If you read this website you know we love ourselves some TMNT. Last month the New Animated Series comic debuted and it was a fun ride. Each issue is one and done, which increases the chances a 10 out of 10 drops to a 2 out of 10 from issue to issue. So how does #2 read, is it good?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles New Animated Adventures #2 (IDW)
Missed our review of New Animated Adventures #1? Check it out here.
Obviously this is catered to a younger audience, but there’s no reason adults can’t have fun with this too! It just requires you to expect cheesy jokes and simplistic relationships. Or does it? The last issue was strong in nearly all categories and it didn’t dumb itself down for a younger audience. The relationship between April and Donatello, while a tad complicated, is simplistic enough for kids to dig, too. That’s about the only thread that’s carried over in this issue as Donatello is ribbed for liking April more than just a friend. He denies it of course. Ewww girls are icky!
I wasn’t familiar with the villain who graces the cover. Those of you right there with me, his name is Snakeweed and he originally appeared in the episode “Rise of the Turtles, Part 1” from the 2012 TMNT animated TV show. He’s a pretty heavy villain for the Turtles when you consider how powerful he is, but then again, they have slicing and dicing weapons to deal with a plant enemy so it makes sense.
Ali G Reference from Michelangelo!
What we have here is a very basic story from writer Kenny Byerly. The Turtles need to stop a threat and do so promptly. To pump it up a bit, Byerly has filled this issue with enough one liners to make you cringe into madness. Most of them are silly and cheesy. How many one liners can you make up that relate to plants? A ton apparently, because the Turtles lay down quite a few.
Whoa…does April have a metal fan as a weapon? That is sick.
I found the first issue a lot more enjoyable because it had more to do with the characters which entwined with the plot. April was training, Donatello wanted to look out for April, etc etc. This issue is a very straightforward though, and lacking in that department. That means a lot rides on the art to bring the entertainment value up. Thankfully Dario Brizuela’s cartoony style doesn’t disappoint.
Splinter is a tree hugger. There I said it.
Sure, April has enormous feet and boots, but hell, I think it’s cool looking. Aside from that and Splinter being nine feet tall, the design of the Turtles is unique to each and there’s plenty of color in every panel. In fact, the background in most panels flashes to different colors often, which helps not only move your eye around, but also add energy to the scenes.
The progression of medium shots, close ups, and establishing shots is well used as well. Nothing is ever confusing and Brizuela’s choice for the type of shot used almost seems to be the perfect choice to keep the energy of the story going.
”Urban Jungle” is one of many one liners in this issue.
7.5
- Well paced, colorful action
- Little less all ages friendly as the first issue
- The one liners wear on you
The art and action are great, but there isn’t much to chew on story wise. The one liners will beat you down, too. It’ll get to the point where you’ll be looking for them, which makes you realize there isn’t much story here besides one large action sequence. The kids will love it though, but anyone older than 16 will probably find this a bit boring.
Is It Good?
Meh. It’s a passable adventure, but still a nice ride.
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