TMNT #100
Writers: Kevin Eastman & Tom Waltz
Artist: Dave Wachter & Michael Dialynas
Additional Artists: Mateus Santolouco, Adam Gorham, Dan Duncan & Cory Smith
Colorist: Ronda Pattison w/ Bill Crabtree
Letterer: Shawn Lee
Publisher: IDW
Rating: 10/10
WOW! What an amazing ride it's been over the last 100 issues. I remember when IDW announced they were launching a new TMNT comic and I couldn't have been more stoked. The best part was they were bringing on Kevin Eastman, one of the co-creators, to help tell these new stories. I don't think anyone could have guessed the series would last this long, not because of the quality but because of how fickle the market is. This issue is a testament to the power of the Turtles, it's fandom and the amazing quality of every creator that has worked on the book over these past few years.
SPOILERS AHEAD
This issue is a culmination of so many things. It ties up storylines going back to issue 50. Splinter taking over the Foot clan after killing Shredder, Leonardo becoming the leader he was always meant to be, the defeat of the Utroms, Splinter losing control of the Foot Clan, the list goes on. This "City At War" storyline has been without a doubt the most exciting arc to date. We were promised big things in this storyline and BIG is an understatement. Perhaps the biggest thing was the introduction a of a new female turtle, Jennika. Where it could have come off forced it felt organic and she's already become a fan favorite.
With the arc coming to a close, Waltz and Eastman wrap up this story to perfection. Kitsune's master plan of resurrecting the Dragon God, using the magical sword that Karai had used to take back control of the Foot Clan. Not only that but she's using Shredder's decapitated body to use as the vessel to bring the Dragon back. Everything is coming to a head and it seems like all hope is lost for our heroes.
After months of dealing with Bishop and his forces the Turtles finally get rid him of him, thanks to the timely save from Raphael. But not before Bishop kills Hun. That's right Hun dies, after betraying Casey yet again, he sacrifices himself by jumping in front of the blast that Bishop had intended for Casey. with one problem solved, our heroes are called upon by Master Splinter to help defeat Kitsune and the Dragon that she has wrought upon New York. That's right there's a giant dragon loose upon New York.
As we learn, there must always be a balance, life for a life. Splinter is willing to make the hard choice to give up his life in order for Shredder to live and defeat the Dragon. If Shredder takes his body back then there will be no vessel for the Dragon god. This by far was one of the more shocking moments of this book, yet at the same time joyful. Splinter is now reunited with his wife/love in the afterlife. He was able to right all the wrongs he had wrought when he took over the Foot Clan. This was a fitting end for this epic storyline and sets up so many interesting things.
What does the future hold though? There is still the matter of al those new mutants in New York thanks to Hob and the Mutanimals bomb that they set off. What will become of these new mutants? Shredder is officially back, will he be friend or foe? And that epilogue at the end... Leatherhead with an Utrom in his torso??? What the hell is all that about? This particular story may be over but we have so many awesome things to look forward to.
Eastman and Waltz have done an amazing job with the book. They've delivered one amazing story after another. The heart, drama, and humor that they put into every script has made this one of the best books to read every single month. While I know they're passing the book off to more than capable hands, in Sophie Campbell, I know they won't be gone for good.
Let's not forget the amazing artists on this book. Dave Wachter, Michael Dialynas, Mateus Santolouco, Adam Gorham, Dan Duncan & Cory Smith (wow what a mouthful) all did an unbelievable job. From the action packed fight scenes to the quiet moments between characters. These guys all brought their A-game and it shows on every single page. I mean just look at the page with the defeated Dragon strewn across the city, INSANE!
Ronda Pattison and Bill Crabtree on colors also make this book something special to look at. From that very first panel of Splinter communing with the afterlife to the last panel of Splinter finally at rest. They invoke passion and emotion with every color choice.
Overall this has to be one of the best issues of the series and sets u sup for years to come with so many new story possibilities. Plus there is a tease at the end of the issue that will make my fellow Turtle fans go nuts. Cowabunga guys!!