Jason Aaron’s creative run on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has gotten off to an incredible start. Aaron has taken everything his predecessors built and deconstructed the franchise in a fascinating way. Due to actions each of the Hamato Clan members have been forced to make their collective return to New York City hasn’t been a pleasant one. IDW Publishing provided us with an early look at how the new story arc for the series begins. Find out how that goes with our advance review of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Juan Ferreyra
Letterer: Shawn Lee
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #7 SOLICITATION
“New series artist Juan Ferreyra joins writer Jason Aaron to turn the volume up to maximum with this explosive second arc of the all-new era of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
The family reunion hasn’t exactly gone as planned for the Turtles. Even if they could put their sibling feuds aside, there’s no time for the brothers to celebrate. Hunted by a new Foot-enhanced police force led by the relentless D.A. Hieronymus Hale, the Turtle brothers must endure their worst gut-punch yet: New York City is no longer safe for the TMNT, forcing the mutant heroes to take drastic measures — relocating to the sewers of New Jersey!” – IDW Publishing
REVIEW
If you didn’t think so before Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 drives home the fact that the world has truly turned against the Hamato Clan. From the moment you open this issue there is a strong sense of the danger the Turtles are in. The world is not a friendly place to them and it only gets more unfriendly with every action they take.
With how this new story arc begins as a continuation of what’s happened thus far choice to have Donatello act as the narrator was certainly an interesting one, to say the least. So far Donatello has come across as the Hamato Clan member that’s been most damaged. Mentally, physically, and spiritually Donatello has been off because of what he has been through in the blank period.
Throughout Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 that creates a sense of not knowing if Donatello’s analysis of their status quo is insightful or just more crazy thoughts. Its tough to really even know when this issue ends. But what Donatello’s action as the narrator does provide is, in an odd way, grounding everything that is happening.
To Aaron’s credit, there is no point that Donatello narrating what goes on throughout this issue supersedes everything that happens. Even though the narration is prevalent Aaron writes it in a way that is enhancing everything that is going on. The narration is there to enhance what Juan Ferreyra is drawing, as the artwork is really the star of the show. It is not an easy thing to manage but really shows the creative chemistry they have. Aaron knows when his writing should be front and center and when it should be Ferreyra’s artwork.
Because of that balance the action throughout this issue really hits you with how the Foot Clan have truly taken over New York City. The city no longer feels like home to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This in turn leads to the way Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello are spotlighted as individuals stand out even more. While they are back together it does not mean they are working as a tight family unit like before.
By taking this individual approach with Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello characterization each of their personalities really shines. Most importantly, where each of the Turtles are mentally is at the forefront of the decisions they each make. What happens with that decision creates a balance experience where no Turtle is made to be the focal character. Rather, Aaron and Ferreyra are able to make sure each of them have equal amount of screen time.
This all leads to major developments with them that includes April O’Neil that will certainly be eye brow raising. The surprise development does put into question exactly what Aaron is aiming to do with the personal journeys the Turtles are all on. It is a smart use of what Tom Waltz and Sophie Campbell did before him to enhance what this development could mean.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 is another thrilling chapter that further solidifies this as one of the must-read titles on the market today. The choice of having Donatello as the narrator of this issue leads to a greater examination of the individual character arcs the Hamato Clan. This results in showcasing the incredible chemistry Jason Aaron and Juan Ferreyra have as a creative team.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
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