Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2 [Advance Review]
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2, written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Rafael Albuquerque, continues the TMNT saga with a sharp focus on Michelangelo, offering a story that dives deeper into the emotional complexity of the series' most lighthearted turtle. After the explosive opener that followed Raphael’s escape from prison and his discovery of the Foot Clan’s mobilization against his brothers, the narrative pivots to Michelangelo, the pizza-loving, fun-loving jokester fans know and love. But this issue shows a side of Mikey that’s far more introspective, weighed down by the realities of growing older and the burdens that fame has brought him.
The story begins with a stark contrast to the intense action of the previous issue. Michelangelo, now an actor living in Japan, spends his days on film sets wielding foam nunchaku and pretending to fight off "ninjas" while surrounded by an entourage of sycophants from the entertainment industry. It’s a life of superficial glamour, far removed from his days as a warrior in New York City, but Michelangelo feels the emptiness of his new reality. Aaron’s script beautifully captures the turtle’s internal conflict, balancing his outer persona as the goofy, carefree celebrity with the inner turmoil of a character who has lost his sense of purpose.
Jason Aaron’s writing in TMNT #2 is filled with moments of poignant reflection, especially when Michelangelo contemplates his life as both an entertainer and a warrior. One standout moment comes when Michelangelo reflects on the nunchaku, his weapon of choice, and the internal struggle it represents. In a monologue both profound and melancholic, he muses, “When you pick up a set of nunchucks for the first time, the toughest fight you’re gonna face...is with yourself. That’s the secret of the nunchaku... you gotta be able to beat the living crap outta yourself, day after day.” It’s a masterful exploration of Michelangelo’s relationship with his weapon and himself, subtly reworking the trope of the carefree comic relief character. Here, Michelangelo acknowledges that he’s a master at self-deprecation and internal conflict, a nuance that adds emotional depth to his character.
The dialogue throughout this issue is sharp and compelling, particularly in the moments of tension between the turtles. Aaron excels at capturing the complex familial dynamics between the brothers, infusing their interactions with authenticity. Michelangelo’s wit and self-deprecating humor shine through in his dialogue, but Aaron also hints at the loneliness that underpins his character, particularly in the more serious, reflective moments. The contrast between Michelangelo’s superstar life and his internal struggle is handled well, with humor and introspection balanced in a way that keeps the tone engaging and dynamic. The pacing is smooth, with a deeper exploration of some of the heavier themes—such as the burden of fame and the sense of purpose—which added more emotional weight, without necessarily taking a backseat to the action sequences.
Speaking of action, Rafael Albuquerque’s artwork is a highlight of the issue. His ability to convey movement is on full display during the fight scenes, with sharp lines and bursts of motion that make the combat feel kinetic and fluid. Michelangelo’s expressions are a standout element of Albuquerque’s work, managing to blend humor with vulnerability in a way that feels true to the character. Albuquerque’s portrayal of Michelangelo balances the cartoonish and the realistic, making him relatable while maintaining his iconic visual appeal. His use of bright, shimmering highlights adds immediacy to the action, particularly during moments of intense battle, though the frequent use of lens flare effects can sometimes obscure finer details.
Albuquerque’s art also excels at capturing emotional nuances, especially in the quieter moments where Michelangelo’s bravado slips, revealing his deeper insecurities. The backgrounds, while effective in enhancing the tone and setting, could have been more fleshed out in some scenes. There are moments when the panels feel a bit sparse, which can detract from fully immersing the characters in their world. Still, Albuquerque’s work overall creates an atmospheric, visually compelling comic that complements Aaron’s writing.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2 is a strong follow-up to the first issue, providing fans with an emotionally resonant exploration of Michelangelo while still delivering the action and humor that makes TMNT so beloved. Michelangelo’s journey in this issue is both fun and thought-provoking, striking a chord with longtime fans who have seen the character evolve over the years. Aaron and Albuquerque prove themselves a formidable creative team, with Aaron’s sharp dialogue and introspective storytelling paired beautifully with Albuquerque’s dynamic and expressive art.
This is a must-read for fans of the series, especially for those who have a soft spot for Michelangelo. As TMNT #2 hits shelves on September 11th, it’s clear that this run is shaping up to be a deeply engaging, emotionally rich take on the iconic heroes. If TMNT isn’t already on your pull list, it’s time to fix that!
