TMNT Universe #1 Preview & Discussion

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Originally Posted by Ninjinister

I wanna know more about the Foot Mutants Leo fights. What are they even named?

Considering Leo is chunin of the Foot currently, this is either a dream sequence (unlikely), a flashback (possible), or a training exercise that's somehow being embellished (likely).

[DrSpengler]

Here's my full summary and review of TMNT Universe #1 at TMNT Entity.

The new ongoing really hits the ground running. With all the intersecting plot lines, it feels more like a new arc in the main ongoing rather than a jumping on point for new readers. Still, I think all the "what you've missed" references might encourage newcomers to look into past storylines; the actual conflict of this issue gets underway very quickly and is self-contained enough to keep a newbie's interest.

[myconius]

i really loved the hell out of this comic! it gave me so much of what i've been missing in the ongoing series since 'Vengeance'.
ACTION!!! lots of glorious action! and plenty of humor as well! the rooftop banter between Michelangelo and Donatello was perfect!
it was nice to have those moments right before everything kicked off.

i was really surprised by all the carnage too! pretty awesome!!!
and the comment the Scorpion made about "catching names" was pretty hysterical!

i actually really enjoyed the back-up story A LOT!
it really felt reminiscent of the playful humor found in the classic Mirage comics.
it's nice when other characters are allowed to show humor and levity besides just Michelangelo.
the mutants that showed up in the back-up story were particularly awesome!
hope we see more creatures like them in future stories?

[PaulAllor]

Originally Posted by DrSpengler

Here's my full summary and review of TMNT Universe #1 at TMNT Entity.

The new ongoing really hits the ground running. With all the intersecting plot lines, it feels more like a new arc in the main ongoing rather than a jumping on point for new readers. Still, I think all the "what you've missed" references might encourage newcomers to look into past storylines; the actual conflict of this issue gets underway very quickly and is self-contained enough to keep a newbie's interest.

Awesome review! Thank you, man! Really glad you dug the issue.

[Redeemer]

Originally Posted by myconius

i really loved the hell out of this comic! it gave me so much of what i've been missing in the ongoing series since 'Vengeance'.
ACTION!!! lots of glorious action! and plenty of humor as well! the rooftop banter between Michelangelo and Donatello was perfect!
it was nice to have those moments right before everything kicked off.

i was really surprised by all the carnage too! pretty awesome!!!
and the comment the Scorpion made about "catching names" was pretty hysterical!

i actually really enjoyed the back-up story A LOT!
it really felt reminiscent of the playful humor found in the classic Mirage comics.
it's nice when other characters are allowed to show humor and levity besides just Michelangelo.
the mutants that showed up in the back-up story were particularly awesome!
hope we see more creatures like them in future stories?

I have to agree issue was really great and I am digging the art! So happy to see a more mature TMNT/Non-Nick looking adolescent turtles.......
Is it me or did this issue feel like an episode from 2k3?????

[CyberCubed]

Originally Posted by PaulAllor

Awesome review! Thank you, man! Really glad you dug the issue.

I have to ask in the scene where Zodi kills all the soldiers and there's blood everywhere after she impales everyone, was that in the original script and did you wonder if Nick/Viacom would approve of it? Seemed like a very violent scene for the IDW comic, a lot more than other scenes recently.

[PaulAllor]

Originally Posted by CyberCubed

I have to ask in the scene where Zodi kills all the soldiers and there's blood everywhere after she impales everyone, was that in the original script and did you wonder if Nick/Viacom would approve of it? Seemed like a very violent scene for the IDW comic, a lot more than other scenes recently.

It was in the script, yes. I basically wanted to go as far as Nick would let us (which isn't to say that I wanted it to look like Saw or something; I had a good idea of what Nick's boundaries would be, and it aligned with what I was imagining).

I think the thing to remember is that I don't view my relationship with Nickelodeon as adversarial; they're very open to conversations about things, and it's a good working relationship. So I threw this scene out there to see what they would say, and there really wasn't much muss or fuss to it. If I recall correctly, their reaction was basically, "okay, but don't make it too gross." And I think a part of that is probably just the fact that after working with Bobby for so many years, they know that he knows where the line is.

Having said all of that, a lot of people do seem at least a bit shocked by it, and -- good. That's what I was going for, ha.

[PaulAllor]

And I should note that that's all just from my point-of-view, and Bobby has many, many conversations with Nick that I'm not privy to. So Damian and Ronda and Bobby may have had to do more to make sure Nick was okay with how this moment was portrayed; if so, I wouldn't necessarily be aware of it.

[myconius]

Originally Posted by Redeemer

I have to agree issue was really great and I am digging the art! So happy to see a more mature TMNT/Non-Nick looking adolescent turtles.......
Is it me or did this issue feel like an episode from 2k3?????

we've been pretty lucky to have some scenes in previous issues with real 'teeth' every now and again, but this issue really delivered!!! ... and in SPADES!!!

[myconius]

Originally Posted by PaulAllor

It was in the script, yes. I basically wanted to go as far as Nick would let us (which isn't to say that I wanted it to look like Saw or something; I had a good idea of what Nick's boundaries would be, and it aligned with what I was imagining).

I think the thing to remember is that I don't view my relationship with Nickelodeon as adversarial; they're very open to conversations about things, and it's a good working relationship. So I threw this scene out there to see what they would say, and there really wasn't much muss or fuss to it. If I recall correctly, their reaction was basically, "okay, but don't make it too gross." And I think a part of that is probably just the fact that after working with Bobby for so many years, they know that he knows where the line is.

Having said all of that, a lot of people do seem at least a bit shocked by it, and -- good. That's what I was going for, ha.

i really loved this issue!
probably the first IDW TMNT story in a while that i've read more than twice upon release day!

the level of intensity was perfect! not too over the top, but shocking just enough to get a reaction.

one of the best parts for me was the natural flowing dialog. it made it feel all the more real!

[Ninjinister]

Originally Posted by CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy

Considering Leo is chunin of the Foot currently, this is either a dream sequence (unlikely), a flashback (possible), or a training exercise that's somehow being embellished (likely).

If it indeed is something that happened, I'm still intrigued on their existence. The giant with the axe I can deal with just being a big Foot Clan Ninja, since not only have they existed before but have so even in this continuity, but the Foot randomly has a four-armed mutant? Like... what?

[myconius]

Originally Posted by Ninjinister

If it indeed is something that happened, I'm still intrigued on their existence. The giant with the axe I can deal with just being a big Foot Clan Ninja, since not only have they existed before but have so even in this continuity, but the Foot randomly has a four-armed mutant? Like... what?

the first thing it reminded me of was that 6-armed monster from the original Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

i really dug the design of these new characters!

[2K3]

Originally Posted by myconius

the first thing it reminded me of was that 6-armed monster from the original Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Ah Yes, Katmandu

[myconius]

Originally Posted by 2K3

Ah Yes, Katmandu

i was actually thinking of this dude



but i can definitely see Katmandu.



i just love any kind of mythic-looking creatures!

Spoiler:

[Powder]

I really, really liked this issue. Gotta say, I still enjoy these side-series' far more than the main title. They just have that "oomph" which it often lacks, though I can't necessarily put my finger on what that is a lot of the time. Great pacing, humor, action, hits all the beats one wants it to. Dude's art is pretty sick too, though I could reeeeally do without the nostrils. I am really excited to see where things go with Baxter. Funny enough, I think he's my #1 favorite character in the IDW universe, & I'd never been a big fan of his previously. Glad for his continued involvement & badassery. Bishop seems perfectly on point so far.

I am not a fan of Zodi, but I am definitely interested in what she represents- Null having an arsenal of bad mutants to do her bidding. Granted, I would much prefer this series not keep dumping more & more mutants into the fold, there are far too many as it is. I guess the bit of hype that comes along with that notion is owed to Playmates of yore, seeing new mutants on the toy cardbacks always gave me a jolt. But that initial excitement tends to wear off as I recall how overloaded this universe is with anthropomorphic critters.

That Eastman back-up was really rad, I can't wait to see what happens next. His layouts & general style mesh really well with that of his creative partner for this short. You can always recognize his character design work too, as it's reminiscent of works past, like Melting Pot for example.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Originally Posted by Powder

I am not a fan of Zodi, but I am definitely interested in what she represents- Null having an arsenal of bad mutants to do her bidding. Granted, I would much prefer this series not keep dumping more & more mutants into the fold, there are far too many as it is. I guess the bit of hype that comes along with that notion is owed to Playmates of yore, seeing new mutants on the toy cardbacks always gave me a jolt. But that initial excitement tends to wear off as I recall how overloaded this universe is with anthropomorphic critters.

So, could you elaborate on your feeling of "too many mutants?" I feel like IDW has done a pretty good job of tracking and utilizing all of them with clear allegiances and goals. I mean, if we're of the school of thought that "mutants should be rare and special", I feel like that's going to be a Mirage exclusive, for better or worse.

We've got the Mutanimals (and Slash), rogues Bebop and Rocksteady, Bludgeon and Koya with the Foot, Leatherhead, Alopex sorta/kinda with the Foot, and the Turtles and Splinter. Now additionally whatever mutant soldiers Null has. (And all of the mutants from Stockgen, but I think we can all assume those were killed either by Stockman or when Slash and Hob blew it up.) That is a TON of mutants (an even 20 by my count) but none of them are just "one and done", brought up and forgotten.

There is, of course, the whole issue of "does the public know about mutants? and if not, how could they not by now?" But hopefully the looming Bishop story arcs will help address that.

[DrSpengler]

In the context of the IDW universe, I think they have a case for including greater numbers of mutant characters.

You've got multiple factions creating them in a sort of arms race (Krang, Baxter, the Foot, Null, Hob, maybe more) so naturally more and more are going to appear with some frequency.

It also lends credence to Hob's goal and the mission of the Mutanimals. They see the ethical dilemma in the surge of new mutants being created as weapons or experiments and they want to fight for "mutant rights". But in order for that to feel like a justifiable cause with large scale ramifications, there needs to be a substantial mutant population to begin with (they can't just be fighting for the rights of, like, 6 people).

Obviously, not every mutant character is going to get a lot of depth or motivation, so it's perhaps a double-edged sword. But I think they're doing well with what they've introduced so far.

I think it's a different case from other brand incarnations which introduce mutants at a rapid rate. IDW isn't out to sell merch for these characters and are motivated by storytelling purposes, not toy sales. So in that regard I think their rapid inclusion of numerous mutants is a special case.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Originally Posted by DrSpengler

In the context of the IDW universe, I think they have a case for including greater numbers of mutant characters.

You've got multiple factions creating them in a sort of arms race (Krang, Baxter, the Foot, Null, Hob, maybe more) so naturally more and more are going to appear with some frequency.

It also lends credence to Hob's goal and the mission of the Mutanimals. They see the ethical dilemma in the surge of new mutants being created as weapons or experiments and they want to fight for "mutant rights". But in order for that to feel like a justifiable cause with large scale ramifications, there needs to be a substantial mutant population to begin with (they can't just be fighting for the rights of, like, 6 people).

Obviously, not every mutant character is going to get a lot of depth or motivation, so it's perhaps a double-edged sword. But I think they're doing well with what they've introduced so far.

I think it's a different case from other brand incarnations which introduce mutants at a rapid rate. IDW isn't out to sell merch for these characters and are motivated by storytelling purposes, not toy sales. So in that regard I think their rapid inclusion of numerous mutants is a special case.

The Mutants Arms Race. I like that!

You also get to see its eventual escalation in "Turtles in Time" #4, where the world is nothing but mutants.

[myconius]

Originally Posted by DrSpengler

In the context of the IDW universe, I think they have a case for including greater numbers of mutant characters.

You've got multiple factions creating them in a sort of arms race (Krang, Baxter, the Foot, Null, Hob, maybe more) so naturally more and more are going to appear with some frequency.

It also lends credence to Hob's goal and the mission of the Mutanimals. They see the ethical dilemma in the surge of new mutants being created as weapons or experiments and they want to fight for "mutant rights". But in order for that to feel like a justifiable cause with large scale ramifications, there needs to be a substantial mutant population to begin with (they can't just be fighting for the rights of, like, 6 people).

Obviously, not every mutant character is going to get a lot of depth or motivation, so it's perhaps a double-edged sword. But I think they're doing well with what they've introduced so far.

I think it's a different case from other brand incarnations which introduce mutants at a rapid rate. IDW isn't out to sell merch for these characters and are motivated by storytelling purposes, not toy sales. So in that regard I think their rapid inclusion of numerous mutants is a special case.

Originally Posted by CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy

The Mutants Arms Race. I like that!

You also get to see its eventual escalation in "Turtles in Time" #4, where the world is nothing but mutants.

yeah, seeing the City full of Mutants in 'Turtles in Time' #4 was exactly what came to mind.

i do really enjoy the motivation for Hob fighting for Mutant rights, and how offended he was at Bebop & Rocksteady when he found out they were originally Humans.

from her introduction, Zodi really left a good impression as a Villain i'll love to hate! she's agile, lethal, and has just enough charm to be humorous.

Spoiler:

i'm actually really glad this series is not producing a line of Toys. as much as i LOVE collecting figures, i'd rather put my spending cash towards more comics and stories to enjoy.

PLUS, there comes the question of art style!
which artist does which character get based off of???
or do you make toy lines of Leo, Mike, Don, Raph, Splinter, Shredder .... and have multiple sets each based off the various artists??

[spookycookies]

So Kevin did an interview with CBR about the back up and I think he may have given a pretty interesting spoiler:

http://www.cbr.com/eastman-talks-tea...dos-tmnt-tale/

Spoiler:

At first I wasn't sure what to make of the back up, is this a flash back? Is Leonardo training these foot ninja? The dialogue supports that if you take all of the class puns literally... but it looks like it's all a dream in Leo's head.

If that's the case I guess it gives them space to do whatever they want to do without really impacting on the IDW story or whats going on there. So I guess I'll let them have their fun on this backup without being super concerned about its placement.