Connect with us
'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' #117 gets the ball rolling in a big way

Comic Books

‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ #117 gets the ball rolling in a big way

This issue is great, and my favorite of Campbell’s run so far.

I’ve been critical in the past of the pacing contained within Sophie Cambell’s current arc of IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but here she really pulled out all the stops and knocked it out of the park. This month’s entry really put it all out there and delivered on a meaty issue packed full of stuff to sink your teeth into.

SPOILERS AHEAD for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #117!

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

This issue hits the ground running with a gorgeous series of pages depicting Jennika’s newly formed band, the music being represented by a swirl of beautiful artwork depicting the themes their music is meant to convey. Music is not easy to translate to a solely visual medium, but clearly Campbell knew what she was doing in how to make it just right (Jen and the Holograms, ha, nice one).

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #117

IDW Publishing

With the musical subplot finally concluded, our characters reconvene and all the loose ends start tying up. It’s finally time for Lita to return back to the future, and takes the unstable Tokka and Rahzar with her, but not before sharing a heartfelt moment with the entire main mutant cast. It’s a nice little sendoff, featuring a glimpse into a possible future with plenty of references to look out for. We also finally see the return of Oroku Saki, the former Shredder, who’s been watching the Turtles this entire time, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal himself and give them his aid. It’s nice to see he’s still around and skulking about, and hinting toward larger ideas still in play.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #117

IDW Publishing

And of course, how could I not mention that this issue outwardly confirms Jennika as bisexual, reciprocating the interest had by the mutant pig woman, Sheena. Openly bisexual characters are vastly underrepresented, and it’s really nice to see that Jennika continues to push new boundaries and explore more inclusive ideas of love and romance within the Turtles franchise. A fantastic creative decision that I’m glad got made.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #117

IDW Publishing

As the self-designated biggest fan of Leonardo, it made me (probably somewhat disproportionately) happy to see him keeping a neighborhood watch at the end. It felt so right and in character for him to be this almost Batman-esque silent guardian of his neighborhood and family. We also get a promise from Raphael to help in taking down the Mutanimal Leader Old Hob, paying off on the subplot of his guilt in unknowingly helping create Mutant Town in the first place.

The characters acknowledge that, while their idea of electing a Mayor for Mutant Town was sound, it simply isn’t that easy to just make it happen. They need to take some direct action first and foremost, really dive into the problems of Mutant Town head first. This is fantastic, and something that’s been a long time coming. I’ve been chomping at the bit to see the Turtles tackle these plot threads directly, and I cannot wait to see how this will develop going forward.

This issue is great, and my favorite of Campbell’s run so far. The confirmation of Jennika as bisexual will surely be a highlight moment for many, and that’s only one brief scene in an issue with plenty more forward momentum to go around. With the usual stellar artwork from Campbell herself, it also offers a closed door on her first, more low-key and small scale arc and the opening back up to the wider Turtles world once more. The slice-of-life format, while fun for a time, had started to wear out its welcome. I can’t say I’m disappointed that we’re getting back into the larger ongoing narrative as a whole once more, and Campbell proved that said narrative is still in very good hands.

'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' #117 gets the ball rolling in a big way
‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ #117 gets the ball rolling in a big way
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #117
An issue that hits the ground running and never stops. Confirming an openly bisexual character alone is enough to give it praise, but it goes above and beyond from there to really make it feel like we can only go up from here.
Reader Rating2 Votes
4.4
Openly bisexual Jennika
Wraps up all the loose ends and gets right back to the ongoing narrative
Well characterized and drawn, as always
9
Great

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup