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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 Universe #18

by Dan Gehen
written by Dan Gehen

With the Triceratons invading New York, everyone has run for cover – including the Ninja Turtles! Trapped with the huddled masses, the Turtles must escape by getting past their biggest challenge yet: children!

Comic Review: TMNT Universe #18

(W) Paul Allor & Caleb Goellner, (A) Tyler Boss & Michael Dialynas, (C) Ronda Pattison

After a great 6 years, the last few months have not been kind to IDW’s TMNT books. What was once fresh and exciting storytelling became stale. Reading TMNT had become a chore, thanks to the disappointments of Dimension X, “The Trial of Krang,” and even the current “Invasion of the Triceratons” story arc. However, TMNT Universe #18 sees the makings of a return to form, with Paul Allor, Tyler Boss, and Ronda Pattison delivering an engaging, tightly constructed, and fun issue.

Allor’s story takes place concurrent with “Invasion of the Triceratons,” with the TMNT taking refuge in one of the city’s buildings. However, they’ve unknowingly trapped themselves into a place with extremely limited exits. There’s no roof access. There’s no sewer access. It’s the Turtles, a bunch of clueless New Yorkers, and two kids determined to find them. It’s a simple premise, and is unlikely to have any significant impact on the greater TMNT lore, but it is executed so well. The stakes are relatively low, but the tension is high because it is reasonable that the Turtles might be discovered.

Much of this issue’s success lies in the physical comedy provided by artists Tyler Boss and Ronda Pattison. Both excel at their craft, and deliver their best efforts. We’ve been singing Pattison’s praises for a while here, and this issue once again proves her worth. A bright and varied palette captures the childhood fun of this narrative without sacrificing the story’s stakes. By the end of this era, Pattison may be looked at as the contributor that more than anyone else defined the look of the TMNT.

It is easy to make a funny comic when the source of the humor is the writing, but it is far more challenging when the humor must be conveyed through the artist. Tyler Boss’s artwork may not be as visually dynamic or detailed as other artists such as Mateus Santolouco or Corey Smith, but he may be the best pure storyteller on a TMNT book to date. The panel structure and artwork combine to produce effective comedic effects wherever the script calls for them. Many of the same demands that comedy calls for can also be found in creating suspense. Boss is therefore able to easily transition from providing readers laughs to making them bite their fingers, even if the stakes are relatively low in comparison.

There is a short, sweet backup story by Caleb Goellner and Michael Dialynas, starring the Mutanimals. With one of their compatriots recovering from injuries, the creative duo showcases in just a couple pages how united a family this bunch of misfits truly is. TMNT Universe might not be a canon-expanding, earth-shattering issue. However, it stands among the most accessible and well-constructed of the entire IDW era.

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Comic Review: TMNT Dimension X #1

by Dan Gehen
written by Dan Gehen

It’s the trial of the century, or however time is measured in Dimension X. With the prosecution in need of witnesses, the Ninja Turtles are tasked with tracking them down. However, in true TMNT fashion, nothing is ever as simple as it seems.

Comic Review: TMNT Dimension X #1

(W) Paul Allor, (A) Pablo Tunica

If you’re looking for a completely standalone series featuring the Turtles in a wacky adventure in Dimension X, this is not the place for it. This miniseries ties directly into the the events of the latest TMNT story arc, “The Trial of Kraang,” and so it only makes sense in that context. Tasked with finding a way for this all to make sense is the creative team of Paul Allor and Pablo Tunica.

Overall, IDW couldn’t have found a more suitable artist for a story set in Dimension X. Tunica brings an independent, counter-culture aesthetic that heightens the weirdness of this world. Whether it’s backgrounds, foregrounds, or the weird creatures that inhabit those spaces, Tunica makes the reader believe that Dimension X is otherworldly. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, as there is one glaring flaw: his rending of the Turtles themselves. Maybe it’s just me, but when I look at his Turtles, all I can see is this:

If you’re an artist, the last thing you want is to remind people of the awful-looking suits from arguably the worst of the live-action films.

Paul Allor’s writing fares much better as a whole, delivering a solid narrative from start to finish. While there is some genuinely enjoyable moments, such as the Turtles’ realization that the world’s physics are controlled by their emotions, there is an overwhelming sense of irrelevancy from start to finish. Yes, the book is fun, and there’s some humor to be had, but it reads like a small piece of a larger whole – which is exactly what it is. Unlike other miniseries such as Secret History of the Foot Clan or Casey & April, this reads like an unnecessary cash grab.

TMNT Dimension X #1 does very little to compel readers to continue on with this miniseries. Completionists might claim to be enamored with it to justify its purchase, but at the end of the day it is a mediocre tie-in with some unique visuals.

What did you think of TMNT Dimension X #1? Let us know in the comments!

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COMIC REVIEW: TMNT Universe #4

by Dan Gehen
written by Dan Gehen

With tensions running high and their backs against the wall, the Turtles prepare for their last stand against Agent Bishop. Can they trust Baxter Stockman and Zodi to have their backs?

COMIC REVIEW: TMNT UNIVERSE #4

(W) Paul Allor, Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz (A) Damian Couciero, Bill Sienkiewicz, (C) Ronda Pattison

When there is more than one comic series following the adventures of a hero or team, there is a tendency among readers to pick out the “A” series from the “B” series, with the former overriding the latter. That is not the case here. TMNT Universe continues to deliver quality writing and art for those that may be scared off by a 60+ issue comic series. Whereas Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles currently feels more like a Shakespearean drama, TMNT Universe unabashedly dives headfirst into the wild and weird elements which have permeated throughout the franchise.

The IDW-verse has given way to many new and enjoyable additions, such as Old Hob and Alopex. This issue solidifies the latest mutation creation, Zodi, as a character that readers will want more of in the future. Her sharp tongue adds to the already entertaining banter between the characters, as do her actions when “thinking on the fly” is required. Furthermore, the issue’s closing pages indicate that there is more to her character than what is presented in this story arc, which they will hopefully unpack in the future. It also highlights the unwavering hope and optimism of Michelangelo, who sees her as not just another mutant, but as a potential friend too.

This book’s big strength is its character work. Each character, be it Donnie or Baxter Stockman or April or Bishop, are afforded the opportunity to stand out from the crowd under Allor’s pen. For a book titled “TMNT Universe,” it does a commendable job building the world that these characters inhabit. We are now aware of the genuine threats that exist aside from General Krang and the Shredder. There are more mutants out there aside from the Turtles and the Mutanimals. Unfortunately, while the book absolutely shines from a character standpoint, it drops the ball when it comes to actually progressing the plot. Taking a step back to examine the arc as a whole, the Turtles attempt to stop a break-in at TCRI and fight to get out of the same building. That’s it.

What does not disappoint is the art from Damian Couceiro and Ronda Pattison, who have truly been this title’s shining stars from the beginning. Their artwork continues to be the driving force behind this book’s quality, with Couceiro’s visuals providing visceral thrills and tension (with a side of slapstick comedy) as the Turtles and Zodi fight for survival. That same praise can be extended to Bill Sienkiewicz’s efforts on the back-up story. The “Inside Out” story continues to be a fascinatingly weird experience thanks to Sienkiewicz’s stunning visuals.

TMNT Universe #4 might be the best-looking Ninja Turtles comic to be released this month. The efforts from Couciero, Pattison, and Sienkiewicz alone make this worth checking out. And while the narrative itself may not reach the highs of the other TMNT title, Paul Allor’s writing is satisfying nonetheless.

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