New comics from IDW Publishing, including crime in Killer Influences #2, horror in Sleepy Hollow: The Witches Of The Western Wood #4 and TMNT action in Shredder #11 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #21.
Killer Influences #2
Kylie and Melvin made a deal. Kylie would use her expertise in the world of serial killers and murder to give Melvin an identity, a mythology, a serial killer persona that would make him “famous.” She turned him into the Caddyshack Killer.
The story took the country by storm, and she led that storm on her podcast, which brought her a great deal of fame and success. However, it didn’t bring Melvin what he wanted. He still feels empty. He feels unfulfilled. He feels violent. And he’s going to challenge Kylie for getting what she wanted while he got nothing.
The epic IDW Crime series continues, and the tension is about to ramp up!
Author: Joey Esposito
Artists: David Baldeon, and Valeria Burzo
After the introduction from the last issue, we see how things are on the up for Kylie. Her videos and podcasts are going from strength to strength, and the jobs and money are rolling in.
There are problems though. First up is closer to home, as her brother is still causing issues. Kylie does her best, but it’s pretty clear that her head has been turned to the nicer aspects of the life she now has.
Melvin has noticed this too, and he feels he is being left out of the situation and rightly feels that this is a one-sided relationship where he is being left behind.
I can’t believe I am on the side of the serial killer!
There is a good amount of tension in this issue, and it builds up until something unexpected happens in the relationship between Kylie and Melvin and makes me wonder where this story will lead after this.
It’s a clever issue and has some excellent art – I especially liked the panelling of the videos, with the comments pouring in!
Get Killer Influences #2 at Forbidden Planet:
Sleepy Hollow: The Witches Of The Western Wood #4
Revisit the world of Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow, The Witches of the Western Wood!
Chop. Chop. Chop. Sarah swings her axe with no shame. Chopping heads off the residents of Sleepy Hollow that she abhors brings the witch immense joy and strengthens the dark magic festering inside of her.
The specter of the Headless Horseman encourages her violent rampages, knowing that once powerful enough, she will summon him, and he will ride again.
Author: Delilah S. Dawson
Artists: Jose Jaro, and Corin Howell
The story continues to get darker and dark as the two sisters drift further apart. The madness of Sarah continues as she delves into the dark magic and revenge against those she thinks are against them.
The tension in this story is excellent, and although there are newer characters introduced, no one is safe, so the cast gets thinned out.
It looks like we are catching up on ourselves here and moving into the beginning of the main Sleepy Hollow story, so time is ticking down.
There is some excellent artwork, with crisp lines and excellent colour choices. The animals are particularly well done, as are the magic aspects of the story.
Get Sleepy Hollow: The Witches Of The Western Wood #4 at Forbidden Planet:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder #11
The E.P.F. has tracked down and captured Shredder! With a mind-controlling Vreen grub burrowed under his skin and an E.P.F. vivisection blade ready to slice it out of him, even the master tactician seems outmaneuvered. But it would be unwise to turn one’s back on the Shredder…
Author: Dan Watters
Artist: Mateus Santolouco
Shredder does have a cameo in the below issue of TMNT, but this is all about him.
Captured by the E.P.F., Shredder is strapped to a table, and with some interesting commentary, you know things are going to go wrong. The plotting of this issue is excellent; with the report going over what is happening along with some of the conversations between the underlings, we get some excellent dialogue.
The action is brilliant as Shredder makes his way through the story, and there is some action from unexpected quarters too. This was a great issue that sets things up for the Shredder to come and what his plan is…
Get TMNT: Shredder #11 at Forbidden Planet:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #21
After the shocking events of TMNT #20, the 300th issue special, death becomes a thing of the past as “The City That Never Dies” begins!
Following an ominous warning from an old adversary, the Turtles try to stop their enemies from destroying the veil between the living and the dead.
Can the newly reunited Hamato Clan reassemble the destroyed Ujigami mask and restore the veil? Or will the newly risen dead stand in their way?!
Author: Gene Luen Yang
Artist: Fero Pe
The tension in the family is well played in his issue. Shredder’s cameo is short and sweet, but it fits in well with the series and this story being told. The ramifications of the return of the dead are excellently shown and have some brilliant links to what is happening now. The cast of this story, including Shredder, Stockman and the TMNT, makes this an interesting story, with some great parts to it.
This is only the beginning to this arc, and it looks like the battle lines are being drawn, and the extended family aspect of the TMNT adds to the interest – even if it’s just short-term!
