- Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #22
- Comic Vine: link
- Writers: Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, Tom Waltz
- Artist: Mateus Santolouco
Tired of the encroaching Savante and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles both meddling in his plans for the city, the Shredder decides to lay a trap by kidnapping Casey Jones and forcing the Turtles and Splinter to rush in and save him without the time to come up with a plan.
The ensuing fight features all four Turtles, plenty of Foot Ninja, Alopex, Karai, and even Shredder himself who give the Turtles a little more incentive to jump immediately into the fray and save their wounded friend. Although the Turtles manage to drag the Casey to safety, the Shredder’s plan works to perfection as one member of the group doesn’t make it out of the fight. Trading Casey for Leonardo, Shredder’s plans for his would-be new first lieutenant (teased months ago) can now begin in earnest.
I don’t envy any artist starting a new arc following and issue Kevin Eastman drew himself. Honestly, I have a mixed reaction to the art by Mateus Santolouco, especially with his depiction of April. Some of the action sequences are well done, but I think it’s going to take me some time to get used to his style. Worth a look.
[IDW, $3.99]