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Alopex

Comic Review: TMNT Universe #19

by Dan Gehen February 7, 2018

written by Dan Gehen

Raph and Alopex are off on a recon mission, until Raph’s emotions lead them charging into battle. Meanwhile, the Rat King does his creepy Rat King things.

Comic Review: TMNT Universe #19

(W) Ian Flynn & Bobby Curnow, (A) Dave Wachter & Pablo Tunica, (C) Ronda Pattison

While the TMNT comics under IDW Publishing have by and large done an excellent job in providing definitive takes on long established characters. In some cases, backgrounds have been retooled, almost always for the better. However, if there is one thing the Turtles’ comic home has not done exceedingly well is provide the franchise with new characters. There have been some standouts, such as Old Hob, but for the most part the creative minds behind this incarnation have focused on providing modern updates to fan-favorites. TMNT Universe #19 bucks that trend. Yes, Raphael is there, but he’s the only long-established character in the main story as this is more a showcase for relative newcomers Alopex and Zodi, and may provide the means for even more original characters.

Writer Ian Flynn is no stranger to dealing with drama and anthropomorphic characters, having been a longtime writer for Archie Comics, including their Sonic the Hedgehog titles. He brings those sensibilities to TMNT Universe, as the dialogue between Raph and Alopex (and eventually, Zodi) is as snappy as it is authentic. Meanwhile, the story itself, which sees Zodi helping a faceless (for now) organization to create a new generation of mutants, seems to recycle past TMNT stories with a new package. However, the details are different just enough to provide a fresh spin. It should be interesting to see how it plays out over future installments.

Those that have read my past reviews know I’m a big fan of Dave Wachter’s artwork. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I overall found the art to be very enjoyable. Each page is fully detailed, giving this world a genuine, “lived in” feel. Panel layouts are clean, and the action is dynamic. However, there are moments when he leans a little too hard into giving Raph more human-like features, making him appear less like the classic design and more like Michael Bay’s abominations. It is at least partially salvaged by the always stellar coloring of Ronda Pattison.

Editor Bobby Curnow takes on full writing duties for the issue’s backup. Joined by artist Pablo Tunica, Curnow’s tale stars the eternally creepy Rat King. It’s a serviceable story, one that should satiate the hunger of the character’s fans. However, these backups are difficult to assess as they come out, so look for a full review down the line once that story is complete.

TMNT Universe #19 is a solid opening chapter. The ideas put forth by Flynn’s script are truly ripe for exploration in detail. However, TMNT Universe story arcs have a tendency to be truncated, leaving the deep-dive explorations for the main title. Hopefully, this is the story arc that finally bucks that trend.

February 7, 2018 0 comment

COMIC REVIEW: TMNT Universe #9

by Dan Gehen April 26, 2017

written by Dan Gehen

It has sure been a while since we’ve had an adventure in the world of IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, so the release of TMNT Universe #9 is a welcome occasion. Kicking off a new story arc, the series follows two popular supporting characters: Alopex and Nobody.

Comic Review: TMNT Universe #9

(W) Sophie Campbell & Bobby Curnow, (A) Pablo Tunica, (L) Shawn Lee

Let’s just get this out in the open: TMNT Universe #9 is an astoundingly weird book, even by Ninja Turtles standards. What looks to be a quiet and character-driven issue quickly becomes an acid-trip featuring amphibious royalty, steampunk design, and partying like it’s 1999. I don’t know the extent of Sophie Campbell, Bobby Curnow, or Pablo Tunica’s experience with original TMNT comics by Mirage Studios, but reads like Mirage title in all the right ways.

Sharing the writing duties are the aforementioned Campbell and Curnow. The duo uses this opportunity to flesh out the friendship between our main characters, Alopex and Angel. The two are contrasted from the opening pages. Alopex is attempting to meditate peacefully. Angel is [noisily and angrily] work on her Nobody suit. While this juxtaposition demonstrates that these two might be an odder pair than their friends, Raphael and Casey, the writers also indicate that these two share more similarities than they let on. For example, even as she attempts to meditate, Alopex is unable to really focus, distracted by her surroundings.

However, the character study takes a back seat as the issue hits is midpoint, with Campbell and Curnow introducing a giant frog which seemingly eats Alopex and Angel, sending them into the wacky and weird world of the Toad Baron, host of a never-ending party. He also is a member of the Pantheon, meaning he will end up playing a bigger role the main TMNT ongoing title.

From here, artist Pablo Tunica takes over and gives the reader a fully immersive experience. The character and setting designs are truly bizarre, but fitting for the IDW-verse (Writer’s Note: If someone could give me a definitive name for this incarnation the TMNT in the comments, it’d be much appreciated). Shockingly, the only character design that shows restraint is the Toad Baron, who is just an overgrown toad dressed like an Aladdin extra. Also, Tunica’s color palette lacks range, as the real world and that of the Toad Baron are indistinguishable.

Tunica is aided by the lettering work of Shawn Lee. It’s a common belief the mark of a good letterer is that you don’t really notice their contribution. However, his lettering shifts and morphs throughout this book to indicate the influence of the Toad Baron over his victims.

While not perfect, TMNT Universe #9 is a complete package from the writing down through the lettering. Even the back-up story, the finale of Brahm Revel’s “What is Ninja?” sticks the landing with an emotional and affecting exchange between Splinter and Jennika. It is a perfect ode to classic comics from Mirage Studios while continuing to push the Turtles’ story forward.

April 26, 2017 1 comment

Reviews TV/Cartoon Series

TMNT – “Tale of Tiger Claw” Review

by Dan Spitaliere February 12, 2017

written by Dan Spitaliere

I’ve been looking forward to this episode ever since I saw the teaser at New York Comic Con, and “Tale of Tiger Claw” did not disappoint. As a fan of Alopex in the IDW series, it was great to see this cartoon iteration. The episode tapped into the mystical side of the TMNT, giving us a fun adventure centered around Tiger Claws origin, the introduction of a new character, and Casey Jones trying to evade a fatal curse put on him.

“Tale of Tiger Claw” goes a long way into fleshing out his character. It’s great to get this treatment on villains, since it gives the audience insight. Was he always a bad guy? Well no, he and Alopex were abducted by the Kraang and experimented on. After not being able to return home, due to their transformations, they tried to live honest lives in the circus. It’s interesting to see how their two stores differ though. When Tiger Claw explains his past to Bebop and Rocksteady, he claims the circus was a waste of their considerable talents, so they joined the criminal underground as assassins. Alopex, however sees it differently. She blames Tiger Claw, not only for their transformation, but for succumbing to a life of crime. The writers did a good job of building empathy for Tiger Claw, sympathy for Alopex, and then hitting it all home with the revelation that they are brother and sister. The real home run was showing that Alopex still cares for her brother, even after all he’s done. Showing Tiger Claw attempt to take advantage of that mercy shows how much of his humanity he’s really lost.

And boy, what a price he paid! I can’t believe they got away with cutting his arm off! Sure, they didn’t show it on camera and it wasn’t gory, but still. I am continually surprised by how far the production team can push this show. And then Raph made a joke about it! Damn!

In all, Alopex comes across as an extremely dangerous, yet honorable foe. Who knows when we’ll see her again, but I hope we do soon.

But that’s not all the episode gave us this week. There was some real humor in this episode. Watching Casey have to deal with his curse, and all of the near deaths that brought with it was hilarious. You can tell the animators had a fun time coming up with each unlikely situation that almost got Casey, and the slow motion spot where everyone successfully saves Casey so he can break the Twin Blades of Vengeance was great.

Of course, how could I leave out Drunken Master Splinter? Another great spot and one I again can’t believe got on TV. The look on the Turtles faces when Splinter starts swigging on the bottle is priceless. He even grosses out Mikey, and who else can say that? What a fun segment.

Finally, we got some updates on Shredder and April. Shredder is still not in a good way, the after effects of his mutation still ravaging his body. His desire for vengeance still hasn’t subsided though, so the eventual rematch between him and Splinter should be epic. April, on the other hand, has finally recovered from her fight with the Aeon Crystal. She’s not as powerful as she was with the crystal, but it looks like she’s more focused and in a much better head-space. Splinter even points out she is the most “at one” with herself.

I also want to call out Tiger Claw quoting Darth Vader in the beginning. His “I sense something…Something I have not felt in many years,” is straight out of A New Hope. With that reference, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that he got his hand cut off!

“Tale of Tiger Claw” hit many points this week, but was able to stay focused and tell a fun, cohesive story. The updates on Shredder and April were necessary to keep us in tune with the over arching plot of the season, but didn’t take away from the big adventure of the week. The introduction of Alopex was very well done. Her speed makes her unlike any other character on the show and her vendetta against Tiger Claw is captivating. I hope we get to see a rematch between them soon.

February 12, 2017 3 comments

Blog Comic Book Comic Books Reviews

COMIC REVIEW: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #66

by Dan Gehen January 25, 2017

written by Dan Gehen

Alopex must deal with her personal demons while Nobody and Raphael hope to bring her back home.

Comic Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #66

(W) Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow (A) Sophie Campbell (C) Ronda Pattison

Wow. Just… wow. Sophie Campbell and Ronda Pattison just delivered a tour de force in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #66. Although, fan-favorite Mateus Santolouco returns to the title in issue #67, Campbell’s work will be a tough act to follow. Featuring beautiful, dreamlike imagery, Campbell’s art is only matched by a fantastic narrative by Tom Waltz and Kevin Eastman, delivering an issue that is both stand-alone but also serves to propel the series’ overall narrative forward.

It’s been quite a while since Alopex when AWOL, and though there is a notable rift (understatement) between the Turtles and Splinter, they are still following through on the game plan established back in TMNT #61. Raphael and Angel – the two with the closest connection to Alopex – venture north to save her from herself. What they don’t realize at the time is that they’re also saving her from Kitsune.

Throughout the series, the Pantheon has lurked in the shadows, putting various events into motion from behind the curtain. While their motivations remain a mystery for now, it is evident that Kitsune believes Alopex to a key player. Due to this, Alopex in many ways is our gateway into the world of the Pantheon. Kitsune’s continued presence as Alopex’s tormentor is an indication that the Pantheon will play a larger role down the road. But for now, we are given a battle for Alopex’s soul, with Kitsune and Raphael as the combatants.

As mentioned in the opening paragraph, Sophie Campbell (who also earned a story credit) delivers a phenomenal effort in this issue, with the spiritual battle serving as the issue’s crescendo. The amount of technical skill employed is beyond impressive. The art has a painterly quality to it made to resemble brushstrokes more than traditional pencils, inks, and colors of the industry (for the record, she is using pencils and inks), which can also be attributed to Ronda Pattison’s consistently great colors. One panel in particular that stands out features Raphael trying to breakthrough to Alopex. He is rendered in a manner that makes him appear to be fading in and out of view, representative of the struggle he and Alopex have in staying connected.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #66 sets a standard for the series in 2017 that will be difficult to match. Carried by Sophie Campbell’s art and Ronda Pattison’s colors, this is a near-perfect comic issue. Surprisingly friendly to new readers but welcoming to the dedicated fans, there might be no better time to jump on this title.

What did you think of TMNT #66?

January 25, 2017 2 comments

Events News

NYCC 2016 TMNT Panel!

by Dan Spitaliere October 9, 2016

written by Dan Spitaliere

Nickelodeon and TMNT have made a tradition of coming to New York Comic Con, and this year was no exception. This time taking place on Friday at the Hammerstein Ballroom, the crowded venue witnessed some sneak peeks at some upcoming episodes, the introduction of a big crossover toy line, and a brand new TMNT music video written by Greg Cipes himself!

The panel was moderated, as usual, by the Black Nerd himself, Andre Meadows. Andre does such a great job running the show and it’s great to see him come back every year. He’s obviously a huge fan, but he’s still able to ask questions and move the panel along, all while cracking jokes with the speakers and the fans.

The Panel

This years panel was attended by executive producer Ciro Nieli, voice of Donatello (and OG Raphael) Rob Paulsen, voice of Michelangelo Greg Cipes, voice of Shredder Kevin Michael Richardson, voice of Tiger Claw Eric Bauza, and the legendary Andrea Romano, the show’s voice director.

After the introductions, the audience in attendance was treated to a table reading of the upcoming episode “Rise of the Super Shredder.” Ms. Romano acted as narrator, while Ciro Nieli filled in as Baxter Stockman, and Eric Bauza pulled double duty as Tiger Claw in one scene, and Master Splinter in another. It’s so rare to see the artists themselves working on a script, and it was really fun watching them read lines, watching their hand motions and faces contort. It was especially fun seeing Ciro do his best Phil LaMarr impression, and Eric Bauza do his best Hoon Lee.

The Super Shredder!

But the table reading wasn’t our only peek at the Super Shredder. No, we got to see the first clips from the episode, set to debut on November 6th. The clip showed Shredder and his minions confront Karai, who was terrified of her adopted father’s transformation. We also got to see the raw strength of Super Shredder when he takes out the Party Wagon, tossing it down the street like a toy!

We were also fortunate to get a look at two other upcoming episodes this season and the panel was very excited to announce two characters making their debut in each. The first episode features Tiger Claws origin and features the Nick TMNT debut of Alopex! Ciro explained that he was very happy to introduce Alopex because she was the first TMNT character created by Kevin Eastman in over a decade. Bringing her over from the IDW comics is a great addition and I’m looking forward to seeing her feud with Tiger Claw play out in this series!

Alopex

The next episode brought back a character from the Archie published Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures. While the character was known as Chu Hsi, the Warrior Dragon in the comics, he was known by another name in TMNT: Tournament Fighters; Hot Head. This Hot Head is voiced by none other than Mark Hamil, a truly exciting addition to the voice cast! The clip we saw featured Tiger Claw performing an ancient ritual to summon Hot Head, in hopes of gaining power.

Hot Head

The surprises of the day did not end there! Greg Cipes recounted how he was inspired by the show, and on his spare time started writing music. He asked Ciro Nieli if it could be featured in the show, and when he asked for some examples, Cipes sent him over 50 songs! So a collection of them are being made into an album, and we got to see the animatic (an early animation design) music video for the first track, celebrating Ice Cream Kitty! The video is hilarious. It’s got the turtles playing instruments, ala the Coming Out of Their Shells Tour, sampling based off Ice Cream Kitty’s voice, and a big street dance off between our heroes and none other than the Shredder and the Foot Clan! I never knew I wanted to see Shredder do the Thriller dance, but I do and it’s awesome.

Turtle Dancing!

Finally, we got to the biggest surprise of the panel. While the TMNT/WWE crossover figures had already been announced earlier that morning, the panel audience got the full treatment, including a giveaway to some lucky cosplayers. The crowd and panel shared their reactions at the reveal of Leo as John Cena, Donatello as the Undertaker, and Mikey as Macho Man Randy Savage, but the real treat came when it was time to announce Raph’s crossover. The lights went out. Music started to swell. None other than Sting, 15 time World Champion, marched through the crowd, complete in his makeup and now signature red jacket.

STING!

As a longtime wrestling and turtle fan, it was a thrilling moment. Sting played to the crowd, “Woo”ing with glee. Sting came to the stage and greeted the other panelists before revealing the Raph as Sting figure. Before long, we had Ciro Nieli and Sting talking about their favorite wrestlers, and Sting and Rob Paulsen discussing the similarities between wrestlingand TMNT, both in their longevity and popularity, but also the impact impassioned fans can have on artists. It led to everyone on the panel thanking the fans and taking a big selfie from the stage, with the audience behind them. It was an awesome way to end the panel.

As you can see, there are fun and exciting things on the way for the TMNT community. It all starts with the release of the TMNT/WWE crossover figures and continues through November 6th, when the Super Shredder debuts! The TMNT panel has become one of my favorite traditions of NYCC. If you can get down here next year, I highly recommend it!

Also want to give a special shout out to the TMNT cosplayers I saw at NYCC this year! Check out the Shredder and April looming over the crowd at the TMNT panel, an original Baxter Stockman, and Casey Jones!