‘City at War’ begins with a stab in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles No. 93
By Alex Widen
Karai Is Deadlier to the Mob Than Elliot Ness!
As the Turtles prepare, Karai and her gang (officially dubbed “Oroku Clan”) are on the move. They raid the coastline facility of Antonio Puzorelli, one of the area’s local mafia bosses. He was previously introduced during the similarly themed (and titled) “City Fall” story which ran through 2013. Considering how many references and characters from previous incarnations have appeared, it is a bit odd that Waltz and Eastman created a new mobster here. It may have been fun if back in ’13 they had new versions of older figures like Don Turtelli, Pinky McFingers or Big Louie pop up.
Image by IDW Publishing
Karai, Ocho, Bludgeon, Koya, and Natsu easily tear through Puzorelli’s goons and offer the mobster one of those famous offers he can’t refuse. He and what is left of his organization can support Karai’s new clan and ditch Splinter’s Foot Clan and exist debt free, or be immediately killed where he stands. It’s the sort of offer the Shredder himself would have made, and proves Karai’s descent into similar territory. Having been manipulated by both the immortal witch Kitsune as well as the mystical sword, there’s no telling how much of this is under Karai’s control.
Image by IDW Publishing
With Karai on the warpath, everyone in the vicinity of the Foot Clan or the Turtles is a target. This includes April O’Neil, who has once again assumed her job as Baxtor Stockman’s intern. This has been a long-term strategy to both keep an eye on their oldest “frenemy,” as well as, steer him towards their goals, or mutual enemies. Unfortunately, this has worked too well and, now, Baxtor’s on the cusp of being elected mayor. Casey Jones heads out to check up on April during a rally.
Image by IDW Publishing