TMNT

• Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Villains Micro-Series #5
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Brian Lynch
• Artist: Ross Campbell
  

Through Karai‘s visit to her old sensei in an attempt to work through her reduced role in the Foot Clan now that the Shredder has taken on the brainwashed Leonardo as his second-in-command we learn he history of Shredder’s descendant, returning her family to the old ways of the Foot Clan, and studying to become the kind of ninja who could kill her father to take command of his empire.

The second-half of the latest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro-Series one-shot focuses on a battle between Karai and Leonardo where the young ninja allows herself to be defeated only after coming to the understanding that the brainwashed Leo fights with neither the skill nor heart of the original (which makes sense, but seems to contradict the ass whoopin’ he put on his brothers in the last issue of TMNT).

Although this isn’t a series I plan to pick up every month, the last two issues have been strong focusing on Alopex and now Karai, two of the more intriguing characters of the Foot Clan. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]

• Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #24
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz
• Artist: Mateus Santolouco

“City Fall” continues as April and Angel get some good news that Casey should be able to recover from his wounds (although the doctor states he may never play hockey again). The Turtles, however, have a far worse night. With Leonardo still missing the Turtles have no choice but to trust Old Hob who, to absolutely no one’s surprise double-crosses Raphael, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Splinter and leads them right into the Shredder‘s trap.

Although prepared for the trap the Turtles are shocked to find their brother fighting alongside the Foot Clan. Leonardo makes short work of the rest of the Turtles who are only saved by the arrival of Slash and are forced to fleeing knowing their leader is now working for their enemy.

With Leonardo on his side, the Shredder and the Foot (whose gang war attacks for total control of the city have increased as well) look almost unbeatable. The issue puts my favorite Turtle at the forefront and gives his brothers the unique problem of trying to stop the brainwashed Leonardo who is now out to destroy them all. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]