TMNT: CASEY JONES #3 (IDW Publishing)

The fight between Casey Jones & Ludovic intensifies and even help from Raphael doesn’t make this fight easier. As the action gets more violent, will either party walk away from this one? The answer is definitely not in the same shape they came in.

TMNT: Casey Jones #3 - Written By Alex Paknadel – Art By Amancay Nahuelpan - Colors By Luis Antonio Delgado - Letters By Darran Robinson - Edited By Dave Wielgosz - Published By IDW Publishing

Credit: IDW Publishing

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

Ludovic has gotten the upper hand on Casey and Raphael, and it doesn’t appear he is going to let up. Casey tries in vain to take Ludovic out, but his hatred of mutants fuels his rage. Well distracted by Casey, Raphael gets the drop on Ludovic and their epic fight begins. The whole time Raph tells Casey to stay out of it for his protection. But when Ludovic gets Raph down and looks like he may end him, Casey pounces and tackles him off the roof. Casey and Ludovic fall about 6 stories before landing on a van. Both are very injured, but Casey gets his hands on Ludovic’s Nostrum which is what keeps his mutation in check and heals him. So, Casey drinks the serum and discovers that it heals him faster. Unfortunately for Ludovic, Mister Marlin does not show him mercy and allows him to suffer in pain, well we find out why he has been kidnapping mutants.

WRITING:

This issue delivers high-impact, adrenaline-pumping action that keeps readers fully engaged from start to finish. Alex Paknadel expertly crafts hard-hitting fight sequences while seamlessly integrating the vital story elements and information within the chaos of battle. His skill at balancing exposition and action ensures that the narrative and the excitement are both served equally well, creating a truly impressive reading experience.

At the heart of the story is the compelling dynamic between Casey Jones and Ludovic. Casey, a human, is surrounded by a mutant family who genuinely loves and cares for him. This stands in stark contrast to Ludovic, whose desperate desire to be loved by his human master goes unfulfilled. Ludovic’s master not only withholds affection but also mistreats him. This emotional thread runs throughout the issue, adding depth to the explosive action and drawing the reader deeper into the lives and struggles of the characters.

While the fight scenes are intense and engaging, it is the emotional storytelling woven through these moments that truly captivates. The reader is drawn in not just by the physical conflict, but by the underlying feelings and relationships that drive the characters forward.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this issue stands out for its vivid and immersive qualities, bringing the TMNT universe to life in striking detail. Amancay Nahuelpan excels in illustrating both the character designs and the backgrounds, infusing each scene with a sense of depth and personality. The intricate details in the characters emphasize their individuality, with the mutants in particular displaying unique visual traits that set them apart.

Nahuelpan’s approach to the action sequences is especially impressive. The panels are dynamic and intense, capturing the physicality of each fight and clearly conveying the toll the battles take on every participant. Each moment of impact is rendered with clarity, allowing readers to feel the stakes and energy of the conflict.

Complementing the linework is the color palette chosen by Luis Antonio Delgado. Delgado’s colors enhance the artwork, making each panel visually engaging and guiding the reader’s eye smoothly through the story. The careful use of color not only highlights the characters and their actions but also enriches the atmosphere of the issue.

Final Thoughts:

TMNT: Casey Jones #3 delivers on the action but thrives on the story building. Without sacrificing either element the creative team brings the internal and external conflicts to a crescendo and leaves the reader wanting more. The awesome action in this series does set it apart from some of the other titles in this universe, but the message in the story arc is what truly makes this series a must read. Make sure to add this title to your list for the LCS this week and really consider adding it to your Pull List.

FINAL GRADE: 9.8/10

Let me know your thoughts on TMNT: Casey Jones #3 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!