Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #102
Story by Sophie Campbell with Tom Waltz and Kevin Eastman
Art by Sophie Campbell and Ronda Pattinson
Published by IDW
Released January 29th, 2020
The Turtles are separated, each trying to find their own way forward. With their absence, Old Hob fills the power vacuum with the help of some very unusual new mutants!
In order to move forward, you sometimes have to step back. The theme of this issue is simplicity.
And there’s nothing wrong with that. After the string of “epic-ness” IDW’s TMNT series has been hurdling to #100, we’ve slowed down to find our footing. And Campbell’s Issue 102 makes that very clear…in a good way of course. Jennika and the newly introduced Mona Lisa tangle with Diamond, a mutanimal Porcupine with ruthless intentions. And our Turtle brothers can’t seem to pull themselves together after the death of their master.
I mentioned how Jennika really shined in issue #101. So far, out of all the Turtles, she is the most level headed right now. I’ve read some complaints on how the past two issues have been losing focus on TMNT, but I feel like it’s for a purpose. Jennika is being spotlighted as she has a new solo miniseries being released in February. And, storywise, having the TMNT take a backseat in their own series would make their return more important. We’re being introduced to this (nearly) lawless mutant city and how it affects the citizens. Patience is key as we’re still in the middle of picking up the pieces. And with all this story being unfolded, Campbell does a good job pacing this huge story by making it small and focused.
The artwork is solid, with my favorite moments being the Turtles back on the farm. The art proving how much you can say without words. Pattinson’s colors add a lot as well, with the Turtles’ panel being engulfed in white snow, meanwhile the mutant city using cool dark hues. The issue ends in an intriguing way that makes me believe Issue 102 should ‘weasel” its way into your comic pickup list.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #102 is now available wherever comics are sold!