Is this blast from the past worth a purchase?  Read on to find out.

The official description from IDW:

The original Micro-Series is BACK, this time with all-new colors! Raphael struggles to control his inner rage until he finds the perfect outlet: Casey Jones! It’s hot head vs. hot head and neither is going down without a fight! This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship!

From nearly killing his brother to teaching limits to a new hero, this little re-release has it all.  It’s an emotionally charged but still somewhat potent story that revels in one of, if not the most interesting Ninja Turtle.  It’s easy to look up to the heroic brother (Leonardo), or explore with the brainy sibling (Donatello), or laugh along with the goofy one (Michelangelo) but it’s a challenge to spend time following this hotheaded mess.

This comic book is nothing short of iconic as the at-times thin, corny and occasionally amusing script by Keven Eastman and Peter Laird perpetuates dialogue missteps that were passable back in the day but are just awkward now.  It’s a simple enough tale that follows an enraged Raphael who finds an even angrier Casey Jones in their first meeting.  Overall the story is serviceable but to put it simply, time has not been kind to many of the smaller moments in this little romp.

The art by Keven Eastman and Peter Laird offers up a rather deep visual experience that will entertain any fanboy or fangirl who urns for the days of the old school Ninja Turtles comic books.  With two enraged characters going at it, the old school panel style fits right-in as the battle escalates from scene to scene.  The line work almost gives the book an added feeling of rage, with it’s curvy figures and intricate yet simple backgrounds offering a thick and heavy ink experience.

With an old school narrative that explores this dynamic Hero in a Half-Shell while riding a wave of pure nostalgia, this comic book comes recommended.

3.5/5