The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe has always thrived on rich storytelling, deep character moments, and explosive action, and Mutant Nation #4 is no exception. As the final chapter of both Ambush at Area 51 and Casey Jones: Agent of the Foot Clan, this issue brings plenty of high-stakes battles, and hints at what’s to come in the ever-expanding TMNT saga. With a script that balances closure and new beginnings, and an artistic team that delivers some of the best visuals in the franchise, this finale is a satisfying conclusion to the story thus far.
Outta the fryin pan…
Credit: IDW Publishing
The Story
Ambush at Area 51 once again begins with an inner monologue from Raphael, catching us up on the story so far. Things aren’t looking good for our captured ninja as he remembers a corny one liner from his brother Leo, “Outta the fryin’ pan… into the fire.” It’s a great summary of how his expedition to Area 51 has gone so far, and Waltz perfectly captures Raph’s almost nostalgic, melancholy tone when thinking about his troubles and his brothers.
Metalhead and Pepperoni on the other hand, are having some better luck and meet a new ally fans will remember most recently from TMNT: The Armageddon Game. I’m looking forward to seeing that partnership explored in future issues, though something tells me it isn’t destined to last long. We get a backstory for Dr. Yuhasz that ties back to yet another cyborg EPF agent and also learn how the Mutanimals were captured. They cover a lot of territory in a few short pages, which can make the pacing feel a bit rushed. The epilogue brings back another EPF agent and mutant from previous issues.
Waltz does a great job giving the story a satisfying conclusion, while also dropping lots of strands for future stories to pick up on. He deftly weaves in details and plot points from the previous TMNT series as well as event crossovers. Waltz was a huge part of the 2011-2024 TMNT run and has been able to craft Mutant Nation into a true spiritual successor to that series. This can perhaps make new readers feel a bit overwhelmed, but editor’s notes let you know exactly where to go if you’re looking for more context.
The finale for Casey Jones: Agent of the Foot Clan is an all-out brawl between Karai and Casey. Through grit and determination, Casey is able to hold out just long enough to survive, but his ties with the Foot Clan are severed. Burnham captures Casey’s cocky, never-give-up attitude to a T and really highlights Casey’s martial arts skills. After all, you’ve got to be a great fighter to hang with the Ninja Turtles.
The story ends where TMNT #5 picks up, so if you’re dying for more Casey, you don’t need to wait. Burnham has created a fascinating relationship between Karai and the Traveler that is sure to be picked up in later issues of TMNT (as Jason Aaron hinted this week). There’s a “dark path” mentioned and it will be interesting to see how the Foot Clan and Hieronymus Hale in NYC fit together with Karai and her machinations in Tokyo. Is the NYC Foot a splinter group being controlled by Hale, or are they still following Karai?
…Into the fire.
Credit: IDW Publishing
The Art
Vincenzo Federici continues to show why he’s one of the best Ninja Turtles artists out there. Whether it’s quiet, contemplative moments, explosive fight scenes or literal explosions, Federici handles it all with a deft hand. He’s able to give all of the characters, even Pepperoni the dinosaur, expressive faces letting you know exactly what they’re feeling. Colorist Ronda Pattison continues her amazing streak as a TMNT colorist and does an excellent job. There’s some great fire and laser effects that really pop and contrast. Several flashback panels use an almost salmon tint to differentiate them.
One of the best parts of Mutant Nation is the multiple stories from different artists, and you can’t do much better than getting a backup from Mateus Santolouco. The character design for the amalgamation of Karai and the Traveller is quite impressive, giving Karai a mostly humanoid body form, but transforming her head to be more demonic, complete with horns and fangs. Karai wresting control back from the demon and her “transformation” to her normal self was a jaw-dropping splash page. He also uses blurred limbs in many panels to convey the speed of the fighting, knowing exactly when and where to best utilize the effect. Colorist Marco Lesko captures the speed and ferocity of the fight scenes, switching between warm and cool backgrounds to give some variety. The glowing flames and magical effects around the Traveler are particularly well executed.
Final Thoughts
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Nation #4 delivers a satisfying and action-packed conclusion to both of its ongoing stories while laying the groundwork for future issues. Waltz and Burnham ensure that Ambush at Area 51 and Casey Jones: Agent of the Foot Clan don’t just wrap up their arcs but also expand the TMNT mythos, weaving in past events and teasing intriguing new directions. The artistic teams, led by Federici and Santolouco, bring dynamic energy and expressive character work to every page, making this issue a visual treat. Whether you’re here for the deep lore, intense action, or stunning artwork, Mutant Nation proves once again why this era of TMNT storytelling is must-read material.
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