Casey Jones Fights to Find His Purpose in TMNT Solo Series (Review)

Following IDW Publishing’s revival of their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles continuous comic, it was inevitable that some secondary characters would step into the limelight. Among these popular figures is Casey Jones, who, after being wounded by the corrupt District Attorney Hieronymus Hale, has been sidelined. However, it’s challenging to keep a vigilante armed with a hockey stick out of trouble for long. So, what’s Casey Jones’ role in this fresh chapter of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? His new series aims to provide the answers.

In this initial installment, it’s no shock that Casey Jones gets back into action, taking on some unsavory characters in the streets. For those who haven’t been following the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics, this issue provides a sufficient amount of background information to help new readers follow along. The city is teeming with mutants other than the Turtles, and they’re currently facing some tough times. Casey Jones steps up to safeguard one particular mutant named Annabel, who’s being harassed by a notorious gang that he has prior encounters with. This story offers readers a chance to witness Casey in action, and despite his injuries, he proves more than capable of holding his own.

Here’s where Casey Jones #1 presents its initial enigma. Amidst the chaos of mutants, there seems to be an effort to balance things out in favor of humans. It’s a captivating puzzle, one that I hope will receive a fulfilling resolution by the end. The artwork is generally decent, but some primary characters feel rather rigid at times, despite the solid portrayal of their personalities. Nothing overly concerning, which can sometimes be a positive aspect.

In the standout aspect of Casey Jones #1 lies the intriguing pursuit of villainous mutants. Given their menacing physique, it’s just a matter of minutes before they clash with Casey Jones. However, the question remains: will the Turtles be present to support him? Yet, does he desire their protective presence? Known for his pride, Casey Jones is likely someone who prefers to act independently, potentially putting himself in harm’s way. His proximity to death could induce change, but does Casey even wish for transformation?

The debut issue is quite engaging, especially for ardent Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles enthusiasts. It delves into Casey Jones’ character and motivations, offering a glimpse into his psyche. Interactions with beloved characters create exciting moments for readers, and the action sequences are as thrilling as ever. To attract newcomers, though, it might need a captivating introductory hook. As the series unfolds, I anticipate that Casey will be tested both emotionally and physically, facing challenges in this modern TMNT era. Ideally, he should break free from being just the Turtles’ sidekick and forge his unique path. His limited series aims to do just that, so let’s watch how it unfolds.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey Jones #1 goes on sale September 17th.

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2025-08-08 02:42