Picking up where the first issue left off, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II – Re-Evolution #2 follows the direct aftermath of these young turtles’ first battle which left Odyn frozen. Though it’s been a longer wait than initially thought, opening the pages and following the story is not difficult as the tension is sky-high. It’s easy to drop back in and feel for these characters. I’m not sure the creative team here gets enough credit for how engaging The Last Ronin was because it is a fairly common comics concept–the old grizzled version of a well known character returning for one last romp. It’s this issue, though, that really shows off the breadth of what these creators are capable of. While the first issue was very action-heavy and showed off the art team tremendously well with those epic double page layouts that encompassed nearly the entire issue, here, there is more suspense and character depth.
One of my favorite subtle moments in this issue is on page 5, after they have returned home and April rejoins the group. She’s dressed in a lab coat and looks like a mad scientist.This quietly sets up the bulk of the issue, especially when this is put together with the amount of detail present in her face in the following pages. Each of those wrinkles on her face tells a story, and it’s baffling reading this and realizing this is the same character that was our human proxy for so much of early TMNT stories. The pages where we follow her deeper into the lab and deeper into her decisions are told beautifully with the stark blues throughout which just elevate the cold tone of the scene. Again, how is this the April I grew up with? It’s stunning character work.
I think Tom Waltz is one of the most underrated comic writers today. There are a few writers who have recently completed 50 issue runs and there’s been much said about that triumph, but what about the man that did 100+ issues? I’d argue this issue is among his best, but it’s also the result of the long relationship of this creative team. I think the model on display here, of allowing a singular creative team to work on a book, is one that should be mimicked throughout the industry. Yes, I know some are bothered by the irregular shipping schedule, but that’s small potatoes when a book is this good. If they wanted to do yearly issues and that was what was required to get this book, then sign me up. For monthly comics readers, a book on this level is a treat. Every page, every panel is a joy to behold, and I’m just so glad that IDW continues to support this team.
While most will hold the original Last Ronin series at the pinnacle and though we are only two issues into this new one, I still think it’s shaping up to be among the finest sequels in history.
