TMNT #98 Preview and Discussion

[Mutant Ninja Anole]

Yep predictions were right:

Spoiler:

We’re getting the IDW version of the Splinter/Rat King story

That is, I suspected we were getting a version of the “Splinter alone” story where the Rat King first appeared. It’ll be interesting how this story plays out compared to this one.

As for the other bit, I’m torn from the “Woo hoo more mutants!” Response and need to hastily affirm that Hob did a very bad thing here. Like, completely inexcusable, you just marred and unwillingly mutated a whole host of people. You really think they’re going to just join your cause? You’re more likely to be mauled by the angry mob. I think I could make an argument Hob has crossed the line into full villain here.

EDIT: I should mention a few other bits while I'm here:

Spoiler:

Mikey's cooking skills and charm return. Also, did they have a direct call out to people complaining about Jennika and the '1 weapon rule?' Lol.

Karai's descent continues. Giving Splinter the Cask of Amontillado treatment is sinister beyond giving her opponent a quick and honorable death. Her bad mouthing grandpa Shredder even as Splinter seems to appeal to his old's friend's respect is interesting. Reading a bit of Shredder in Hell...is Shredder going to return to life as a...sort of good guy?

Raph and Leo have the traditional Raph and Leo spat, guy thinking with his heart vs guy thinking with his brain. Guessing by Raph's expression after Hob's mutagen bomb, I'm wondering if this will actually push the brothers back together, with Raph realizing brash, extreme actions are a path to the dark side. Or maybe he'll get on board with Hob I don't know.

Lost in all this: Stockman is Mayor of New York! Shredder and Krang: Dead. Stockman: now rules the city. He really did outplay them didn't he?

And April by proxy is in a position of power too. Seeing her stand up to Stockman, show him she can be as much a chess master as he is, is great. She's been very shrewd so far, and mostly without making any major moral compromises. It was interesting, even after warning him that she has the means and is willing to ruin him the second he steps out of line, that she offered to be on his team, admitted she liked working with him, and thinks he's actually doing good things for the city. She...honestly has good chemistry with him. That smirk by Stockman at the end...is that the first time we've seen Baxter show admiration for anyone other than himself?