And needless to say, her relationship to the Turtles and Splinter is unlike any we’ve seen in the series.įamily continues to be one of the central themes for the book heading out of “Northampton,” into issue #33. It’s a unique visual, seeing this woman behave in a motherly way with these anthropomorphic animals. Fittingly, it also has a bit more of an Asian influence. We saw her briefly during “City Fall,” and we see her once again during “Northampton.” Campbell and Pattison’s presentation becomes downright tender, and also brighter during Shen scenes (shown left). Shen, on the other hand, becomes a spectral presence, and for the first time has a role in the ongoing story of the TMNT. Centuries later, Yoshi is reincarnated as Splinter, and his sons return as four turtles. In the IDWverse, Shen is cast not only as Yoshi’s beloved wife in feudal Japan, but the mother of their four sons. She would always meet a bloody end thanks to the Shredder. Historically, the closest thing to one came in the form of Tang Shen, who we’d see via flashbacks as a love interest for the future Splinter, Hamato Yoshi. But rarely if ever had there been a maternal figure in the story. The Turtles have always had a father figure in Master Splinter. More than anything else, it opens up some interesting storytelling doors… That’s a new spin on the green goo that’s become synonymous with the TMNT over nearly three decades. The O’Neil family will later learn that the “ooze” in question has miraculous healing properties. We learn in “Northampton” that her father, now disabled after suffering a stroke, was once a scientist who had a hand in testing and developing the mutagen that transformed the Turtles and Splinter into their present state. On the subject of healing, not to be lost in the shuffle is April O’Neil, and her role in the saga of the Turtles. This emphasizes that his contributions to the Turtle clan go far beyond that of a simple Mr. We see him tend to Splinter’s wounded leg and act as a friendly ear for Leo. Understated but no less important is Donatello’s emergence as a healer. Raphael, perhaps predictably, seeks out confrontation with Alopex, who is on her own journey of self discovery. Leonardo desperately seeks guidance from a mentor, in this case his mother (more on her in a moment). Thus, he reaches out to others while expressing himself creatively. Michelangelo narrates the issue via a letter to Woody. Each brother deals with the blows they’ve been dealt in his own way. Campbell and colorist Ronda Pattison’s greater emphasis on fall colors is a subtle message that we’ve got a front row seat to a time of change and transformation in these characters’ lives.įrom a writing perspective, it’s interesting to pay attention to each individual Turtle during these issues. The general autumn aesthetic of “Northamption” plays a role too. Another part involves her decision to draw them with eyeballs, as opposed to the white slits many artists use, eyes being a “window to the soul” and what not. Part of that is because of the “softer” look Campbell gives them. This is as emotionally transparent and as vulnerable as the Turtles have ever looked. I think one would be hard-pressed to debate that Campbell’s art in these issues has a cute quality to it. It was about coming together and healing as a family. It wasn’t just a matter of recovering from a beat down.
#Slash tmnt series#
The IDW series presented it with a new twist: Leonardo recovering after being brainwashed by the Foot. It always involves the Turtles recovering after getting beaten down by the Foot, and eventually making a triumphant return to the city. The whole “retreat to a farm” plot point dates back to the original Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird comic book and has been adapted into various TMNT media over the years. But there’s also a sensitive quality to her take that made it perfect for the four-issue “Northampton” story arc in IDW’s TMNT series. I’d classify her take on the Turtles as cute. Sophie Campbell provides a unique and rare exception to that rule. They should look ready and able to fight at any given time But remember, the Turtles are martial artists. That’s not to say the Turtles shouldn’t have softer, gentler moments. the boys in green drawn in a cute and cuddly style. I don’t usually go for what I call, “Cutesy Turtles,” i.e. TITLE: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #29-37ĪUTHORS: Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman, Bobby CurnowĪRTISTS: Sophie Campbell, Mateus Santolouco, Cory SmithĬOLLECTED IN: TMNT: The IDW Collection, Vol. For some, this has emerged as the definitive version of the TMNT. In celebration, we here at Primary Ignition will be looking back at the book as a whole. ***This year marks the 10-year anniversary of IDW Publishing’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series.
0 kommentar(er)
