Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3 [Advance Review]
Issue #3 of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Jason Aaron and Cliff Chiang narrows its focus to the katana-wielding leader, Leonardo, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery amidst the chaos of an impending threat. With Aaron’s character-driven storytelling and Chiang’s dynamic yet thoughtful art, this issue deepens the lore of the turtles while putting a spotlight on Leonardo’s struggle with his violent past and his elusive quest for inner peace.
Leonardo’s Struggle for Redemption
At the heart of this issue is Leonardo’s internal battle between his sense of duty as a warrior and his desire for a peaceful existence. He’s a character who, despite his calm exterior, carries the weight of leadership; and whose past mistakes hang around his neck like an anchor. Throughout the issue, we see Leo seeking solace in meditation and isolation, desperately trying to reconcile the two worlds he inhabits: one that demands him to fight and another that begs for peace.
Aaron’s writing here shines through Leonardo’s internal monologues and terse dialogue exchanges. Leonardo’s inner turmoil over his violent nature versus his desire for peace feels raw and relatable, especially for readers familiar with Leonardo’s background. Aaron handles the philosophical elements deftly, blending Leonardo’s quest for self-redemption with themes of honor and duty without leaning into melodrama. It’s this emotional depth that makes Leo’s struggle feel universal despite the fantastical premise of this path to redemption being sought out by a mutant turtle.
The closing pages, featuring a tense reunion between three of the four turtles, are particularly poignant. Aaron captures the complex dynamic between the brothers—love laced with frustration, shared history hanging heavily over each word. The dialogue is sharp and weighted, perfectly balancing the humor, tension, and affection that make these characters so beloved. It’s a reminder that, even when they’re apart, the bond between the turtles is what grounds the story.
Chiang’s Art: A Visual Masterclass in Motion and Stillness
Cliff Chiang’s art is a perfect complement to Aaron’s storytelling. His clean, sharp lines lend a sense of precision to the action sequences, which explode with energy and fluidity. The way he uses motion lines and panel layouts makes each fight scene feel almost cinematic, as if the reader can see the movement of Leonardo’s blades cutting through the air. Chiang’s fight choreography is a highlight—visceral, intense, and beautifully captured.
One of Chiang’s greatest achievements, though, is how he contrasts the frenetic action with moments of stillness. In scenes where Leonardo meditates, Chiang slows the pace, creating quiet, reflective panels that allow the character’s internal struggle to breathe. Wide panels and sparse backgrounds convey a sense of isolation, underscoring the weight of Leonardo’s search for peace. The use of color here—subtle blues and muted greens—creates a calming, almost ethereal atmosphere, making the contrast with the harshness of the action even more striking.
Chiang also does an excellent job in capturing the emotional tone of the story. His characters’ body language and facial expressions are key to the storytelling, with the nuances of a clenched fist or a subtle frown speaking volumes about what’s left unsaid. However, there’s a slight opportunity for improvement when it comes to the quieter, more introspective scenes. While the action-packed panels brim with energy, some of the emotional beats feel slightly less impactful in comparison, particularly during the transitions from action to introspection. A bit more detail in the facial expressions during these moments could enhance the emotional resonance and make these quieter scenes just as powerful as the action.
A Balance of Grit and Heart
Together, Aaron and Chiang create a comic that is both visually and narratively compelling. Aaron’s writing, with its balance of humor, action, and philosophical depth, gives the turtles’ story weight and heart. His ability to dive into Leonardo’s inner turmoil and still leave room for brotherly banter is commendable, ensuring the story never feels too grim or too light-hearted.
Meanwhile, Chiang’s art elevates the emotional stakes of the story, particularly in how he captures the intensity of combat and the serenity of Leonardo’s moments of reflection. His vivid colors—particularly the blues, pinks, and greens—add a surreal quality to the environment, grounding the comic in a heightened reality that feels gritty yet vibrant. It’s a world where mutant ninjas exist, but their struggles, both internal and external, are deeply human.
Conclusion
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3 is a masterful blend of action and introspection. Jason Aaron’s writing gives us a Leonardo who is both fierce and fragile, while Cliff Chiang’s art brings his journey to life with a careful balance of motion and stillness. Together, they’ve crafted an issue that not only delivers thrilling action but also invites readers to reflect on the complexities of leadership, redemption, and the pursuit of peace. For longtime fans and new readers alike, this issue is a standout in the series.
