Comic Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5

January 3, 2012

By Rafael A. Hernandez

The ninja turtles are in full form with the return of the lost brother, Raphael. With the first four issues plotting the separation of this family of mutant amphibians, readers are given a glimpse at the grandeur of adversity that is soon to plague the turtles. The creation of both splinter and the turtles proves to be more than simply a consequence of bad circumstances. The writers show a seemingly well built plot unlike any of the previous iterations of the series. Our four ninjas may have found themselves in a more complicated situation than mere chemical empowerment. The legacy of their ninja training and the origin of their father have been given historical precedent and it brings up the notion of supernatural powers having a role in their fates. Intriguing, to say the least. Coupled with a subplot that will eventually lead up to Casey Jones and April O’Neil’s romance are nice touches to the issues rising action- one of which promises to rise for a while. The issue does take place a month after the previous and it would have been nice to see Raph’s initiation into the family rather than the jump forward. Some occasions of detachment and alienation has occurred so often with Raphael and though it is good to see him welcomed so easily by his brothers, a little conflict would have been healthy for furthering the turtles’ strength as a family.

12:35am

(Notes: 11)