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Comic Review: TMNT Universe #22

by Dan Gehen
written by Dan Gehen

Can the Triceratons and Ultoms finally have peace? Probably, as long as some would-be assassins don’t get in the way (which they will). Meanwhile, could we be getting Leatherhead: Hero?

Comic Review: TMNT Universe #22

(W) Paul Allor, (A) Mark Torres, (C) Ronda Pattison, (Back-Up) Ross May, Chris Johnson, Mark Englert

Sometimes, TMNT Universe is good for a decent, one-off story. But on occasion, a story comes along that – while on the surface looks minor – sets the stage for something big to happen in IDW’s flagship Ninja Turtles comic. That latter scenario is what plays out here, as the engaging story by Paul Allor and Mark Torres sets the stage for a fan-favorite villain from the 2003 animated series to make his mark on the comics world.

This issue’s strength lies in the engaging and efficient writing by Allor. Very quickly, he catches readers up on the events of the last issue and sets the stage for this one. Readers are able to immediately connect with each sides’ respective leaders (Zom and Ma’riell) and understand their tenuous relationship. Meanwhile, his use of Donatello’s internal monologue and sleuthing clues readers in to the very real threat to that peace which Lieutenant Kleve represents.

Donatello fans are certain to love this issue, as he proves to be a capable hero on his own. Using both his brains and physical talent, he takes on not only Lt. Kleve, but two Triceratons as well without any assistance. After what was seen in the latest, Batman/TMNT crossover, this served as a nice reminder of how great the character can be. Between this and the Metalhead story arc, TMNT Universe is becoming the title to check out for quality Donnie tales.

The art by Mark Torres is serviceable, and the setting does little for Pattison. The story demands she shys away from engaging and vibrant colors. Instead, this issue is full of muddy earth tones and sterile grays. While fitting, it makes the artwork rather unremarkable.

Those that don’t skip over the backup are treated to a delightful little tale featuring Leatherhead and his quest for purpose. Deciding to rescue one seal, he battle giant squids and sea-snakes in the ocean. While brief, Ross May’s script does a solid job developing Leatherhead’s character. The fun tale is complemented by wonderful artwork, as Chris Johnson (lines) and Mark Englert (colors) outshine the work on the featured story.

TMNT Universe #22 is a great “meat-and-potatoes” comic. Fans shouldn’t come in expecting anything that will redefine the medium, but they’ll walk away satisfied. Both creative teams do an effective job of focusing on the story at hand while managing to provide a look forward for IDW’s TMNT books.

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Comic Review: TMNT UNIVERSE #21

by Dan Gehen
written by Dan Gehen

What happened on Burnow Island following the “Invasion of the Triceratons” arc? Well, when two age-old enemies are forced to live together, answer is anything but “they lived happily ever after…”

Comic Review: TMNT UNIVERSE #21

(W) Paul Allor (A) Mark Torres (C) Ronda Pattison (Backup) Caleb Goellner, Pablo Tunica, Patricio Delpeche.

There’s a line early in TMNT Universe #21 that really sticks out. In it, the narrators refers to the Triceraton Invasion (TMNT #76-80) as a “failed attempt to live among humans.” Anyone who read the arc knows that the Triceratons, as written then, wanted to replace humans as the dominant race on Earth, and had little desire to share the planet. Anyone that read that arc also knows it wasn’t among the series’ best. However, this line indicates the type of story that Paul Allor and Mark Torres are looking to craft in dealing with the aftermath, and it starts off strong.

Regardless of the medium, the Triceratons and Ultoms hate each other’s guts. That alone is what makes this issue so entertaining. Of course, the Triceratons’ arrival on Burnow Island is immediately met with a hostile reaction from the Ultoms, but a ceasefire is quickly called thanks in large part to Commander Zom. With their history of always fighting and continuously being oppressed, Zom thinks diplomacy might lead to a more favorable result. And, in a way, she’s right. Of course, things don’t go smoothly, and there are dissenters on both sides.

In many respects, the natural conflict between the Triceratons and Ultoms makes for a more serious version of a sitcom setup – like The Odd Couple but with monsters. There are several instances of dark humor – specifically when both sides are trying to solve the crop-growing problem. But there are also real stakes at play, and deep-rooted resentment, that readers can draw parallels to in the world around them.

The artwork from Mark Torres is great. While it is admittedly stylized, and that may turn off certain readers, it does an excellent job in portraying the intensity of emotions from both the Ultoms and Triceratons, as well as the frustration of their mediator – Donatello. And in the few instances where the book does have an action sequence, Torres’ art captures its raw energy and pure brutality.

There is a backup feature by Caleb Goellner and Pablo Tunica, starring everyone’s favorite pizza delivery guy. Following Woody during the events of the Triceraton Invasion, readers are treated to a light-hearted romp that, in the grand scheme of things, shouldn’t have any impact on the larger TMNT canon. But if you enjoy perilous pizza delivery sequences, this should be a welcome tale.

As a whole, TMNT Universe #21 is a great opening chapter to a story that explores two completely clashing and antagonistic societies trying to occupy the same space. Paul Allor’s script is smartly written and engaging, complemented by the dynamic and well-paced artwork from Mark Torres is a great. Unfortunately, it is likely to slip under the radar because it follows such a dud of a story arc. If only “Invasion of the Triceratons” had been able to match this quality, there might be more fanfare going into it. But as it stands, TMNT Universe is currently THE Turtles book worth picking up.

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Comic Review: TMNT/Ghostbusters II #4

by Dan Gehen
written by Dan Gehen

The high-stakes, high-adventure, dimension-hopping tale featuring the Ninja Turtles and Ghostbusters continues with Part 4. With the teams separated for so long, it’s about time for a reunion…

Comic Review: TMNT/Ghostbusters II #4

(W) Erik Burnham & Tom Waltz, (A) Tadd Galusha, Dan Schoening, Pablo Tunica, Mark Torres, & Charles Paul Wilson III, (C) Luis Antonio Delgado

If you’ve been keeping up with this miniseries to this point, you have a pretty good idea what to expect from this review. If you’re jumping on at this point… why? It’s a limited series, and you’re almost at the end! Go pick up some back issues (and maybe read my earlier reviews). Anyways, the Turtles and their respective Ghostbuster sidekick are still dispersed across multiple dimensions (or dare I say… a multiverse?), with Donnie and Egon continuing to work tirelessly to construct a deus ex machina that will beat the bad guys. After 20-plus pages, the result is another competently constructed issue by Erik Burnham, Tom Waltz, and their expansive art team.

Describing an issue as “competently constructed” may not inspire much confidence in an era where flashy buzzwords dominate reviews, but it is applicable here. This series has suffered a bit from padding out the issues to make it fit its 5-issue structure. This was painfully clear in issue #3, and it continues here. What makes the issue (and this series as a whole) overcome this structural problem is how enjoyable the characters are. There is an undeniable chemistry between the two sets of heroes, who manage to battle, talk, and out-smart their way through several precarious scenarios.

Once again, a plethora of artists have been tasked with bringing this issue to life. In addition to those we have seen throughout the series, Charles Paul Wilson III joins the ensemble, adding a grittier aesthetic to a series that has been fairly light in tone. His art style is a welcome one, as it provides the issue – and by extension the series – with a much needed sense of gravitas, giving the story’s stakes some weight. Once again, the transition between the differing styles aided by the unifying x-factor known as colorist Luis Antonio Delgado, who continues to be this series’ unsung hero.

TMNT/Ghostbusters II #4 continues the fun, jovial nature the miniseries has provided thus far. However, it also adds a layer of gravity that has been previously absent, and for that alone this series is worth keeping up with. Just as it becomes predictable, it manages to provide a genuine surprise.

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Comic Review: TMNT/Ghostbusters II #3

by Dan Gehen
written by Dan Gehen

The ghostly visage of Darius Dun is aware that the TMNT  have escaped his extra-dimensional prison, and he is not happy about it. Meanwhile, the pairings of Turtles and Ghostbusters each deal with their own unique brand of trouble in miniseries’ middle chapter.

COMIC REVIEW: TMNT/GHOSTBUSTERS II #3

(W) Erik Burnham & Tom Waltz, (A) Dan Schoening, Mark Torres, Pablo Tunica, & Tadd Galusha, (C) Luis Antonio Delgado

When you’re crossing over two properties like the TMNT and the Ghostbusters, you want the story to be decent, the characters to be portrayed accurately, and the overall experience to be fun. That’s three important elements. So how does this this series match up three issues in? Check. Check. And check. TMNT/Ghostbusters II #3 continues to be a fun, if disjointed, ride.

Writers Erik Burnham and Tom Waltz improve on the previous issue’s disjointed nature by jumping around less frequently. Yes, we are still following the four different teams in different locations, but it is handled in a much cleaner fashion. Time is spent with Mikey and Venkman, and then the book moves on without jumping back to them. Unfortunately, because the main cast is still separated, each of their narratives suffer due to a lack of real estate. Both the Raph/Ray and Leo/Winston dynamics are rushed and feel truncated, though the latter gets a bit of a pass for providing the issue’s cliffhanger ending. Meanwhile, the Donnie/Egon dynamic seems to drag on. These two characters are each of their respective teams’ deus ex machina, and dedicating as much time to their technobabble while the other teams are running for their lives is a bit of a lost opportunity.

Despite these narrative and structural problems, there really is a lot to like about this issue. The aforementioned structure of the story benefits the multiple art styles. Because the book isn’t jumping around so much, the art is allowed to breathe and allow the reader to become accustomed to it. Beyond the art, the character work continues to be top notch. Burnham and Waltz are the stewards of these characters, and there is a noticeable care and dedication to their respective teams.

TMNT/Ghostbusters II #3 is not a perfect comic, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s existence is designed to attract an audience beyond the reach of the main titles by delivering a light, fun, and enjoyable experience. And that’s exactly what it provides. Despite its pacing issues, it is a chore to keep from smiling throughout.

 

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