It’s no surprise that Jason Aaron and Juan Ferreya have been putting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles through the wringer. The Heroes in a Half-Shell were previously separated, and even when they got back together they had to deal with lingering resentments, a city infiltrated by their enemies, and a kangaroo court constructed by Hieronymous Hale. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 finally provides some light at the end of the tunnel, and it feels like a breath of fresh air.
Once again, Aaron switches perspectives, this time to Hale. In a major twist, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 opens with something we haven’t seen before: Hale looking frazzled and frightened, demanding to speak with the Foot Clan’s leader Karai. Up to this point in the book, we’ve seen him holding New York in an iron grip, so the question remains: what the hell’s gotten him so shaken up?
Turns out that the people of New York are more than willing to stand up for the Turtles. Page after page showcases people coming up to the stand, offering their testimonies on how the Turtles saved them (in one of my favorite panels, a group of kids who attacked Michelangelo on the subway confess that they’ve been saved by “the power of nunchucks”. Not only does this let Ferrerya draw a wide range of characters, but it also lets Aaron showcase that no matter what, the Big Apple will always be the Turtles’ home.
Ferreya doesn’t just deliver some great work in the court scenes, however: he once again gets to illustrate a massive two page spread featuring the Turtles and April O’Neil leaping into action against the Foot Clan, and it’s glorious. Donatello uses one of the Foot as a springboard, Raphael barrels into them with the full force of a freight train, Leonardo engages in close up combat, and Mikey is his usual whirlwind of chaos. If that wasn’t impressive enough, Ferrerya continues to give each Turtle’s movements their signature color, making them stand out all the more.
IDW
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 also finally pulls Karai out of the self-imposed exile she’s been in, and reveals just how she’s changed. It spells trouble for the Turtles, but it also feels a little abrupt as Aaron and Ferreya’s run will end next issue. I can’t help but feel that we didn’t get to spend enough time with the idea of April picking up Casey Jones’ weapons and hockey mask; granted, Casey is finally out of his coma and headlining his own title, but it would have been fun to see an issue from April’s POV as she gets used to cracking skulls.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 gives the Heroes in a Half-Shell a much deserved victory, as Jason Aaron and Juan Ferreya set the stage for their run’s endgame. When all is said and done, Aaron and Ferreya are delivering one of the most unique TMNT run in ages, and I’m glad to be along for the ride.
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