dozen of the mainline series.

THE RAD

  • Juni Ba tells us a brief but beautifully strong story of grief, family, and teamwork. 
  • Ba and Pattinson’s artwork is unique and stylish that fits the mood of the story perfectly. 
  • The “Leech Spirit” is an interesting and creative “villain” built for character growth. You get just enough of it in this short story.  
  • The callback of the red bandanas when the TMNT finally are fighting on the same page, and speaking of the loss of their father was poignant and beautiful.  

THE BAD

  • None.

Notes: I have been unnaturally optimistic with Sophie Campbell’s current two year TMNT run. Maybe it’s because I grew up with these characters and refuse to simply “give up” on some uninteresting direction. The last few issues have been moving in a solid direction, yet when writing like this Annual comes along….you realize what more the title could be. Ba mentions how much has changed within the IDW TMNT-verse in the form of dialogue between the Turtles. The brother’s briefly reminisce about their “old” days (intergalactic travel, Triceratrons etc) as Mikey claims he misses the “fun”. So do we, Mikey. We have our four Turtle brothers practicing the art of Ninja, voicing their doubts…reflections…and grief. All while battling an interesting villain. A dosage of action. And overcoming the odds as a family. The use of Master Splinter in the last pages of the book are heartbreaking yet important. And it leaves a lasting impression of sadness…yet hope with an optimistic message. Maybe that’s why I’m so optimistic when it comes to TMNT. Because that’s what they’ve always taught me. If you’re going to want to read an issue of TMNT this year so far, pick up TMNT Annual 2022. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Annual 2022 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

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Comic BooksReviews

TMNT #127 REVIEW

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #127

Story by Sophie Campbell

Art by Pablo Tunica and Ronda Pattinson

Published by IDW 

Released March 30th, 2021

Who is Dr. Jasper Barlow, and is he friend or foe? As the TMNT regroup from their battle with the Punk Frogs, the doctor makes some of our heroes an offer they may find hard to refuse. Plus, a tense situation between the Utroms and Triceratons goes from bad to worse!

SHE’S ALIVE?! SHE’S ALIIIIIVE!

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the past handful of TMNT issues recently. The story actually seems to have some direction…and even if it really doesn’t…I’m still positively intrigued by where the next issue is going. The surprise announcement that VENUS was returning to TMNT lore was surprising to say the least. Especially since we’ve had more than enough of Jennika since her debut. 

On Burnow Island, Commander Zom has been terribly wounded by Colonel Ch’rell and his forces, leaving the fate of her daughter, the Regenta Seri, in the tentacles of Ch’rell’s sister, Science Advisor Maʼriell. Meanwhile, in Mutant Town, the Turtles and their friends have barely escaped a violent ambush by the Punk Frogs, and find themselves regrouping in the macabre laboratory of Dr. Jasper Barlow. Barlow promises rehabilitation through (what we found out) crude spooky experimental surgery. With Donatello being interested in Barlow’s tech (as well as repairing his cracked shell) we’re introduced to one of Barlow’s turtle “patients”…

THE RAD

  • Dr. Barlow: He’s creepy, mysterious, and intriguing. He’s a villain that has some direction and prospects. And issue #127 solidifies that further. 
    • Great Pace: Campbell keeps the plot moving and covers a lot of ground for various characters and scenarios. 
    • TMNT Goes HORROR: This issue is genuinely off putting and creepy. 
  • Venus: She’s back. Not how we remember. Sure as hell not how we’d expect. But I’m looking forward to this iteration. 

THE BAD

  • Artwork: Tunica’s art leaves something to be desired. Flat colors and “googly” awkward expressions.
  • Utrom/Triceratons: Personal opinion but this plot string isn’t really grabbing me so far. It definitely slowed down this issue. 
  • New Headquarters: The Splinter Dojo being destroyed added an interesting possible plot moving forward, but in a few panels we found out they’re just going to be living in a Church now. Makes you wonder if the Splinter Dojo burning was just for shock factor with no plan.  

Notes: TMNT #127 is creepy, kooky, and all together spooky. The introduction of Franken-Venus is fresh, alluring, and odd. I look forward to how it plays out. Between Barlow, his experiments, and the Punk Frogs…TMNT lore has been on an uptick as of late. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #127 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

 

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Comic BooksReviews

TMNT #126 REVIEW

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #126

Story by Sophie Campbell

Art by Pablo Tunica and Ronda Pattinson

Published by IDW 

Released February 16th, 2021

The battle between the TMNT and the Punk Frogs rages through Mutant Town and there can only be one victor! Meanwhile, tensions come to a head between the Utroms and the Triceratons and the ramifications will have a big impact on NYC!

Okay, These Punk Frogs Are Pretty Dope…

After a rather solid previous issue featuring Utroms, Tricertron clone babies, Punk Frogs, and Splinter Clan headquarters burning down, Campbell seems to be moving forward with familiar characters, high stakes, and full steam. Which is a big fat breath of fresh air. With a supposed showdown between our TMNT and Battletoads 2022, can she keep that momentum going into TMNT 126?

Spoiler: She does. Issue 126 delivers in a satisfying way with a lot of story and action covered in a standard issue. Raph returns to create tension amongst the Splinter Clan…yet they all have one thing on their mind: REVENGE. The Punk Frogs and TMNT duke it out, with Donnie and Alopex running into Dr. Barlow. Who looks like he stepped out of a nightmare fueled horror comic. The Utroms and Triceratrons butt heads on the future of their race, leading to a shocking ending. 

THE RAD

  • Pattinson’s solid colors balance Tunica’s often goofy looking character expressions
  • Campbell tackles a lot of scenarios in this issue and balances everything extremely well. The past couple issues have been a wonderful departure from what we’ve been getting.  
  • Another high octane balance of NINJA action and story. No teen relationship drama or political meandering bogging down the pacing. 
  • Dr. Barlow is an intriguing and creepy villain I want to see more of

THE BAD

  •  Not sold just yet on Tunica’s art. The layout and sense of movement are great, but the characters’ appearances range from goofy to haunting. April can look like a caveman in one panel and the Turtles can look very feminine in another.

Notes: Another solid entry in the TMNT’s current storyline. I’m hoping Dr. Barlow plays a larger villain role moving forward and I missed the brisk thrilling action that TMNT should bring. 

 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #126 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

 

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Comic BooksReviews

COMIC REVIEW: TMNT #125

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

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! 

 

 

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Comic BooksReviews

COMIC REVIEW: TMNT #124

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #124

Story by Sophie Campbell

Art by Jodi Nishijima and Ken Garing (colors)

Published by IDW 

Released December 15th, 2021

The TMNT and their Mutant Town neighbors celebrate the holidays, but not everyone is enjoying the times-the Turtles feel the absence of Master Splinter, tensions are rising in the neighborhood, and a new threat is emerging. Can the Turtles find their way back to the spirit of the season before disaster strikes?

SILENT NIGHT, NINJA NIGHT

It’s the last 2021 issue of TMNT! And despite bumpy narratives, needless romances, and lack of direction…Campbell and company closes the year with a quiet cozy story of family, friends, and togetherness for the holidays. It’s the type of issue that should come once in a blue moon considering an action title. But Campbell’s writing has shifted TMNT into a slice-of-life furry-drama, so while this issue isn’t a breath of fresh air…its execution is at least. A comic with no words. Yet a strong narrative led solely with artwork from the new Ken Garing and regular Jodi Nishijima. Let’s break it down, ninjas. 

THE RAD: 

– A brisk cozy succinct holiday story filled with cameos and emotional memories. 

– We’re focused on our Turtles brothers and delve into some memories with Splinter, who is sorely missed from the current series. 

– Oroku Saki being a bro and looking out for the Splinter Clan. 

THE BAD 

– Nishijima and Garing’s artwork is NOT bad by any means, but overall feels like a step down from Ronda Pattinson. Though the linework has a great sense of movement, and could make for some great action panels down the line.  

Notes: TMNT #124 is a solid side note in the current story. I enjoyed the creatively silent approach to the issue (especially when “Ninja” is in the title). I loved the cameos, seeing Casey back with the gang, as well as the Turtles’ memories with Master Splinter. The tease of the next baddies and assumption of those annoying weasels being gone could (hopefully) lead us to stronger issues for 2022. Have a Cowabunga Christmas, kids. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #124 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

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