TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES UTROM EMPIRE #1 Review

Is there ever a moment where we should pity alien invaders that overextend themselves? Read on to find out.

The official description from IDW:

Intrigue and betrayal abound on Burnow Island! This mini-series takes us to the Technodrome where Krang’s plans to destroy the Earth are ramping up. Little does he know that Baxter Stockman plans to harness its power for himself! As the two villains scheme, one imprisoned robot holds the key to success—Fugitoid! Will he be able to reach out to the Turtles in time? All this plus the long awaited story of the alien Utrom race!

There’s a lot to love in this release. The first thing I will say is that I found this start to be more than competent, as the creative team made me feel something for this species that I thought I’d never express. And as I closed the cover I was intrigued by the fact that I reacted with hock at what almost occurred.

I have to say the script by Paul Allor carried a lot more weight than I expected. Right from the start we witnessed arrogance, compassion and sacrifice in this brief outing that was chock-full of substance. Maybe it’s because the main title has been steeped in City Fall shenanigans, but it took me a moment to remember where we last left this corner of the narrative. And to the author’s credit he nailed proper introductions that will easily get both new and seasoned readers up to speed.

The art by Andy Kuhn is simplistic in style but precise in execution. The talent works on various levels of skill as he effortlessly builds up a visual barrage that drew me in, especially as the moral quandaries represented within the text began to unfold. There were some off sequences that seemed a bit chaotic and rushed, but when it needed to be there it had a necessary strength that soon found a proper footing.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Utrom Empire #1 is the beginning of a dark but enticing tale that left me eagerly anticipating next month’s outing. It comes recommended.

4/5