This week, IDW Publishing unveiled the fourth issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II – Re-Evolution, marking the second-to-last installment in the popular sequel series of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin. In this issue, readers can expect several unexpected twists, including one that delves into the earliest history of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It also lays the groundwork for the resolution of the current storyline in the “Roninverse”, a universe that will be further explored in an upcoming Last Ronin movie and video game. [SPOILERS ahead for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II – Re-Evolution #4, written by Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman, Esau & Isaac Escorza, Ben Bishop, Luis Antonio Delgado, and Shawn Lee.]
The unexpected twist in this situation is the reappearance of Professor Honeycutt, also known as The Fugitoid. Previous issues suggested that Honeycutt’s digital consciousness was erased by a harmful virus from the computer system used by April O’Neill. However, it turns out that not only is Honeycutt still alive, but he has even constructed a new physical form for himself once more. The Fugitoid is a nod to the early days of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; interestingly enough, Fugitoid was created before the turtles themselves, with Honeycutt being added to the Ninja Turtles universe later on by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.
In issue #4 of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II – Re-Evolution”, Honeycutt becomes a part of an expanding group of characters assisting the new lineup of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Alongside ‘Grandma’ April and her daughter, Casey Marie Jones, fresh faces such as reporter Amanda Konnor, black marketeer Tinker 2, and others move into the Turtles’ secret hideout on Roosevelt Island. In secret, April had been readying this base as her latest shelter. It was unveiled gradually, accompanied by flashbacks from Ben Bishop showcasing significant locations once occupied by the team, including their old refuge in Northampton and April’s family’s Second Time Around shop. Unfortunately, their hideout doesn’t stay hidden for long when Jigsaw, the leader of the Purple Dragons, spots the Turtles returning from a mission, paving the way for the thrilling finale in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II – Re-Evolution” #5.
TMNT: The Last Ronin II Set Up a Grand Finale
In the context of their work on “The Last Ronin,” Eastman emphasizes that Chapter 4, being the middle chapter of the five-part series, is crucial and must be flawless. He explains that all the groundwork laid throughout the first hundred and twenty pages should now start coming together in the final forty, carefully unveiling the intricacies, hidden details, and remaining setup without spoiling the grand finale. The revelations should be meticulously crafted to give readers the impression that they’re following a well-planned story, even though happy accidents and unexpected story directions can play a significant role in such an expansive world-building tale.
He goes on to say, “The entire team relied on Tom and me for the second series, but it’s each individual’s incredibly valuable skills and efforts that have turned it into something far greater than we initially imagined.
Chapter Four exceeds expectations, it’s like daring a dog three times over, infinite times – if you believe your mind will be astonished by the final page, then prepare for Chapter Five, where a full-face helmet might come in handy…
According to Bishop, over the past five years, through “The Last Ronin”, “Lost Years” and now “Re-Evolution”, he’s had the extraordinary chance to bring his art and characters to life in ways he never thought possible. He’s been able to draw scenes set in locations that every turtle artist longs to depict, such as the Lair, Bleecker St., and the Second Time Around Shop…
“The Northampton farmhouse holds a special place for me, possibly even at the number one spot. It’s a privilege for any turtle artist to visit, almost like a rite of passage. I remember seeing Ciro Nieli and Sophie Campbell both visiting there in various shows and comics, and those were massive inspirations. However, my favorite memory is their visit to the farmhouse on the big screen in the original movie. I can only imagine that they too might have been inspired by the farmhouse scenes in the film – certainly, I was.
In my artwork depicting turtles, there’s a deep affection for the Henson puppets and the original movie that has been present since the beginning. These turtles are constantly on my mind. The farmhouse scenes in particular emphasize the authenticity of these characters – they have feelings, and they can evoke emotions within us. I strive to convey this realism, including their emotions and expressions, as accurately as possible when creating my art.
In addition to these historic instances in turtle history, I can’t help but be excited about presenting previously unseen moments, such as when April appeared with baby Casey Marie cradled on her, at the old hideout – the very place where her family perished, yet also the site of her rebirth and future home for a new family.
“Every moment is special – and for me, every panel is a gift.
One advantage of depicting flashbacks is that we can vividly remember the great moments, making the difficult times even more poignant. By illustrating what they’ve lost, the narrative becomes more authentic and evokes a sense of pain anew, as if it were happening all over again.
Previewing upcoming events, collaborator Tom Walz hints, “Here we are – the second to last issue of The Last Ronin: Re-Evolution. And let me tell you, there are still some exciting twists in store for you. Family mysteries uncovered! New adversaries discovered! Recollections of the original TMNT delved into! Plus, the initial assignment for the new TMNT team! The battle for New York City intensifies significantly as we race towards the climactic finale!
As a cinephile, I can’t help but express my delight over Issue 4! Ever since I laid eyes on the script, I’ve been itching to witness what Ben and the Escorza Bros would create with it. The action at Hiroto’s Tower, undeniably the most exhilarating sequence in the series so far, is just a taste of the incredible visual feast that awaits us.
The introduction of Amanda Konnor, Tinker 2, and Fugitoid in his new form has added depth to our growing family. And let me tell you, the scenes featuring Chevalier and Jigsaw are building up to an epic showdown that I can hardly wait for! The Roninverse never ceases to amaze me!
4th issue of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II – Re-Birth” is available now. The tale comes to an end in the 5th issue, which will be released on April 16th.
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2025-01-30 18:40