Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #141: Doin’ Time

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #141 picks up right where the last issue left off, reeling with Raph’s arrest in merely two seconds. Alas, the potential for a TMNT prison arc has been averted, as with the assistance of Jennika’s diplomacy, Raph gets out on bail. As the two bond conversationally, they stumble upon a frenzied Leatherhead, which leads not only them but the entire crew closer to the truth behind the recent mutant murders. In the meantime, the other three Hamato brothers continue to grapple with the shifting tides of life, all of it intersecting right as the book comes to a close.

Although the swift resolution to Raph’s arrest was somewhat dissatisfying, overall this issue was incredibly strong. It features some excellently written character development for Ralph and Jen that highlights the crucial reasons as to why the group’s divergences in ideology have become such a pivotal factor in the book’s story. As they’ve grown older and the world has come to somewhat accept mutants as an equal species, each member of the turtles has started to experience life in a way that has completely opened up and transformed their perception of what exactly their ‘life’ can be.

However, that change subtly intimidates them. You can see that in this issue, as they all strive to cling onto their obligations as a team even though independence beckons them like a siren. There’s a subtle exploration of this for Leo, Mikey, and Donatello, but Raph’s is the focal point of this issue. The conversation between Raph and Jen delves into his rebellious impulse, with Jennika serving as an almost sage-like representation of what Raph could become if he gradually began to mature.

This delves into an extremely well-illustrated and thrilling action sequence involving Leatherhead. The fight’s setting was highly imaginative and created a claustrophobic and tense action sequence, even if it only occurred through a somewhat convenient shift in conversational focus from Raph’s personal issues to the series of mutant murders. It transitions the current arc from its drama and status quo-driven narrative into something slightly more plot and action-oriented, but doesn’t skimp on the group’s tumultuous relationship.

This, alongside the unexpected reappearance of an old villain, has made this arc rich in both drama and exhilarating action. Campbell is absolutely at the top of her game here, as is Gavin Smith. His pencils, combined with Ronda Pattinson’s colors, continue to deliver outstanding and well-realized art that isn’t just aesthetically pleasing. It also does a fairly commendable job in conveying atmosphere and expression.