Well, it’s official!

No. Pride weekend didn’t make me gayer than I already am.  (Well, maybe…)  Rather, IDW Publishing’s ongoing TMNT comic book series, along with TMNT Universe, seem to have officially caught up with one another.  Or at least we’re starting to see characters first introduced in Universe that are now showing up in the regular series. 

If you recall from TMNT #70, Hob kidnaps Agent Bishop’s wife and father to teach a valuable lesson: If you want your family back, you’re gonna have to trade them for your own family.  And although the Turtles don’t approve of Hob’s tactics, they’re willing to hold back on certain beliefs to help their friends, the Mutanimals.  Not to mention that the phrase “Flank ‘em and spank ‘em” was used, so you know it was a good issue!

This month in TMNT #71, Kitsune, The Toad Baron (first introduced in TMNT Universe), The Rat King, and family—also known collectively as the Pantheon—have gathered to discuss the events of the past century, as well as focus on the next for the sake of the universe.  Obviously, some of our favorite mutants are mentioned, but I cannot confirm or deny that this is good for our heroes-in-a-half-shell…

As always, writers Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz, and Bobby Curnow do an excellent job at interweaving their two comic book series together.  I’ve only been reviewing their TMNT comics for the past 2 years, and the characters in this month’s issue have been faintly introduced here and there.  But put them all together at a gathering that only occurs once every 100 years, and you have yourself a hilarious, yet deep, group of individual immortals.  Add to that the stunning artwork from Dave Wacther and colors by Ronda Pattison, and, as always, you have yourself one of the best comic book series in the industry.

In the meantime, I wonder what fate our evil-doers have in store for Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo…

Until next month,
#TurtlePower