As previously announced, the fan favorite TMNT in support of Casey Jones will be headlined next month by the creative team of author Alex Paknadel and artist Amankai Nahuelpan. As readers who are lagging behind the current development of the IDW series are familiar with the characters, the characters were filmed, filmed and hospitalized on the ongoing TMNT series. The now-recovered series continues with Casey as he bumps into the street where he returns to his roots and does everything he can to protect the people of New York City.
Ahead of the release of the first issue next month, Beat had the pleasure of interviewing via email writer Alex Paknadel to discuss the new TMNT: Casey Jones Miniseries. Paknadel revealed the influence the original teenage mutant Ninja Turtles had on him in 1990, potentially rekindling the introduction of major new enemies and his relationship with the old flame April O’Neill.
Taimur Dar: Casey Jones has been featured in countless media, but the portrayal of actor Elias Koteas in the 1990 film is a typical version of the character. His introduction at Central Park is beating the thugs. I’m sure it’s a deliberate homage to the first issue, so did Casey Jones in the ’90 film version give you inspiration while writing this series?
Alex Paknadel: Watching a TMNT movie in theaters in 1990, “Major League Butt Kicking is Back in Town!” afterwards. But yes, I think Casey and Vaughn from David Cronenberg’s crash fall are probably Elias Cotias’ best roles. The laidback energy he brought to it was not a choice most actors would have made, but it made him the coolest man in the film. You wanted to be best friends with the Hamato guys, but you wanted to be Casey Jones. The film certainly defined the character for me, and Central Park in our first issue is an absolute homage. Initially it was planned to be Washington Square Park, but our incredible artist, Aman Kaynaerpin, wanted to go to old school in battle.
Taimur Dar: This Casey Jones miniseries introduces a new mutant enemy named Ludovic. What can you reveal about this character introducing TMNT Mythos?
Alex Paknadel: First of all, Rudvic is a deeply tragic character by design. He is a mutant leopard and hunts mutants. For reasons that become clear as the series progresses. What should be understood at this stage is that he hunts the mutants by himself as he is viscerally mildly spied them, and thus, by himself. For him, humanity is the pinnacle of creation. He is a Renaissance man, surrounds himself with fine wine, classical music and bone que items. The only thing is that none of the people he longs for approval considers him anything but a well-trained animal. It’s a disaster recipe.
Taimur DAR: Interestingly, Happy Gilmore 2 came out recently, and now I remember how happy and Casey has in common, with sports skills essentially at mutant level. Will this series explore how Casey’s various sports skills become an invaluable ally of TMNT despite the lack of training in the ninjutsu and mutant abilities themselves?
Alex Paknadel: Well, as someone who was afraid of football that comes to me in high school, all I can say is, “I will do my best.” I’ve painted some sports phors all over the series, but I can’t say that it’s the main motif. If it helps to reveal the character, I will definitely do my homework, I promise, haha.
Taimur Dar: It’s hard to believe that Casey and April O’Neil were split over a decade ago by IDW continuity. Is there anything in the series that you can tease about their relationship? Don’t you think fans don’t want to see them rekind old romantic sparks?
Alex Paknadel: We opened in April and crashed on Casey’s sofa, so she’s essentially living with him. She almost lost him to Da Hale’s bullet, so she reevaluates and readjusses her emotions in real time. That being said, Casey is constantly reaching her own way, so romantic sparks may be stirred up, but Casey is the exact guy who accidentally spills Dr. Pepper. To lean on cliches, say “please look forward to it” and leave it there.
TMNT: Casey Jones #1 (of the six issues) is on sale Wednesday, September 10th
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