TMNT

• Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #36
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz
• Artist: Mateus Santolouco

With his brothers dealing with Old Hob and Slash (see last issue), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #36 centers on Leonardo and Splinter and the introduction of a new mysterious and meddlesome character who will likely cause the Turtles more than their share of grief in the months to come.

Although we learn the Rat King‘s origins are tied to Kitsune (whom he refers to as a sister), the comic keeps the origins and past (aside from his time as the Pied Piper of Hamelin) obscured. What is clear is the Rat King has plans and designs beyond what Splinter and his son can currently upderstand and believes the Turtles may be the perfect pawns enabling the creature to put his plans into action.

Far less goofy than the character from the classic or current cartoons, this Rat King is more consistent with the comic versions we’ve seen in the past. Whatever the creature’s end goals, the introduction here makes him a major player going forward who likely could tip the balance of power in the Turtles’ war against the Shredder (if only to serve his own ends). Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]

• Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #35
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz
• Artist: Mateus Santolouco

Michelangelo‘s choice to visit Slash alerts the Turtles to Old Hob‘s genetic experimentation (resulting in the humorous but ridiculous Pigeon Pete) and the kidnapping of a Stockgen scientist who the mutant believes can make things work better the second time around in his attempt to create his own mutant army.

The confusion after releasing Lindsey leads to the reveal of Old Hob’s possession of Splinter‘s blood and just what it can do as Slash’s limited intelligence and understanding grows quickly to mirror that of his brothers after choosing to inject it into his body to prove he’s a true hero. The change in the character may loose Mikey a playful pal, but it opens up new possibilities for Slash moving forward (not all of which might be good for the team once Slash begins to think for himself).

Offering a little more of Angel in Harold‘s Exo-Suit, the B-story sends the former Purple Dragon to the aid of Casey whose father Hun and his goons plan to beat to death on the grave of Casey’s mother. Not exactly a Hallmark moment. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]