TMNT: CASEY JONES #5 (IDW Publishing)

As this arc nears its end, it isn’t quite done giving the reader even more revelations. Casey finds out what Nostrum is made from, and it instantly disgusts him. As he fights his urges as well as his past, Ludovic is finding out that he is just another animal and not an equal.

TMNT: Casey Jones #5 - Written By Alex Paknadel – Art By Amancay Nahuelpan & Enid Balám - 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:

Casey Jones has a run in with his past as he gets into a fight with his father’s old gang, the Purple Dragons. Unfortunately for them they didn’t know he was juiced up on Nostrum. During the fight he loses control for a bit, before finding out what Nostrum is made from and feeling bad. He visits Donnie who runs tests on the Nostrum and confirms it comes from Mutants. Upon hearing this Casey makes his way to Marlin’s Farm. At the farm, Ludovic is being held captive and pleading for his life. These pleas fall on deaf years solidifying the fact that Marlin never looked at him as a son. Everything is coming to a head at the farm, and will Casey be able to save the day?

WRITING:

This issue continues the emotional ride we’ve been on with this story. Alex Paknadel really dives into the past of Casey Jones to show his vulnerabilities. These peaks into the past make the reader realize what makes Casey tick. Subsequently, Paknadel shows the breaking of Ludovic which is equally as sad. But this issue doesn’t just bring the sappy stuff, it also brings the action. The fight scenes are brutal, well at the same time they serve as an awesome way for the story to move forward. This issue truly has a little bit of everything.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this issue is distinguished by its vibrant and immersive style, effectively portraying the TMNT universe with meticulous attention to detail. Amancay Nahuelpan & Enid Balám adeptly render both characters and settings, enhancing the depth and individuality of each scene. The characters are depicted with precision, and each mutant is marked by unique visual characteristics that set them apart.

Furthermore, the color work by Luis Antonio Delgado employs a carefully selected palette that contributes additional vibrancy to the illustrations. Delgado’s application of color strategically guides the reader’s focus across panels, highlighting character actions and interactions while reinforcing the overall atmosphere of the issue.

CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF TMNT: CASEY JONES #4

Final Thoughts:

TMNT: Casey Jones #5 provides a thoughtful examination of the challenges of coping with one’s past. The narrative delivers a clear message regarding the realities of conquering addiction. Consistent with previous installments, this issue maintains the series' high standards and is a recommended addition for readers to pick up at the LCS this week.

FINAL GRADE: 9.2/10

Let me know your thoughts on TMNT: Casey Jones #5 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!