It’s been some time since I’ve read IDW Publishing‘s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I enjoyed what I’ve read in the past but there’s a lot of comics to read. I missed the recent event which seems to have shaken up a lot of things. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #101 felt like a good point to see what I’ve been missing. It’s a new start for the series signifying a new story arc. It’s also a decent place for new readers to check out and see what they’ve been missing.

The war is over and there’s been casualties in a few ways. Splinter is dead, thousands have evolved into mutanimals, and the Turtles are secluded, shaken from the experience.

Written by Sophie Campbell, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #101 is a solid jumping-on point for new readers. And it’s intriguing enough it might entice them to see what they’ve been missing. The comic shows the aftermath of the seismic events. Parts of New York City have been walled off creating a ghetto for those transformed into mutant/human hybrids. Poverty and threats pervade the territory leaving its citizens scared and hungry. It’s a setting we’ve seen by Campbell delivers enough character depth to get us to feel sympathy for those impacted. It also resonates with issues today and those who are walled off from our society.

The loss resonates throughout the comic. The Turtles are broken and much of the issue is told from Donatello’s perspective. We’re delivered an update as to where things stand making it easy for new readers to catch up.

The art by Campbell is great. With colors by Ronda Pattison and lettering by Shawn Lee, the juxtaposition of where various individuals stand is clear. From the farmhouse of the Turtles to the run down neighborhoods of those walled in, the different situations is hammered through the visuals. The design for those transformed is great too with animal/human hybrids that look as natural as the Turtles themselves. Each has its own personality in design and look.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #101 is a solid hopping on point and sets up where the series is going for long-time readers. It’s easy to catch up and understand where things stand and there’s more than enough to get you to want to see what you’ve missed.

Story: Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz, Sophie Campbell Art: Sophie Campbell
Color: Ronda Pattison Letters: Shawn Lee
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.15 Overall: 8.15 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review