Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Ninja Turtles this month returned with two stories sharing a common thread between a star-studded creative team and District Attorney Hale’s corrupt and malicious foot patrol. The first is “Once in the Afternoon” written by Eric Burnham, painted by Michael Shelfer and colored by Ronda Pattinson. Burnham recently wrote a backup story featuring Casey Jones in issues 1-4 of Mutantonation. The backup “Moose Boot Blues” is written by Paul Allor, drawn by Gavin Smith, and drawn by Ronda Pattinson. Allah returned after writing the main story in issue 5. Smith makes his mutantonation debut after playing No. 5 with TMNT #140-#144. The issue features a variety of protagonists, but the antagonists are the same in both stories: Footpatrol.
Courtesy: IDW
In “Once in the Afternoon”, Natsu and Koya are summoned to New York City by Bludgeon, who had a disastrous foreshadowing about the future of the Footclang and the safety of Karai. When our trio first come across foot patrols on the boardwalk, they can avoid physical arguments, but in the summer they can’t help themselves when crossing the road again in a pop restaurant with little moms late in the evening. The feet are forcing small business owners, and at this point summer simply cannot be ignored. They disgrace the names of the legged clan, and it is clear that Karai must be aware of the situation in New York.
Burnham does an incredible job of playing a serious summer against more relaxed Koya and Bradzin. There are some jokes and sight gags that break serious moments. When the trio cannot see Karai thanks to Bebop, Rocksteady and the magically seductive door protection, they decide to go to the source of the sleazy foot patrol, District Attorney Hale. The conflict doesn’t work, and the problem ends in the future of Bludgeon, Natsu and Koya.
Shelfer’s art is suitable for the TMNT world and is perfect for previous artists. One of the highlights was Koya’s many angry expressions. The action scenes were well choreographed, and evenly distributed spotlights of the three main characters.
“Moose Boot Blues” follows NYPD executive Mutant Moose Monty. Monty appeared on TMNT: Nightwatcher. He responds to a call about Kingston mutant shit beetles that are making humans uncomfortable at a local bar. When Monty arrives, Kingston doesn’t seem to be doing anything wrong other than the existing one, but as soon as he approaches it flies off the steering wheel. Monty tries to remove the situation, but when the patrol arrives, things quickly become out of hand.
Allor skillfully weaves highly relevant themes of police brutality and the problems and issues that hyper-militarized police can bring to urban streets. Gavin Smith’s realistic art is perfect for the serious tone of the story. The design of the character of Dung Beetle is not known whether you have ever seen an insect mutant. Ronda Pattinson colores both stories, providing seamless color palette and consistency throughout the matter. Koya’s magic wings and the exploding neon sign are two highlights, showing exactly why Pattinson is colouring hundreds of TMNT issues.
Final Thoughts
With two different but thematically linked stories, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Ninja #7 offers an intriguing snapshot of the TMNT universe. Whether it’s Burnham’s inspiring character work, or whether it’s playful chemistry between classic villains or a calming view of systemic abuse through Monty’s eyes, this issue continues to show that TMNT’s world is the most subtle and socially related. The powerful art spanning both the story and Pattinson’s cohesive colour makes it a sophisticated and engaging read that balances mutant mayhem with grounded storytelling. Foot patrol may be the face of corruption here, but it is a thoughtful approach to the creative team and leaves behind lasting impact.
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Ninja Turtles” #7 brings foot rot to the fore and center
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Ninja #7
It offers an attractive snapshot of the TMNT universe. Whether it’s Burnham’s inspiring character work, or whether it’s playful chemistry between classic villains or a calming view of systemic abuse through Monty’s eyes, this issue continues to show that TMNT’s world is the most subtle and socially related.
A strong theme unity between the two stories.
A well-matched creative team provides a balance of action, humor and social commentary.
There are only two remaining issues, so it’s unclear how all loose ends of the series will be tied up.
