The Ninja Turtles are getting a comic inspired by the animated series, complete with a less serious and more fun interpretation. What does that mean for you? Possibly getting a little nostalgic when reading the book. Sounds good to me, so is it good?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures #3 (IDW Publishing)
Check out our review of issue #2 here!
If you’ve been avoiding my previous two TMNT: New Animated Adventures reviews you’re probably unaware of how much fun I’ve had with this series. The stories are self-contained, which makes the reading lighter and potentially more bang for your buck. Why is that? Because every issue has a beginning, middle and end. That means a satisfying story every single time. Unless, of course, the issue sucks. Last issue showed off a plant villain named Snakeweed who appeared in one of the newer animated series. I never even knew he existed until reading that issue, which made it fun in a way, to catch up with where the Turtles are these days. This issue however features a villain we all know and love: Krang!
I love how stiff Raphael looks here.
The issue opens with zombies. That’s right, zombies! Or maybe not, as Krang is up to no good and he’s much too savvy to waste all those people without full control. The issue does open with zombies, or at least a zombie movie marathon conducted by Michelangelo. The gang decides to go to bed, Donatello needs his REM sleep (I wonder how many kids will know what that is) and that gives Michelangelo some nightmares. Luckily this kicks off the Turtles finding out what Krang is up to, but also holds a message that comes from Splinter. Even when a danger seems outrageous it’s worth checking out. It’s a zen bit of ninja work and it gives the entire issue a nice meaning.
Nice crack there on Mikey.
Writer Kenny Byerly gets some help from Scott Tipton and David Tipton this issue and all do a bang up job. Last issue was rife with one liners which made the whole affair seem to lean on the schlocky humor more than necessary. This issue is more plot driven, which is fine, but does fall into a bit of exposition quicksand when all is revealed to the Turtles. That’s okay though, partly because it needs to be clearly explained these humans aren’t really in danger. That keeps it light enough for kids.
Wow, check out that sky.
The art by Dario Brizuela continues to keep things clear and exciting. Frankly, the Turtles are a joy to look at in every panel. They’re expressive, unique from each other and functional. I particularly like the design of the Krang robots in this issue. Please forgive me if these aren’t original, but I’m giving Brizuela full credit!
Lesson learned?
8.5
- Really dig the design of these Turtles
- Krang zombie action is fun fun fun
- Exposition heavy moments drag things down when it should be the most exciting moments!
Is It Good?
A good issue. It still doesn’t rival the exceptional first issue, but it’s a bit of an improvement on the last issue. If the exposition was a bit more balanced out it’d get a higher grade, but there are two or so pages that drag a bit. It’s another fun, done in one story that should keep kids new to the series and fans alike entertained.
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