The first four issues of IDW‘s new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have mostly been an emotionally grueling grand guignol of sadness. Writer Jason Aaron as put the Turtles through their paces — but no one more so than Donatello in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4. I guess you save the best for last?
All joking aside, like with the previous three issues this new TMNT has been a series of character studies for the four main Turtles that have both defined and redefined them. And that doesn’t stop here as Donatello finds himself in the direst of situations of all his brothers. The issue also provides the most direct tie to the previous iteration of the title, as Donnie had gone through some massive changes towards the end of the prior run.
That said, other than some notes on continuity, Aaron uses it as a launching pad to throw the Turtle who does machines into a situation that should not favor his skills at all: a zoo where hunters kill mutants for sport. Unlike Michaelangelo, who was living it up as a Japanese TV star, or even Raphael who was in a regular human prison, Donatello — under Chris Burnham’s always excellent pencils — looks strung out. His arms and legs are nothing but skin and bones. His face is gaunt. Mild spoilers here but he’s bonding and talking to a regular rat he thinks is Splinter, and it’s both darkly comic and extremely sad to watch.
But like the previous issues, Aaron puts Donnie through the wringer to show how he perseveres. These characters are all distinct in their own ways, and Aaron is aiming to make them more than interchangeable green lumps with different colored masks. Donnie is strong, focused, and yes, by the end of the issue: he does machines.
These first four issues of TMNT, individually and as a whole, have been damn near perfect. As I noted with issue #2 (by Rafael Albuquerque) and issue #3 (by Cliff Chiang), this new series is pushing the artists to bring their A+ game, and that’s true of Burnham here. But it’s also true of Aaron, who is showing a clarity of focus and creativity with the writing that is bringing out the best in him, as he aims to bring out the best in the Turtles.
Next issue, we’ll be focusing on the villain. And in TMNT #6, the four brothers are back in New York. If you’ve missed this new TMNT? Now is the time to get on board. Cowabunga, dudes.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4 hits stores on November 27, 2024.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4 Rating:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4 Official Synopsis:
Chris Burnham returns to art duties this issue as we finally learn the fate of Donatello! Trapped in a mutant zoo and forced to fight rich men looking for a thrill, his mind is still broken since last we saw him. As mysterious forces gather against him, can Donnie gather himself to defeat these enemies and set himself free? Superstar writer Jason Aaron continues his exploration of the individual Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, setting the stage for their reunion.
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