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Comic Review: TMNT Universe #24 – The High-Ground Theory

by Dan Gehen
written by Dan Gehen

Mondo Gecko and Michelangelo do their best to stealthily infiltrate the EPF. But you’re dealing with the TMNT Universe’s most silence-challenged characters, things are bound to go wrong.

Comic Review: TMNT Universe #23

(W) Ryan Ferrier & Rich Douek (A) Pablo Tunica & Brahm Revel (C) Patricio Delpeche

I know I’ve made this point several times, but TMNT Universe really needs to be an anthology series where creators can any type of story they wish without needing it to tie into an established canon. There is no better reason for this than in this issue and story arc, if you feel inclined to include last month’s issue #23. Ryan Ferrier and Pablo Tunica have been given the task of giving Mondo Gecko true character development, a practice that works in theory but not so much in execution.

Mondo Gecko works as a character because he is a completely carefree skater-dude. Originally, he was popular because he embodied cool trends of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now, he is enjoyable for becoming a pastiche of a bygone era. Also due to his role as comic relief, he works in small, supporting doses. Much like those yellow bastard Minions, placing Mondo Gecko front and center can produce a story that is middling at best. That’s why this assignment for Ferrier and Tunica was unenviable.

In their journey to develop Mondo’s character, the creative team leans heavily into established tropes from the TMNT franchise and greater fiction. Mondo wants to save Seymour because he doesn’t want to live in a world without him. He also states that being a mutant isn’t great. Both things are out of character, as for decades Mondo has loved who he is and accepted how the world works – good and bad. Instead of being this unique beacon of unbridled joy, the character is now imbued by the same pathos as the other mutants.

There is a backup story by Rich Douek and Buster Moody about Pigeon Pete dreaming of being a pirate. It’s surprisingly mediocre. Pete is the worst, so anything better than “ugh” is a win, and the creative team manages to pull it off. Still, I’d recommend skipping this unless you really enjoy awful characters written marginally okay.

As I’ve stated, I really can’t blame Ferrier or Tunica for the lackluster story. Ferrier does his best to keep the story moving forward with exciting action and the occasional humorous note, while Tunica’s artwork is lively and expressive. However, it cannot save a story concept that screams editorial influence. At $4.99 a pop, TMNT Universe is becoming the book that can easily be dropped.

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Comic BooksReviews

Comic Review: TMNT Universe #23 – MONDO RAMPAGE

by Dan Gehen
written by Dan Gehen

Mondo Gecko goes full berserk (yes, you read that right) in an effort to save a loved one. Meanwhile, Zodi takes on a nobody.

Comic Review: TMNT Universe #23

(W) Ryan Ferrier & Rich Douek (A) Pablo Tunica & Brahm Revel (C) Patricio Delpeche

You know who we haven’t heard much from recently? The Mighty Mutanimals. Sure, Slash has shown up on occasion as brainwashed zombie pawn of Agent Bishop and the EPF, but the rest of the gang has been notably absent. That changes with the release of TMNT Universe #23. The story by Ryan Ferrier and Pablo Tunica sees the most unlikely of Mutanimals go on a one-mutant rampage to save the life of his friend, no matter the cost.

Mondo Gecko is one of the most popular side-characters in the pantheon of TMNT characters. While his popularity made sense in the early and mid-1990s due to his embodiment of the skateboarder personality, today he comes across as relic of an era long since passed. In many respects, it seems that the fine folks at IDW feel the same way, which is why Mondo often plays the role of comedic relief or unwitting background character. But Ryan Ferrier does something unexpected with him in this issue – he makes the character actually interesting.

What triggers this is the fallout of the Mutanimals’ past adventures, with Seymour slowly rotting away. Seeing his friend suffer as Seymour is utterly destroys Mondo Gecko’s worldview. No longer is everything gnarly, but instead he sees the cruelty and hardships that life has dealt not only to him, but those he holds closest. As a result, he becomes unhinged. Even after bringing Michelangelo into the fold for help, he continues his mission with reckless abandon. This is a welcome development, making Mondo and his Mutanimal friends way more interesting than their current role as benchwarmers.

Pablo Tunica has developed a style all of his own, and his expressive character work is on full display here. Readers can sense the anguish Mondo is grappling with throughout the issue, as well as the empathy on display from Michelangelo, Hob, and the others. Unfortunately, this issue also features perhaps his sloppiest linework to date. In the interest of full disclosure, I’ve never been a biggest fan of Tunica’s work, and for the most part this issue exemplifies why. Images – be it character, objects, or backgrounds – are just unpleasant to look at. As well written as the story is, the artwork is a major detractor that takes away from the issue’s overall enjoyment.

The back-up feature from Rich Douek and artist Brahm Revel is a refreshing palette cleanser. It’s a tightly plotted short story with great artwork. The tale sees Nobody thwarting an attempted robbery by mutated scorpion Zodi. That’s really all that happens, but Douek’s writing has the two trading effective and entertaining quips until one of them is subdued. Ditto for Revel’s artwork, which uses minimal colors and an emphasis on motion to make their battle kinetic and thrilling.

TMNT Universe #23, taken as a whole, is a solid issue. The story itself is an attention grabber, but held back by the subpar artwork. Chances are, this will continue into the next issue. However, the issue saw a strong close thanks to a great little back-up story. In all, this was a microcosm of the comics industry: some good, some bad, and a small amount of really good.

 

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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 #20

by Dan Gehen
written by Dan Gehen

Get ready for a cool but rude (or is it crude?) issue featuring everyone’s hotheaded reptile. The featured story concludes the “Service Animals” story, while the backup sees a Raphael-style insomnia remedy.

Comic Review: TMNT Universe #20

(w) Ian Flynn & Matthew K. Manning (a) Dave Wachter & Adam Gorham (c) Ronda Pattison & Brittany Peer

As a comics fan, I often find myself asking what benefits are there for multiple books that take place in the same universe? While it makes sense when dealing with different characters or concepts, the idea of having multiple Superman or Spider-Man comics seemed confounding to me, especially when they make following the character’s story that much more convoluted. Yet every so often, a story comes around that is really good and reminds us why multiple books can not just be a good idea, but a great one.

To flip the script, let’s discuss the back-up feature first. Penned by Matthew K. Manning (TMNT Adventures) and illustrated by Adam Gorham and Brittany Peer, their story is a simple but entertaining slice-of-life tale. After a hard night out on patrol, all Raphael wants to do is get some shut-eye. Unfortunately, Mikey is hard at work getting the high score in a video game. Loudly. It turns out Mikey is having trouble sleeping, so Raph takes it upon himself to provide his own remedy: a sparing match intended to tire him out. It’s an entertaining, yet touching tale which showcases that even hotheaded Raphael can be nurturing… in his own unique way.

As for the main event, the side-quest of Raphael and Alopex taking on Zodi is a quality action story with a healthy injection of heartfelt moments. While Raph has the unenviable task of trying to subdue Zodi, Alopex is left to take on an anthropomorphic snake named Krisa. Much like the Turtles were able to free her from the Foot’s control, Alopex attempts a similar tactic with her serpentine combatant – and she’s able to get through. While Krisa’s vulnerability to persuasion borders on the absurd, her quick of captured pet turned mutant weapon appears to play a major role in her malleable moral compass.

Zodi is arguably the best new addition to the TMNT canon since Old Hob. It’s not due to her character design, which is surprisingly not gross for a mutated scorpion, but rather her personality. Her fighting style comes straight out of the Peter Parker playbook, that is, hurl a constant barrage of insults at your opponent to knock them off their game. Given that her combatant for the majority of the issue is Raphael, the tactic is more than effective. It certainly makes for one of the most entertaining fight sequences in recent memory.

Dave Wachter, in my opinion, is never bad. Even his subpar work is better than a number of more well regarded artists on their best day. I’ve gushed about his work in all my past reviews, and all of those hold true here. Ditto for Ronda Pattison’s colors.

TMNT Universe #20 finishes the current, two-issue arc on a high note thanks to a solid main feature and an absolutely delightful backup. This series has become a garden for which the seeds of stories featured in the main TMNT series are planted and harvested. If “Service Animals” is anything to go by,  what this story eventually blossoms into should be special.

 

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