Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #30

By Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman, Ross Campbell & Ronda Pattison

The Northampton arc continues with the turtles and company still recuperating after the last bout with Shredder and the Foot. Leonardo is still battling his inner demons to find his identity again, while his family can only sit and hope he returns to them. Fellow mutant Aloplex continues to be an outcast amongst them being that she was a former foe and April and Casey learns of her father’s involvement with Stockgen.

Since the TMNT crew are still recovering, this storyline, so far, has been one focusing on character and plot development. It’s a great plot device after a big arc like City Fall. Tom Waltz is able to give time to each of the main characters in this issue and really give insight into their individual personalities and what drives them. Having the conflict of trying to reconnect with Leo, allows Waltz to show how each deals with the problem. Tom was able to really keep the book from becoming depressing by using the narration of Michelangelo as he writes a letter as the framing device. His optimistic attitude provides a much needed balance to the serious subject matter. No doubt, it was writing that was well executed.

Ross Campbell’s character designs, specifically for the turtles, perfectly match the story and subject matter because they accentuate the facial expressions and emotions of the characters. I loved the simplistic cover for this issue; Mikey just sitting on a tree stump, diligently writing a letter. Also, his take on a new mutant that is introduced is fantastic! Colorist Ronda Pattison and the rest of the art creative team compliment Campbell’s work very well. This arc has really been a visual treat!

This continues to be a story of reflection and introspection. Seeing the turtle team cope with their internal conflicts is just as stimulating as their physical fights. Be prepared for big things to come… pick this book up!