The Sacred Text
The Good
Although the TMNT limited series has come to a conclusion, I believe Erik Burnham and Mateus Santolouco did an outstanding work in going deeper into the past of Hamato Yoshi, more so of Oroku Saki; relating to the events in the present day as we see Shredder's main objective in seeking the book containing the Foot Clan's secret history. While in view of the past, they do a great job elaborating on Oroku Saki's feeling of betrayal, commitment, and dictatorship, which also coincides with the long-time rivalry between Hamato Yoshi, a loyal advisor of Saki at the time. In the present, we are taken to the house of Casey Jones' friend where the turtles, and Professor Miller set up camp while Shredder and the Foot are on the other end of the draw trying to win the hide-n-seek game in finding the sacred book that will open the secrets to the past of the Foot including his own. Really enjoy the classic discussion amongst the turtles in the beginning of this issue, specifically the hilarious conversation between Mikey and Don. Love how Burnham and Santolouco elaborate on the individual personalities of each turtle, with the conversations between Mikey and Don, and the brave and bold characteristics of Raph and Leo. In this issue alone, we are also presented with more knowledge on the past of Oroku Saki and his intentions as leader of the Foot Clan as well as some of what built on the rivalry between Hamato Yoshi. Really admire the direction the writers took with this story and believe it a great origin for Shredder.
The art fully takes me away in this issue. Although I've been elaborating on how versatilely talented Mateus Santolouco is by working on both the writing and artistic aspects of this title, I really wanted to shine some light on the colorist, Joao Vieira who I haven't mentioned all that much in this limited series. The unique coloring he applies to Santolouco's sketches compliments the panels precisely and is truly amazing. The one artwork that caught my eye was of the spread page in the end where we see Shredder standing oblivious to the city of New York and think the brilliant city lights butters up the art quite nicely. When alternating between the past and present, the artists do a phenomenal job depicting the settings of where the scenes are taking place; adding either a foggy, dull-like flavor to the past or a bright, distinct look to the present.
The Bad
I had no bad feedbacks on this issue. The only criticism I can give out is that some of the smaller panels seemed somewhat lopsided; but again, I think the overall story and essential panels make of for this inaccuracy.
The Verdict
Even though this series is at its conclusion, 'The Secret History of the Foot Clan' is definitely a great read for all turtle fans. The series embarks on the secret history of the Foot, also emphasizing on the past of Oroku Saki and the rivalry between Hamato Yoshi. It's only a 4-part mini, so if you haven't picked up on this series yet, I highly recommend you doing so - if you are willing to expand your knowledge on the history of the Foot Clan, Shredder and Splinter. We also get the pleasure to watch a pretty badass fight between Shredder and Splinter that you won't want to miss it! Again, this series was only intended to specifically explain the past of Oroku Saki and does not affect the main title of TMNT but only builds up the hype on Shredder and the Foot Clan. My hat goes off to Mateus Santolouco for doing such a phenomenal job in formulating this story, and evidently adding a great story to expand on the TMNT mythology. Very impressed with how the series turned out and stoked to have the honor to review all 4 issues of this limited series. I'm just sad that the story's over so quick!
