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!
