By Damien Becton
There is definitely a lot of work that goes into making a comic book - not even an entire run, just a single issue. Sometimes there is the concern of having “too many cooks in the kitchen” for effective storytelling to take place. As I read the opening pages of the book and saw the credits, I had initial concerns of “too many cooks in the kitchen” when I noticed long series of names TMNT had attached to it. Tom Waltz and Kevin Eastman and Bob Curnow and Dave Wachter and Ronda Pattison was a mouthful. However, I’m glad to say that I was proven wrong with TMNT #82. Eastman and Waltz have been writing these characters for a long time, and it shows.
The story picks up with the Turtles searching for Toad Baron. They are looking for assistance in stopping the Rat King (who is taking advantage of the aftereffects of the Triceraton Invasion). The very first panels of the book you see the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles being accosted by Toad Baron’s band of anthropomorphic frogs - and I instantly knew that I was going to enjoy the hell out of this book. The “battle” that takes place between the Turtles and the frogs was absolutely hilarious and called for an immediate reread. How can you not laugh when a group of frogs utilize banana nunchucks, a push broom, and an umbrella against the likes of Leo, Mikey, Donatello, and Raphael?
The comical aspect of TMNT #82 is one of the highlights of the book, if not THE highlight. From the beginning fight scene to Michaelangelo’s gluttony and everything in between, Tom Waltz should be praised for working in genuinely laugh-out-loud moments.
Additionally, the penciller of the book should be praised, as well. Dave Wachter does a great job bringing Eastman, Curnow, and Waltz’ story to life. It is a difficult task for artists to convey a characters’ emotion, thoughts, and feelings by relying solely on their facial expressions but Mr. Wachter does just that. There is a two panel portion towards the end of the book focusing on the Rat King where he expresses a genuine concern, then flashes to an evil, more sinister emotion without seeing anything below his shoulders. You will be able to know exactly what this villain is thinking based solely on Dave Wachter’s ability to convey their emotions through his pencils.
This book is not without flaws, however. There are points where the lighter tone is abandoned to focus on a darker, more serious scenario with Baxter Stockman. You will be able to immediately distinguish this change in tone based on the colors that Ronda Pattison (she does a great job, by the way) provides - the Turtles’ scenes are bright and happy, Stockman’s scene are dark and cold. The contrast between the moments with all of the Turtles and the Stockman scenes can be a bit jarring, and I can understand how a reader may a tough time getting through it. The scenes with the Turtles are so good that I really wished that the entire issue focused all on them.
Overall, the books flaws are only minor ones. The hilarious character moments that take Tom Waltz, Bob Curnow, and Kevin Eastman are able to produce are definite highlights. Dave Wachter also is able to supply the pencils to help realize the script and those funny scenes. If you’re able to get past a few conflicting shifts in tone, then you will definitely enjoy the hell out of this book.
Score: 4/5
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #82
IDW Publishing