Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #101
Story by Sophie Campbell with Tom Waltz and Kevin Eastman
Art by Sophie Campell and Ronda Pattinson
Published by IDW
Released January 8th, 2020
Welcome to the new world of TMNT! After the cataclysmic events of TMNT #100, the Turtles find New York City drastically changed—new factions and enemies are on the rise, and allies are in short supply. The Turtles discover that in order to survive they will need to work together like never before!
The TMNT world is scattered. New York is quarantined as it’s citizens are now mutants. Our Turtles are broken…wounded…lost. Their piecing themselves together in their own ways. That’s what issue #101 is all about. It’s tough to strike back after such an epic conclusion that was TMNT #100. To continue this massive 8 year journey and begin anew. But that’s what comics have always been about, haven’t they?
Sophie Campell scripts and draws this issue. And, first and foremost, she does a terrific job. This is the perfect issue we needed after the milestone that was #100. It’s been 6 months since Splinter has passed. The Turtles are at the farmhouse emotionally rebuilding. Raph is in the mutant-inhabited New York being Raph. When reading 101, I see the influences from TMNT’s past. I get the feeling of Eastman and Laird’s original run where the Turtles recede to the countryside. Journaling their thoughts and emotions. The treatment of the brotherhood being scattered definitely makes me think of 2007’s TMNT film. It’s a somber issue. As it should be.
Jennika really shines in this issue. You really she a path for her unfold and we get the IDW debut of Mona Lisa in a clever and interesting way. With New York’s inhabitants now being mutants, I also get a Chris Claremont X-Men: God Loves Man Kills vibes from how it’s handled. Which is a complement of course. This isn’t an issue I can really delve into and explain due to spoilers and I believe I’ve already said too much. The artwork is serviceable with a great look of fluid motion and warm and cool colors compliment the writing when needed. Overall I really enjoyed this issue. And I think if you’re wondering “where could they go from here?” after finishing #100, it’s safe to say their already off to a good start.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #101 is now available wherever comics are sold!
