Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Nation is back this month with a star-studded creative team and two stories that share a common thread of District Attorney Hale’s corrupt and malicious Foot Patrol. First up is “One Hale of an Afternoon” written by Erik Burnham, drawn by Michael Shelfer and colored by Ronda Pattinson. Burnham most recently wrote the backup story featuring Casey Jones in issues 1-4 of Mutant Nation while Shelfer drew a great story in the smash hit anthology book TMNT: Black White and Green #3. The backup “Moose Boot Blues” is written by Paul Allor, drawn by Gavin Smith and also colored by Ronda Pattinson. Allor is back after writing the main story in issue #5 and Smith makes his Mutant Nation debut after a five issue run in TMNT #140-#144. While the issue features a variety of protagonists, the antagonists are the same in both stories: the Foot Patrol.
Courtesy: IDW
In “One Hale of an Afternoon”, Natsu and Koya are summoned to New York City by Bludgeon, who has had dire premonitions about the future of the Foot Clan and the safety of Karai. When our trio first runs into the Foot Patrol on the boardwalk, they are able to avoid a physical altercation, but Natsu can’t help herself when they cross paths again later in the evening at a small mom and pop restaurant. The Foot are extorting small business owners, which Natsu simply can’t ignore at this point. They are dishonoring the name of the Foot Clan, and it’s clear Karai must be made aware of the situation in New York.
Burnham does a great job of playing the serious Natsu against the more laid back Koya and Bludgeon. There are a few jokes and sight gags that break up the serious moments. When the trio is unable to see Karai thanks to the protection of Bebop, Rocksteady, and a magically enchanted door, they decide to go to the source of the Foot Patrol’s dastardly behavior, District Attorney Hale. The confrontation doesn’t go well, and the issue ends with the future of Bludgeon, Natsu and Koya up in the air.
Shelfer’s art is well suited to the TMNT world, fitting right in with previous artists. One highlight was Koya’s many exasperated facial expressions. The action scenes were well choreographed and evenly distributed the spotlight on our three protagonists.
“Moose Boot Blues” follows the mutant moose Monty who is an NYPD officer. Monty has made appearances in TMNT: Nightwatcher. He’s responding to a call about a mutant dung beetle, Kingston, that’s making humans uncomfortable at a local bar. When Monty arrives, Kingston doesn’t seem to be doing anything wrong other than simply existing, but when approached, he quickly flies off the handle. Monty tries to deescalate the situation, but when the Foot Patrol arrives things quickly get out of hand.
Allor deftly weaves highly relevant themes of police brutality and the problems that an ultra-militarized police force can bring to city streets. Gavin Smith’s realistic art is perfect for the serious tone of the story. The dung beetle character design is very unique to the TMNT universe, as I’m not sure we’ve ever seen an insect mutant. Ronda Pattinson colored both stories, and provides a seamless color palette and consistency throughout the issue. Koya’s magic wings and an exploding neon sign are just two highlights and show exactly why Pattinson has colored hundreds of TMNT issues.
Final Thoughts
With two distinct but thematically linked stories, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Nation #7 delivers a compelling snapshot of the TMNT universe. Whether it’s Burnham’s sharp character work and playful chemistry between classic villains or Allor’s sobering look at systemic abuse through Monty’s eyes, this issue continues to show the TMNT world at its most nuanced and socially relevant. Strong art across both stories and Pattinson’s cohesive colors make for a polished, engaging read that balances mutant mayhem with grounded storytelling. The Foot Patrol may be the face of corruption here, but it’s the creative team’s thoughtful approach that leaves a lasting impact.
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