Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #47

By Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, Tom Waltz, Mateus Santolouco & Ronda Pattison

This issue puts the focus back on Casey Jones and his “strained” relationship with his father, Hun. An all out battle ensues in front of the Second Time Around Shop. Meanwhile, the Turtles continue to be vigilant over Donatello’s soulless body and discuss an ancient scroll that April has in her possession. As everyone expected, Shredder and Baxter Stockman’s alliance is finally bearing fruit…

It’s nice to see the human characters take center stage every once in a while. The story plotters, Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow and Tom Waltz, know that it’s not just the reptilian brothers that make this series so immersive. Through the battle Casey and Hun have a philosophical battle as well. It’s fascinating to see the truly skewed love that Hun has for his son. The writers pose a notion that is very potent at the conclusion of the conflict. In truth, this issue focuses a lot on the theme of trust and what it means to be a family. This also comes into play with Shredder and Karai.

Last week IDW released the first issue of the new miniseries Casey & April. Some readers may have been confused as to why the couple are take a cross-country trip, but don’t fret, everything will make sense after this. This sub-plot has been seeded over the course of several books in this run, so it’s just a bit nerve-racking that the final unfolding is close at hand; the anticipation is murder.

The art of Mateus Santolouco and Ronda Pattison is, of course, top-notch! Their work on fight scenes is always dynamic and varied. The page layout is never the same from page-to-page and the panel designs match the heavy-hitting nature of the material. The use of the monochromatic images between Casey and Hun strongly conveys the toxic nature of their relationship. Also, just on a sidenote, the depiction of Stockman breaking his calm, calculating demeanor to become his maniacal self was pretty unnerving. As always, this art team fits the series so well and does it justice.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles continues to be brilliant comic. With action, heart and wit, this comic stands up against the best. Fans, please continue supporting this title and the mini-series associated with the main title because everything is interconnected and ultimately serves a purpose in the overall story of the heroes in a half-shell.