Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #102. IDW

Targeting the right emotions, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #102 (IDW Publishing) is a hard-hitting 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. 

The Turtles are separated, each trying to find their own way forward. With their absence, Old Hob fills the power vacuum with the help of some very unusual new mutants!

Here are 5 reasons why you should read Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #102:

5) What Happened Before!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #102 

Karai makes a surprising decision by taking control of the Foot Call 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 this story by Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz, writer Sophie Campbell focuses on the somber breakup of a family. Campbell offers insight into each Turtle as they grieve for  Splinter’s death in their own way. Shawn Lee’s lettering captures the emotional toll as Leonardo and Mikey are unable to speak with each other.

3) The Artwork!

Artist Sophie Campbell does a phenomenal job portraying the emotions of anger, failure, and guilt. In a closeup, April struggles to communicate with the Turtles as they appear to have shut her out.This installment has very little action I’ll admit, but the emotional arc on display is quite interesting.

2) The Colors!

Interestingly, Ronda Pattison’s color palette heightens the snow and winter setting. The white snow echoes the harshness of the weather and coldness of Raphael’s heart. The colors add so much to the somber tone.

1) An Emotional Read!

A somber and emotionally gripping read, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #102 captures a grieving family struggling to move on. This installment  will hit you in all the feels!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #102 arrives in stores on February 29th, 2019.

By Jorge Solis