Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [# 0 July 2018] [Spoiler-FREE Review]
A comic aimed at younger audiences, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brings a vibrancy and new vision to New York’s saviours of the sewers.
When I first read this issue online, I was flummoxed by some of the hate.
And I quote:
“As bad as the actual show.” – Kirsty Leanne
“This isn’t TMNT, this is Spongebob.” - TrotterPrime
“I just don’t know what to make of this weird series.” – KnightMysterio
I have to admit, I haven’t watched a whole episode of the new animated series. I’ve seen a promotional video from Nickelodeon, which was far too long in my opinion and involved each of the characters giving biographies of themselves.
Kirsty may be right. The show might be bad.
But this comic wasn’t. It was light and punchy and is suited ideally to a younger audience or an older audience looking for something to remind them what reading was like when they were nine years old- and there’s nothing wrong with that!
The first page introduces the mischievous antagonists before returning to them in the final sequences of the book. It doesn’t insult the intelligence of the [younger] reader. From a teacher’s point of view, it’s an engaging text that gives plenty of opportunity to make predictions, clarify and question the plot and characters’ motivations.
Without spoiling parts of the plot, this new revitalised version of TMNT sees the turtles begin an adventure with all new weapons. We aren’t given too much information about them yet, but here’s hoping #1 and beyond explore that a bit further!
Chad Thomas’ simple yet impactful art style piqued my interest.
Thomas’ use of bold irregular shapes, sharp edges and vibrant colours sucked me into the page. That’s saying something. For me, it’s usually realism and extreme detail that coax my mind into the panels of a comic.
A series of panels using shades of blue and purple spray a mist of speckled colour into New York’s sewers.
This series isn't a replacement for adult reading, nor is it trying to be.
As a backhanded compliment to the comic, one commentator had the following to say;
“As much as I dislike the writing for this new series and how they changed the characters into dumb ones, I have to admit the art style fits pretty well for a comic.” - Reem Khalil
They went on to discuss a comparison between the comic and the television show (as did many others). Let's be honest here, there is no way the readership of a comic is going to be anywhere near the viewership of a television show. Sadly, I think that has a lot to do with children's (and parental) priorities. I can only speak from my own experience, but there are only a handful of kids in my class that regularly engage in reading for pleasure. Given the choice, they'd prefer playing Fortnite: Battle Royal until midnight. Sigh.
Yes, this comic has a particular art style which is subjective, but I don't think the success of this comic is necessarily tied into the success of the show (which has been the target of criticism) - after all, I found it and didn't even know there was a new TMNT television show!
For transparency, I did take a look at the last incarnation of the comic version of the TMNT cartoon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles New Animated Adventures.
It's clear that the plot of the first issue of the 2013 series is somewhat more complex with more mature themes [independence, responsibility for those in our care, kidnapping, military sabotage] and also had a deeper dialogue between the characters.
A disguised April O'Neil is captured by military personnel after her and Donatello enter a private "Junk Yard" where failed military prototypes are stashed.
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is unique.
And worse things could be said than to be compared to Spongebob SquarePants. It's an enormous compliment. That's one of the most successful franchises in cartoon history and was the "most watched show on cable" in 2009.
Well done, Manning and team. You're being compared to the best of them.
All the best,
Nick.
Acknowledgements
Buy this issue of Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles here.
Please UPVOTE this article. Your vote keeps me writing my best content.
All content is original and belongs to @nickmorphew. [27 October 2018]
Disclosure: This article was not a paid promotion and was not self-upvoted. Nor were there any affiliate links.
I’m looking for an artist to cover my work on the fantasy saga, Adventures in Elowyn Glade. Click the link!
You didn’t think you’d leave here without shamelessly plugging my other work, right?
Our Trip from Adelaide to Melbourne.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Restaurant Reviews (and Tesla Showroom)
[100% VEGAN] Shift Eatery Surry Hills
[100% VEGAN] Matcha Mylkbar, St. Kilda
[100% VEGAN] Lentil as Anything, Newtown
Da Orlando Wood Fire Pizzeria, Wollongong
Do you enjoy gory mystery-thrillers?
Two devious, psychopathic minds go head-to-head trying to out-kill one another. Who will die at the hands of the two and how far will it go until the entire state is on the hunt for the duplicitous duo?
Check out The Coroner. Part 1 and Part 2 are linked.
So, you're a Star Wars fan? I almost wasn't.
In a two part micro series, learn of the devious practical joke my uncles played on me as a child. You'll never think of Darth Vader the same way again.