TMNT

• Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures #16
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Matthew K. Manning, Paul Allor
• Artists: Chad Thomas, Marcelo Ferreira

The main story of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures #16 features Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael following their senei around New York City on a wild goose chase all to discover where Splinter disappears to every year on this day. The chase leads the Turtles to battle Mousers, Fishface, and Rahzar, but end up no closer to learning about the moment Splinter spends in secret with his daughter in honor of her birthday.

The issue’s back-up story centers mainly on Donnie who is stuck fixing the Shellraiser when it breaks down and his brothers leave to persue Foot soldiers. He also must deal with (and attempt to hide from) a random pedestrian who offers his help to fix the van, but proves to be more useful than Donnie gives him credit for.

Both stories prove to be fun as Splinter is able to teach his sons a lesson about respecting his privacy while providing them with a nightly adventure that was more than they bargained for. Donnie’s story, while goofy, offers some fun moments as well such as the man’s statement to the cops about the crazy night. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]

• Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #38
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz
• Artist: Mateus Santolouco

When Splinter‘s deal with Old Hob is brought to light it creates a rift in the recently restored family. As Donatello refuses to part of the vendetta against Shredder with the larger threat of the Krang invasion looming Splinter leads Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo to discuss Hob’s plans of a growing mutant army and meet his two latest creations.

The issue also continues Angel‘s training in the Exo-Suit (which draws the attention of a curious observer foreshadowing a possible new friend for the arctic fox?).

Donnie’s departure is unexpected but certainly makes sense from the his point of view weighing the severity of threats against the Turtles and the world. Along with a cameo from Pete and teasing the return of Rocksteady and Bebop in next month’s issue, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #38 introduces Herman and Mondo Gecko who despite their looks (and lack of training) have been well-armed to be a part of Hob’s army. Of course just how far Hob plans to take his mutants-first crusade, and how long Splinter will support him, will have to be seen. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]

• Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures #15
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Landry Q. Walker, Matthew K. Manning, Bobby Curnow
• Artists: Dario Brizuela, Marcelo Ferreira, Chad Thomas

Leonardo‘s planned competition for the rest of the team gets out-of-hand when the Turtles’ leader is captured by Fishface who alters the various challenges and traps in Leo’s obstacle course to lethal levels in hopes of finishing Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael once and for all. The comic’s main story forces the competition into a team-building exercise (which Leo had in mind all along – although be it far more dangerous than he planned).

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures #15 also offers a pair of goofy and enjoyable back-up stories. The first is presented from the perspective of Ice Cream Kitty who fancies herself a legendary hero with the freezer door is mistakenly left open allowing the slowly-melting warrior to dispense justice on the streets of New York. The second storyline involves Splinter‘s attempt to master Mikey’s favorite video game, which offers only frustration for the Turtles’ master. All three stories work well and are certainly worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]