Sirk TV Comic Review: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES - THE LAST RONIN II - RE EVOLUTION - HC [IDW]

"TMNT: The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution" [HC/234pgs/IDW] is the second big chapter in almost a post TMNT world. It has the more grounded nature of say a Batman in this incarnation. The progression of life and reputation -- and repetition -- are a big part of this tome as April from the 80s has now become Gramma to a new quartet of mutants after the loss of the original Turtles, the last of which was told in the first "Last Ronin" storyline. The story here is about regret and moving on. The way Honeycutt is also interspaced here gives the proceedings a more modern feel but also an aspect of altruism which is an interesting allusion especially with an attack that comes halfway through the story. Unlike the first Turtles there are some integrations of new superpowers which hark interestingly enough in certain ways to the Fantastic Four. The new Turtles are just as unique but it is good to have a girl in the mix with Moja since she is just as capable as the boys and her superpower reflects that. Odyn, the tank of the turtles, has a different approach though in some ways he is the youngest and most immature. Yi has the scientist brain which is nice to see within the progression while Uno seems the most methodical and balanced. Their Sensei is Casey who is April's daughter. We get a brief flashback her growing up with the OG turtles.

We get a small view of Mr. Casey and what befell them as the Foot Clan grew back again before Michelangelo returned. The corruption in the city and how the gangs work have changed but the way the power arch works here is nicely done because there is always an ulterior motive whereas back in the day it was much more black and white. This story is also more gritty and not necessarily pushing towards pop culture or pizza or video games. Like Gen Y, this group of new Turtles is more contemplative but also a little more disconnected, Casey's relationship with her mother is strong but is balanced. Seeing Casey relax with Kiro is an interesting dynamic even though she is taking his lead in battle. While the other shoe might drop, it causes a re-examination across the board. April also is much more of a boss because of those old connections, especially when they reach Roosevelt Island. There one sees the true periphery of the action. There is one external force that is brought in which has a Templar structure. This is the weakest link in this particular narrative since it only serves to provide the sword in terms of a plot point, which although effective in terms of motivation and drama seems too circumspect. All that said, the conundrum that connects these stories for "Last Ronin II" paints a gritty, yet modern perspective of a new age of Turtles with different ideas and a myth to live up to...and it plays well. B+

By Tim Wassberg