So if you read the review of the first issue of this series, you know I enjoyed it immensely. If you haven’t read it, check it out here. Now that you’ve done that, let me tell you about the second part of this series. The world that Tristan Jones and Mark Torres have built is both engaging and visually striking. I know in my last review I wasn’t too high on the art, but it definitely grew on me and it does give a great feel for this Lovecraftian tale. But, how does this issue stack up with the last issue?
This episode picks up where the last one left off. Donatello has been separated from his brothers by a cave collapse brought on by an explosion of TNT. He reunites with Michelangelo and Raphael and they go off in search of Leonardo who was abducted by Cthulhu-esque creatures. Along the way they encounter a few obstacles and eventually manage to find Leo. In their attempt to rescue their captive brother, they encounter an attendant of sorts who serves a Great Old One (a Cthulhu deity), that the turtles mistakenly awaken. The issue ends with everyone back together, but ends on an ominous note.
I continue to be amazed by Jones’ writing. The interactions between the turtles are the best thing about this book. I don’t see how you could have a TMNT book and not have a bit of humor, and Mikey definitely delivers on that. The exchange between Donnie and Bloch is a highlight of the story. The climax of the book is also well written and wraps up quite nicely. Tristan Jones definitely has a fan here and I’m going to keep both eyes open for any future titles he works on.
I may not have been blown away by Torres’ art, but I did say it works in this book, and that holds true. I’m still not a big fan of the turtle’s design, but his style definitely does justice to all of the creatures. I especially loved the look of Shub-Niggurath. All of the tentacles, teeth and eyes make for a very disturbing deity. Torres’ art does remind me of Mike Mignola’s, but it definitely fits the horror-esque vein of this series. Jay Fotos’ coloring also helps bring all the characters alive, he did a splendid job coloring the Ninja Turtles as well as the Great Old One.
This was a good, fun story. I’m very glad I started reading it. For my first foray into a TMNT comic, I am very pleased. If there is one complaint I have about this, it’s that the title won’t be an ongoing. I’d have no hesitation in picking up this book every month. If you haven’t picked this series up, do yourself a favor and check your local comic shop for it. Even if you don’t know much about the Infestation going around IDW right now, you don’t need that knowledge to enjoy these issues.
Script: 9/10
Art: 7/10
Parental concern: Very little. Some images may be a little graphic, but nothing major.
You would totally enjoy the TMNT ongoing if you’re digging this. I also got a HUGE kick out of the micro-series issues so far!
