The life of Jennika Ebbs in TMNT Free Comic Book Day 2019
By Alex Widen
Is It Crazy Enough to Work, or Just Crazy?
Leonardo isn’t about to let Jennika die. Considering he negotiated with Karai in the name of peace — and freeing Splinter of the Foot’s burden — Leo likely holds himself responsible for this mess. In theory, he and his brothers could have defeated Karai before she was so fully prepared for a fight. He’s willing to expose them all publicly in order to save Jennika, until Donatello suggests Harold Lilja’s lab. That’s where he managed to cheat death after nearly being killed by Bebop and Rocksteady years ago. Just what strange science experiment is he thinking of next?
Image by IDW Publishing
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While only eight pages, writers Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman and Bobby Curnow script a taut and pulse pounding caper. It’s a bridge between issues and focused entirely on the chase. Readers watch the villains arise one by one and divide the heroes almost evenly. Just what Donatello is planning to save Jennika is unknown. He once transferred his mind into Metalhead while his own body regenerated in mutagen, and that may be the scheme here. But that act had some dire consequences, and so might this. Besides, would Jennika want to become a “freak” to survive?
Image by IDW Publishing
Dave Wachter and Ronda Pattison once again craft a stellar issue in art and colors, respectively. The tight panels capture some of the claustrophobia of the van, especially as Jennika lay dying within it. Wachter’s efforts to make the mutants look more like the animals they’re based upon is also commendable, especially with Koya. The panel count also increases, going from four to 9-7 a page. This is naturally done for lack of page count, but it also visually ratchets up the tension!