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COMIC REVIEW: TMNT #108

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

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #108

Story by Sophie Campbell with Tom Waltz and Kevin Eastman

Art by Nelson Daniel and Ronda Pattinson 

Published by IDW 

Released August 26th, 2020

Shipping bi-weekly, the Summer of TMNT starts now! The Turtles are trapped by a fearsome new mutant foe with seemingly no way of escape. Their friends make a last-ditch attempt to save the Turtles, but will secrets in City Hall spell salvation or doom?

Our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are all slimed up in the sewers due to the wrath of The Slithery. April O’Neil finds out Baxter Stockman is up to no good once more fiddling with his mousers. And that brings us to issue 108, which concludes the tale of the Slithery all while opening up a new can(s) of worms on where we go from here. And it seems enticing.

Action and intrigue is balanced quite well throughout the issue, as it becomes less about the actual sewer monster and more about the big picture concerning the aftermath of Old Hobb’s bomb and its effect on Mutant Town. It’s mutating fish into monsters. So what does that mean when it comes to the ocean? The squirrels and racoons in Central Park? Giant jacked aggressive creatures with little intelligence. This could certainly pose a problem. And that’s what the story arc of “The Slithery” has told us. 

This story arc has been simple and safe. We’ve traveled back to the sewers. April being more relevant to the Turtles’ adventures again, Baxter Stockman up to his old tricks. It seems Campbell and Pattinson could be building a foundation of this “new reality”. A town of mutant hybrids coexisting because what else can they possibly do? An interesting direction is teased between Alopex and Mona discussing whether there should be a “Mayor” of Mutant Town. Both easily agreeing Donatello would be the best bet, then joking that Raph could try. I’m not sure if that’s a serious direction, but seeing Donatello run for Mayor of Mutant Town and essentially battle Baxter Stockman politically? Do we want that? Not necessarily…but would I like to see that? It would be fun to write. Ripe for satire. 

Daniel and Pattinson’s artwork is passable. The linework is nothing to rave about and the colors are very drab. Sticking to an almost khaki spectrum this issue. I’m also not thrilled with the design of April O’Neil this time around. Looking less like April and more like a suburban mom who’d like to speak with the manager. 

But, overall, the past few issues have been grounded and simplified. It seems a lot of the staple threats of the TMNT universe have been nullified. And, while I welcome new threats, I’d say it’s time to speed up the direction of the current series. It’s been 8 issues since the big arc. And while a lot has happened (technically) it feels like a lot hasn’t. So while Issue 8 is passable, here’s to picking up the pace in future installments. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #108 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

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Comic BooksReviews

COMIC REVIEW: TMNT #107

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

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #106

Story by Sophie Campbell with Tom Waltz and Kevin Eastman

Art by Nelson Daniel and Ronda Pattinson 

Published by IDW 

Released July 29th, 2020

The Turtles take to the sewers to confront the deadly new creature that has been stalking mutants. When their home court advantage is turned against them, no one is safe! Meanwhile, a falling out between Baxter and April could have dire consequences for Mutant Town!

“Mousers and Sewers! Just like old times, eh?” – Michelangelo 

You’ve got that right, Mikey. We’re back after a quick break diving right into TMNT #107. The local legend of an eel-like creature known as “The Slithery” is abducting kids across Mutant Town. But the Turtles are on the case! Yet with mousers being involved…does this unveil a puppet master behind The Slithery to begin with? Issue 107 feels more like a TMNT tale of old. With familiar faces like April O’Neil and Baxter Stockman and the majority of the issue being in the sewer taking out mousers. I enjoyed seeing the Turtles back in this regard. I also like the new character of “Lita” and the troubles she’s going through to prove to her masters (and herself) that she has what it takes to be a ninja. I also appreciate Jennika taking a backseat as the story moves forward. I feel like she’s been given enough character development to be considered “one of the clan”. So I enjoy her now being written for the present. 

The artwork of Daniel and Pattinson is better this time around. It may because Daniel has a much better stylistic grasp on bold shadows. And with the majority of this issue taking place in the dark cold sewers of Mutant Town, Daniel’s minimal highlights coupled with Pattinson’s cool colors create a moody atmosphere. And, therefore, a nice looking book. 

The issue turns full on “horror movie” towards the final pages as our Turtles seem to get closer to uncovering The Slithery. As we end with April O’Neil making a (not so) jaw dropping discovery as who’s behind the mousers. It’s a solid issue moving at a brisk pace with stylistic art. The current story is a much needed smaller scope. I personally believe the TMNT work best in that regard, so it’s refreshing to return to this focus..for now anyway. If you’ve been keeping up with the series, it’s clear there’s bigger issues to be covered…but, for now, I enjoy what Campbell, Waltz, and Eastman are giving us. But pacing this is key. 

 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #107 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

 

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Comic BooksReviews

COMIC REVIEW: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #106

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

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #106

Story by Sophie Campbell with Tom Waltz and Kevin Eastman

Art by Nelson Daniel and Ronda Pattinson 

Published by IDW 

Released July 15th, 2020

The mutagen bomb’s fallout continues to affect NYC in increasingly disturbing ways. As the government struggles to come to grips with a growing humanitarian crisis, mutants start to go missing. The TMNT trace the clues to the waterfront and find something terrifying that is now living in the depths!

Familiarity Could be a Blessing…

It feels like it’s been ages since we’ve had a more linear TMNT adventure within the IDW series. With an epic clash at issue #100, Splinter dying, New York becoming mutant-town, the Turtles disbanding, and the story becoming very Jennika focused. The last issue had a very comforting “slice of life” vibe to it, where as issue #106 picks up with a familiar robot face in the form of a mouser “killing” (?) Kermit the frog. Inside the Turtles dojo we learn about a new possible threat deemed “THE SLITHERY” abducting children from the sewer depths of mutant-town. Tall tale or monstrous mutant? 

Meanwhile April grows weary of politics (aren’t we all?) concerning the uninfected treating the NYC mutant problem. The story moves brisk and is focused as the stakes are much smaller this time around. I found that to be oddly refreshing with the dire consequences the series has had for the past 10 or so issues. 

Nelson Daniel steers the artwork this time around…unfortunately I don’t know if this is an upgrade to what we’ve been getting with Campbell. Pattinson’s colors are standard, giving the issue a look that fits right in with what we’ve been getting. Yet Daniel’s artwork, while skilled, comes off as quick and vague. The biggest issue I had was not being able to tell our Turtle brothers apart. Small details are absent (Leo no longer has a scar) and the Turtles are certainly emotive with an almost Archie comics flair…yet overall something seems to be missing visually. It leaves the issue, visually, with something to be desired. 

Overall Issue 106 was an entertaining read. Slightly disappointing that the cliffhanger ending from #105 wasn’t even touched upon this time around, but I assume Campbell and company is letting it breathe for now. Looks like we’ll be seeing the Ninja Turtles heading back into the sewer to tackle some mousers and mutants afterall. And with everything going on in the real world right now, some familiarity certainly won’t hurt. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #106 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

 

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COMIC REVIEW: TMNT #105

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

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #105

Story by Sophie Campbell with Tom Waltz and Kevin Eastman

Art by Sophie Campbell and Ronda Pattinson 

Published by IDW 

Released June 24th, 2020

Music, mayhem, and most importantly: family. The TMNT all return to NYC and begin to see a path forward for themselves in Mutant Town. The conclusion to Sophie Campbell’s first ongoing story arc ends with heart and isn’t to be missed!

It’s a Pizza Slice of Life…

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have finally returned…for their very first metal concert. The four brothers coming together to simply be teenagers was a refreshing take I didn’t really expect. Being “superhero” comics, you’d think the turtles would triumphantly return by donning the colored masks and diving in on mutant baddies…but Sophie Campbell’s arc has always taken the more somber route. And it’s really grown on me. We relate to characters because they experience failure and hardships…just like us. So it’s fitting for our Turtles to not have an epic action splash page screaming “We’re back!” but instead to just return to some sort of normalcy among the chaos. And it’s a reality that really hits home with what we’re all currently experiencing.  

Issue #105 has a nice “slice of life” pacing throughout. The Ninja Turtles have entered Mutant Town, reunited with allies, formed bonds, and begin piecing together their new reality. In short, they’re moving forward. They’ve realized the sacrifice their father has made for them. Calling themselves “The Splinter Clan”, they take in mutant allies and train those in need through the art of ninja. The Turtles are taking on new friendships, experiencing love, and bettering themselves in the process. Jennika has grown quite a bit as well since we’ve first met her, growing into a strong mature figure to stand tall with her Turtle brothers. 

The artwork of Campbell and Pattinson stand out a lot in this issue. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but the linework looks much cleaner and the colors more vibrant and strong. In particular, the Turtles donning their signature colored masks once more looked sharp and vibrant. As it should, since the writing pinned it as a turning point for the series. 

I didn’t love everything, mind you, throughout issue 5. Even though Jennika is pushed heavily, I feel like she always gets too much time in the Turtles signature book. Every good character needs growth and development, and as much as I like Jennika, I read this book for the Ninja Turtles. I’d rather focus within their dynamic, their inner thoughts and hearts. Jennika has been written well, but I always feel I’m trying to be sold on her. With special kind hearted moments and “badass” mantras being delivered solely by her. I like her, guys, but don’t overdose me on Jennika. This is the Ninja Turtles main title after all. 

The cliffhanger we leave on this time around also left me with an iffy feeling. I look forward to seeing where it goes, of course, but I’m dreading a “time travel” story arc. Which is my cup of tea personally. There’s plenty to love in this issue. With Raph/Alopex, Don and Mona Lisa, establishing The Splinter Clan, and Jennika cheering up a young “ninja” student. But these are comic books…so happiness is fleeting as I’m sure our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will soon be thrusted back into a dilemma of epic proportions. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #105 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

 

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FINALE REVIEW: TMNT/MMPR #5

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

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5

Written by Ryan Parrott

Art by Simone di Meo and Alessio Zonno with Walter Baiamonte and Igor Monti

Published by BOOM! Studios and IDW Publishing

Released June 17th, 2020

It’s the ultimate showdown between the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, up against the joint forces of Rita Repulsa and Shredder! Cowabunga!

Blows dust off of Ninja Turtle comic books

Hello? Hey? You guys still with me? Remember comic books? Remember when the Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers crossed paths in the most epic way possible? Complete with Green Ranger Shredder, Turtle Rangers, and Power Ninjas? Three months ago I reviewed Ryan Parrot’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles issue 4. I’ve been riding a wave of nostalgia with this series since it’s release…loving every word and panel. I stated, “With everything currently going on in the world, this comic series couldn’t have come at a better time.”  Yes, I quoted myself. And I can’t say things have gotten necessarily better since then…but we’re humans. Sometimes we have to take some steps back in order to move forward. But I’m not here to talk about reality. I’m here to put a cap on what is one of my favorite comic stories of recent memory. 

We left the story with some power swapping between Turtle and Ranger…Rita and Shredder reeling in for a final attack…Bebop and Rocksteady are giants…Megazord incoming. You know the routine. Parrott writes the final issue in true Power Rangers finale fashion: with a whole lot of wisecracks and robot fightin’. From the Turtles controlling the Megazord like an arcade cabinet to panels of The Shredder blowing in the Mighty Dragon Dagger… fan service is in full swing and aptly written. This could’ve been a very mundane story, yet the energy in the writing and art come together to create what is, in my opinion, the best Ninja Turtles crossover to date. 

Simone di Meo and companys’ artwork is stylish and energetic. The Megazord battle happening at sunset creates a warm feeling throughout the comic as comforting as the nostalgia it sets out to trigger. The illustrations show such a great sense of motion that fit our heroes perfectly. The inclusion of Metalhead bonding with a Megazord to create the world’s first fully functioning “Turtle-Zord” led me to have an out-of-body experience. Seeing both my childhood crushes April O’Neil and Kimberly chatting it up on the couch had me grinning from ear-to-ear. And that’s what I’ve really been looking for the past few months. Just some good reasons to smile. 

I give Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles a standing ovation. It’s proven to be a fun, action packed, humorous adventure created by fans for fans. You’re not going to be pondering life’s questions when finished reading it…but you’re not supposed to be. It showcases the roots of why I grew up loving these franchises to begin with. It makes me want to go to my backyard and attack imaginary bad guys with sticks and do horribly executed jump-kicks. In conclusion, it makes you feel like a kid again. I truly want to thank Ryan Parrot, Simone di Meo, and everyone else responsible for creating this crossover. Read it. Buy it. And ask for more. Now please. Sequel? I’ll be here waiting. 

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

 

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