The teenage mutant ninja turtles universe has always thrived with rich storytelling, deep character moments and explosive action. As the final chapter of both Area 51 and Casey Jones’ Ambush: Agent of the Foot Clan, this issue brings many high-stakes fights and suggests what will come in the ever-expanding TMNT SAGA . A script that balances closures and new beginnings, along with an arts team offering some of the best visuals in the franchise, this finale is a satisfying conclusion to the stories so far.
Outside the frying pan…
Credit: IDW Publishing
story
The ambush in Area 51 begins once again with Raphael’s inner monologue, welcoming us into the storyline so far. Things aren’t good for our captured ninja, as he remembers one liner of horny “outside the fry-in bread… in the fire” from his brother Leo. This is a great summary of how his expedition to Area 51 has so far gone, and Waltz fully captures Raff’s almost nostalgic and melancholy tone when he thinks about his troubles and brothers. Masu.
Meanwhile, Metalhead and Pepperoni have better luck and meet new allies fans who have recently remembered from TMNT: The Armageddon game. We look forward to the partnership being explored in future issues, but we say something is not destined to last long. For Dr. Yuhasz, you’ll get a backstory tied to yet another Cyborg EPF agent, and learn how the Mutanimal was captured. They cover a lot of space with some short pages, which makes the pacing feel a bit rushed. The epilogue pulls back another EPF agent and mutant from the previous issue.
The Waltz does an amazing job of giving a satisfying conclusion to the story and dropping lots of strands to pick up future stories. He skillfully weaves details and plot points of his previous TMNT series and event crossover. The Waltz was a large part of the 2011-2024 TMNT run, and was able to create mutantonations for the true spiritual successor of the series. This can make your new readers a little overwhelming, but if you’re looking for more context, you can let the editor’s notes know exactly where you’re going.
Casey Jones Finale: Agent of the Foot Clan is an all-out brawl between Karai and Casey. Through grit and determination, Casey can be kept long enough to survive, but his relationship with the legged clan is severed. Burnum captures Casey’s cheeky, unattended attitude towards T, truly highlighting Casey’s martial arts skills. After all, you have to become a great fighter hanging along with the ninja turtle.
The story ends with TMNT #5 picking up, so if you’re dying for more Casey, you don’t have to wait. Burnham has developed an attractive relationship between Karai and the traveller, which should certainly be featured in a later issue of TMNT (as Jason Aaron suggested this week). “Dark Road” is mentioned, and it will be interesting to see how New York Footclun and Hieronymus Hale fit into Karai and her plot in Tokyo. Is NYC Foot the split group controlled by Hale or is it still following Karai?
…In the fire.
Credit: IDW Publishing
art
Vincenzo Federici continues to show why he is one of the best Ninja Turtles artists out there. Whether it’s a quiet, meditative moment, an explosive battle scene or a literal explosion, Federisi handles it all with his skillful hands. He can give all the characters. Even Pepperoni expresses dinosaurs, with expressive faces that let you know exactly what they are feeling. Colorist Ronda Pattison has done an incredible job as her amazing streak as a TMNT colorist. It has a really pop and contrasting fantastic fire and laser effects. Some flashback panels use almost salmon shades to distinguish them.
One of the best parts of Mutant Nation is the multiple stories of different artists, and it can’t be far better than getting a backup from Mateus Santolouco. The character design of the fusion of Karai and the traveler is very impressive, giving Karai an almost humanoid body shape, but transforming her head into a more demon, with horns and fangs. Karai regained control from the devil, and her “transformation” was to her ordinary self. He also uses blurry limbs on many panels to communicate the speed of the battle, knowing exactly when and where to make the most of the effect. Colorist Marco Lesco captures the speed and ferociousness of the battle scene, switching between warm and cool backgrounds to give it a variety. The sparkling flames and magical effects around the traveler are particularly well-performed.
Final thoughts
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Ninja #4 brings both its ongoing storylines, laying the foundation for future issues. Waltz and Burnham guarantee ambush in Area 51 and Casey Jones: Foot Agents. Not only does it envelop the arc, it also expands the TMNT myth, weaves with past events, teases new directions that intriguing. The artistic team led by Federici and Santolouco brings dynamic energy and expressive character creations to every page, dealing with the issue visually. Whether you’re here for deep lore, intense action or stunning artwork, mutantonation is once again proving why this era of TMNT storytelling is a must-see material.
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Ninja Turtles” #4 Enveloping the first story arc neatly
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Ninja Turtles #4
It provides satisfactory action-packed conclusions for both ongoing stories, laying the foundation for future issues. Not only will Waltz and Burnham bring together the arc, but they will also expand on TMNT Mythos, weaving with past events and tease new directions that will intrigue them. The artistic team led by Federici and Santolouco makes the issue a visual treat. Whether you’re here for deep lore, intense action or stunning artwork, mutantonation is once again proving why this era of TMNT storytelling is a must-see material.
Powerful storytelling with satisfying conclusions and future setup.
Outstanding artwork from multiple artists.
An exciting connection between character moments and deep lore.
Pacing can be felt in a hurry to the location.
New readers may feel lost if they are not caught up in the broader TMNT continuity.
