Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Villain Microseries #1: Krang Review


Is this feature about Krang and his life before he became a warlord worthy of your time?  Read on to find out

The official description from IDW:

Krang was not always the feared warlord he is today. Once he was the spoiled prince of a falling dynasty. One disastrous mission to a penal colony planet changed all of that! Stranded by himself and surrounded by enemies, Krang faces the ultimate test for survival! See how this seemingly helpless alien grew to become a legend… and a leader!

When it comes to comic book villains there are a select few that don’t require depth, because at the end of the day they’re so vile that the audience will never find it within themselves to feel for them.  The little pink brain in the big robot from Ninja Turtles is not quite that but I’m still not sure if we need to know about his origins.

The script by Joshua Williamson is simply top notch, as it offers up a potentially unnecessary back story in a way that doesn’t humanize this monster but instead gives a little reason to his madness.  Truth be told, it was the dialogue that in the end won me over to the point that I found myself rooting for Krang as he faced his fears and survived in the wilderness, Rambo style.  In short if you’re going to tell the beginnings of evil, this jaunt is a prime example of how to successfully put it together.

Mike Henderson absolutely nails a design that fits the current rendition of this franchise.  From the first page to the final panel the pencil work he offers up creates a dynamic display that’s worthy of the romp being presented.  Beyond that what really brought authenticity was the use of the villain’s eyes, as each panel perfectly captured his emotionally responses will yielding terror for his victims.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Villain Microseries #1 does its job exceptionally well.  And despite my own feelings about this story being unnecessary, the creative team absolutely delivers as they blow away any preconceived expectations.  Highly recommended.

4.5/5

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