TMNT #79 Preview and Discussion

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

https://www.idwpublishing.com/product/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-79/

Oh yay. More of the O'Neil parents. :trazz:

At least we'll get more Baxter Stockman!

[CyberCubed]

April's parents going through a mid-life crisis in their 50/60's, exactly what I want to see when I read comics about Ninja Turtles. :lol:

The action in the Triceraton/EPF war looks really good from those few pages. This is been my favorite arc in the main series for quite a while, as long as not too much time is spend with the ol' fuddy duddies, I expect this to be good.

Also really excited to see how Splinter reacts if/when the Turtles break his rule of staying behind in Foot HQ's and betray him and come into the fight. We may finally see the Splinter/TMNT feud in full swing, whereas before it was just "Splinter is acting weirdly."

[oldmanwinters]

Oh yay. More of the O'Neil parents. :trazz:



I've got a feeling this is the storyline where they finally get killed off. Don't get me wrong, parents can be great in comics (Ma & Pa Kent, for example), but with as many characters as the IDW Turtles-verse has contending for the spotlight, it's time for the O'Neil family to get a little smaller.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

April's parents going through a mid-life crisis in their 50/60's, exactly what I want to see when I read comics about Ninja Turtles. :lol:

The action in the Triceraton/EPF war looks really good from those few pages. This is been my favorite arc in the main series for quite a while, as long as not too much time is spend with the ol' fuddy duddies, I expect this to be good.

Also really excited to see how Splinter reacts if/when the Turtles break his rule of staying behind in Foot HQ's and betray him and come into the fight. We may finally see the Splinter/TMNT feud in full swing, whereas before it was just "Splinter is acting weirdly."

I don't mind seeing the O'Neils, and I would love to see them meet more of the mutants...

But we've barely had any Turtle action in this story arc. I guess it has a lot in common with Volume 4's first few issues... the Turtles as more bystander and less participant.

[ChosenOne]

Despite the apparent - and noticeable - lack of recent presence/action for the Turtles, my money's on this issue ending with a cliffhanger setting up a physical confrontation with Splinter.

[bushido]

Full preview here (http://www.multiversitycomics.com/previews/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-79/).

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Man, Slash is going to be seriously messed up if he ever gets free of Bishop... :teek:

Poor snapping turtle. :tsad:

[CyberCubed]

I've got a feeling this is the storyline where they finally get killed off. Don't get me wrong, parents can be great in comics (Ma & Pa Kent, for example), but with as many characters as the IDW Turtles-verse has contending for the spotlight, it's time for the O'Neil family to get a little smaller.

To be honest I said this before, I wouldn't mind a "bloodbath" of sorts to reduce the main cast a bit. We're already seeing it with Krang's untimely death and so forth. Seeing some of the lesser characters killed off would be fine with me if they have no more story potential and make an impact on the cast.

Now of course I wouldn't say this for everyone, but even something like Slash dying and Old Hob wanting to take vengeance on Bishop because of it and causing a rampage would be great story potential.

[Utrommaniac]

At this point, I do see a likelihood of Slash dying growing a little bit more.

(Though, I'd rather have been dash off and form a "Misery club" with Leatherhead)

[spookycookies]

Why can't we send the O'Neil's back to Northampton? New York is going to be destroyed so it isn't really the best place for them plus it gives some reason for the Turtles to return there if they ever were going to.

I am hoping that the Turtles get their time to shine in the back end of this arc, it's been a while since we have seen the O'Neil's, Casey and Hun. Sure we have a lot of characters running around in this comic but I don't mind them as long as they are being put to use in the story.

But who knows if this is the last of April's parents then maybe she will grow from it and be more involved in the story. I think a big problem with every incarnation of the TMNT if eventually April and Casey get tossed into a corner and they just don't matter any more. I always felt they deserved more than that.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Slash is gonna survive long enough to take out Bishop someday down the road. With a whole lotta angst in between. :trazz:

[Utrommaniac]

Likely at Leatherhead's advice.
Kinda like...
FQRW0RM4V0k

And...also probably against Mike's advice on the other side.

[Utrommaniac]

Well then

A good amount of turtles for those itching for them to show up again.

It looks like sticking the Triceratons on Burnow is probably going to be at April's suggestion.

And boy, it looks like the big finale is going to happen in a church of all places.
Which...looks like it will be fun.
The guy in the pulpit gave me a good laugh.

Splinter, meanwhile, is starting to get a little worrying...Mike should probably put some of his mini psychiatry lessons to work more toward him than "not worrying about it". Especially while he's coming down with the "Dad Gets Extreme Power; Goes Nuts" Complex.

[ProphetofGanja]

First off let me just say that I love, love, love IDW''s TMNT comics with Comixology's Guided View mode. Great stuff

Okay wow, things are really coming to a head fast between Splinter and his sons. I think it's safe to say that they've reached the breaking point and I'm really curious to see how things are resolved (or if they are) in the next issue. 80 issues of IDW, damn that's crazy. What a wild ride it's been. And that's not even including the tie-in stuff!

How did you all like Brahm Revel's art? Has he done any TMNT work before? I thought it was great. It's a shame Couceiro couldn't finish the story arc but Revel's work fits in well and I like his take on the characters. I hope he can tackle a whole story sometime soon.

I haven't minded that the Turtles have been sharing so much screentime in this story; to me it merely emphasizes the scope of the events taking place, how the Triceraton Invasion is affecting everyone, literally the whole world will likely feel the effects of these events. If I had to find something to complain about (and it's a stretch to call it complaining when it's more like nitpicking), it would be how long the Turtles have been running at top speed. They've had essentially zero downtime since before the second Ghostbusters crossover, the Trial of Krang, and the Dimension X miniseries. The extent to which they've been exerting themselves is near superhuman and I for one would not mind at all seeing them take even just a short breather. They deserve it, and some slice-of-life story beats in light of all the drastic, status quo-altering stuff going on would be totally welcome.

Anyways, this was 10 out of 10 for me, awesome stuff.

[myconius]

How did you all like Brahm Revel's art? Has he done any TMNT work before?


Brahm Revel did the 'What is Ninja?' back up story in TMNT Universe that spanned Issues 6, 7, 8 & 9.

[ChosenOne]

Regarding the way this issue ends... Did I nail it or what? :D

Gotta say, that panel with the EPF soldiers rappelling from the helicopter and the rooftops down towards the Turtles was absolutely gorgeous!

And how funny is it that they took the time to put band-aids on their injuries before showing up at the church? :lol:

Are those Foot mooks with Splinter new ranks/characters? The blindfolded woman in particular caught my attention.

Great issue! Totally worth the wait, and #80 promises to be even better!

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

So waking up this morning, my mind immediately went to "I get to read #79 today!" and I made a conscious decision to quit grousing about what this story arc has been doing and set my expectations aside. Because this arc isn't doing at all what I would've expected.

So, that said... it's fascinating that my expectations have been completely bypassed, and the crux of this story is Turtles versus Splinter and the Foot Clan, not Turtles versus Bishop or Turtles versus Triceratons.

Not enough Baxter in this issue for me, but I'm a sucker for Stockman. :tgrin:

Solid issue; I'll give it a perfect 5/7!

[CyberCubed]

This was a very good issue, surprised we didn't see what happened with Hun/Casey from the previous issue though. It'll be interesting to see if Hun will finally start to come on good terms with his son.

The Turtles got a lot of action in this issue which is good because they didn't do much in the last few. Bishop in the action was great, and I'm glad not too much time was spent on April's parents but it seems like it led into what Baxter/April were doing.

That last page of Zom saying she wanted to take over NY and then alluding that the dominant species would rule most of the Earth is proof Triceratons would inevitably go to their war-like ways and try to conquer the Earth. In a way it's a good thing they were met with Bishop's forces and now Splinter, it seems like the Triceratons are not ready for a truce and should be deported. I guess them settling on Burnow is a safe bet due to universe previews but I think they will leave Earth altogether.

Of course the fallout between the Turtles/Splinter will also be interesting to see. Liked that there was a female Elite Guard there too.

[Utrommaniac]

I haven't minded that the Turtles have been sharing so much screentime in this story; to me it merely emphasizes the scope of the events taking place, how the Triceraton Invasion is affecting everyone, literally the whole world will likely feel the effects of these events.

Oh my god, thank you!
You've majorly simplified my issue with the "the turtles are guest stars in their own story!" complaint. Especially for this particular storyline. Their world is not the only one at stake here. It's everyone's world. Thereby, there need to be attention on the people who share that world.

If I had to find something to complain about (and it's a stretch to call it complaining when it's more like nitpicking), it would be how long the Turtles have been running at top speed. They've had essentially zero downtime since before the second Ghostbusters crossover, the Trial of Krang, and the Dimension X miniseries. The extent to which they've been exerting themselves is near superhuman and I for one would not mind at all seeing them take even just a short breather. They deserve it, and some slice-of-life story beats in light of all the drastic, status quo-altering stuff going on would be totally welcome.

The lack of downtime is worse when you really sit down and remember that they're still technically kids, and are probably getting less sleep than your average modern high schooler.

Let the children sleep, for pity's sake!

[ChosenOne]

Shredder caring more about the Turtles than their own father confirmed? He tried to put them to sleep all the time. :tcool:

[myconius]

You've majorly simplified my issue with the "the turtles are guest stars in their own story!" complaint. Especially for this particular storyline. Their world is not the only one at stake here. It's everyone's world. Thereby, there need to be attention on the people who share that world.


that might be fine for a story or two.
but this has been going on for quite an extended amount of time now.


this was a good issue. i just wish this arc would have got to moving sooner.
the previous 3 issues felt like they were mostly build-up, with little to no focus on the title characters.

sure it's everybody's world, but let's not forget who's name is on the title.



Oh yay. More of the O'Neil parents. :trazz:


let's just hope they don't get their own spinoff mini-series. :lol:

[neatoman]

Say, did the Triceratons just call themselves genetically superior?
yHhdpwGVl4Y

[Utrommaniac]

Which I've said in the past...is probably going to bite them in the @$$ eventually because they're so genetically identical that they can't breed with each other.

I have realized that Komodo Dragons probably do have a solution for what the Triceratons are facing (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/strange-but-true-komodo-d/), wherein a female individual parthenogentically can produce all-male offspring...which can...later breed with their mother...

But the difference is that Komodo Dragons are confined to a little island and the Triceratons will probably plan conquest and make themselves into giant hypocrites because that's one of the reasons they rebelled against the Utrom in the first place. Thereby, they wouldn't have enough genetic variety to protect themselves from being wiped out by particular viruses or diseases - which is what happens when a population doesn't have enough genetic diversity.

[neatoman]

I have realized that Komodo Dragons probably do have a solution for what the Triceratons are facing (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/strange-but-true-komodo-d/), wherein a female individual parthenogentically can produce all-male offspring...which can...later breed with their mother...

That's... Uhm... I doubt we'll ever see something like that.

[myconius]

That's... Uhm... I doubt we'll ever see something like that.

let's hope NOT!!! :lol:

[Utrommaniac]

It's not the ideal comparison, but it's the basic idea that maybe the Triceratons won't have to rely on cloning technology to continue their species in spite of being genetically identical - probably not something Zom and Zog worried about, unless all the adult Triceratons were sterilized "just in case" the "Komodo Situation" would happen, which I assume the Utrom scientists would have been aware of.

But please, Oh Mighty Curnow! Let there be another solution instead of that awkwardness!

[CyberCubed]

I guess April's father also re-connecting with TCRI probably means he's going to have a bigger role in the future with Baxter. As long as he doesn't turn into a mutant bat ala Kirby-bat (even though his name is John in this series, lol), I'll be fine with him working with Baxter in his lab.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

It's not the ideal comparison, but it's the basic idea that maybe the Triceratons won't have to rely on cloning technology to continue their species in spite of being genetically identical - probably not something Zom and Zog worried about, unless all the adult Triceratons were sterilized "just in case" the "Komodo Situation" would happen, which I assume the Utrom scientists would have been aware of.

But please, Oh Mighty Curnow! Let there be another solution instead of that awkwardness!

You SERIOUSLY, for the love of the deceased Tang Shen, need to stop reading so deeply into this stuff. :tlol:

I guess April's father also re-connecting with TCRI probably means he's going to have a bigger role in the future with Baxter. As long as he doesn't turn into a mutant bat ala Kirby-bat (even though his name is John in this series, lol), I'll be fine with him working with Baxter in his lab.

I'm hoping to see my personal theory that Stockman somehow deliberately caused O'Neil's stroke come to light! :tgrin:

[Utrommaniac]

Would that I could...would that I could...
I resign myself to my rightful place in the pecking order. "Resident Overthinker of Inconsequential Biology"...in fact, I might make that my custom tag if it weren't too long.

Also, I am totally going to back the theory that Stockman caused the stroke...it could check out.

[ChosenOne]

I'm gonna say that Stockman caused the stroke but it wasn't meant as a stroke, that was just a side effect of whatever crap he pulled on John. Stockman needs to jump back into the villainy spotlight at some point, right? What better reason than a reveal to that effect?

[Utrommaniac]

It just becomes a question of "why" he'd do that. He wasn't up to "too much" bad stuff, at least not in terms of Technodrome Undermining.

The only thing I can think of was John was about to report Baxter for something drastic, and there had to be a "clean" way to keep him from doing so. Such as forcing a stroke...somehow?

Something like a sneakier, bloodless "Lt. Col. Hughs Killing" in FMA...and no heartbreak from fans.

What could Baxter Stockman have possibly been doing all those years ago, before he even had an inkling of Krang's true ambitions, that could have caused him to feel threatened by John O'Neil finding out about it?

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

I'm gonna say that Stockman caused the stroke but it wasn't meant as a stroke, that was just a side effect of whatever crap he pulled on John. Stockman needs to jump back into the villainy spotlight at some point, right? What better reason than a reveal to that effect?

It just becomes a question of "why" he'd do that. He wasn't up to "too much" bad stuff, at least not in terms of Technodrome Undermining.

The only thing I can think of was John was about to report Baxter for something drastic, and there had to be a "clean" way to keep him from doing so. Such as forcing a stroke...somehow?

Something like a sneakier, bloodless "Lt. Col. Hughs Killing" in FMA...and no heartbreak from fans.

What could Baxter Stockman have possibly been doing all those years ago, before he even had an inkling of Krang's true ambitions, that could have caused him to feel threatened by John O'Neil finding out about it?

We have NO IDEA how long ago it actually happened. It could have only been a year or two before Issue #1. Maybe John O'Neil saw all the creepy rock soldiers, the green ooze, Old Hob, psychotropic injections for rats...

Stockman has PLENTY of skeletons in his closet. The man practically has the entire tribal graveyard from Poltergeist lurking back there with his oxfords, yellow ties, and Rolex wristwatches...

[ChosenOne]

Well, we know Krang came to Stockman, not the other way around. Am I recalling it right? So he must've had some sort of expertise or reputation already built up that would cause an interdimensional warlord to seek his help. Not something that would be possible IRL, of course, but in fiction that's usually only achieved through very unsavory means.

[Utrommaniac]

Looking at the Northampton arch, the stroke happened when April was a high school Junior.

This is when it was discussed (put under spoilers because the image ended up being larger than expected)
https://i.imgur.com/25l0DlG.png

So...yeah, I'm going to say John discovered something sketchy that he was going to attempt to bring to a higher authority, but Stockman had something up his sleeve to stop him without it being obvious.

"Something was bugging him about the project"

[myconius]

i'd always believed April's dad's exit from StockGen was possibly due to some underhandedness.


on another subject, it does feel more and more likely that Splinter might be under some influence of The Rat King.
he's going way too far to demean his sons.
unless he's been corrupted by power.

[CyberCubed]

I like the female Elite Guard in the last page. Do you think she will be important or just another face-less Foot soldier. I don't think we've ever had a female Elite guard before.

[ProphetofGanja]

"Resident Overthinker of Inconsequential Biology"

:lol:
That's at the least good enough to go in your signature

[Utrommaniac]

Haha, I was considering doing that...and I think I will.

[Mutant Ninja Anole]

Wow! This definitely reminded me of the City at War arc from Mirage, total chaos, brutal consequences, while still probably being PG-13 actually...not bad. We even have the Foot Elite here.

How Splinter vs Turtles comes down is going to be interesting. It was interesting that Jennika actually got to be the ‘good guy’ here, with Mikey applying therapy lessons from a ghostbusters crossover no less (hey, does this mean all crossovers are now canon?) rather than just having the Turtles fight and overwhelm her. Good choice, since I like Jennika.

I’m still sort of wondering what ultimate plans Splinter might have or if there is another ‘shoe to drop.’ Is Splinter going to have a grand heel realization or is there some other angle he knows about but hasn’t spoken of? I sort of wondered if part of his deal would be to ultimately free Slash and/or secure the safety of the Turtles and other mutants in New York.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

i'd always believed April's dad's exit from StockGen was possibly due to some underhandedness.

Same.

I like the female Elite Guard in the last page. Do you think she will be important or just another face-less Foot soldier. I don't think we've ever had a female Elite guard before.

Her name is Pimiko until Bobby and Tom crush my dreams by saying otherwise.

How Splinter vs Turtles comes down is going to be interesting. It was interesting that Jennika actually got to be the ‘good guy’ here, with Mikey applying therapy lessons from a ghostbusters crossover no less (hey, does this mean all crossovers are now canon?) rather than just having the Turtles fight and overwhelm her. Good choice, since I like Jennika.

I’m still sort of wondering what ultimate plans Splinter might have or if there is another ‘shoe to drop.’ Is Splinter going to have a grand heel realization or is there some other angle he knows about but hasn’t spoken of? I sort of wondered if part of his deal would be to ultimately free Slash and/or secure the safety of the Turtles and other mutants in New York.

Ghostbusters crossovers are canon AF. Batman crossovers, NOPE.

And yeah... Splinter is making really REALLY terrible choices here. He HAS to know that Bishop already has one mentally-enslaved mutant turtle under his finger... we all know the Man in Black is gunning for a full handful!

[Mutant Ninja Anole]

Ghostbusters crossovers are canon AF. Batman crossovers, NOPE.

Pfft! As far as I’m concerned, Batman keeps Raph’s mask in his cave and no one can convince me otherwise!8)

[ChosenOne]

What surprises me the most is that Mrs. O'Neil didn't think anything was amiss when John "just happened" to have a stroke after he, and herself by her own admission, started looking deeper into the workings of Stockgen. What with her background and all. Could Stockman have tried to erase John's memory somehow? And that's what gave him the stroke? Hmm... IDW are masters at setup, for sure none of this is random.

The female ninja is the one that has me the most intrigued. I did think the others could just be regular Elite Foot that looked a bit different due to artistic interpretation, but she's definitely something else.

And... I'm kinda scared for #80. It probably won't go down that way, what with the Triceratons there, and likely interventions by Bishop and/or Stockman, but can the Turtles even beat Splinter in a straight-up fight if when it comes to that?

[Rooish]

Wow, that was a good issue. Glad we're focused back on the Turtles now!

Anyone kind of hoping Splinter goes down?

[PApagreg]

Pretty good issue decent action, move the story along, and a decent twist at the head. I also really love it how Raph called Splinter out and saying the old man wanted his cake and it too.

[Mayhem]

What surprises me the most is that Mrs. O'Neil didn't think anything was amiss when John "just happened" to have a stroke after he, and herself by her own admission, started looking deeper into the workings of Stockgen. What with her background and all. Could Stockman have tried to erase John's memory somehow? And that's what gave him the stroke? Hmm... IDW are masters at setup, for sure none of this is random.
Or he had a stroke from being stressed too much, or working too hard, or an infection. But it's fun for everyone to speculate heh...

[Raptor86]

on another subject, it does feel more and more likely that Splinter might be under some influence of The Rat King.
he's going way too far to demean his sons.
unless he's been corrupted by power.

That sounds similar to what happened to Daredevil when he was leading the hand, under the influence of "The Beast".

Actually I like to think that Splinter's actions are consistent with his history of being an actual ninja from Feudal Japan.

[ChosenOne]

Or he had a stroke from being stressed too much, or working too hard, or an infection. But it's fun for everyone to speculate heh...

That's real life stuff. In fiction, there are rarely coincidences.

[Powder]

Wow, Splinter's really being a dick right now, eh? :tlol:

Arc's coming along nicely. Unexpected turns, focus on all parties, continued Baxter involvement (a huge plus for me, personally), cool indie art style, it's good stuff. I just feel SO bad for Slash. What's he gonna do when he finds out what "he" did? Off himself? Sacrifice himself (to take down Bishop, perhaps) in homage to Archie? Either way, poor guy.

[AlessandraDC]

Wow, Splinter's really being a dick right now, eh? :tlol:

Arc's coming along nicely. Unexpected turns, focus on all parties, continued Baxter involvement (a huge plus for me, personally), cool indie art style, it's good stuff. I just feel SO bad for Slash. What's he gonna do when he finds out what "he" did? Off himself? Sacrifice himself (to take down Bishop, perhaps) in homage to Archie? Either way, poor guy.

Agreed! I wasn't expecting all of this when this arc first started. I really hope Leo's eyes are wide open finally. He's tried to be respectful and play by Splinter's rules and has been completely dismissed by their dad. I was surprised that Jennika ended up helping them too!

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Wow, Splinter's really being a dick right now, eh? :tlol:

Arc's coming along nicely. Unexpected turns, focus on all parties, continued Baxter involvement (a huge plus for me, personally), cool indie art style, it's good stuff. I just feel SO bad for Slash. What's he gonna do when he finds out what "he" did? Off himself? Sacrifice himself (to take down Bishop, perhaps) in homage to Archie? Either way, poor guy.

That's what I'm thinking. You reminding me that it'd be an Archie connection just adds more weight to that theory! Completely forgot about Slash taking out Maligna in style...

[ChosenOne]

I was surprised that Jennika ended up helping them too!

I had the horrible thought last night that Jennika's decision to help the Turtles could be a death sentence if Splinter finds out, with his current feudal lord mindset. What if #80 ends with Splinter himself or one of his assassins cutting her down, and then Rat King steps out from behind Splinter's chair and it's revealed that he's been whispering in Splinter's ear the whole time? Not gonna happen, most likely, but it would be a shocker of an ending for sure.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

I had the horrible thought last night that Jennika's decision to help the Turtles could be a death sentence if Splinter finds out, with his current feudal lord mindset. What if #80 ends with Splinter himself or one of his assassins cutting her down, and then Rat King steps out from behind Splinter's chair and it's revealed that he's been whispering in Splinter's ear the whole time? Not gonna happen, most likely, but it would be a shocker of an ending for sure.

Bobby has repeatedly told us Rat King is NOT manipulating Splinter. This is all Splinter's doing.

[ChosenOne]

I know, I almost mentioned that in the previous post, but it would be a sick ending nonetheless. If RK were involved and had a hold over the Foot, I don't think his plan would "merely" involve New Yorkers disappear or whatever it is he'll be up to in Kingdom of Rats.

I still think something bad will happen to Jennika, though. :(

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

I know, I almost mentioned that in the previous post, but it would be a sick ending nonetheless. If RK were involved and had a hold over the Foot, I don't think his plan would "merely" involve New Yorkers disappear or whatever it is he'll be up to in Kingdom of Rats.

I still think something bad will happen to Jennika, though. :(

I've previously theorized that Rat King IS influencing the Foot Clan, not just through Splinter...

I suspect Jennika. :tcool:

[AlessandraDC]

I've previously theorized that Rat King IS influencing the Foot Clan, not just through Splinter...

I suspect Jennika. :tcool:

Oooh that would be interesting if it was through Jennika. I'd rather he NOT be controlling Splinter. Knowing that Splinter is capable of being so much like Saki is intriguing.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Oooh that would be interesting if it was through Jennika. I'd rather he NOT be controlling Splinter. Knowing that Splinter is capable of being so much like Saki is intriguing.

Think about it. What's more chaotic... somebody turning Machiavellian (Splinter) by outside manipulation? Or a middle man (or kunoichi) helping usher in a showdown between former family members (Jennika)?

I think the latter is more Rat King's style. The former is Kitsune's.

[PApagreg]

I really hope nobody is influencing Splinter and this is at least 85 percent him because the idea of Splinter being a Foot Clan leader would't be as interesting if someone was controlling him.

[Utrommaniac]

I do think that Splinter is being controlled to some capacity.

For the Rat King, the Foot-EPF teamup would mean bringing chaos on faster than without their team up, but that would mean Splinter being unrelentingly insistent that the people trying to kill mutants like him are good partners for fighting off aliens.

We've Splinter show similar behavior to this before - when he was demanding to focus on Shredder as a low-level threat over the high-level threat that was the Technodrome. The differences is that the turtles were able to get him to sit down and shut up. This time, it's different.

But there is one interesting thing I just realized about Splinter's behavior:

Donatello almost died the last time he took their advice. Why should he do it again if it means the risk of losing one of his sons again. And this time...he doesn't have Fugitoid around to help.

[CyberCubed]

Yeah I think Slash will eventually die, not anytime soon but a bit further down the line. He died in the Archie series (granted all the Mutanimals including Leatherhead died in Archie), but his continued control by Bishop makes it obvious his character is going to try to redeem himself.

As said, Bishop inevitably leading to Slash's death will cause Old Hob to go beserk over losing his first real friend and oldest member of the Mutanimals and would seek vengeance. It would make a great arc in the future.

[Spike Spiegel]

The art in this issue was great. The heavier brushwork, deep shadows, and simple, smooth lines give the pages a lively and smooth finish.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

I do think that Splinter is being controlled to some capacity.

For the Rat King, the Foot-EPF teamup would mean bringing chaos on faster than without their team up, but that would mean Splinter being unrelentingly insistent that the people trying to kill mutants like him are good partners for fighting off aliens.

We've Splinter show similar behavior to this before - when he was demanding to focus on Shredder as a low-level threat over the high-level threat that was the Technodrome. The differences is that the turtles were able to get him to sit down and shut up. This time, it's different.

But there is one interesting thing I just realized about Splinter's behavior:

Donatello almost died the last time he took their advice. Why should he do it again if it means the risk of losing one of his sons again. And this time...he doesn't have Fugitoid around to help.

It's a fair point, but it severely undercuts Splinter as a character and makes him much less interesting. I don't want that.

And last time he was focused on the wrong threat, he was only responsible to his four sons. Now he is responsible to an entire clan as well as his four sons. And he's trying not to show favoritism to his sons, as we've seen time and again.

All of this is believable for Splinter acting on his own, even though it is heavily misguided and shortsighted.

Last time, he didn't focus on the world-ending galactic threat and instead focused on the personal vendetta. This time, he's doing the opposite... but he's wrong again!

Yeah I think Slash will eventually die, not anytime soon but a bit further down the line. He died in the Archie series (granted all the Mutanimals including Leatherhead died in Archie), but his continued control by Bishop makes it obvious his character is going to try to redeem himself.

As said, Bishop inevitably leading to Slash's death will cause Old Hob to go beserk over losing his first real friend and oldest member of the Mutanimals and would seek vengeance. It would make a great arc in the future.

I'd love that. I really really would.

I don't see any way for Slash to come to terms with this. Ever. Shattered psyche, right here. He's going to be a tortured soul, take out Bishop at the cost of his own life (or fail trying), and Hob is going to be pissed.

Points to Cubed for pointing out that Slash is Hob's first (and maybe only?) friend! :tgrin:

[Utrommaniac]

Boy, between Hob and Ch'rell, we'll have quite the "avenge my friend!" thing going on.

[MikeandRaph87]

Boy, between Hob and Ch'rell, we'll have quite the "avenge my friend!" thing going on.

Was it really necessary for Krang to be eaten by Leatherhead?:ohwell::o

The art switch was honestly not that noticeable.

The story though,we know this confrontation will lead to the Triceratons given residence on Burnow Island. Why would the TMNT allow that if this race was created and recreated by the utroms? What pieces do the TMNT know and not know that we the readers do?

[Utrommaniac]

I'm going to say...yeah, it was necessary. In fact, it changes everything.

I think an exiled Krang would mean an entirely different storyline, especially if the "Oncoming Doom" (which for some reason, reminds me of "The Oncoming Storm" moniker for The Doctor by the Daleks :lol: ) is going to have significant implications for the story onward. It would mean a significantly calmer Ch'rell, which would probably be the factor that would decide how drastic things might get.

An actual "Krang in exile" would still be a fun storyline, but that's for an alternate universe where Kleve and Montuoro got Krang out of Leatherhead's path.

The turtle probably know less than we do about the Triceratons, and that's probably going to be difficult for Donatello when he has to be a mediator for them and the Utroms.

[Mutant Ninja Anole]

I’m too busy to look it up, but I’m pretty sure Tom or one of the other creators that posts here flat out said, “No Splinter is not being controlled,” FWIW.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Was it really necessary for Krang to be eaten by Leatherhead?:ohwell::o

Hell yes it was! That was awesome. :tlol:

[CyberCubed]

Yeah, I love the fact that the two main villains of the franchise, Shredder and Krang, are now dead. It really raises the stakes when you have main villains killed off like that.

Granted Shredder is probably going to be revived and brought back to life in some form, its already been foreshadowed, and every TMNT universe does a, "Shredder is back" or a "Shredder is revived/brought back to life" story, but it'll probably end again in a big climax around issue 100 or a little after.

I actually wish they'd kill off some other villains too for that matter. Wouldn't mind seeing Leo finish off Koya because she's going insane as well, or as I said before Slash possibly dying, etc. I was mixed on Hun still being around but if he's going to patch up things with his son and become an ally like Baxter is currently then I'm fine with him sticking around too.

[Utrommaniac]

Koya doesn't seem to be set up as a "character going to die", I think.
Rather, I think she's just going to have to swallow that nasty vinegar of reconciliation. She's too minor a villain. Since Sophie Campbell seems to have created her, I think she has other plans in mind for her ultimate fate.

[AlessandraDC]

Koya doesn't seem to be set up as a "character going to die", I think.
Rather, I think she's just going to have to swallow that nasty vinegar of reconciliation. She's too minor a villain. Since Sophie Campbell seems to have created her, I think she has other plans in mind for her ultimate fate.

I hope they don't kill off Koya! She has the potential to be developed more. And I can't wait to see her face off against Leo again.

[DrSpengler]

Here's my full summary and review of TMNT #79 at TMNT Entity. (http://tmntentity.blogspot.com/2018/03/tmnt-idw-79.html)

Satisfying to finally see the Turtles and Splinter butting heads. It has me looking forward to next issue, though I don't want to see that tension between them diffuse too soon (if anything, I want to see it get worse).

The Turtles have been in the margins for a bit too much of this storyline. Now that they're back in the spotlight, I think they need to stay there.

[myconius]

The Turtles have been in the margins for a bit too much of this storyline. Now that they're back in the spotlight, I think they need to stay there.

Amen to THAT ! ! !

[Rooish]

Here's my full summary and review of TMNT #79 at TMNT Entity. (http://tmntentity.blogspot.com/2018/03/tmnt-idw-79.html)

Satisfying to finally see the Turtles and Splinter butting heads. It has me looking forward to next issue, though I don't want to see that tension between them diffuse too soon (if anything, I want to see it get worse).

The Turtles have been in the margins for a bit too much of this storyline. Now that they're back in the spotlight, I think they need to stay there.

Always look forward to your updates. I want the tension to worsen too. I love the idea of the Turtles vs. Splinter leading up to 100.

[ProphetofGanja]

Here's my full summary and review of TMNT #79 at TMNT Entity. (http://tmntentity.blogspot.com/2018/03/tmnt-idw-79.html)

Satisfying to finally see the Turtles and Splinter butting heads. It has me looking forward to next issue, though I don't want to see that tension between them diffuse too soon (if anything, I want to see it get worse).

The Turtles have been in the margins for a bit too much of this storyline. Now that they're back in the spotlight, I think they need to stay there.

I definitely think #80 will focus on Clan Hamato versus the Foot Clan for the majority, with only minimal cutaways to Baxter Stockman and the O'Neils, just enough for us to learn what kind of plan April has formed and see it put into action. I do wish #80 was gonna be a double-length issue though; the conflict between Splinter and his sons deserves to be explored in great detail. I definitely don't think he's under the Rat King or anyone else's control, this is just a case of Splinter's feudal ninja warlord mentality really clashing with the modern-day sensibilities of his sons. I really want to see how this goes down.