tmnt-fansite-logo
Home Tags Posts tagged with "book"
Tag:

book

Comic Book NewsNews

TMNT & Stranger Things Comic Crossover Announced!

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

The TMNT head to the Upside Down this Summer!

And the only things that can make it more 80’s would be some dense hairspray! IDW publishing confirmed that, this summer, one of the largest properties born out of the 1980s is about to collide with one of the biggest hits of recent years channelling the 1980s. It appears that writer Cameron Chittock and artist Fero Pe are attached to the upcoming series, their surnames listed on the full cover that was shown by IDW Publishing. This remains to be confirmed by either party just yet.

It’s no mystery that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have crossed over with a slew of popular franchises. Three volumes of TMNT/Batman have been published while the second volume of a Mighty Morphin Power Rangers crossover is currently ongoing. Other crossovers have included TMNT/Ghostbusters, TMNT/X-Files, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles vs. Street Fighter (set to be published this year). Not to mention the TMNT crossing over with various multiverses of themselves throughout various forms of media.

Yet this crossover may not come as such a surprise to some shellheads, as Playmates Toys have released TMNT x STRANGER THINGS action figure packs as early as last year…making the team up not as random as it may seem. And with a new wave of TMNT x Stranger Things action figures hitting Target stores this year, the collision shows no signs of stopping just yet. The action figure packs may also give a hint at what the announced comic book series may entail, as the toys read:

 “The Turtles have tracked TCRI’s latest illegal experiments from NYC to Hawkins, Indiana, where it’s trying to harness the power of the upside down. The half-shell heroes must team up with eleven and her friends to try and stop TCRI’s next experiment before it succeeds.” 

While a team up of these properties may seem a bit “random” at first, one may argue that plotline isn’t as preposterous as we thought, in fact, we are actually looking forward to this.

This isn’t Stranger Things first comic rodeo either, as the property isn’t shy in the funny pages. From character focused prequel comics to a crosser over with Dungeons and Dragons, Stranger Things is a property able to entertain in many forms of media. As are our favorite heroes in a halfshell.

So here’s to a fun and interesting summer and hoping we can see Eleven share a slice of pizza with our Turtle brethren and perhaps a Kraang can meet a Demogoron

0 comment
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Comic BooksReviews

TMNT#130: REVIEW

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

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #130

Story by Sophie Campbell

Art by Pablo Tunica and Ronda Pattinson 

Published by IDW 

Released June 29th, 2022

The Story So Far: The earth-shattering story arc conclusion! Punk Frogs, mad vivisectionists, frankenmutants, and psychic powers-the TMNT and their friends have had their hands full of late with all kinds of twisted and terrifying chaos. And now, to top it all off, a new problem waiting to happen is rocketing its way to Mutant Town from Burnow Island! Donatello, Alopex, Sheena, and their new friend, Venus-with an unexpected astral hand from Oroku Saki-escaped the clutches of the maniacal Dr. Barlow only to find themselves pursued by the doctor’s beastly henchman. Elsewhere, the rest of the Splinter Clan’s search for their imprisoned comrades led to an intense battle with the Punk Frogs-a battle that left Carmen, the newest member of the Splinter Clan, badly injured. And all parties were left shocked when a mysterious object crashed into Barlow’s lab…

Put Down Shredder’s Revenge! It’s TMNT Readin’ Time Dudes!

We’re putting a cap on what has been a solid, yet flawed, story arc in IDW’s TMNT universe. A lot of story tethers are flying from past issues, and #130 moves at a quick action packed pace. I’ve been critical of Campbell’s sluggish writing since she took over in #101. This current issue is the most fast paced and action heavy yet. Does that work in the story’s favor? Yes and no. Technically, the multiple story angles are tied up and we’re given a peak into the next chapter. On the other hand, the issue moves so quickly that the writing has little time to breath…so the conclusions don’t stick as well. But, overall, I enjoyed the conclusion and look forward to where we’re headed.      

The Rad!

  • Campbell has a lot to bookend in a simple 32 page issue. She does a good job at wrapping things up and planting the next storytelling seeds. Despite her past, the issue may suffer from too much action. Can’t believe I’m typing that. But, overall, it satisfies. 
  • Pattinson creates great alluring moods with her vibrant colors. 
  • Freaky Doc Barnlow is revealed to be alive and well, with sinister plans now that all he’s left with is Donatello’s blood. Could lead to an interesting baddie. 
  • Next issue teases the TMNT training alongside Oroku Saki. Could definitely be an interesting perspective and could create some great animosity and tension. 

The Bad

  • Tunica linework is decent, but the character expressions can be distracting. Is it just me or do the Punk Frogs look like the Coming Out of Our Shells tour costumes?
  • The appearance of Saki was underplayed. He’s dead and his spirit just battled demons from hell. Him fully confronting Leo was odd as Leo just seemed to be annoyed by it…like a little brother wanting to play dinosaurs or something. 
  •  I can’t say BAD or GOOD but Venus, as of now, feels ultimately empty. A controversial reintroduction to character nobody asked for…her new interpretation is bad by any means…just odd in terms of story. Again, she isn’t “bad”…but I wouldn’t put her under “good” either.

Notes: Campbell and company deliver a solid bookend to their TMNT arc. The Punk Frogs, Barlow, and his experimental atrocities peaked the storyline as of late. Issue 130 makes it clear that their story will continue…and I’m looking forward to that. Overall, if you’ve been intrigued with that past dozen or so issues, #130 is a must and a step in a new and familiar direction for IDW’s TMNT series.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #130 is available wherever comics are sold! 

 

 

 

0 comment
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Comic BooksReviews

REVIEW: TMNT ANNUAL 2022

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

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual 2022

Story by Juni Ba

Art by Juni Ba and Ronda Pattinson

Published by IDW 

Released March 30th, 2022

 The Turtles embark on a secret mission to their roots, but a mysterious creature hunts them relentlessly. The Turtles will have to find a new way to come together to escape their foe-and the pain that haunts them. A special story of remembrance and family written and drawn by acclaimed artist Juni Ba!

“I KINDA MISS THIS, GUYS…”

Leonardo confesses that as he and his brothers face a supernatural adversary that preys on insecurities. That’s what TMNT Annual 2022 is essentially about. Yet, it’s about so much more. It’s about facing loss, overcoming insecurities, and rising above it all. And it’s a short tale executed wonderfully by Juni Ba. I miss it too, Leo. I think a majority of TMNT fans do. And I’ll touch on that in the “notes”. I wasn’t expected much with the Annual…as last years had a great story of the Rat King that (so far) has led nowhere into the main title nearly a year later. But I was immediately hooked into Ba’s story as it presented something we haven’t seen in whats felt like forever: Direction. 

Well, perhaps that’s harsh. But direction on brand with what IDW’s TMNT title has become beloved for. Ba leaves the furry fan fiction and aimless relationship drama in the sewers, and decides to paint us a picture (literally) of growth and determination. And Ba has said more in one issue than the two dozen of the mainline series.

THE RAD

  • Juni Ba tells us a brief but beautifully strong story of grief, family, and teamwork. 
  • Ba and Pattinson’s artwork is unique and stylish that fits the mood of the story perfectly. 
  • The “Leech Spirit” is an interesting and creative “villain” built for character growth. You get just enough of it in this short story.  
  • The callback of the red bandanas when the TMNT finally are fighting on the same page, and speaking of the loss of their father was poignant and beautiful.  

THE BAD

  • None.

Notes: I have been unnaturally optimistic with Sophie Campbell’s current two year TMNT run. Maybe it’s because I grew up with these characters and refuse to simply “give up” on some uninteresting direction. The last few issues have been moving in a solid direction, yet when writing like this Annual comes along….you realize what more the title could be. Ba mentions how much has changed within the IDW TMNT-verse in the form of dialogue between the Turtles. The brother’s briefly reminisce about their “old” days (intergalactic travel, Triceratrons etc) as Mikey claims he misses the “fun”. So do we, Mikey. We have our four Turtle brothers practicing the art of Ninja, voicing their doubts…reflections…and grief. All while battling an interesting villain. A dosage of action. And overcoming the odds as a family. The use of Master Splinter in the last pages of the book are heartbreaking yet important. And it leaves a lasting impression of sadness…yet hope with an optimistic message. Maybe that’s why I’m so optimistic when it comes to TMNT. Because that’s what they’ve always taught me. If you’re going to want to read an issue of TMNT this year so far, pick up TMNT Annual 2022. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Annual 2022 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Comic BooksReviews

TMNT #126 REVIEW

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

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #126

Story by Sophie Campbell

Art by Pablo Tunica and Ronda Pattinson

Published by IDW 

Released February 16th, 2021

The battle between the TMNT and the Punk Frogs rages through Mutant Town and there can only be one victor! Meanwhile, tensions come to a head between the Utroms and the Triceratons and the ramifications will have a big impact on NYC!

Okay, These Punk Frogs Are Pretty Dope…

After a rather solid previous issue featuring Utroms, Tricertron clone babies, Punk Frogs, and Splinter Clan headquarters burning down, Campbell seems to be moving forward with familiar characters, high stakes, and full steam. Which is a big fat breath of fresh air. With a supposed showdown between our TMNT and Battletoads 2022, can she keep that momentum going into TMNT 126?

Spoiler: She does. Issue 126 delivers in a satisfying way with a lot of story and action covered in a standard issue. Raph returns to create tension amongst the Splinter Clan…yet they all have one thing on their mind: REVENGE. The Punk Frogs and TMNT duke it out, with Donnie and Alopex running into Dr. Barlow. Who looks like he stepped out of a nightmare fueled horror comic. The Utroms and Triceratrons butt heads on the future of their race, leading to a shocking ending. 

THE RAD

  • Pattinson’s solid colors balance Tunica’s often goofy looking character expressions
  • Campbell tackles a lot of scenarios in this issue and balances everything extremely well. The past couple issues have been a wonderful departure from what we’ve been getting.  
  • Another high octane balance of NINJA action and story. No teen relationship drama or political meandering bogging down the pacing. 
  • Dr. Barlow is an intriguing and creepy villain I want to see more of

THE BAD

  •  Not sold just yet on Tunica’s art. The layout and sense of movement are great, but the characters’ appearances range from goofy to haunting. April can look like a caveman in one panel and the Turtles can look very feminine in another.

Notes: Another solid entry in the TMNT’s current storyline. I’m hoping Dr. Barlow plays a larger villain role moving forward and I missed the brisk thrilling action that TMNT should bring. 

 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #126 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Comic BooksReviews

COMIC REVIEW: TMNT #125

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

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #125

Story by Sophie Campbell

Art by Pablo Tunica and Ronda Pattinson

Published by IDW 

Released January 19th, 2021

The Turtles come face-to-face with a territorial group – the Punk Frogs! Will Mutant Town crumble when the two sides collide? Meanwhile, a new villain emerges AND the return of the Triceratons! A new era of TMNT starts here!

Can a New Era Mean a Better Era? 

TMNT Issue 124 saw a cozy warm winter issue. But it’s time to turn up the stakes and get this motor running again. Because it feels like we stall more than ride these days when it comes to IDW’s TMNT series. I’m happy to say that TMNT #125 is the remedy as we’re treated to a story of familiarity, ninja action, and consequences. The Utroms and Triceratrons (or what’s left of them) are back. It’s truly been ages since we’ve seen them and their mere presence makes the issue feel more “ninja-turtley” than ever. Casey Jones also has some meaningful interactions and finally wears the hockey mask. But the standout characters in this issue are the “Punk Frogs” which are, get this, punk frogs. And while they have a brief story-time they certainly make their presence known. Here’s a quick breakdown: 

THE RAD: 

  • Utroms, Triceratrons, Hockey-masked Casey, and ninja action make this new plot line feel like the Ninja Turtles of old so far. 
  • Tunica’s artwork is very flowy and sketchy with a great selection of angles. It makes the artwork more emotive. And Pattinson’s colors always set the tone just right. 
  • Campbell tells us just enough and always keeps a good pace in this issue. 
  • Punk Frogs look great and I already hate them. Makes for good villains. 

THE BAD: 

  • Not too thrilled about a “birth” plotline. Not that I’m against it, it’s just with Pattinson’s previous writing I feel like we’re going to get a Triceratron Lifetime movie instead of what this book needs to be. 
  • Some of Tunica’s expressions on the characters make them look a little “Out of Our Shells”.

Notes: I recommend #125. It throws out some very interesting plot points. Not only the Punk Frogs and Triceratrons but the creepy Dr. Barlow and the Splinter Dojo being burned down. Genuinely intrigued into where we go from here. I can only hope Campbell and the team keep up the energy! 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #125 is now available wherever comics are sold! 

 

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts
Close