Eric Vincent

In TMNT #5, there’s a big problem lurking under New York City. A. Big. Problem. And unfortunately, it has Leonardo in its sights, while his brothers are unaware of the trouble he faces.

Retro Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5 (Volume 2)

(W/A) Jim Lawson, (I) Eric Talbot, (C) Eric Vincent

The end of TMNT #4 saw the series finally pick up, delivering the thrills and action fans expect out of the Ninja Turtles. Turns out, it was just an appetizer for the main course that is Issue #5, which sees writer/artist Jim Lawson strike the perfect balance between campiness and gravity. The result is an issue of TMNT Vol.2 which truly feels like a Ninja Turtles comic, if for no other reason than the Turtles needing to come together to come out on top.

Before diving into the issue’s strengths, let’s take a moment to get the weaknesses out of the way (luckily, there are few). Even though this feels like a big reunion of sorts, Donatello’s absence casts a pall over an otherwise excellent issue. While narratively, it is logical for him not to be present, that is still on Lawson for plotting himself into such a corner. On a more technical side, Lawson’s artwork isn’t as consistent or technically sound as it normally is, with the frenzied action causing the occasional slip on both his part and that of colorist Eric Vincent. Thankfully those slips are few and far between.

Aside from the faults just mentioned, this issue is a blast. Leonardo being chased (and chasing) a weird fish-monster through the New York City sewer system alternates between suspenseful horror and slapstick comedy. Even more importantly, it works. This is more than simply Lawson undercutting tension with a brief moment of levity, but complete tonal shifts which work largely thanks to the artwork. The polished artwork of Big Two house-style would not only be off-putting, but it would also eliminate the reader’s ability to buy into the tonal shifts. However, Lawson’s blocky style, Eric Talbot’s crude, thick inking, and Vincent’s flat coloring give the book a warmth that invites readers to leave their preconceptions behind.

Beyond that the character interactions are fantastic. From the start of this series, readers can see a progression in Lawson’s writing as he becomes more comfortable with these characters. When the scene calls for levity, such as when Casey, Raph, and Mikey are putzing around Leo’s new home, Lawson injects playful, brotherly banter. When a more stern scenario is called for, such as in the issue’s final pages, he manages to deliver that too.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5 marks a true turning point in Jim Lawson’s development as an all-around storyteller. From start to finish, this issue is a complete package containing moments of action, comedy, and horror. And the stinger at the end featuring everyone’s favorite mad scientist just makes you want to dive into Issue #6.

In this issue, Donnie tangles with an uninvited house-guest while Leo’s exploration of his new crib leads to a big discovery. Also, Baxter proclaims he won’t be stopped after coming this far…

RETRO REVIEW: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (Vol.2) #4

(W/A) Jim Lawson (I) Eric Talbot (C) Eric Vincent (L) Mary Kelleher (Cvr) Peter Laird & Kevin Eastman

Each issue of Volume 2 has been an exercise in increasingly decompressed storytelling. Furthermore, it is evident that the direction of the Turtles under their creators (or at least their anointed proxy in Jim Lawson) was vastly different from that of the pop culture mega-franchise. Case in point: this issue focuses on only two of the Turtles – Donnie and Leo – and they don’t even cross paths. Unlike the movies or television series, the Mirage Turtles grow further and further apart as time passes.

Jim Lawson’s writing has strengthened with time, but at this stage of his career he was still experiencing growing pains. The pacing of this issue is rather uneven and the dialogue is clunky. It is understandable that certain information needs to be conveyed in order for the story to progress, but the script has very little nuance. The dialogue does nothing for character development, instead solely offering up exposition. Furthermore, it is not believable or natural dialogue, which hurts when readers are already exhausting their disbelief on anthropomorphic, ninjitsu proficient turtles.

Despite the dialogue hangups, the story itself is solid, but forgettable. Following a brief prologue with Robo-Stockman, the issue focuses on the Northampton farmhouse, where Donnie takes on an unwelcome snooper in the nearby forest. After a brief tussle, the identity of this person is unveiled. While readers of the previous series (or even the current IDW books) may take enjoyment from this moment, for others it may fall flat. However, this moment is elevated, albeit briefly, by the only decent dialogue exchange in the entire issue.

Elsewhere, Leonardo is exploring the sewer system that is connected to his new residence and happens upon an impossibly large cavern to exist in New York, particularly Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, or Staten Island. If Leo is living in the Bronx, this cavern might possibly be able to exist on the borough’s outskirts, but even that is a stretch. This demonstrates the sad truth behind this issue: put even a little bit of thought into what you’re reading, and the story falls apart.

While the story may be flimsily put together, the artwork is what truly holds it together. Lawson’s artwork is as lively as ever, thanks in large part to Eric Vincent’s use of a bright palette. The flat technique gives the issue a charming look, unlike the grittier books of the era that began to employ digital coloring. Meanwhile, the two action set pieces for which the issue is framed around wonderfully realized.

The fourth issue of TMNT Volume 2 contains a couple great action sequences, but the story itself leads a lot to be desired. Readers could very easily skip this issue in its entirety and not miss a beat in Issue #5. It’s not a train-wreck, but it contributes very little to the overarching story.