TMNT #95 Preview and Discussion

[AlZarkovski]

First look:

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Publication113/v4/46/f1/77/46f177b6-1b39-d366-418b-e257823dd9f5/img_2.jpg/900x0w.jpg
https://is2-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Publication123/v4/d7/7b/09/d77b0963-8b88-a63c-f862-d0f63e7738a7/img_3.jpg/900x0w.jpg
https://is3-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Publication123/v4/7b/f3/6a/7bf36a4a-7ab7-b6e8-f10e-dff3c9bd3503/img_4.jpg/900x0w.jpg

[80gmrp]

Didn't expect me to be the first one to reply to this.

A good preview, and curious as to what else happens.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

It still irks me that Jennika is the crux of this story so far. I just don't care about her.

[ProphetofGanja]

I agree, Cylons, I need this story to go some more interesting places, cuz Jennika ain’t it dawg

If it makes you feel better, Cylons, I actually have my own irk, but I’m not going to delve into it because I’m tired of causing trouble over it.

I’ll bite; what’s your beef?

[CyberCubed]

I kinda agree. When Slash died I was sad because he had been around since practically the beginning of the series, he went through a lot of development, then Bishop mind controlled him and placed a bomb inside of him, but he died a heroic death. He was well done from beginning to end.

Jennika never really grew on me, she got a bit better when we learned her backstory and some good moments here and there, but overall, eh. I'm not too fond of so many human characters in general, although I love Harold.

Even Lindsey isn't too interesting when you remove her from the context of the Mutanimals. Speaking of that I still don't know if Old Hob is holding Lindsey hostage or she's free to come and go as she pleases. Didn't she ask Hob for permission to go with the Turtles in the previous issue or am I remembering wrong?

[ChosenOne]

Even Lindsey isn't too interesting when you remove her from the context of the Mutanimals. Speaking of that I still don't know if Old Hob is holding Lindsey hostage or she's free to come and go as she pleases. Didn't she ask Hob for permission to go with the Turtles in the previous issue or am I remembering wrong?

IIRC, Hob (sort of) offered her a job and Pete was the one holding her hostage. Don't quote me on that, though. I've always seen her as Hob's "employee" rather than hostage, so obviously she's free to come and go but would still like to have his blessing/permission.

[Utrommaniac]

The consensus is back:
https://i.imgur.com/8kUv9KQ.jpg

Pretty soon, someone's going to have to get Ma'riell into a bubble walker so she can explain everything she knows about Ooze. She probably knows more than everyone.

[Redeemer]

I agree with everyone's sentiment for the most part. I feel Jennika has been a rather dull character, but she has grown on me I must admit. I am hoping that this issue is not too narrative driven or a setup issue. I just want to seek some good old TMNT. :D


This issue comes out next week???? ugh.... I really wish this series was bi-monthly....The series would be so much better.

[daggio]

Pretty soon, someone's going to have to get Ma'riell into a bubble walker so she can explain everything she knows about Ooze. She probably knows more than everyone.

And after she explains that, she can explain what she was doing with Splinters and the Turtles DNA and QNA all those years :twink:

[Igglet]

This issue's apparently gonna be huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge, fellas. Tom's been hyping it up like CRAZY over on Twitter. "This is an issue I've wanted to write since I started working on #TMNT years ago." Looks like we're in for a ride.

[Utrommaniac]

Well...that's certainly something, and I'm going to hide in a foxhole WWI style while everything goes down.

[shredder orokusaki]

Iam returning very soon that why Tom has been hyping it so much. That the begining of my return.

[MikeandRaph87]

This issue's apparently gonna be huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge, fellas. Tom's been hyping it up like CRAZY over on Twitter. "This is an issue I've wanted to write since I started working on #TMNT years ago." Looks like we're in for a ride.

Tom is active on Twitter? I don't do social networking. He never comes around here anymore. If he wants to tease how about doing it here?

[Igglet]

Tom is active on Twitter? I don't do social networking. He never comes around here anymore. If he wants to tease how about doing it here?

Well, for one, Twitter reaches a far, far wider audience than this forum. Honestly, only the most hardcore fans dwell here seeing how outdated it is, and those said fans likely don't need any further teasing to be sold on this stuff. Plus, the forum also tends to be quite toxic at times so I definitely wouldn't blame any writers for avoiding it.

[CyberCubed]

Tom is active on Twitter? I don't do social networking. He never comes around here anymore. If he wants to tease how about doing it here?

The entire IDW staff is on twitter. Hell, practically half the world is on twitter at this point.

Traditional forums like this have been dying since like 2010 or so. Most people barely even use forums anymore after social media replaced it. Every single forum or message board that I used to visit since the early 2000's is either dead or on life support now.

[ChosenOne]

Traditional forums like this have been dying since like 2010 or so. Most people barely even use forums anymore after social media replaced it. Every single forum or message board that I used to visit since the early 2000's is either dead or on life support now.

Except for Reddit, if one considers it a forum/message board. But the TMNT community discussions on Reddit barely ever touch on this comic, sadly.

[Utrommaniac]

Now that I've taken a look at the twitter...and how he continuously describes it as "very important"...
And this preview
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D-COHFYUEAEkYQf.png
"Even Donatello is surprised!"

I think the turtles (or at least Donatello) is finally going to learn more about their mutation.

[corvus]

I quite like Jennika. The way they write he is different, really subtle. I just thought she'd be significantly older than Casey, like older to the point where them dating would be weird. She was supposedly around the Lower east side before gentrification and Casey is like in his early 20s so...yeah. But i guess this is a very fictional version of new york that has punk gangs and alleyways.

[ChosenOne]

I quite like Jennika. The way they write he is different, really subtle. I just thought she'd be significantly older than Casey, like older to the point where them dating would be weird. She was supposedly around the Lower east side before gentrification and Casey is like in his early 20s so...yeah. But i guess this is a very fictional version of new york that has punk gangs and alleyways.

I can't speak for punk gangs, but doesn't New York have alleyways? I can point out at least one in Rivington Street, near where I roomed with a friend for a few weeks while I was visiting the USA, and a bunch of them show up on Google Maps.

[corvus]

I can't speak for punk gangs, but doesn't New York have alleyways? I can point out at least one in Rivington Street, near where I roomed with a friend for a few weeks while I was visiting the USA, and a bunch of them show up on Google Maps.

I'm from New York originally. Manhattan really doesn't have many alleyways that are accessible to the public. There are quiet poorly lit side streets with nothing on them in very residential areas, which may as well be. Then theres a few like cortlandt and mechanics alley which are basically filming locations. The outer boroughs probably do. I always imagine tmnt taking place in brooklyn tbh

[ChosenOne]

I'm from New York originally. Manhattan really doesn't have many alleyways that are accessible to the public. There are quiet poorly lit side streets with nothing on them in very residential areas, which may as well be. Then theres a few like cortlandt and mechanics alley which are basically filming locations. The outer boroughs probably do. I always imagine tmnt taking place in brooklyn tbh

I don't know why, but I'm getting a huge feeling of dejá vu here. I think we've had this exchange before.

[corvus]

I don't know why, but I'm getting a huge feeling of dejá vu here. I think we've had this exchange before.

Maybe. I haven't been on this forum for about three or four years.

[Utrommaniac]

Pretty cool that you're back.

Also, here's the twitter posts regarding what Tom was talking about
https://66.media.tumblr.com/6e37d040ab4df8735f77728a8ed81e75/tumblr_inline_pty5l7l9Iq1rw8miz_500.png
https://66.media.tumblr.com/6cd31295bf3db1deb5e896516caac3d4/tumblr_inline_pty5l7mx8W1rw8miz_500.png
https://66.media.tumblr.com/87570db07e1f49b59aa0248177728637/tumblr_inline_pty5l8JNMN1rw8miz_500.png
https://66.media.tumblr.com/78f3081d8ce97aac6a13bce9f3919b48/tumblr_inline_pty5l9Pm6a1rw8miz_500.png

Yeah, gonna say this revelation comes from Metalhead??? Since I'm already guessing that they find out about Krang's connection to their reincarnation, I'm probably going to assume that Metalhead, already sharing Don's memories, has some kind of "memory projection".
Since Don already doesn't have memories of his human life, I'm going to bet that maybe he saw the Utroms way off in the distance before he was killed, and naturally doesn't remember.

[CyberCubed]

I’m not sure if I’m correct or not but given Tom talks about Casey a lot in regards to this issue and we know Jennika is literally on life support, I predict:

Jennika is pregnant. Libby discovers this when saving her life, the baby is IDW’s version of Shadow. Also we are in “City at War” after all.

I wonder if I’m right.

[Utrommaniac]

Even if she is, there's no way it's going to be viable if she dies. Given how much she's bled out and how she's still pretty flat. I mean, gotta be less than four months. And even if she does survive, there's probably not much of a chance a pregnancy would. No amount of mutagen can't bring back what's truly dead.

[Igglet]

Inb4 the baby comes back as a mutant turtle.

[Igglet]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D-az6w-U8AEyh-Z.png

Tom is having the time of his life on Twitter, man.

"In two days (7/3/19) you'll be able to pick up #TMNT #95 #CityAtWar Part 3 and find out why we had to keep this cover secret in the preview. Get to your comic book store and get yourself a copy to find out what awesomeness @kevineastman86 has behind the "?" "

[CyberCubed]

I hope this issue doesn't get too overhyped now to the point where people might be a bit disappointed. :lol:

[ChosenOne]

So... What is the likeliest plot twist or mindblowing moment to come out of #95? Let's list all of our ideas and see if anyone comes close!

And at this point, someone suggesting that Metalhead mutates Jennika or the hypothetical baby into a turtle will not be accused of crazy talk!

[Igglet]

So... What is the likeliest plot twist or mindblowing moment to come out of #95? Let's list all of our ideas and see if anyone comes close!

And at this point, someone suggesting that Metalhead mutates Jennika or the hypothetical baby into a turtle will not be accused of crazy talk!

I do appreciate that both of the crazy-talk theories that you listed came from me. It means I'm doing something right. You all gotta step your game up, I did my part.

[phillytmnt]

I have a very, very bad feeling Jenika will be mutated into Venus. I hope I'm wrong.

[Igglet]

I have a very, very bad feeling Jenika will be mutated into Venus. I hope I'm wrong.

If it happens, I'm blaming you.

[Utrommaniac]

I mean there's a "secret" about to be revealed...Jennika mutating isn't exactly a "secret"

[SimplySatire]

Thank you! Also, I could give two ***** less about Jenny but I guess she's relevant *shrug* but tbh, she and Casey work better than Casey and this April. I don't really see them working together; I feel like they're forced or something.

First look:

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Publication113/v4/46/f1/77/46f177b6-1b39-d366-418b-e257823dd9f5/img_2.jpg/900x0w.jpg
https://is2-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Publication123/v4/d7/7b/09/d77b0963-8b88-a63c-f862-d0f63e7738a7/img_3.jpg/900x0w.jpg
https://is3-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Publication123/v4/7b/f3/6a/7bf36a4a-7ab7-b6e8-f10e-dff3c9bd3503/img_4.jpg/900x0w.jpg

[ChosenOne]

Here's a crazy thought: what if the whole Metalhead/Jennika/mutagen thing is just a fake-out? Just a diversion? Or rather, the part of the issue IDW is okay with us knowing about but not the big plot twist or shocking moment? If it was being planned as far back as the comic began, then it can't be that. It has to be something much more basic and core to the TMNT mythos than comparably extraneous things like Metalhead and an original character. It has to be something that was there from the start, in those very first issues. What if... It's Splinter (or Karai) donning the mantle of the Shredder? Yeah, I know, I know, I'm kinda obsessed with the notion of multiple Shredders, but it would make much more sense than something the IDW crew wasn't even sure would be involved in the comic this far into the future. You get excited about the elements you're working with, not ones you vaguely may or may not introduce years down the road...

[MikeandRaph87]

The only way to stop Metalhead is for him to be possessed thus Metalinka is born.

[Igglet]

Purposefully ****** theories aside, it's interesting though, right? Because, what secret could METALHEAD know, of all people? Krang being the reason for their rebirth? I mean, sure, but that wouldn't be hyped up so much, we KNOW this. Could it be some secret purpose behind their mutation? I mean, we already knew Krang wanted to build an army of Mutants. Maybe his plan has gone farther than we believed? Or could this maybe be related to the mystical part of the mythology, what if this isn't the first time the turtles have reincarnated? Just a thought, I'm tossing a lot of things out because nothing seems to stick.

I'm thinking Jennika being pregnant might be the only logical explanation here. Metalhead could probably figure it out, we've explicitly been shown Casey being in shock for some reason, and while it IS unlikely for the baby to still be alive... nobody said it had to be. Still, something just doesn't feel right, especially as this wouldn't be all that related to Metalhead, and I don't really think it's deserving of this much hype. Plus, I doubt Tom would describe the death of an unborn child as something he's been excited to write since day 1. I genuinely don't know what to think. Though considering the fact that I've thrown like 30 theories in there, I feel like I'm bound to get some of it right.

EDIT: Just to be clear, the only theories I'm calling purposefully ****** are mine.

[ChosenOne]

Was it ever implied that Metalhead knows a secret? Or did we conflate those two things? Don't forget, it's gotta be something iconic and visually impactful enough that the cover is being kept secret... That's why I'm going with something that harkens back to the early days.

[Igglet]

I think it might be a variant cover drawn by Kevin Eastman showing Mirage Shadow.

Also, I just realized that you're right. I was 100% sure Tom mentioned that Metalhead was the one who reveals this but you just opened my eyes, that's a real curveball.

[ChosenOne]

If IDW Shadow is born at this point, she'll never be 100% normal. Maybe there's a point to the whole Bishop origin story and his alliance with Metalhead that we didn't see coming? Hmm...

[Igglet]

If IDW Shadow is born at this point, she'll never be 100% normal. Maybe there's a point to the whole Bishop origin story and his alliance with Metalhead that we didn't see coming? Hmm...

I don't think Shadow will necessarily be born. However, a callback to Mirage in the form of showing that version of Shadow would fit considering all the parallels... I don't know, it's 2AM so I can't really tell but I think it makes sense.

[ChosenOne]

Would be even worse if this issue was still a week or two away. Thank god it's almost Wednesday! :D

[Utrommaniac]

It's just kind of a boring thing to happen in the 95th issue. Not being something worth the buildup.

Plus, we know their origins, somewhat, but they don't. And that would be much more interesting than finding out a third wheel romantic rebound is pregnant while on her deathbed. Jennika hasn't done enough to deserve that big of a revelation. Just don't see it as something Tom has been excited to release "since the beginning". No heckin' way.

[AlZarkovski]

Full preview (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/1907/02/tmnt95.htm).

[Igglet]

I get the feeling that Metalhead might try to play Bishop. I mean, how are the turtles going to make it out of this situation alive with Jennika on life support, EPF outside their doorstep while also having to fight him, despite the fact that he ALONE whooped their asses the last time.

[corvus]

I don't think any of us are gonna guess this and a lot of these theories are entertaining but a bit far fetched...although I said that about fat old drunk arnold jones being hun.
I'm gonna guess that this somehow involves leatherhead. We don't know where he stands in this conflict.
And bebop and rocksteady haven't turned up yet. We know theyre back and with karai.

That said. My personal theory is that jennika is pregnant, will die, Libby will save the child using ooze

[Utrommaniac]

Okay but...can we see THIS Bebop and Rocksteady Ruin Everything???
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/1907/02/tmnt95c.jpg
That looks fantastic. (It's...with this that I realize...Bebop and Rocksteady never actually met Krang???)

[80gmrp]

I'm gonna guess that this somehow involves leatherhead. We don't know where he stands in this conflict.

Part of me hopes you're right about Leatherhead, but another part of me hopes not. It's certainly true that his brief appearance in the prior issue leaves a bit of a cliffhanger.

Regardless, all we do know about him is that the currently-revealed synopses of later issues (at least the ones I saw) make no mention of him, seeming to suggest his role is relatively minor. Which, knowing how much I care about him not being a villain, is probably a good thing for me.

[vicsavage]

Just read the issue. I think it'll prove to be divisive...

I guess IDW finally introduced Venus de Milo!

[Utrommaniac]

LAST PAGE FOLKS. LAST PAGE.

We got us a Jenny Turtle!

And in a retreat back to the original lair in the sewer, dead MOUSERS and all. With an exploding portal...so that outta make future Burnow storylines interesting since they can't get back there.

Honestly, one of the bigger twists is Stockman working for Null...besides...that ending.

I personally doubt they'll call her Venus...except maybe as a code name to keep her cover?

[80gmrp]

Yeah, I had my doubts that Stockman would be relatively passive in the matter. Good to know my suspicions were correct.

That said, while I was a bit surprised that LH’s brief appearance in the prior issue was unexplained in this one, I would like to think that his losing fingers to a mouser in #85 is now a hint as to whose side he’d take when Null becomes a priority for everyone.

[corvus]

Im not gonna get it until later tonight or tomorrow but I'm guessing none of our guesses were right??

[AlessandraDC]

This was NOT the turn of events I was expecting! lol I'll be really curious to see what this means moving forward! I'm sure that what a previous commenter said is right and this may divisive in the fanbase. But the book already has all kinds of mutants, so why not?

[corvus]

Okay, It started out interesting. I have a feeling that whatever is going on with stockman and Null is gonna be good and Metalhead has fully evolved into a menacing and genuinely scary villain.
Now for the main thing...
WHY??? I'd be willing to give Venus a chance and i'd be fine with a fifth turtle in some context, this comic has taken silly or boring characters and made them really interesting. Case in point, Manmoth. But this delivery... I don't see this being divisive so much as universally hated. It really ***** all over the established mythos. You should not be able to immediately make a mutant out of mutant blood. I really thought they were gonna introduce shadow or at least send casey down a darker path. I hope this is temporary or turns out to actually not work cause yeah.

[ChosenOne]

(...) Stockman working for Null (...)

:lol: Nope.

[scribblesartist]

Biggest disappointment EVER!!

[TomWaltz]

Biggest disappointment EVER!!

Wow! Glad we could make the top of your list, scribblesartist! Biggest EVER is quite an accomplishment in any endeavor.

;)

The close of #95 (and what follows in the issues to come) is something we (Kevin, Bobby, and I, as well as many of the wonderful artists we collaborate with) have been carefully working on since late 2016. Something we've set up diligently behind the scenes with various design/development efforts, as well as within the public-facing comic book pages through character growth and relationship development over numerous arcs. As a rule, we never pander in this series... never force plots/characters into the storyline, always patiently waiting until the time is right. We earned this, and it's something we're very proud of and are confident will become a fantastic new element to our ever-evolving IDW TMNT mythos.

I know we won't make everyone happy -- that's always the case no matter what we're doing. Someone's always disappointed (sometimes the "biggest disappointment EVER" even!). But there will be fans who WILL be happy and excited about this moment... as well as the many other storylines and characters we're presenting in our monthly comic book. We've got a lot going on and this is just one part of it.

I know we're happy and excited -- Kevin, Bobby, me, the artists -- and working hard on The Road to 100...

And beyond!

Talk soon...

Tom W.

[80gmrp]

If it puts your mind at ease, Tom, I personally wasn’t disappointed. :) I’m sure you’ve heard about how crazed a Leatherhead fan I am, and even with that in mind, crazy as it may sound given your intentions with the cliffhanger, I felt more relief than fear after reading this issue.

[TomWaltz]

If it puts your mind at ease, Tom, I personally wasn’t disappointed. :) I’m sure you’ve heard about how crazed a Leatherhead fan I am, and even with that in mind, crazy as it may sound given your intentions with the cliffhanger, I felt more relief than fear after reading this issue.

Oh, we're not done with Leatherhead yet...

:teek:

Thanks for reading!

Talk soon...

Tom W.

[AlessandraDC]

Wow! Glad we could make the top of your list, scribblesartist! Biggest EVER is quite an accomplishment in any endeavor.

;)

The close of #95 (and what follows in the issues to come) is something we (Kevin, Bobby, and I, as well as many of the wonderful artists we collaborate with) have been carefully working on since late 2016. Something we've set up diligently behind the scenes with various design/development efforts, as well as within the public-facing comic book pages through character growth and relationship development over numerous arcs. As a rule, we never pander in this series... never force plots/characters into the storyline, always patiently waiting until the time is right. We earned this, and it's something we're very proud of and are confident will become a fantastic new element to our ever-evolving IDW TMNT mythos.

I know we won't make everyone happy -- that's always the case no matter what we're doing. Someone's always disappointed (sometimes the "biggest disappointment EVER" even!). But there will be fans who WILL be happy and excited about this moment... as well as the many other storylines and characters we're presenting in our monthly comic book. We've got a lot going on and this is just one part of it.

I know we're happy and excited -- Kevin, Bobby, me, the artists -- and working hard on The Road to 100...

And beyond!

Talk soon...

Tom W.

As a female TMNT fan and loyal reader, I'm both excited and nervous about this development. But, you guys have so far done a fantastic job with the female characters in this book so I trust that you will handle this well!

[80gmrp]

Oh, we're not done with Leatherhead yet...

:teek:

Thanks for reading!

Talk soon...

Tom W.

I never said you were done with him. XD Still, good to know.

[TomWaltz]

I never said you were done with him. XD Still, good to know.

LH has his role to play in City At War for sure. That's all I'm allowed to say for now, though. MWAHAHAHAHA!

:)

Talk soon...

Tom W.

[oldmanwinters]

I know The Next Mutation show was always close to Eastman's heart, so this is a plot twist I can appreciate.

[TomWaltz]

As a female TMNT fan and loyal reader, I'm both excited and nervous about this development. But, you guys have so far done a fantastic job with the female characters in this book so I trust that you will handle this well!

Thanks for the vote of confidence, AlessandraDC! We always strive for inclusiveness across the board in this book -- everyone is important, included, and equal. The way I see it, when everyone is special, special treatment isn't necessary. No pandering... just honest, heartfelt storytelling.

And believe me, we love ALL the characters with ALL our hearts... the good and the bad and the in-betweeners!

Talk soon...

Tom W.

[ZariusTwo]

Well, well, well, the glass ceiling that broke 20 years ago got shattered again:)

[ChosenOne]

I'm totally neutral towards this development. As in, I certainly don't mind the "new" character and am confident in IDW's skill in handling her, and I've always said throughout the years that I'd love to see them tackle her and maybe even change a certain someone's infamous dislike of her around. That would be the icing on the cake. :D But, having said that, I'm much, much more invested in the other elements at play in this arc.

[ZariusTwo]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, AlessandraDC! We always strive for inclusiveness across the board in this book -- everyone is important, included, and equal. The way I see it, when everyone is special, special treatment isn't necessary. No pandering... just honest, heartfelt storytelling.

And believe me, we love ALL the characters with ALL our hearts... the good and the bad and the in-betweeners!

Talk soon...

Tom W.

Tom, do plans for this development stretch beyond just the comics? Mighty curious...

[TomWaltz]

Tom, do plans for this development stretch beyond just the comics? Mighty curious...

At this point, not that I'm aware of -- for now, it's our character/our story.

To be honest, I'd love to see any of our IDW elements/characters branch out beyond the comics, not just this one! Kevin and I still dream about developing IDW TMNT animated films.

:)

Talk soon...

Tom W.

[ZariusTwo]

Kevin and I still dream about developing IDW TMNT animated films.

:).

Well, a certain cross-promotional movie adaptation shows the possibilities are endless for this particular brand...have faith.

Good luck.

[ChosenOne]

At this point, not that I'm aware of -- for now, it's our character/our story.

To be honest, I'd love to see any of our IDW elements/characters branch out beyond the comics, not just this one! Kevin and I still dream about developing IDW TMNT animated films.

:)

Talk soon...

Tom W.

Trust me, you're not the only ones dreaming about that! ;)

[Vicky82]

I was hoping to avoid spoilers but then Comicbook.com posted the big spoiler on my Twitter feed.

:o Wow i'm in shock, I didn't expect Jennika to mutate into a turtle. This is awesome.

[neatoman]

OK, I didn't quite expect this outcome... Wonder what the consequences of it will be?
I can't really say I approve though, I never liked the of people being turned into animals through the mutagen. I know Bebop, Rocksteady and Dreadmon already happened, I'd still like to keep that stuff to a minimum.
I think I said it before, if it was up to me then Bebop and Rocksteady would just be zoo animals.

[MikeandRaph87]

It was hard to appreciate the twist,but I am willing to keep an open mind. We don't know how this will turn out in the end. It is better that we overall don't have an attachment to Jenika instead of being a favorite before this. I still rank THE WAY Krang died as my biggest problem and I have never been a fan of the reincarnation angle. Then there is the Agent Bishop's unique twist too. That can be fixed through cloning.

[Allio]

eh, I think my issue is that

Jenni hasn't really had much going for her in the comics, I mean outside of her little shorts in Universe I can't really say much about her. Granted I do get that if you are going to do something controversial (ie the whole female turtle/venus thing) it is best to do it with a minor character. that way if it don't pan out for some reason you can write them off and no one would really care.

[ZariusTwo]

Oh I just found Peter Laird's reaction

https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/001/117/632/c36.jpg:P

[rayfillet101]

Amazing, Amazing, Amazing! 4 weeks until #96! Totally on board and hope this is something that just folds into the series, much like all the characters we have grown to love have.

I now accept she won't be Venus, she is Jennika, but would love to have fun with this and try on that original bandana. The fact that she already has ninja moves is awesome. Anxiously awaiting a Alopex, Nobody, and Jenny mini series (throw in Sally too)...

[TomWaltz]

Amazing, Amazing, Amazing! 4 weeks until #96! Totally on board and hope this is something that just folds into the series, much like all the characters we have grown to love have.

I now accept she won't be Venus, she is Jennika, but would love to have fun with this and try on that original bandana. The fact that she already has ninja moves is awesome. Anxiously awaiting a Alopex, Nobody, and Jenny mini series (throw in Sally too)...

Thanks, rayfillet101! Love the enthusiasm.

Just for that, here's a Technodrome exclusive:

I worked with the amazing Sophie Campbell way back in 2017 to create Jenny's baseline turtle design. There have been a few minor tweaks since then, but she will still very much resemble Sophie's design, including her bandana, which will be revealed in... ISSUE #97!

Talk soon...

Tom W.

[MikeandRaph87]

Thanks for resurfacing in our corner and for the Technodrome exclusive.

[rayfillet101]

Wow! That makes it all even better! Bring it on! Thanks for being around for the community...

[AlessandraDC]

Thanks, rayfillet101! Love the enthusiasm.

Just for that, here's a Technodrome exclusive:

I worked with the amazing Sophie Campbell way back in 2017 to create Jenny's baseline turtle design. There have been a few minor tweaks since then, but she will still very much resemble Sophie's design, including her bandana, which will be revealed in... ISSUE #97!

Talk soon...

Tom W.

Aaaah! That's awesome!! I wondered, because I know Sophie had said she would love to work on a re design of Venus... So I'm thrilled to know she had a hand in Jenny's turtle design!

[MikeandRaph87]

Zarius, I was thinking about that the moment I saw the panel.:tlol::tgrumble:


Well, if anything City At War may end with Shredder one version or another uniting the underworld, but the inclusion of Agent Bishop/ rogue Metalhead, Lady Null and Baxter Stockman's election as mayor (pulling a Marvel here), and so much more like Dimension X elements, and a certain dangerous mutant duo brought a whole new spin on the title. Nick simply borrowed it, but IDW took the concept and allowed us to assume certain points that are believed tradition and well, they fooled us. In a good way though? The jury is still out there. It took me a good 14 issues to decide I actually liked this series.

[Utrommaniac]

It was hard to appreciate the twist,but I am willing to keep an open mind. We don't know how this will turn out in the end. It is better that we overall don't have an attachment to Jenika instead of being a favorite before this. I still rank THE WAY Krang died as my biggest problem and I have never been a fan of the reincarnation angle. Then there is the Agent Bishop's unique twist too. That can be fixed through cloning.

Honestly, same with "the way" Krang died for me as well (my disappointment in Trial of Krang and Dimension X is still my biggest disappointment of the whole series).
I would have preferred the verdict to come before the big battle with the Malignoids, and for Krang to go down fighting Maligna - and ironically save the planet he had once attempted to destroy. And then maybe LH stops Kleve and Montuoro from bringing him home for burial or something...
Just use the supposed "military genius" to your advantage instead of stuffing him away during the storyline with his name on it

I think a few of us had a feeling she was going to mutate at some point eventually, and this was a good time.

But like...since did a transfusion from Leo...wouldn't this make her like an "honorary" sister, since it was his mutated DNA that changed her?

[AlZarkovski]

Ok, I can understand why some people are frustrated or unhappy. After 25 years, Venus began to personify the worst that was in TMNT. But the concept of the girl turtle is not so bad. It all depends on the authors. The IDW creative team has proven that they can tell great stories and give us a new, interesting look at old characters.
I really can't wait for what we see next. And I very much hope that B&R, Agent Ravenwood and Renet also will soon return. The cover this issue of Ben Bates is very funny, but it also showed an interesting potential from the meeting of Neutrino, Time Lords and B&R. I really hope it ever happens.

[Utrommaniac]

I think one of the biggest good things to expect is:


We already kind of know Jenny as a character
She won't have magic
Probably won't be doing any love interest stuff while she's trying to adjust to her changes
Might not even be referred to as "Venus" (unless it's like a code name or something to protect her while they're still trying to evade the EPF. Because you know...the last thing they need is to have accidentally made a human into another mutant...while they're already being chased for being mutants)

[funatic]

Just for that, here's a Technodrome exclusive:

I worked with the amazing Sophie Campbell way back in 2017 to create Jenny's baseline turtle design. There have been a few minor tweaks since then, but she will still very much resemble Sophie's design, including her bandana, which will be revealed in... ISSUE #97!

Talk soon...

Tom W.


Might not even be referred to as "Venus"

I wonder if, since Sophie was involved in the creation, she'll be referred to as Artemisia (https://www.deviantart.com/mooncalfe/art/Secrets-Of-The-Ooze-Artemisia-471621727) My money is down on a yellow bandana. Really I hope she just stays Jennika though, and I want to see more Secrets of the Ooze if you're lurking here Sophie! :P

[MikeandRaph87]

Honestly, same with "the way" Krang died for me as well (my disappointment in Trial of Krang and Dimension X is still my biggest disappointment of the whole series).
I would have preferred the verdict to come before the big battle with the Malignoids, and for Krang to go down fighting Maligna - and ironically save the planet he had once attempted to destroy. And then maybe LH stops Kleve and Montuoro from bringing him home for burial or something...
Just use the supposed "military genius" to your advantage instead of stuffing him away during the storyline with his name on it

I think a few of us had a feeling she was going to mutate at some point eventually, and this was a good time.

But like...since did a transfusion from Leo...wouldn't this make her like an "honorary" sister, since it was his mutated DNA that changed her?

Yes, there was that theory,but I honestly shrugged it off. I don't know how I feel about it yet because the angle is not fully played out. Once the angle is then I will make my decision on whether it was a bad move or not. I may be leaning negative now,but I trust the creative team and they see the full picture, we only see a part of it at the moment.

As for THE WAY Krang, went out I really like your suggestion. I am not saying I am opposed to Krang being dead and Ch'rell taking his place, its just I feel like it could have gone the way you state, but also a reason be given for Ch'rell to seek revenge. I just feel like Trial of Krang was for nothing if its resolved like that and given into fan art. If you want to make Leatherhead neutral there can be a way to insert a three way fight in the script to make the point without the shock moment. Sorry, for the rant. We all have something in 95 ongoing issues plus several minis that rubbed us the wrong way.

[CyberCubed]

While I was reading this issue I thought the big "twist" as I got to the end of the battle and the Turtles escaped in the portal with Harold and Libby behind, I honestly thought either Metalhead or Bishop was going to gun them down and kill them in cold blood. Seeing a rather enjoyable character like Harold killed in cold blood would have been the twist I'd expect, but I'm glad IDW doesn't waste characters like that and kill them for no reason. So yeah...glad they're just "arrested" instead of shot to death. That would have been too gruesome!

Also rather glad the Karai/Splinter war was left out of this issue, it would have made things too cramped. And rushed. So we'll have to wait for more of Splinter/Foot Vs. Karai next time.

Seeing both Bishop and Karai after the Turtles at the same time is a bit too much, let alone with whatever Null is planning. I can see why the Patheon is playing the waiting game and just watching all the chaos unfold.

[Utrommaniac]

I mean, yeah, that's a good point. There's actually a lot I would change, but that ending is just one of them. (Among other things, I would have Ma'riell there to watch in horror as she realizes the Krang at trial is not the same Krang she knew before she went into stasis)

[Igglet]

I'm kind of surprised by the fact that I somewhat called it, and even though I was mostly sarcastic, I'm totally taking all the credit. #1 Predictionist, no debate.

In all honesty, this is... just absolutely shocking to me, and I do have a lot of thoughts on it. Let me preface this by saying that I absolutely adore this run and I have a LOT of confidence in the crew to pull this off. I'm writing this at midnight just after reading this comic so my thoughts are scrambled and I don't know if this is going to sound overly critical, and in case it does, I just want it to be known that I'm absolutely on board with this twist. Tom (or anyone in the crew at that), if you're reading this, I would REALLY appreciate to hear some of your thoughts on at least the first part of my rant.

First of all, this does make me wonder what Jennika's dynamic with the other turtles will be. Is she officially going to be the fifth TMNT, or is she not at that point? And the thing is, one of the reasons why TMNT works IS the dynamic between the main four, Leo being the stoic leader, Raph being the hothead rebel, Mikey being the naive heart of the group and Donnie being the smart dude, to oversimplify all of it. Yet even when I simplify it so much, this dynamic works. Will Jennika find a way to fit into this and offer something new to this mix, or is she going to end up feeling like a watered down version of another turtle? I'm somewhat afraid it might be the latter. Again, I have a looot of trust in this team, but the current incarnation of Jennika just hasn't spoken to me enough to accept her as a new TMNT yet.

I feel like this might be my favorite issue of the ongoing run since the Trial of Krang as I feel like it did a GREAT job at packing so many things in and making it feel like everything's really starting to escalate, you know? Nobody's been discussing Null working with Stockman, the EPF and Metalhead capturing Harold and Libby and all that crazy action in between because of this crazy twist, but all that deserves props too. Man, imagine what this series would be like if only each issue had more pages. Ah well, too good to be true.

I'm so excited right now. The only slightly depressing thing is that it doesn't appear as if Splinter is dying in the next issue (though I suppose THAT would be more depressing since Splinter is my favorite character) and I'm getting banned. Remember me as a hero, folks.

[AquaParade]

Wow! Glad we could make the top of your list, scribblesartist! Biggest EVER is quite an accomplishment in any endeavor.

;)

The close of #95 (and what follows in the issues to come) is something we (Kevin, Bobby, and I, as well as many of the wonderful artists we collaborate with) have been carefully working on since late 2016. Something we've set up diligently behind the scenes with various design/development efforts, as well as within the public-facing comic book pages through character growth and relationship development over numerous arcs. As a rule, we never pander in this series... never force plots/characters into the storyline, always patiently waiting until the time is right. We earned this, and it's something we're very proud of and are confident will become a fantastic new element to our ever-evolving IDW TMNT mythos.

I know we won't make everyone happy -- that's always the case no matter what we're doing. Someone's always disappointed (sometimes the "biggest disappointment EVER" even!). But there will be fans who WILL be happy and excited about this moment... as well as the many other storylines and characters we're presenting in our monthly comic book. We've got a lot going on and this is just one part of it.

I know we're happy and excited -- Kevin, Bobby, me, the artists -- and working hard on The Road to 100...

And beyond!

Talk soon...

Tom W.

I think the greatest strength of the book has been the courage to take risks. Maybe I’d be singing a different tune if they hadn’t paid off, but elements like the reincarnation origin and Splinter leading the Foot certainly seemed to.
I haven’t been 100% on-board with the book for a while, but this makes me turn an ear. I’m looking forward to having a chance to catch up and see how I feel about the series again.

I often come in here to critique the book, but it’s for the for the joy of discussion! I want to love the book, but there are things about it that haven’t necessarily worked for me, so I enjoy throwing my thoughts out there and seeing how they get diced up.
My intention is never to offend, and I do think I’ve shown the utmost respect for the series, for all there is to appreciate about it - the passion and hard work that goes in, the bold creative decisions, etc, despite my criticisms.

Just want to throw that out there.

[Cloudrunner]

I now accept she won't be Venus, she is Jennika, but would love to have fun with this and try on that original bandana. The fact that she already has ninja moves is awesome. Anxiously awaiting a Alopex, Nobody, and Jenny mini series (throw in Sally too)...

Man, I really hope not. The whole "Girl Power Teamup" thing feels like a lame trope used whenever writers can't (or don't want to) integrate a female character properly into the main cast. And sorry to Tom, but I've felt this way with the Alopex/Angel teamup from the start. It was born out of nothing, other than the fact that they were both girls, and has relegated the both of them to sideline characters that always feel distant from the main cast, even when they're drawn alongside them.

If you're going to make Jennika a turtle, she needs to actually be involved with the turtles. The series doesn't need another underutilized side character.

[daggio]

Amazing, Amazing, Amazing! 4 weeks until #96! Totally on board and hope this is something that just folds into the series, much like all the characters we have grown to love have.

I now accept she won't be Venus, she is Jennika, but would love to have fun with this and try on that original bandana. The fact that she already has ninja moves is awesome. Anxiously awaiting a Alopex, Nobody, and Jenny mini series (throw in Sally too)...

And don't forget Pepperoni (should she hopefully get mutated as well) :D

[daggio]

I can see why the Patheon is playing the waiting game and just watching all the chaos unfold.

I was thinking about that. When you go back to the root cause of most of this (at least the stuff between Splinter & the Turtles and Karai & her crew), the orphans, it's almost as if the Pantheon (specifically the Rat King) is winning cuz the chaos is unfolding from that. I dont know if the Rat King planned it this way (probably not), but hes getting the chaos he wants.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Libby taking down Metalhead was awesome. A variable he did NOT account for, apparently! :tgrin:

Bishop taking prisoners was distressing. I really hope we don't lose anyone else to that midget maniac anytime soon...

Stockman and his back room dealing is promising; can't wait to see where that goes...

As for the turtle in the room...

I did not expect that in a million years. But I've wanted IDW to do a new take on Venus de Milo since forever, and I don't care about Jennika as an existing character, so... in IDW we trust? :trazz:

[daggio]

And to think, this could've happened to Casey back during City Fall if they had been unable to get him to the hospital :o

[CyberCubed]

I feel like Null needed a big arc in the main series or another mini, her character was neglected for way too long on the sidelines (I think she was introduced as far back as 2016, if I remember right?), and I feel like the Baxter stuff with her is kinda random.

As it stands the main adversaries of the series after Shredder/Krang went to Hell (literally), were Bishop, The Patheon (although really just Rat King and Kitsune), and now Karai and her goons. Ch'rell hasn't done anything yet and Null sat on the sidelines way too long. I would have liked it if Null got another 4-part mini before this.

[Ninjinister]

Man, I really hope not. The whole "Girl Power Teamup" thing feels like a lame trope used whenever writers can't (or don't want to) integrate a female character properly into the main cast. And sorry to Tom, but I've felt this way with the Alopex/Angel teamup from the start. It was born out of nothing, other than the fact that they were both girls, and has relegated the both of them to sideline characters that always feel distant from the main cast, even when they're drawn alongside them.

If you're going to make Jennika a turtle, she needs to actually be involved with the turtles. The series doesn't need another underutilized side character.

Nah all of the girl team books have usually been aces. Just get someone who can A) write and B) write females and you'll have a winner. Obvs Gail Simone would be ideal but she's usually pretty busy. I do think Jennika needs to be one of the core team, but if they do a one-off 4 issue thing with a girl team or whatever she can tag along.

I just can't wait to see Mikey's reaction to his new "sister".

[Allio]

Kind of hoping that Jennika has a huge mental breakdown.

[Andrew NDB]

Definitely this is a huge thing. I've always said, if this is a universe where the Turtles aren't unique and alone (and they're not, there's tons of other mutants in IDW)... then why not have a female Turtle? I'm intrigued to see what they do with the concept. They've clearly thought it through.

Personally -- and this is just me -- it might have been a little more interesting to see Jennika slowly mutate (like over the course of X number of issues), rather than all at once. Like, a very gradual transition (I'm not talking like "The Fly" with Cronenberg body horror, but maybe a slow letting go of humanity is a little lost opportunity). But the playbook is theirs.

[Powder]

I'm totally neutral towards this development. As in, I certainly don't mind the "new" character and am confident in IDW's skill in handling her, and I've always said throughout the years that I'd love to see them tackle her and maybe even change a certain someone's infamous dislike of her around. That would be the icing on the cake. :D But, having said that, I'm much, much more invested in the other elements at play in this arc.

Pretty much this. Interested to see where it goes, with no particularly strong feelings one way or the other. I've always liked Venus, at least on paper, so I'm open to this kinda thing.

[MikeandRaph87]

https://www.cbr.com/idw-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-jennika/
CBR took notice.

[AlessandraDC]

https://www.cbr.com/idw-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-jennika/
CBR took notice.

It's funny that the article has a warning for spoilers at the top, when the spoiler is right there in the title and their tweet lol

I think it could be fun to see an all-girl macro. There's some interesting female characters on both sides.

[MikeandRaph87]

It's funny that the article has a warning for spoilers at the top, when the spoiler is right there in the title and their tweet lol

I think it could be fun to see an all-girl macro. There's some interesting female characters on both sides.

Perhaps it is a warning for the "how" while the catch all was given in the title to get more clicks.

[Ninjinister]

However, with Karai coming back to claim the League of Assassins to restore them to Shredder's glory days, New York has been plunged into all-out war.

Uh...

I think they have that confused with the Batman crossovers lol. While true, Foot is a league of assassins, they're not the League of Assassins.

[neatoman]

I didn't really want to ask this before but will the "Gruesomely" thing play a part in this?

[rayfillet101]

Wow, I am so glad I read the issue during my lunch break, because all the headlines TOTALLY spoil the surprise. So frustrating.

[Ninjinister]

I didn't really want to ask this before but will the "Gruesomely" thing play a part in this?

Not sure what you're referring to here...?

[ProphetofGanja]

Not sure what you're referring to here...?

He’s referring to Lindsey’s dialogue explaining their previous experiments at Null Industries

[CyberCubed]

I'm surprised nobody brought up this effectively kills the Casey/Jennika ship/pairing they had been building up the last couple of issues


....or at least hopefully. :lol:

[Weapons@theready]

So is Casey still trying to hit that or what...

I kid, I kid. Doesn’t jennika end up on the Mutanimals after all of this? Or is she part of the Turtles team after all is said and done. And I totally agree with Andrew, I would have loved to see a slower transformation, but other than that I am really interested to see how this develops

[Allio]

Don't kinkshame Casey's fetish.

[Cloudrunner]

So is Casey still trying to hit that or what...

I kid, I kid. Doesn’t jennika end up on the Mutanimals after all of this? Or is she part of the Turtles team after all is said and done. And I totally agree with Andrew, I would have loved to see a slower transformation, but other than that I am really interested to see how this develops

No... as much as I hate the idea she's probably going to join Angel and Alopex. Since there was no reason for either of them to be here with the turtles rather than going after Null (Considering that's the only plot point they're even remotely attached to. Well... Alopex anyway. Nobody has no connection to the story right now). The two of them are almost certainly there to recruit Jennika after some kind of fallout with Casey due to her transformation. I know Jennika has no real connection to Angel or Alopex, nor really talked to them much at all. But she IS a girl, and that was good enough for their first team up.

[Utrommaniac]

We have seen mutations happen pretty quick - namely with Hob, Bebop, and Rocksteady.

Don't entirely know what the difference was with the the OG five turtles and Splinter (I think it was the psychotropic serum not necessarily being fully mutating)


At this point, I think it makes sense for Jenny to call it off with Casey so she can process her new life.

[scribblesartist]

@tomwaltz. I’m sorry I should have explained myself a little better then I did. I have religiously followed this series since it debut in 2011. You guys have done an epic job on executing 1 of the best TMNT comics ever written.. I do appreciate the work you guys put into every month, and I know you guys use the biggest collection of tmnt characters to choose from. However being fellow fan, there has been allot questionable revisits. And turning jennika into the fifth turtle isn’t 1 of them... not sure if this suppose to be a recantation of the horrible Character Venus. But I feel some bad ideas should be left dead... and adding a 5th turtle idea is taking away from the integrity what TMNT. I know it’s a personal opinion and doesn’t hold up much with others. Think some stuff should be left forgotten

[martinitolove]

Wow, Donnie has done it again! The nutty professor turtle! Don't let him near anything or anyone!

I loved the lasers from the videogames - thanks Tom & Bobbie!

[Igglet]

You know, Jennika hasn't really landed as a character in terms of personality yet in my opinion, but her arc, while it's been going on in the background has actually been GREAT so far.

She started out as someone incredibly loyal to the Shredder's Foot Clan as that was the only family she ever had. She was devoted to it to a fault, and she used her anger in a way that more or less embodied Saki's clan. This led to her trying to assassinate Splinter and being absolutely humbled by her failure and forced into facing the fact that she was wrong, and, in a way, so was the entire philosophy she has lived by. As she matured, she actually came to understand that the Foot Clan under the Shredder's rule really wasn't her family, though she couldn't have known any better. She slowly became more independent, more of her own person, even defying the orders of Splinter by helping the Turtles sneak out during the Triceraton Invasion. Her friendship with Casey was, in a way, her first step towards the world outside of the Foot Clan, towards a normal life. She was finally making a progress towards having a life, and suddenly, it's all been stripped from her - her relationship is doomed, she won't be able to show her face and, arguably, she will NEVER have a life outside of a clan now. If the team uses this concept to its full advantage, I genuinely believe they could create something amazing.

[AlessandraDC]

@tomwaltz. I’m sorry I should have explained myself a little better then I did. I have religiously followed this series since it debut in 2011. You guys have done an epic job on executing 1 of the best TMNT comics ever written.. I do appreciate the work you guys put into every month, and I know you guys use the biggest collection of tmnt characters to choose from. However being fellow fan, there has been allot questionable revisits. And turning jennika into the fifth turtle isn’t 1 of them... not sure if this suppose to be a recantation of the horrible Character Venus. But I feel some bad ideas should be left dead... and adding a 5th turtle idea is taking away from the integrity what TMNT. I know it’s a personal opinion and doesn’t hold up much with others. Think some stuff should be left forgotten

Jennika is not the 5th turtle. There has already been another mutant turtle in the IDW verse. Don't see why there can't be a female one now. That doesn't make her Venus.

[Weapons@theready]

You could make the argument that the idea of the Neutrinos should have been left dead, but IDW, Tom, Bobby and Kevin gave new life to the hot roddin’ teenagers. Trust the process, because more often than not, IDW has done right by us

[Utrommaniac]

Yeah, they've been doing an okay job revitalizing some of the more awkward/dated/flat out bad parts of TMNT.

Especially the Neutrinos. And just by ditching the space-going beatnik shtick!
There were a lot of problems with Venus - a lot of which could be considered unnecessary "glitter". The magic powers for one. The reason why Venus did so badly is because she was just bad writing from start to finish.

I'm going to give Jenny as a turtle a chance, because she's already an established character and not swinging out of the blue, and has potential for a more interesting storyline as mutant.

And like...I don't think Splinter will be TOO mad about it. Maybe at first, but if anyone can help her acclimate, it's him and the boys.

[CyberCubed]

Just realized this arc only has 5 issues left, I have no idea how they’re going to resolve most of the basic plot in that time. Obviously most character arcs will continue past that, but City at War itself is supposed to conclude with #100.

[Igglet]

Just realized this arc only has 5 issues left, I have no idea how they’re going to resolve most of the basic plot in that time. Obviously most character arcs will continue past that, but City at War itself is supposed to conclude with #100.

Makes me think the Shredder might actually come back in #100. Before, I was sure he'd appear at the start of the latter half of this arc, but it appears I'm not as good as predicting things as I thought.

Or alternatively, the crew saw my posts here and completely rewrote the script for the sole purpose of trolling me. That sounds realistic too.

[scribblesartist]

@allessandraDC. Yes there has been a 5th turtle in the IDW. Slash!! However he extremely different from the four turtles. So it works and doesn’t take away from what the turtles are. Not saying Jennika will be recantation of that awful Venus Character from the Ninja turtles TV show. She could be a completely different and new female turtle. Don’t know.. however the whole idea of turning jennika into a turtle I though was a terrible move. Regardless of what comes next.. it’s highly unlikely I’ll like it at all.

[Igglet]

@allessandraDC. Yes there has been a 5th turtle in the IDW. Slash!! However he extremely different from the four turtles. So it works and doesn’t take away from what the turtles are. Not saying Jennika will be recantation of that awful Venus Character from the Ninja turtles TV show. She could be a completely different and new female turtle. Don’t know.. however the whole idea of turning jennika into a turtle I though was a terrible move. Regardless of what comes next.. it’s highly unlikely I’ll like it at all.

Out of curiosity, why do you dislike the concept so much?

[Lord Nightwalker]

As long as the story telling continues to be of high quality, I say let them tell their story. Jennika mutates into a new Ninja turtle....this could be a really cool thing. Basically, I'm going to sit back and enjoy the ride. Still wish they would do novelizations.

[corvus]

Theres a few things I don't like. Firstly, I may be the only person who likes Jennika, I like her backstory, I like her subtle character development...im not really fussed over her relationship with Casey but its revealed a lot about the character. I feel turning her into a mutant turtle isn't the best direction to take this in.

The second thing, this is the big one, is how the hell have mutants been a thing for this long and no one has discovered that giving people a mutant blood transfusion would immediately mutate them into a nearly identical creature? Karai is gonna be pissed and smack a bunch of her scientists around when she finds out she could have been making dozens of sharks and falcons out of Koya and Bludgeon...and why does Null only have like six mutants? The hells she gotta rob pet stores and make humunculi for? This concept is silly, I know mirage did it with blood sucker in one of their best story archs but mirage, especially at the time, had a very different and silly tone.

[Utrommaniac]

I'd think they'd be getting into all those details in time.

Don probably figured it out on the fly and on a hunch.

Also, Null does have a lot more mutants, they're just in a stasis-like state, I think.

It's another tankard of gasoline to the fire that is City at War and the stories beyond it.

It literally just happened; there's a lot of different directions it's going to go. But one thing's for certain - Karai indeed is going to be pissed. And so is Bishop.

[scribblesartist]

@igglet. Yeah I’m more in the favour of keeping the four turtles special. Find when you introduce to many mutants of the same species or to many mutants in general. Kind of take away from that. 4 turtles don’t stand out as much. Has nothing to do with a female turtle.. there are plenty of strong female mutants in the IDW universe that stand out.. Alopex, cougar from mutanimals, can’t remember her name at the moment. New scorpion lady. To name a few. Al I’m saying is if your gonna keep the 4 main turtles in then four ground.. introducing a bunch of random ninja turtles in the mix.. isn’t Gonna help keep the beloved guys we read the comics for now.

[Utrommaniac]

So here's my question:

Why is it so important that they have to be "special"? There's nothing in the story that suggests that they have to be the only turtles and nothing's at stake if they aren't.

Yeah, Venus put a super sour note on there being an additional turtle (especially a girl turtle), but that doesn't mean it should never be attempted again. This literally just happened and it's not like we don't know who Jenny is.

[Igglet]

And I mean, regardless of that, they still ARE special. It's not like IDW just randomly went "Oh yeah here's a new turtle mutant", they aren't about to start mass-producing turtles. This was something that the team has been planning since #1 and, judging by how the writers have been treating it, it appears to be one of the biggest events in the history of this run. This is evidently very major and everything seems to indicate that Jennika is going to become one of the TMNT, judging by all the teasing and hyping regarding this twist, the fact that Tom literally made a statement about how huge this is in this very thread, and by the fact that she's getting her own bandana. ONE new TMNT isn't going to make the others feel less special.

[scribblesartist]

@igglet. And if that’s the outcome that becomes of it. With jennica becoming a full fledged member of the fantastic four. With bandana and all. Then Count me out!! Consider me old fashioned but that’s a change I refuse to stand behind. Hey 100 issues is amazing accomplishment and Waltz and Eastman and the artists who brought all there efforts too the table. Raise my glass to there amazing run on TMNT. But this is probably a good time for me to sign off :) wish them the best of Luck on there future issues. Cheers 🍻

[ChosenOne]

There have technically been five turtles in this comic since year two. If anything, Jenny is just filling the vacant spot left in the wake of Slash's death.

Where was the custom bandana thing stated? What color is it?

[scribblesartist]

@utromaniac. Good question. Think in the 80s there where 4 turtles, and I think there has been plenty attempts at bringing in a 5th turtle. And almost ALL have failed. Where in 2019... allot more changes have been excepted in the Tmnt universe. Almost all of them have turned out pretty decent. Who’s to say this turns out to be great too, but it’s like I said from the beginning. Just a personal opinion. That’s all

[scribblesartist]

@chosenone. Slash was never really classified as “ninja turtle”. However if jennika becomes a replacement for slash in mutianimals. That actually could work. However as it may. Giving her a light blue, yellow or pink banana would just be rediculous.. we would have the teenage mutant Ninja power rangers all over again. Sorry I’m just not buying it.

[ChosenOne]

@chosenone. Slash was never really classified as “ninja turtle”. However if jennika becomes a replacement for slash in mutianimals. That actually could work. However as it may. Giving her a light blue, yellow or pink banana would just be rediculous.. we would have the teenage mutant Ninja power rangers all over again. Sorry I’m just not buying it.

Personally, I'm more than willing to give IDW the benefit of the doubt. They're yet to do any wrong with this franchise in my eyes (for what that's worth). The only question mark I have with this whole thing is the timing, what with so much already going on in City at War. But, much like Marvel and the constant fears of some sections of the fandom that each new movie will flop, they know what they're doing. Best to wait and see.

[Utrommaniac]

If there's anything "special" about the turtles, it's the nature of their mutation. That they're "same player, new body" reincarnations. It would be weird if Jennika was that, but she's not. She's literally just "another turtle" and there's nothing wrong with that.


But what's very certain, is that Tom & the Team probably knew this was going to be a controversial decision and prepped for most of the major complaints.

[Igglet]

Where was the custom bandana thing stated? What color is it?

In this very thread, Tom said that the bandana & its color will be unveiled in #97.

[ChosenOne]

In this very thread, Tom said that the bandana & its color will be unveiled in #97.

Oh. Must've missed it, thanks!

[Igglet]

Oh. Must've missed it, thanks!

You're welcome, man!

[snake]

I’m fine with her being a turtle, but not a FIFTH turtle, if that makes any sense.

Always hated that concept and felt it clashed with the existing dynamic and it’s purposes.

[scribblesartist]

@snake. Thank you snake. I agree...

[Igglet]

While this, of course, doesn't mean you have to like the idea, I'd argue that disliking a concept because it drastically changes the status quo clashes against what made this run interesting in the first place. While I absolutely do agree that this could be pulled off badly and that Jennika might not fit into the dynamic, it's too early to tell.

[DevilSpooky]

Well I say bring it, and make her Venus, I don't want another missed oportunity like not having Lindsey being this version's Irma, I've always liked Venus, even though I really dislike Next Mutation, and IDW are the ones that can make her work.

[Igglet]

Well I say bring it, and make her Venus, I don't want another missed oportunity like not having Lindsey being this version's Irma, I've always liked Venus, even though I really dislike Next Mutation, and IDW are the ones that can make her work.

I think they should distance themselves from Venus since that character left such a sour taste in most people's mouth, and even if she specifically didn't, New Mutation absolutely did. Jennika is already her own character, don't change that for the sake of fan-service.

[Redeemer]

Theres a few things I don't like. Firstly, I may be the only person who likes Jennika, I like her backstory, I like her subtle character development...im not really fussed over her relationship with Casey but its revealed a lot about the character. I feel turning her into a mutant turtle isn't the best direction to take this in.

I agree Jennika really grew on me and I wish she was not turned into a turtle..... I swore she was going to die, bc she was in the way in terms of April and Casey getting back together. But after seeing what IDW has down with The Rat King and the Nutrinos I will wait to judge.

The second thing, this is the big one, is how the hell have mutants been a thing for this long and no one has discovered that giving people a mutant blood transfusion would immediately mutate them into a nearly identical creature? Karai is gonna be pissed and smack a bunch of her scientists around when she finds out she could have been making dozens of sharks and falcons out of Koya and Bludgeon...and why does Null only have like six mutants? The hells she gotta rob pet stores and make humunculi for? This concept is silly, I know mirage did it with blood sucker in one of their best story archs but mirage, especially at the time, had a very different and silly tone.

This I don't agree with. You have to remember that all Mutants start out as animals, not humans. I think the only exception is Rocksteady and Bebop. So I think they never would have thought to just inject blood from a mutant into a human. That like starting at point "A" and getting to point "J". Also animal test subjects are easier to come by than Human test subjects. Also Lindsey herself said the properties of the Mutagen was not really understood well at all. I think they put that line in there just for you! :lol:
also from a technical/scientific standpoint this should not have worked let alone have been attempted. lol

[snake]

I honesty, truly believe it’s too early for something like this when the book already has 50 million other plot threads ongoing. This has been an issue since post #50. There’s literally too much going on for the book’s own good. It’s even more evident when you read 1-50 and it’s, for the most part, coherent and focused on the overarching story.

#51-present is the complete opposite, and now another huge plotline is being added in the form of Jennika mutating.

[Igglet]

Yeah, I honestly don't know how they're going to tie together all these plot threads in 5 issues. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

[Chris]

Well I picked a bad time to switch comic shops :tlol:

Normally I have no problem if my normal shop had missed an issue as some bigger chains always have spare copies. Not this month :teek:

Got a friend who works at Diamond who even checked to see if they had a copy left he could get me - nope! He's going to see if Diamond US have anything. And one look on eBay shows where all those extra copies have gone :tgrumble:

Pretty sure if I give it a few weeks the prices will settle down but I really hate scalpers. I love the book getting extra attention and new readers but looks like most people just bought it to shove it on eBay. Not even speculating on long term value, just flipping it straight away for quick cash.

[funatic]

http://i65.tinypic.com/2sahv28.jpg

and Yellow bandana it is! Like I said, I had a hunch she'd look Artemesia-esque with Sophie on the design team. Also, Yellow just always made the most sense from a color spectrum standpoint to complement the rest. Still wonder if she'll be taking on the new name though... EDIT: just saw Bobby confirm she's keeping "Jennika" in the the other thread. Another good creative decision there I think. :trazz:

[ChosenOne]

http://i65.tinypic.com/2sahv28.jpg

and Yellow bandana it is! Like I said, I had a hunch she'd look Artemesia-esque with Sophie on the design team. Also, Yellow just always made the most sense from a color spectrum standpoint to complement the rest. Still wonder if she'll be taking on the new name though...

Funny how she looks like a cross between Alopex (the cloak) and Ocho (the claws). More Campbell influences?

[CyberCubed]

Is that going to be an official design or just a character sketch?

[neatoman]

http://i65.tinypic.com/2sahv28.jpg

and Yellow bandana it is! Like I said, I had a hunch she'd look Artemesia-esque with Sophie on the design team. Also, Yellow just always made the most sense from a color spectrum standpoint to complement the rest. Still wonder if she'll be taking on the new name though... EDIT: just saw Bobby confirm she's keeping "Jennika" in the the other thread. Another good creative decision there I think. :trazz:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/614VmsFwoNL._SX425_.jpg

I'm honestly less interested in the mask color (because why would that be important?) than I am in another aspect. It's not the weapon, because I figured that would remain the same. It's not wheter or not she'll plat a bigger role, because I doubt it. I'm slightly curious about why she covers her arm, but I don't think it'll be important.

What I'm oddly enough the most curious about is how tall she'll be, as a human she was way taller than the turtles and I'm wondering if that'll stay the same.

[Igglet]

Man, I REALLY like her design. I couldn't be happier with how she looks.

[ChosenOne]

I'm slightly curious about why she covers her arm, but I don't think it'll be important.

I might be reaching here, but... You know who else used to wear his cape draped over one shoulder like that with the other arm exposed? And her weapon... Hmm...

[Igglet]

You're not reaching at all, that was actually my first thought.

[Sophie Campbell]

Here's the concept art I did back in 2017 (so long ago!) if you guys are interested: https://twitter.com/mooncalfe1/status/1148392106286878720 :)

I originally gave her three toes as a nod to her human heritage but looks like the final design has the usual two.

[MikeandRaph87]

Yellow bandana and claws as the final cut or just a possibility?

[ChosenOne]

Here's the concept art I did back in 2017 (so long ago!) if you guys are interested: https://twitter.com/mooncalfe1/status/1148392106286878720 :)

I originally gave her three toes as a nod to her human heritage but looks like the final design has the usual two.

Wow, you guys really kept this one close to your chests for a long time! Hats off! And I love how nasty and pissed off she looks in those! :o:D

[CyberCubed]

Crazy to think IDW might make a 5th mutant Turtle, let alone a female mutant turtle, actually work. This was shark jumping material over 20 years ago, but this time around it has a lot of proper backstory in place and good writing can make it really interesting.

It's also interesting that Jennika is keeping her name, and not just getting some mutant name (whether it be Venus or anything else)

[ChosenOne]

The only way IDW will jump the shark with this is if they have her fight Bludgeon.

[neatoman]

Here's the concept art I did back in 2017 (so long ago!) if you guys are interested: https://twitter.com/mooncalfe1/status/1148392106286878720 :)

I originally gave her three toes as a nod to her human heritage but looks like the final design has the usual two.

Alright, so she is taller after all.

[ChosenOne]

Alright, so she is taller after all.

Not by much, and looks roughly about the same as Donnie in the group shot.

[neatoman]

Not by much, and looks roughly about the same as Donnie in the group shot.

Yeah, she did seem to shrink unfortunately. She was clearly a head taller than Leo in issue 93 and even slightly taller than Casey.

[neatoman]

Alright, so flipping through the issues she's actually been in and thinking about her role so far, I have a (somewhat unflattering) reason to accept this for now. That being how Jennika hasn't really been that interesting in the first place, she's mostly just acted as Splinter's bodyguard and later on as a nanny. This transformation is probably the most insterering thing that has happened to her since killing Dunn or attempting a coup. It would have upset me far more if it was Casey, April or even Angel.

Still don't like the idea of a fifth turtle or more humans transforming into animals, and I still hope she'll remain a side character.

[ChosenOne]

Still don't like the idea of (...) more humans transforming into animals (...)

Agreed. But since it's only happened twice almost 70 issues apart (not counting Dreadmon), I can let it slide. It's the ever-growing number of mutated animals that worries me, especially if Hob bolsters his ranks with a few new recruits any time soon.

[Technogeek29]

Kinda should have seen this coming really? I mean what happen to Jenny is basically how we got Bebop and Rocksteady. Which also means this transformation while long isn't permanent.

[ChosenOne]

Kinda should have seen this coming really? I mean what happen to Jenny is basically how we got Bebop and Rocksteady. Which also means this transformation while long isn't permanent.

IIRC, Bebop and Rocksteady's de-mutation was only due to time travel shenanigans and/or Savanti's direct intervention. It's permanent otherwise.

[Utrommaniac]

Yeah, the only mutants we've seen that aren't "permanent" are the guys who were hunting Dreadmon.

[Technogeek29]

IIRC, Bebop and Rocksteady's de-mutation was only due to time travel shenanigans and/or Savanti's direct intervention. It's permanent otherwise.

You might be right? I would have to re read it to be sure.

[The Great Saiyaman]

QvFD7xBVFeA
It's funny, when Ciro Nieli brought forth the idea to have Karai mutated in the 2012 series, it was to have her become Venus de Milo. But Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman quickly vetoed that idea, no more female turtles, the fact that there had been one during the "Next mutation" era was a mistake.

And yet, here we are a couple of years later, with a series where Eastman is involved with and...

[newfan]

It's funny, when Ciro Nieli brought forth the idea to have Karai mutated in the 2012 series, it was to have her become Venus de Milo. But Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman quickly vetoed that idea, no more female turtles, the fact that there had been one during the "Next mutation" era was a mistake.
.

What? Really? If that's true then I'm damn glad that didn't happen!
Two separate characters here, if they wanted venus then get a regular human character who isn't Karai and mutate them into Venus.

[Powder]

This is a major spoiler from an issue that's not even one week old yet, & should not be posted in this section, to boot.

Ciro Nieli brought forth the idea to have Karai mutated in the 2012 series, it was to have her become Venus de Milo. But Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman quickly vetoed that idea

Citation, please. I call BS.

[Candy Kappa]

Thanks for the spoiler

[corvus]

It's not how bebop and rocksteady got mutated. That happened intentionally in a lab and I doubt they used the blood of an existing mutant. To my knowledge we have not seen a human take a mutant blood transfusion and turn into a mutant, the closest thing is that raptor eating rocksteadys ear and learning how to use guns...and frankly im trying to forget that whole series.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

QvFD7xBVFeA
It's funny, when Ciro Nieli brought forth the idea to have Karai mutated in the 2012 series, it was to have her become Venus de Milo. But Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman quickly vetoed that idea, no more female turtles, the fact that there had been one during the "Next mutation" era was a mistake.

I'm iffy on the details myself, but I don't think it was actually planned to have Karai become Venus.

Rather, it was Ciro or Brandon Auman who joked about it in a comic con, or something along those lines.

[Igglet]

Here's the concept art I did back in 2017 (so long ago!) if you guys are interested: https://twitter.com/mooncalfe1/status/1148392106286878720 :)

I originally gave her three toes as a nod to her human heritage but looks like the final design has the usual two.

Edit: Nevermind, looks like her three toes are staying?? https://twitter.com/TomWaltz/status/1148400099522801664 :D

Absolutely love how Jennika turned out. It's a bit silly but just seeing this design eases my worries.

[80gmrp]

In all fairness, I personally first heard about this via tweets from Tom Waltz just before I visited this forum for the day. But yeah, in the future, it would be wise to use spoiler warnings, and preferably post within the specific forum for this era...

[corvus]

I do like the concept art and weapon choice.

[neatoman]

QvFD7xBVFeA
It's funny, when Ciro Nieli brought forth the idea to have Karai mutated in the 2012 series, it was to have her become Venus de Milo. But Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman quickly vetoed that idea, no more female turtles, the fact that there had been one during the "Next mutation" era was a mistake.

And yet, here we are a couple of years later, with a series where Eastman is involved with and...

In fairness, this character isn't Karai and it's not Venus. In fact this character, Jennika, has so far pretty much just been Splinter's bodyguard during his time as Jonin.

So you can't really say they messed with a popular character, brought back an unpopular character or even introduced a new character. I still don't like this move but it is far better than screwing up Karai or reintroducing Venus.

[CyberCubed]

I get the feeling IDW TMNT is going to last 150 issues or probably less, so she likely won’t be around for long anyway. IDW also introduces characters that they take a long time to actually do anything with, like Ch’rell and Null being two big examples of characters who were introduced years ago and we’re still just now barely beginning their storylines. Or how Leatherhead and the Triceratons were hinted at and introduced years before they actually got proper showcasing in the series. I hope it’s not too long here.

Then again who knows, IDW TMNT could go on 200 issues or more :tgrin:

[MikeandRaph87]

In fairness, this character isn't Karai and it's not Venus. In fact this character, Jennika, has so far pretty much just been Splinter's bodyguard during his time as Jonin.

So you can't really say they messed with a popular character, brought back an unpopular character or even introduced a new character. I still don't like this move but it is far better than screwing up Karai or reintroducing Venus.

Well said, I share this opinion to the 't' in turtle.

[Shark_Blade]

https://twitter.com/idwpublishing/status/1148347287241805825?s=21

Congratulations to the creative team of #TMNT! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #95 is now sold out at the distributor level and going to 2nd print! Until then, head over to your local comic shop and pick-up your copy…rumor has it there’s a huge cliff hanger! ����
Congrats TMNT IDW team!

[rayfillet101]

That's my reasoning too. This isn't Venus. This is Jennika. She was already pretty adjacent to the Turtles, much like Casey and April (or at least Alopex and Nobody), one could argue she was filling the role as Splinter's daughter in the turtle's absence. I think she will continue to grow as a character and if anything, this might give her more of a spotlight to shine. Very excited to see where she goes from here. IDW doesn't normally milk turtles as much as their other titles (cough sonic cough) but I can see a micro, macro, or mini series to celebrate this. Really hoping this change goes well past issue 100.

[martinitolove]

Jennica sounds like Guernica (Picasso's). So there is still a reference to a piece of art, like in Venus de Milo...

[qt.bangerang]

Finally got around to picking this up after the holiday. I saw it coming that Jennica would be mutated...but I didn't expect it to be a turtle from Leo's blood.

I actually like the idea here. Yes, it is kind of like Venus, but not really. Jenny is not the lost "magical sister" that just shows up. Yes she is a ninja, but not a teenager. I see her being mid 20s personally. Which would not make her a TMNT, but just a MNT. She will be part of the family the same way that Casey and April are, she already has that bond with Splinter, and was developing it with the others. She is like an adopted sister that also happens to share blood too now.

The concept art reminds me a little bit of the arcade and original toy slash with the longer bandanna and the claws, which is cool.

If the theories come true and splinter dies, I can see her kind of helping Leo feel the role as leader since they have both been chunin.

[Mutant Ninja Anole]

Wow, I just finally got around to reading this issue. I'd suspected (hoped?) for Jennika to be mutated in the process of saving her life but I guess I didn't think of her becoming another turtle! I'll admit I'm a much bigger fan of the whole 'mutating people' part of the turtles story than other people here, and I know the topic of female turtles is sometimes radioactive, and I know Jennika wasn't everyone's favorite character, but excited for this. I feel even better after seeing that design of her in the headband. I definitely says, 'new character' and not just a retread of Venus or someone else, which if you're going to shoot for that seemingly taboo girl turtle character is the way to go. Avoid unnecessary baggage.

In hindsight, she has been building up her character for awhile, taking on an apprenticeship of sorts with Splinter, which even if she isn't 'officially' a 5th turtle I think is important. The blood transfusion does make her and Leo siblings of a sort doesn't it?

Anyways, congrats, looking forward to what happens next.

[scribblesartist]

Unbelievable!! Still don’t get it!! Ppl are eating this up like it’s free beer at Christmas.* just don’t get it.. 🤔

[Igglet]

Unbelievable!! Still don’t get it!! Ppl are eating this up like it’s free beer at Christmas.* just don’t get it.. 🤔

What's there not to get?

[corvus]

I get the feeling IDW TMNT is going to last 150 issues or probably less, so she likely won’t be around for long anyway. IDW also introduces characters that they take a long time to actually do anything with, like Ch’rell and Null being two big examples of characters who were introduced years ago and we’re still just now barely beginning their storylines. Or how Leatherhead and the Triceratons were hinted at and introduced years before they actually got proper showcasing in the series. I hope it’s not too long here.

Then again who knows, IDW TMNT could go on 200 issues or more :tgrin:

Who knows how long it'll last. I really didn't expect it to reach 100 and it's still going with 2 issues a month and they occasionally release weekly limiteds. So..of it does get cancelled anytime it'll probably not be due to sales.

[scribblesartist]

@igglet.. this overwhelming response for this 5th female turtle. Hurting my head. Though ppl just be completely against this.. but wow!! Not even a little. Value of 95 has double in a week. And it’s sold out everywhere.. guess I’m just gonna have to try to stick it out till 100. See where this goes

[ChosenOne]

@igglet.. this overwhelming response for this 5th female turtle. Hurting my head. Though ppl just be completely against this.. but wow!! Not even a little. Value of 95 has double in a week. And it’s sold out everywhere.. guess I’m just gonna have to try to stick it out till 100. See where this goes

That's probably the best approach. This is hardly anything to freak out over. IDW has yet to do any real wrong by TMNT, the worst misstep so far was the writing of Mondo in his Universe two-parter with Mikey and even that's barely a blip on the radar by any measure. Hard to imagine they'll start now.

[Utrommaniac]

Honestly the worst thing IDW has done for me is that one Universe issue taking place during the Triceraton invasion, when the turtles were having to dodge being seen by the public.



Also that Mondo depiction...

And for me personally, Krang being inconsistent, never being shown as having a personal connection with the people he was trying to protect (would have been great for the Utrom Empire mini), and just not having the same dedication that Saki got...

This is not the worst thing they could have done. Personally, I would have preferred the scraping of the romance with Casey, but mutating her is miles better than that for me.

[Igglet]

That's probably the best approach. This is hardly anything to freak out over. IDW has yet to do any real wrong by TMNT, the worst misstep so far was the writing of Mondo in his Universe two-parter with Mikey and even that's barely a blip on the radar by any measure. Hard to imagine they'll start now.

Oh, wow, I remember that two-parter. I actually really liked those two issues. Back then I was reading through this forum regularly but my account wasn't actually approved so I couldn't comment. However, I was sort of grateful because I remember the discussion thread got quite... political.

[ChosenOne]

Oh, wow, I remember that two-parter. I actually really liked those two issues. Back then I was reading through this forum regularly but my account wasn't actually approved so I couldn't comment. However, I was sort of grateful because I remember the discussion thread got quite... political.

Are you sure you're not getting it mixed up with something else? There was indeed a very nasty political argument at one point that I forgot how it got started, but I seem to recall everyone pretty much agreeing that Mondo was somewhat out of, and over the, line in those two issues. Said discussion came later, IIRC.

Of course, I could be entirely wrong and the one who's mistaking things.

[Igglet]

Are you sure you're not getting it mixed up with something else? There was indeed a very nasty political argument at one point that I forgot how it got started, but I seem to recall everyone pretty much agreeing that Mondo was somewhat out of, and over the, line in those two issues. Said discussion came later, IIRC.

Of course, I could be entirely wrong and the one who's mistaking things.

Hmmm, I'm not sure. I'll have to reread the issue.

[Utrommaniac]

It was the ones when Mondo went full antifa and completely lost it at Seymour telling him to back off.

There was a bit of a debate over his behavior...but it was just uncomfortable.

[PangolinFeets]

I came back for yellow girl turtle.

[ChosenOne]

It was the ones when Mondo went full antifa and completely lost it at Seymour telling him to back off.

There was a bit of a debate over his behavior...but it was just uncomfortable.

End of the day, there hasn't really been any bad issue(s) in this run. Just the odd questionable choice here and there, but nothing that can really be called atrocious or terrible. Even the Casey and April mini grew on me after re-reading it in one go. IDW have earned plenty of leeway for this development.

[Mutant Ninja Anole]

That Mondo two parter just screamed, “angry teen going through a phase,” which...well made sense. Given all he and the Mutanimals had gone through. But yeah, it was a bit much...

On the topic of issue 95, I really loved the map at the end for giving us a run down of how the territories are divided in New York. If Karai does end up ‘winning’ the Foot Clan outright I do sort of hope we get at least a few ninjas that defect to Clan Hamato. I enjoyed Splinter and the Turtles acting as teachers for red shirts.

[Utrommaniac]

I came back for yellow girl turtle.

'Ay cool; I don't know if we ever met

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

I came back for yellow girl turtle.

I, for one, have missed the hell out of you! :tgrin:

[MikeandRaph87]

I, for one, have missed the hell out of you! :tgrin:

That makes two of us!

[Igglet]

Right, I reread the Mondo issues. I still don't think they're bad. The story doesn't frame it as Mondo doing the right thing - as a matter of fact, it showed him as being an absolute nutcase, and everyone does call him out on that. And him acting insane was perfectly understandable, I'd argue. Honestly, MY gripe with the arc was that Mikey and Mondo just walked into Bishop's base, makes him look less competent.

Though we're getting way off-topic here. Maybe make a new thread to discuss IDW's missteps?

[ChosenOne]

(...) Bishop's base (...)

Did you get a good look at the name on the front gate, though? :tcool:

Though we're getting way off-topic here. Maybe make a new thread to discuss IDW's missteps?

Gonna be a short thread.

[Igglet]

That's true, but I do think my point still stands.

Also, I think there's some issues that haven't been discussed so much. I spent like half an hour yesterday writing a rant about some stuff I personally disliked that hasn't been talked about all that much, but ended up going "Eh, screw it" and deleted it all since it was late and my head was a mess.

[ChosenOne]

I say go for it, it can't do any harm so long as it doesn't get too negative in there.

[funatic]

I just read the road to 100 section in the back again and thought it was worth mentioning here that Tom's reasoning for the Mutanimals personalities was based on their pet shop environments (i.e. gecko Mondo hanging with a hippie/skater and crab Herman watching war flicks with an Army vet). Were we debating whether they were reincarnations like the turtles at one point? This suggests otherwise, but since it hasn't been mentioned in the actual story I wouldn't consider it canon.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

I just read the road to 100 section in the back again and thought it was worth mentioning here that Tom's reasoning for the Mutanimals personalities was based on their pet shop environments (i.e. gecko Mondo hanging with a hippie/skater and crab Herman watching war flicks with an Army vet). Were we debating whether they were reincarnations like the turtles at one point? This suggests otherwise, but since it hasn't been mentioned in the actual story I wouldn't consider it canon.

I DO remember debating that, but I like Tom's reasoning. It's enough for me to close the books on that particular case in my mind.

[PizzaPower]

Mannnnn this issue at the end was amazing. Reminds me of the script I read I believe from Andrews tent site along time ago about the canceled 90s tmnt movie and the story of the 5thturtle.

[corvus]

Incels hate it. So i love it now.

[CyberCubed]

Come to think of it I wonder why they didn't make Jennika into Mona Lisa rather than another Turtle. A female Turtle is of course controversial, but Mona Lisa who is a salamander would be just yet another old character reinvented.

[Igglet]

Come to think of it I wonder why they didn't make Jennika into Mona Lisa rather than another Turtle. A female Turtle is of course controversial, but Mona Lisa who is a salamander would be just yet another old character reinvented.

Because they WANTED her to be a new TMNT and not just another old character reinvented.

[PizzaPower]

Because they WANTED her to be a new TMNT and not just another old character reinvented.

i like this, although my initial thought was Venus!!!! lol

[ChosenOne]

Come to think of it I wonder why they didn't make Jennika into Mona Lisa rather than another Turtle. A female Turtle is of course controversial, but Mona Lisa who is a salamander would be just yet another old character reinvented.

I still hope to see IDW Mona Lisa at some point in the future, though. There hasn't really been a Turtles in Space arc yet.

[Mutant Ninja Anole]

The Q&A thread suggests to me they've wanted to bring in a female turtle for awhile, and if you're going to do that, you definitely want to start from scratch. Jennika being an original character for IDW works for that.

I realize Mona Lisa has been done different ways, but neither the alien salamander warrior nor spunky college student really match with Jennika's personality. I could warm to a salamander/lizard ninja Jennika but why would she be named Mona Lisa at all then?

I still hope to see IDW Mona Lisa at some point in the future, though. There hasn't really been a Turtles in Space arc yet.

As I don't have the aversion to more mutants (I got a kick out of the mutant dominated future Manhattan from the Time Travel mini-series) The problem of course is that she's always been largely defined as a love interest of Raph and he already has Alopex. I mean, I don't mind a love triangle but...

She'd probably work more as a bit character at some point. I've actually had an idea for IDW Mona Lisa rolling around in my head for awhile but I'm pretty sure 90% of you would hate it :P

[Sophie Campbell]

I did a design for a hypothetical IDW Mona Lisa a few years ago, I think it could still work!!

https://66.media.tumblr.com/2615eadc9fda8c7e088426cb7c2c2509/tumblr_oaw1i1n32S1qgf3oqo3_540.jpg

I definitely prefer the original mutant Mona Lisa than the 2012 alien one.

[ChosenOne]

I did a design for a hypothetical IDW Mona Lisa a few years ago, I think it could still work!!

https://66.media.tumblr.com/2615eadc9fda8c7e088426cb7c2c2509/tumblr_oaw1i1n32S1qgf3oqo3_540.jpg

I definitely prefer the original mutant Mona Lisa than the 2012 alien one.

Brilliant! The only thing off is the skin color, though. Hardly any, if any at all, salamander species have such a vibrant green skin. She could use a different color (black with yellow spots?) to differentiate her more from Mondo and the Turtles themselves. Otherwise, brilliant!

For reference:

https://psmag.com/.image/t_share/MTYxMDAwNjIxMTQ1NTk3MTAy/6983082816_f9370627d2_k.jpg

I particularly like the "eyebrows" on this little fellow. :D Plus, the yellow on the paws and around the fingers could be made to look like "painted-on" fingerless gloves of sorts. So many possibilities!

[Mutant Ninja Anole]

Very nice! I like the touch of the gills. Is the hair actually hair or some kind of fin pulled back?

[Sophie Campbell]

Hmmm yeah maybe an overall yellow tone would be cool, there aren't any other predominantly yellow characters in the comic, are there? And something else besides green would help differentiate her from the Turtles. I'll try a new sketch with yellow and black! Or maybe red?

And yeah I was thinking her "hair" was like fins or some kind of plumage like how olms have those feathery things on their heads. I felt like the 2012 Mona Lisa strayed too far from the original design but at the same time the original having a full head of nicely-styled human hair is kinda stupid, so I thought there had to be a good middleground.

[ChosenOne]

Hmmm yeah maybe an overall yellow tone would be cool, there aren't any other predominantly yellow characters in the comic, are there? And something else besides green would help differentiate her from the Turtles. I'll try a new sketch with yellow and black! Or maybe red?

I don't think there are any predominantly yellow characters, no. At least I can't remember any. April might occasionally wear yellow clothes but that's it. Now there's Jennika with her yellow bandana but black skin helps offset the similarity. Red, on the other hand, is common on Foot-related characters so it wouldn't be as unique. And don't quote me on this, but I believe there are more salamander species with yellow spots/skin than with red, for what that's worth.

[funatic]

I'll try a new sketch with yellow and black! Or maybe red?

I love your take on Mona, Sophie! If you want to give "red" a try too check out the Red Eft: https://www.google.com/search?q=red+eft+massachusetts&safe=off&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS798US798&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjMycWpz67jAhUEGs0KHUy4BPUQ_AUIECgB&cshid=1562908509027144&biw=1242&bih=712 This exotic-looking little salamander is actually quite common throughout the Northeast (regional!), especially western Massachusetts, so if the gang ever finds themselves back in Northampton... :thyper:

[Sophie Campbell]

I drew this real quick!!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_QBHEuUIAEO3Lc.jpg

I tried coloring her like a red salamander/red eft but I didn't like it with the pink scarf! So I went with grey/yellow instead.

[Igglet]

That's a really cool concept. You really like drawing scarfs, don't you, Sophie?

[neatoman]

I drew this real quick!!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_QBHEuUIAEO3Lc.jpg

I tried coloring her like a red salamander/red eft but I didn't like it with the pink scarf! So I went with grey/yellow instead.

Grey salamanders tend to take on a more blue shade when cartoonists draw them, even Nickelodeon Mona Lisa was a grey-blue shade, interesting that you actually made her grey. It does actually look a bit better than the green she originally was.

[PizzaPower]

I did a design for a hypothetical IDW Mona Lisa a few years ago, I think it could still work!!

https://66.media.tumblr.com/2615eadc9fda8c7e088426cb7c2c2509/tumblr_oaw1i1n32S1qgf3oqo3_540.jpg

I definitely prefer the original mutant Mona Lisa than the 2012 alien one.
ohhhh i like this take. I hope this comic last past 120 issues lol.

[ChosenOne]

I drew this real quick!!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_QBHEuUIAEO3Lc.jpg

I tried coloring her like a red salamander/red eft but I didn't like it with the pink scarf! So I went with grey/yellow instead.

I love it! It's faithful to some real species of salamanders' color scheme (I'm a stickler for that sort of thing, Leatherhead's prehensile tail as seen mainly in Trial of Krang still bothers me to this day) without sacrificing your own personal take on the character. I almost suggested the greyish tone earlier on, but then was afraid it would look too dark. It totally doesn't. Perfect! Great work! She looks so sweet and agreeable, but that tail is a pretty dangerous weapon, and when she gets mad I can just picture the snarl and the rows of sharp teeth coming out...

[MikeandRaph87]

I will take this over Jennika Turtle. Looks true to the species and original character design, better than the 2012 rendition. What is that on Mona's cheek, yellow coloring?

[ChosenOne]

I just remembered something that could make Mona Lisa look even more distinctive than characters such as Mondo or Leatherhead: a vertically-flattened tail like some species of salamanders have. Pair that with the gills and I can picture some sweet underwater action for her! Mona Lisa vs Bludgeon, anyone?

[Sophie Campbell]

I will take this over Jennika Turtle. Looks true to the species and original character design, better than the 2012 rendition. What is that on Mona's cheek, yellow coloring?

Gill flaps!

[neatoman]

Gill flaps!

So what species of salamander were you going for here?

[Sophie Campbell]

Thanks you guys! :)

I really liked the original Mona Lisa's physics major/college student backstory, that would make for fun story potential and maybe she and Donnie could nerd out together. I also think she has potential because she isn't a fighty mutant, she isn't a ninja or warrior or anything like almost every other mutant character, so she'd have to add something else to the team: her PHYSICS DEGREE!

[ChosenOne]

So what species of salamander were you going for here?

There's a slight mix-and-match of species, sure, but in a series where there's an alligator with a prehensile tail and a ray that shoots barbs out of its fin instead of the tail, does it matter that much? :lol: Not all geckos can camouflage either.

[neatoman]

There's a slight mix-and-match of species, sure, but in a series where there's an alligator with a prehensile tail and a ray that shoots barbs out of its fin instead of the tail, does it matter that much? :lol: Not all geckos can camouflage either.

I guess so.

[Mutant Ninja Anole]

To be honest, while we already have Mondo as a color changer, salamander Mona who changes color with her emotions would have good comedy potential.

The books are a nice touch, good for people to remember she was a physics major.

[lonewarrior20]

I drew this real quick!!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_QBHEuUIAEO3Lc.jpg

I tried coloring her like a red salamander/red eft but I didn't like it with the pink scarf! So I went with grey/yellow instead.

i'd love to see her giving ralph a shocked face or the last word.

[ChosenOne]

Also, I notice she didn't have webbed fingers and toes in the first sketch. I like those, they make her look more distinctive. :)

[Weapons@theready]

So I haven’t seen it discussed yet, and maybe u just missed it in my slimming, but is Jennika keeping her pants? It’s just weird seeing all these new group shots coming out and she has pants on

[neatoman]

Thanks you guys! :)

I really liked the original Mona Lisa's physics major/college student backstory, that would make for fun story potential and maybe she and Donnie could nerd out together. I also think she has potential because she isn't a fighty mutant, she isn't a ninja or warrior or anything like almost every other mutant character, so she'd have to add something else to the team: her PHYSICS DEGREE!

Any other characters you'd like to draw that you haven't tackled yet?

[MikeandRaph87]

One thing I noticed was that Sophie posted pictures of a female turtle before and it was deemed fan art. It was an inside joke by IDW and we were fooled into think it was something Campbell did for fun. So are the Razhar and Tokka drawings clues to the future of IDW TMNT? Hmmm...

[Sophie Campbell]

One thing I noticed was that Sophie posted pictures of a female turtle before and it was deemed fan art. It was an inside joke by IDW and we were fooled into think it was something Campbell did for fun. So are the Razhar and Tokka drawings clues to the future of IDW TMNT? Hmmm...

That female turtle is my own character, Artemisia. She's in my fan comic, she has nothing to do with IDW. But even if she was related to IDW TMNT, I would never post actual official concept art publicly like that! I like to think I'm SOMEWHAT professional, haha. I kept those Jennika drawings secret for TWO YEARS!

That said, I would LOVE to introduce Tokka and Rahzar into IDW.

[Utrommaniac]

I drew this real quick!!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_QBHEuUIAEO3Lc.jpg

I tried coloring her like a red salamander/red eft but I didn't like it with the pink scarf! So I went with grey/yellow instead.

Honestly, the gray is a lot cuter :D .

[CyberCubed]

That said, I would LOVE to introduce Tokka and Rahzar into IDW.

I hope Bobby greenlits this idea, even if they aren't major characters and just for a mini or one-shot, I LOVE your designs for them and if we ever see them in appear in general in IDW I hope you're the one to introduce them over any other writer/artist, etc.

https://www.deviantart.com/mooncalfe/art/master-say-have-fun-682501619

These guys look so cool. :D

[ChosenOne]

I hope Bobby greenlits this idea, even if they aren't major characters and just for a mini or one-shot, I LOVE your designs for them and if we ever see them in appear in general in IDW I hope you're the one to introduce them over any other writer/artist, etc.

https://www.deviantart.com/mooncalfe/art/master-say-have-fun-682501619

These guys look so cool. :D

Now that's a snapping turtle! :o

I can see them working well as alternate reality equivalents of Bebop and Rocksteady in a third B&R mini.

[ChosenOne]

Even though it's technically for #96, I'm just gonna leave this here...

https://twitter.com/TomWaltz/status/1149009937164636162

That Alopex/Nobody/Hun tag team looks crazy! :o

And now we know why the criminal crowd scene from City Fall came up again recently! :D

Notice that Foot Assassin has a yellow mask. I wonder...?

[MikeandRaph87]

That female turtle is my own character, Artemisia. She's in my fan comic, she has nothing to do with IDW. But even if she was related to IDW TMNT, I would never post actual official concept art publicly like that! I like to think I'm SOMEWHAT professional, haha. I kept those Jennika drawings secret for TWO YEARS!

That said, I would LOVE to introduce Tokka and Rahzar into IDW.

I could not remember the actual drawing itself, but my memory was thinking " was that a failed concept art from the time this was green lighted?". That was what got me thinking about the Razhar and Tokka drawings that I remember clearer.

[MikeandRaph87]

So Hun does not lose his spine and align with Karai? Still a grey area not to trust.A character to watch since he went from being Arnold Sr.'s killer to Arnold Sr. himself.

[CyberCubed]

Predicting Hun will be one of the characters killed off by issue 100. His character seems to have run his course in the IDW universe, and I'm sure there will be some deaths besides possibly Splinter by the end of this arc. Much like Slash bit the bullet, as well as Krang before that, sometimes its best to end a character rather than to leave them around getting stale.

[ChosenOne]

How about either or both of the Liljas? They're in a pretty rough spot right now.

[CyberCubed]

Nah, they are creators and fan favorite characters. Besides Hun and possibly Splinter, the only other character I could see dying is Hob or or Baxter but even that is a stretch and probably won't happen. I'm sure Metalhead will be blown up eventually though if he counts.

[Mutant Ninja Anole]

Good on Hun for staying loyal to his son and the Dragons. It also looks like Karai is enlisting the service of the other crime families that are under the Foot.

I missed it earlier but I do like the idea of Mona Lisa or some other mutant being in a “non fighter” capacity. I realize the prospect of too many mutants is something people complain about, but we actually got something of a real, actual “mutant community” and not just a group of guys in a warehouse, seeing “ordinary” mutants trying to live their lives would be interesting.

[ChosenOne]

Good on Hun for staying loyal to his son and the Dragons. It also looks like Karai is enlisting the service of the other crime families that are under the Foot.

I missed it earlier but I do like the idea of Mona Lisa or some other mutant being in a “non fighter” capacity. I realize the prospect of too many mutants is something people complain about, but we actually got something of a real, actual “mutant community” and not just a group of guys in a warehouse, seeing “ordinary” mutants trying to live their lives would be interesting.

Going off that, it would be interesting if the story progressed to a point where mutants are outed and form a community to coexist with the humans, all while Mayor Stockman is trying to herd them into a ghetto.