The Good
After the shocking controversy of last issue, the dust has settled and plans are put into motion. This isn’t so much a “filler” issue as it is one that is very clearly prepping for something, and it’s going to be something huge. There are a number of reveals that will have wide-reaching implications for several different characters and groups as the book has really done a phenomenal job of partitioning the major players into effective “factions,” each with their own look, feel and method and each feeling like a credible threat to the others in some form or fashion. Part of the effectiveness of it was how subtly and slowly it was done, with the Mutanimals, the Foot, the Purple Dragons and, of course, Krang’s armies all wheeling, dealing, absorbing some members of the others, fragmenting and on and on. This issue really emphasizes that, bringing it home just how far things have come since the first story arc. Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow and Tom Waltz’s story has been an epic one, while Tom Waltz’s script conveys how stressful and taxing all this change and upheaval has been. The first part of this issue is so focused on the Turtles rebuilding what they have that it takes awhile to realize there are much, much bigger and more substantial things going on beneath the surface, making the various reveals and teases all the more potent.
Mateus Santolouco provides the linework, and does a phenomenal job, as always. His linework has come to define the new look of TMNT, making the brothers look oddly cute as he makes the villains look clearly sinister and there’s a tremendous level of detail to all the participants. From April’s parents to the shocking Baxter Stockman reveal, everything looks fantastic, detailed and stylishly cartoonish. There’s always been a very distinct style this comic, and this issue continues to revel in it with its human characters looking entirely normal, while the mutant ones look truly bizarre. Ronda Pattison’s colors are massively responsible for the feel of this title as well, giving a bright palette with lots of detail and variation while still keeping things just dark enough to be...well...DARK! This is a very dark book overall, and while this issue brings a lot of levity, it’s still a serious affair and Pattison’s colors do that great justice, while emphasizing the the details.
The Bad
Because of its nature as an establishing issue, this is a very scattered issue in terms of its focus, leading it to not really make a strong statement at any point. There are some great moments, but some of them feel rote and some of them feel rushed, leading the issue to not quite be a filler one, but to still have a few of the hallmarks of a filler issue. It’s clearly not easy to set up what’s going to happen next, but this feels like it should have been extended a bit, while the different characters and factions are given a chance to breathe.
The Verdict
This issue might be more establishing and building than delivering, but it really does feel like it’s building to something fantastic. There’ve been enough great stories told in this universe that it doesn’t need to prove itself fully issue after issue, but there’s still something to be said for taking a breather when a breather is called for. Still, pushing forward can’t be all bad, and this issue certainly isn’t as the various factions begin to gear up for what looks like will be their final confrontation. This issue is a good one leading to what will hopefully be a great one.
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