Jason Aaron continues his brand new run on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this time he’s teamed up with superstar artist Rafael Albuquerque, colorist Marcelo Maiolo, and longtime Turtles letterer Shawn Lee. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2 is focused on everybody’s favorite party dude: Michelangelo! And as soon as you open this comic you’ll get those vibes.
Once again, Aaron is not wasting time catching any of us up on what’s going on. You open the book and you’re in because you don’t need any intro and Aaron knows this. Early on there’s a spread that is effectively the curtain being pulled back and Albuquerque beautifully illustrates the emotionality of this issue.
Our favorite party dude is not having a party and the narration pulls you straight in and goes straight for your heart. And like the first issue, there’s so much depth and it’s here that I’m convinced that Aaron is perfect for this. A lot has been said about the superstar artists that IDW has attached to these first few issues, a verified who’s who of comics royalty but Aaron’s writing here is the best thing I’ve read in superhero comics in a long time. He perfectly balances everything I love about this franchise; the action and antics with the unflinching heart and emotion. The plot is interwoven with the emotion in a way that only a comics master like Aaron is capable of.
I love seeing the Turtles in “the real world”, from last issue’s prison to this issue’s Tokyo high-life. As far as I’m concerned, the Turtles are out there somewhere and that’s the vibe I get from Aaron’s take. This isn’t an alternate universe, this is our world and the Turtles are out there. And that’s what I love about superheroes. I want to feel like there are heroes out there.
My favorite part of this issue is we get Rafael Albuquerque drawing a full issue of Turtles action! This run absolutely feels like the creators are smiling as they make this book because I’m smiling and wide eyed through the whole thing. And towards the back of the issue when the word balloon tails point off the page to unseen speakers, I GASPED.
Are they going to???
When I turned that page I cried and I’m crying now because I didn’t expect this. And suddenly that cover makes so much sense! Seriously, if you read The Last Ronin and aren’t reading this you’re missing out because this is being made for you.
The action scene that follows this moment is among my favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action scenes. Ever. When he says “They think they can blind me. But I’m used to the spotlight!” PERFECT.
The biggest compliment I can give this issue is it doesn’t feel like it’s being written by anyone. This feels exactly like Mikey. It’s pitch perfect. The amount of work and delicate care going into this series is unmatched. There’s only one thing left to say and I think you know what it is.
Wow, I love being a Turtle!
Also, I’m mad as hell about that last page cliffhanger! Equal parts: How dare you! OH MY GOD I HAVE TO WAIT!? How is it over already?
THIS IS HOW YOU DO A COMIC.
Bring on #3!
LEO, LET’S GO!!!!!
