Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #91, IDW Publishing

(Courtesy of IDW Publishing)

With a spectacular fight scene, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #91 (IDW Publishing) is a refreshingly character-driven installment that sets up an effective plot. Before heading off into the celebratory milestone, the TMNT series continues the popular franchise with an exciting new story arc. 

Karai returns to New York City and means business! Will she come to Splinter and the TMNT seeking peace… or war?

Here are 5 reasons why you should get Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #91:

5) What Happened Before!

The battle between the Triceratops and the Utroms escalated to a point that the Turtles had to team up with the Mutanimals, At the conclusion of “Battle Lines,” the Turtles have truly lost and and they have to deal with Slash’s sacrifice. While his murderer, Agent Bishop, is still out there and planning his return, Karai makes a surprise return. 

4) Karai!

From a story by Kevin Eastman and Bobby Curnow, writer Tom Waltz does a great job focusing the narrative on Karai’s perspective. As a tragic figure, Karai is seduced back into her reluctant role as head of the Foot Clan. Shawn Lee’s lettering emphasizes the abandonment Leonardo feels when speaking with his estranged father.

3) The Artwork!

Artist Michael Dialynas captures bits of Shredder’s outfit into Karai’s character design. Karai’s armor isn’t bulky but it does show off her muscles. Dialynas establishes the love/hate relationship between the Turtles and Karai’s teammates in wide shots.

2) The Colors!

Notice how colorist Ronda Pattison heightens the red tones around Karai’s scarf. Observe how the Karai’s scarf and Raphael’s eye mask share the same tone, as if they’re more alike than the two would like to admit. I love how the white tones look like watercolors when we see through Budgeon’s POV.

1) A New Story Arc!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #91 delivers the suspense as readers will guess if Karai is scheming around. The countdown continues as we start heading towards the #100 issue milestone.

Rating:

via GIPHY

Three out of Four Emojis

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #91 arrives in stores on February 13th, 2019.

By Jorge Solis