The Turtles are back in action with new interior artist Gavin Smith taking over artistic duties from Fero Pe. The previous four issues have all been part of the Armageddon Game crossover event, which unfolds in the eight-part Armageddon Game title and the six-part Armageddon Game – The Alliance miniseries. Now, if that wasn’t confusing enough, issue #8 of Armageddon Game, concluding the event, won’t be released until July 5th, but today’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #140 takes place after the events of that issue. So, if you wish to maintain continuity and avoid spoilers for the ending of Armageddon Game, you’ll have to wait a little longer before diving into this particular issue.
Credit: IDW
With that said, this issue serves as a great starting point for those who haven’t been following the event. Apart from a few brief asides, it effectively establishes the new normal for the Turtles, despite some members of the Splinter Clan struggling to adapt. The issue primarily focuses on the Turtles finding their place in the transformed New York City they now inhabit. While Leonardo and Jennika are determined to continue patrolling the streets and assisting the vulnerable, Raphael leans towards a more hands-off approach. With law enforcement now active in the city, he questions the necessity of playing vigilante. Michelangelo contemplates pursuing a normal life, including potentially getting a job, now that mutants are openly accepted and the Turtles no longer need to conceal their identities. Donatello remains mostly detached in this issue, engrossed in the books he acquired from his future self in The Armageddon Game – The Alliance #4.
Complications arise due to a series of unexplained mutant killings in the city, with no leads on the culprits. Alopex and the Weasels also make appearances, offering a welcomed update on their safety. Hopefully, Alopex and Raphael can resolve their differences and reunite with the Splinter Clan. The issue concludes with an intriguing development, which can be glimpsed on the cover of issue #141.
Sophie Campbell skillfully captures the distinctive voices of each Turtle through her writing. They possess different aspirations, emotions, and coping mechanisms as they navigate their new lives. Raphael spends much of the issue engaged in heated arguments with his brothers, eventually storming off as usual. Leonardo grapples with the weight of his perceived responsibilities and the toll it takes on his siblings. He suggests relocating to the O’Neill farm in Northampton as a means of rejuvenating their spirits. However, Michelangelo and Raphael firmly reject the idea. Even Jennika has her own endeavors with band practice. Campbell adeptly portrays the challenges and decisions the Turtles face, highlighting the potential far-reaching consequences their choices may have on the narrative going forward.
Gavin Smith’s art seamlessly complements the series. His slightly more realistic art style perfectly suits the Turtles’ new reality of openly navigating the city. The facial expressions of the mutants effectively convey the remaining humanity within these characters. Whether it’s a mandrill, a hairless cat, or even a moose, all the mutants are expressive and believable.
Credit: IDW
This latest issue of the TMNT series offers an engaging and accessible entry point for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. With a new interior artist, Gavin Smith, at the helm and Sophie Campbell’s skilled writing, the story delves into the Turtles’ struggle to find their footing in a transformed New York City. Each Turtle’s unique perspective and desires are expertly portrayed, creating a sense of depth and complexity within the narrative. Combined with Smith’s visually appealing artwork, which captures both the realism and humanity of the mutant characters, this issue sets the stage for intriguing developments and potential consequences that lie ahead.
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