Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #62 Review: Casey Jones Goes To Bat
By Alex Widen
The Casey Jones takes on the Purple Dragons gang in his most brutal fight yet! What role will this have in Splinter’s overall plan?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #62
Writers: Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman & Bobby Curnow
Artist: Dave Wachter
Colorist: Ronda Pattison
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Ever since his debut in Raphael: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle in 1985, Casey Jones has always been one of their best known characters. He’s appeared in every media adaptation so far and plays a critical role in this series. Since the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were apart for years after their mutation, he served as Raph’s adopted brother.
Image by IDW Publishing
Yet an unstable temper has always been a part of him. In fact, Casey Jones’ temper is usually worse than Raphael’s, which says a lot. Following a meeting with Splinter in the last issue, Casey takes on the Purple Dragons gang in their own lair. His father Hun ran the gang, and he’s personally fought them for years.
Image by IDW Publishing
This time, Casey’s battle against them is more vicious, and a part of Splinter’s overall plan as Foot clan leader. He easily takes on a dozen gang members at once. But is he there to pummel them once and for all, or mobilize them under his own leadership? The Dragons were Foot goons in the past, and may be again.
There’s more Going on than Casey Jones’ Brawl!
Despite the cover, Casey Jones’ sequence only lasts 4 pages. The rest of the issue divides its page count across all of its extended cast. April O’Neil and Donatello share a few words about being the brains of the operation. Their extended struggles against adversaries can be overwhelming, despite all the teamwork.
Image by IDW Publishing
This mirrors another one of the issue’s standout sequences. Raphael visits Michelangelo in his pad, where he’s living alone apart from the rest. He’s protesting their leadership of the Foot Clan, feeling it’s wrong. Raphael gives an impassioned speech and with one tender hug, it seems the brothers are one again.
We also get an extended origin for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ latest enemy, Darius Dun. A man who is smarter than a jock, but dumber than a scientist. He’s always used force to get his way. Now he’s seeking to take over the city both economically and via the underworld, using science as a weapon. Dun fills their kingpin role very nicely.
Image by IDW Publishing
The biggest twist of the issue may be that Michelangelo was right all along. The rest of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles see Splinter’s role as Foot master as a necessary evil to keep the city safe. But now we see that the abduction of their pal Harold was all part of Splinter’s plan. Their rat mentor is using people as pawns to control power.
This Creative Team is on a Radical Run!
The art by Dave Wachter and Ronda Pattison is once again at a high level. The scenes with Casey Jones versus the Dragons are fast paced and brutal. Yet the scenes with Don and April, or Mikey and Raph, are tender and slow to convey emotion. Dun’s origin sequence is handled well. Embellishing villains is crucial.
Image by IDW Publishing
The ability of the writers to juggle a cast of dozens effortlessly is rare and worth mention. Every page is crucial and every action has a subsequent reaction. No character is wasted and they are masters at taking things in unexpected (yet organic) directions. This is easily one of the best licensed comics out there today.
A 62nd issue has a special place in Ninja Turtles history. That represents the issues that the original volume from Mirage Studios lasted (1984-1993). Archie Comics’ TMNT Adventures from 1988-1995 lasted ten issues longer. All signs are pointing towards IDW shattering these records in 2017! Turtle Power!