Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #98
Story by Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, and Tom Waltz
Art by Michael Dialynas and Ronda Pattinson
Published by IDW
Released September 25th, 2019
City at War, Part 6!
As power in New York City’s underworld is consolidated, the populace goes to the polls to potentially elect Baxter Stockman as Mayor. A devastating act will change the city forever, and Raphael must choose which side he’s on!
We’re only 2 issues away from hitting TMNT #100! A milestone that any Turtlefan can appreciate. That being said, the stakes have been raised in issue 98. Splinter is captured, Karai runs rampant, our Turtles are humbled, and Old Hob is planning a big surprise for Baxter Stockman’s election night. City At War is indeed an aptly titled arc, is it not?
With the last issue being a full out mutant and ninja war, issue 98 lays low and focuses on the aftermath. But if you’ve been pulled into this story like I have, you’ll have no problem running through this issue at a brisk pace. Old Hob’s extremist mindset goes into full effect and we witness another classic Leo and Raph argument. I could watch these brothers argue all day. The Ninja Turtles personalities are so well written and reflected in this series in such simple ways that I can’t help but praise Curnow, Waltz, and Eastman (obviously). Master Splinter, though only in this issue briefly, sets up issue #99 for what could be a very interesting alliance that I certainly look forward to.
Dialynas and Pattinson’s artwork is solid as usual. With very nice linework and bold colors that the IDW TMNT series have been known for. With Karai briefly mentioning “her father’s downfall” this issue I can’t help but to think about the Shredder in Hell series, and how even though he’s not in these comics…we still get to read his own personal battle he’s currently in. When comics are bad? They’re bad. But when they’re good…they’re so freaking good. And TMNT #98 continues the trend of our heroes in a halfshell being the best vision since 2011. In my opinion of course.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #98 is now available wherever comics are sold!