TMNT: BATTLE NEXUS #2 (IDW Publishing)

The Tournament has officially begun! First to enter the Battle Arena will be Leonardo and his opponent will be a very familiar, yet completely different foe…SHREDDER! Will Leo be able to take out this other dimensions Shredder foiling the BattleMaster’s plans or will we be one turtle down from the jump?

TMNT: Battle Nexus #2 - Story By Tom Waltz, Paul Allor, Sophie Campbell, Caleb Goellner, and Erik Burnham – Script by Paul Allor - Art By Ben Bishop – Colors By Luis Antonio Delgado - Letters By Tom Napolitano – Edited By Andy Khouri & Jake Thomas - Published By IDW Publishing

Credit: IDW Publishing

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

The issue opens with a brief history of the BattleMaster Savanti Romero giving the reader a peak into what partially drives our lead villain. But then we are off to the races as Leonardo is in battle with a different dimensions Shredder. This Shredder is more ruthless and blood thirsty then the one Leo is used to. He is also far more talkative, which is how we find out he’s taken out other Turtles before. After being beaten for the first part of the fight, Leo gains the upper hand after using some knives to create distance between the two. This angers Romero, who uses his magic staff to level the playing field by giving Shredder one of Leo’s swords. Now that the fight is equal, Leo remains in command until he rushes in and the Shredder impales him onto his sword. Ending the fight and possibly Leo’s life.

The other Turtles look on in horror, with Raphael trying to get to Romero. He gets thwarted and all the Turtles are sent to a holding cell to await the next fight. Once there they try and figure out the fate of Leo and where he has gone. They end up getting some answers from a cloaked figure that they are in the cell with, who explains the tournament as well as revealing that many Turtles from other dimensions have already tried and failed. But before they can find out more, Raph is transported to the arena as his fight is next, and it is a deeply personal one at that.

WRITING:

This issue delivers more backstory well, taking the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. The writing team has really put together an incredible story that definitely draws the reader in. The brief history of Romero gives a peak into his motivations, well at the same time keeping his revenge motive veiled. The fight between Leo and Shredder plays out perfectly from an action and dramatic standpoint. The fact that we learn some truths from the fight about the tournament, well wasting zero time gives the story a great pace. The emotions run wild as we have the uncertainty of what has happened to Leo, which sets the table for next issue with the response from Raph. The addition of the mysterious cloaked figure who reveals the truth of what is going on, is informative without wasting time, and creates suspense for the eventual reveal. Finally, the tease for the next issues fight will hook long time readers of the franchise.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this issue is fantastic and really encapsulates the TMNT Universe. Ben Bishop does a wonderful job of making the art familiar well putting his own flair on it. Bishop’s take on the other dimensions Shredder really stands out, as the choice of using the black & white version really sets the character apart. Speaking of Shredder, the fight between him and Leo looks amazing and really draws the reader in. Aside from the characters, the backgrounds look equally amazing, which really brings this world to life.

The color choices complement the artwork perfectly and really draw the readers’ eyes to every panel. Luis Antonio Delgado’s attention to the details in the art and matching them to the needed color adds so much to the art in this issue. At the same time Tom Napolitano shows why he won the first Fanlight Award for lettering with superb lettering in this issue. Every emotion comes through in the letters, well also perfectly showing the tone of the story as well.

Check Out My Review of TMNT: Battle Nexus #1

Final Thoughts:

This event is off to a great start and will be an early contender for Event of the Year. Following a flawless first issue with more drama, more mystery, more action, and most importantly more intrigue really sets the tone for what’s to come. Add in that the pacing is perfect and never leaves the reader with a dull moment. This is a must get at the LCS and if you are not following this event already, get on board NOW.

FINAL GRADE: 10/10

Let me know your thoughts on TMNT: Battle Nexus #2 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!