TMNT: Mutant Nation #1 [Advance Review]
With the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles celebrating their 40th anniversary, IDW is pulling out all the stops, offering fans an array of new narratives to dive into. While Jason Aaron’s TMNT #1 has already kicked off the mainline story, Tom Waltz and Vincenzo Federici [Ambush at Area 51], as well as Erik Burnham and Mateus Santolouco [Casey Jones: Agent of the Foot Clan], have teamed up to deliver TMNT: Mutant Nation #1—a fresh expansion of the TMNT mythos that promises to add even more depth to the legendary turtle-shelled quartet.
Mutant Nation opens with a familiar face—Raphael—who’s always been the most comfortable operating solo. Waltz places him in a bouncer-type role, effortlessly clearing out troublemakers from a roadside bar. It's a fitting setup for Raphael, who’s never shied away from a fight. He’s also got some company: Pepperoni, the baby dinosaur the turtles picked up on a previous time-hopping adventure. Shortly after hitting the road en route to Area 51, Raphael faces an overwhelming threat that forces him into a perilous mission. Waltz’s writing captures Raphael’s rugged independence beautifully, though the tough-guy dialogue in the opening scenes teeters on the edge of being overdone. Fortunately, the narrative shifts gears when Raphael’s introspective side is revealed, particularly through his reflections on a recent encounter with Donatello. The concern he harbors for his brother shows that beneath his hardened exterior lies the emotional core that fans of Raphael have come to appreciate over the years.
Parallel to Raphael’s arc is a secondary narrative following Casey Jones, written by Erik Burnham and illustrated by Mateus Santolouco. Jones has always been an entertaining character, and Burnham doesn’t disappoint in this story. The scene between Casey and April is filled with entertaining exposition about Karai—now dabbling in the magical arts—and provide a glimpse into Casey’s current struggles. While battling a couple of undercover Foot Clan members, Casey finds himself caught in a web of intrigue that ends with an unsettling revelation, setting up a new challenge for him in the issues to come. Burnham deftly balances the action and introspection here, with Casey’s internal conflict about wanting to reform the Foot Clan from within, and his growing wariness of Karai, adding layers to his character that make him more than just a brawler with a hockey mask.
When it comes to the visual style, both Federici and Santolouco deliver stellar work in spades, but I found Federici’s artwork as a standout. Federici’s detailed and realistic approach blends seamlessly with the gritty atmosphere of the narrative. His clean, precise lines and well-proportioned anatomy bring a sense of realism to the characters and settings, making them feel grounded and believable. The facial expressions and body language are particularly strong, capturing the emotions and tension of the scenes—whether it’s a laid-back conversation or a high-octane fight sequence. The coloring work by Ronda Pattison also deserves praise, as it complements Federici’s line art with a palette that strikes a balance between muted and vibrant tones. This helps highlight key moments without overwhelming the reader. The action sequences are dynamic and engaging, with well-executed motion lines and impactful panel layouts that emphasize the energy and intensity of the combat. If there’s one area where Federici could push the envelope, it’s in varying the panel compositions. Some sequences might benefit from a more experimental approach to framing and perspective to further enhance the visual storytelling. Nonetheless, Federici’s style remains highly effective, particularly in capturing the gritty, action-packed essence of the story.
Overall, Mutant Nation #1 is a great addition to the expanding TMNT universe. With Aaron's superb mainline series and this series providing an array of strong secondary narratives, TMNT fans have a lot to look forward to. This issue is a must-grab for any fan of the Turtles. Look for it to hit shelves on September 18th, and make sure to add it to your pull list today!
