Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #101. IDW Publishing

Hard-hitting with its emotional honesty, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #101 (IDW Publishing) is a solid mixture of heart, intimacy, and action. Now that “City at War” has hit its 100th milestone event, the TMNT series continues its new direction after making some bold and unexpected decisions. 

Things have never been worse for the TMNT and their allies, but there’s still one desperate gambit to try if the family can come together in time. Will it be worth the cost? Over eight years of TMNT storytelling have led to this game-changing moment! Don’t miss it!

Here are 5 reasons why you should read Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #101:

5) What Happened Before!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #101

Karai makes a surprising decision by taking control of the Foot Clan from Splinter. Breaking off alliances with everyone, Karai drove her blade straight into Jennika. In order to save Jennika, the Turtles offered their own blood to save her. Kitsune has been manipulating everyone in her master plan to raise the apocalyptic Dragon. Master Splinter comes to terms with the mistakes he made and redeems himself by sacrificing his life to save the world. 

4) The Writing!

In the story by Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz, writer Sophie Campbell explores the Turtles as the death of their father has driven a wedge through their brotherhood. Six months have passed since Splinter’s death, Jennika wonders where her place is in a broken family. Shawn Lee’s lettering captures the emotional toll as Raphael expresses his state of grieving through reckless anger.

3) The Artwork!

Artist Sophie Campell does a phenomenal job capturing the different states of mourning. In a closeup, April stares aimlessly at her cell, while her living room is cluttered by clothing and unpacked boxes. In a wide shot, Raphael reacts violently in a brawl as he draws blood.

2) The Colors!

Interestingly, Mayor Baxter Stockman has enforced a wall separating humans from mutants. Ronda Pattison’s color palette heightens the shadows and dark shading of the quarantine zone. It’s an eerie reminder how the Nazis segregated Jews into ghettos during World War II.

1) An Emotional Read!

A somber and emotionally gripping read from start to finish, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #101 captures a grieving family struggling to move on. This issue will hit you in all the feels!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #101 arrives in stores on January 8th, 2019.

By Jorge Solis