(Courtesy of IDW Publishing)
Just in time for the holidays, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #89 (IDW Publishing) delivers a heartfelt message, capturing the emotional relationship between fathers and their children. Before heading off into the new year, the TMNT series celebrates the popular franchise with an exciting and fresh installment.
Bah humbug! When Splinter forgets the true meaning of the holidays, it takes a visit from the Turtles of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to remind him that nothing is as important as family.
Here are 5 reasons why you should get Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #89:
5) What Happened Before!
As Baxter Stockman contemplates running for Mayor of New York, the battle between the Triceratops and the Utroms has escalated. Though Raphael reluctantly takes a side, the Turtles have teamed up with the Mutanimals, At the conclusion of “Battle Lines,” the Turtles have truly lost and this defeat will haunt them no matter what.
4) A Christmas Carol!
From a story by Kevin Eastman and Bobby Curnow, writer Tom Waltz does a wonderful job adapting the classic Charles Dickens tale, featuring the Turtles. At its heart, this is about Splinter coming to grips with his stubbornness and realizing his role with the Foot Clan comes with a cost. Shawn Lee’s lettering emphasizes the loneliness and sadness of a missing father wanting to reconnect with his estranged sons.
3) The Artwork!
Out This Week: Bah humbug! When Splinter forgets the true meaning of the holidays, it takes a visit from the Turtles of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to remind him that nothing is as important as family. Head to your LCS and pick up #TMNT 89. pic.twitter.com/H9z9Dn4z3W
— IDW Publishing (@IDWPublishing) December 18, 2018
Artist Michael Dialynas does a phenomenal job recreating the Christmas imagery from the popular tale. Dialynas knows that the Ghost of Christmas Present is supposed to be a party animal. I loved the foreshadowing of what will happen in the future if Splinter doesn’t course-correct himself.
2) The Colors!
Notice how colorist Ronda Pattison highlights the religious symbolism with the white tones. The palette turns darker as Splinter heads towards the grim future. The green colors of the Turtles really stand out during the last pages.
1) A Great Splinter Solo Story!
A great Christmas present, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #89 delivers a heartfelt Splinter story, reminding readers to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. At the end of the issue, there are exactly 10 more installments before we hit the #100 milestone.
Rating:
Three out of Four Emojis
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #89 arrives in stores on December 19th, 2018.