Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has kicked off its new era by having each of the members of the Hamato Clan on their own. This has given Jason Aaron and his art team a chance to examine each of the members of the TMNT as they continue their respective growth. Thus far we have seen what’s gone on with Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo. Now it is time to se what is going on with Donatello. While Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4 spotlights Donatello it isn’t our first look at where he is at. That is because the prelude story Aaron wrote before starting his full run provided us a quick look at the bad place Donatello is in to start this new era. We got the chance to check out an early copy of this latest issue. Find out how it turned out with our advance review of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Chris Burnham
Colorist: Brian Reber
Letterer: Shawn Lee
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #4 SOLICITATION
“Chris Burnham returns to art duties this issue as we finally learn the fate of Donatello! Trapped in a mutant zoo and forced to fight rich men looking for a thrill, his mind is still broken since last we saw him. As mysterious forces gather against him, can Donnie gather himself to defeat these enemies and set himself free? Superstar writer Jason Aaron continues his exploration of the individual Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, setting the stage for their reunion.” – IDW Publishing
REVIEW
As we got a glimpse of in the prelude story in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Alpha #1, this fourth issue is the darkest story of this opening reintroduction arc. Even though Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael dealt with their own problems as soon as you see the state Donatello is they just don’t compare. There is an emotion that is immediately felt in the very first panel that’s unlike the first three issues of this Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had. It is what makes this arguably the best of this four-issue opening story arc.
More than anything the opening page sells why Chris Burnham is the best artist to draw this Donatello story that Jason Aaron wrote. Burnham nails how bad of a state Donatello is. Even if you don’t know what he went through, an entire story is told by his design and mannerism. There is a painful history that is felt with his character than wasn’t there with his other brothers.
What makes the story even more impactful is that it really is the last thing you would think of Donatello looking and acting like. Him being barely able to keep it together and walk using his bo staff as a walking stick is tough to experience. It made the moment when we do see life come back to his eyes as he springs into action be something that doesn’t necessarily bring hope for his character. Rather you’re left wondering if he is prepared to act in the way his heroic heart is telling him to.
The way Aaron and Burnham answer if Donatello can take on what he has to take on in this issue is what hooks you in as a reader. The deeper you get ito the story the more you wonder if your seeing the last days of the character. It gets that bad.
This all makes the examination of Donatello’s mental state even stronger. While his physical state is not good, Donatello’s mental state is even worse. We see that throughout his inner monologue in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4. Aaron does a great job making sure that no matter the direction Donatello’s mental state takes that you are always hearing his voice. Which adds importance to how key Burnham’s artwork is to convey the story being told.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4 is an incredible blend of storytelling from beginning to end. From the writing to the artwork, Jason Aaron, Chris Burnham, Brian Reber, and Shawn Lee create something truly special as they challenge who Donatello is through this dark tale. The experience will leave you rocked as a TMNT fan and wondering where things will go from here in this series.
Story Rating: 10 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9.5 Night Girls out of 10
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