As a seasoned gamer and comic book enthusiast with over three decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that IDW Publishing’s latest offering, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Nightwatcher #1, is an absolute gem! Having followed the TMNT universe since its humble beginnings in the 80s, it’s a joy to witness the evolution of these beloved characters and the expansion of their world.
As a passionate gamer, I’ve been thrilled with IDW Publishing’s fresh start for the TMNT comics, and their latest move is even more exciting! Instead of resting on their laurels, they’re pushing the boundaries with “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Nightwatcher” #1. This new series is masterfully penned by Juni Ba, an up-and-coming comic genius who’s making waves in the industry. The artistic duties are handled by Fero Pe, a talented artist who previously breathed life into some exceptional issues of the previous Ninja Turtles series. With a compelling concept and creative minds at the helm, “Nightwatcher” #1 is a strong argument for delving deeper into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us!
In Nightwatcher #1, a fresh Nightwatcher is presented. Historically, Nightwatcher has been an aggressive vigilante identity worn by Raphael, patrolling the city and meting out justice as he sees fit, without the interference of his family. However, in Nightwatcher #1, a new character wears the mask. The unveiling wasn’t entirely unexpected, but it was gratifying to discover who would be the main character in this series. (Spoilers avoided here)
In Nightwatcher #1, readers may find a familiar comic structure reminiscent of long-running superhero series. The story revolves around Nightwatcher pursuing a potential kidnapper through Mutant Town, but it occasionally shifts focus to news broadcasts capturing the public’s reactions to Nightwatcher and the area itself. These opinions reflect the casual, often unquestioned prejudice that can permeate society. When confronted with their own hypocrisy, these views are often reinforced. The comic also includes brief scenes highlighting the lives of Mutant Town residents, offering a unique perspective from within the community. A 9-panel grid is used to slow down the narrative pace and emphasize the ordinary aspects of the situation compared to Nightwatcher’s adventures. This creative approach serves to familiarize new readers with Mutant Town while also anchoring the characters and their world in realism.
As a lifelong comic book enthusiast and someone who grew up reading the original black-and-white Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics, I must say that the creators of Nightwatcher have truly captured the essence of those early issues. The opening page’s depiction of a grimy, run-down New York City harks back to the gritty atmosphere of 1980s cop movies, but with the added twist of animal people in the foreground. The use of watery colors gives the scene an ethereal quality, as if we are looking at the city through a haze. The tire-screech sound effect is a brilliant touch that immediately draws the reader in. I found myself instantly captivated by this impressive bit of economical scene-setting and eager to see what follows. It’s a testament to the skill of the creators that they were able to convey so much with just one page. For me, this is exactly the kind of gritty, unapologetic storytelling that I crave in my comic books.
1) The problem isn’t perfect; during Nightwatcher’s fight against the potential kidnappers, the trafficker’s mouth occasionally gapes open without making a sound, which can be quite puzzling and distracting. Furthermore, in at least one panel of the “man on the street” scenes, I find myself unsure about what action the character is performing with their fingers.
The narration in this story is initially unclear as the narrator isn’t introduced right away. However, once the reader discovers who the speaker is, the text becomes clear and engaging upon re-reading. This story is particularly powerful because it explores themes of courage through the contrast between a child’s inner fears and an adult’s outward show of strength, who seeks power at others’ cost. At the moment, due to its presentation, one might mistakenly attribute it to a different character.
Despite being the first issue, Nightwatcher #1 showcases an engrossing opening act that effectively justifies its origin (Who will protect the citizens of Mutant Town now that the Turtles are separated?), allowing its enigmatic protagonist to flourish more than ever before. Both readers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles enthusiasts should be eagerly anticipating what Ba and Pe will construct upon this solid foundation.
Published by IDW Publishing
On August 14, 2024
Written by Juni Ba
Art by Fero Pe
Colors by Luis Antonio Delgado
Letters by Nathan Widick
Cover by Fero Pe
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2024-08-14 16:10