Reviews: The Exorcism At 1600 Penn #1 & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II: Re Evolution #3
From IDW Publishing
Two new comics were reviewed this week from IDW Publishing, including the third issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution and a new horror series in The Exorcism At 1600 Penn #1.
The Exorcism At 1600 Penn #1
Kelly Doyle has just been elected the first woman president of the United States of America, and boiling political tension could spill over at any second. Having to balance being a mother to two teenagers and navigating the shifting media landscape, all while preventing World War III, has Kelly spread thin, but she could never predict that the nation’s hallowed halls would soon become a demonic battleground for good versus evil.
Author: Hannah Rose May
Artist: Vanesa Del Rey
This was an exciting and engaging beginning to a new horror tale. There is a lot to take in here, but the core characters are all introduced and have been established.
There is a new President and a lot to do in terms of business, which takes her away from her family a lot. This makes a lot of sense—there is a lot to do, and various aspects are pulling the new President from pillar to post. Meanwhile, her children are having to settle into a new school.
The difference between the two is pretty stark, but they have a sound kinship. They move in different circles and various ways.
The son is the more popular one and has no problem fitting into the new situation, while the daughter is quieter and seems to sit on top of her problems and bottle things up.
Then you throw the heavy Catholic aspect to the tale, and the tension ramps up.
I got a feel of the film The Devil’s Advocate in this issue and the general feeling of the tale. That works well, and the new situation makes the power play in place very interesting.
The artwork and colours fit well to the tale being told, with good use of shadows and colours. Some angles used are unique to the story, and I like how some framing is carried out.
This is a heavy yet engaging beginning to a new story.
Get it at Forbidden Planet:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II: Re Evolution #3
Having lain in wait for over a decade, underworld forces are making their moves to reclaim New York City. As the fighting gets more desperate, Casey Marie Jones and the new generation of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles struggle to save rebel bases under attack, but they’re outnumbered and lacking both intel and allies.
With the tide of the battle rapidly turning against them, Casey Marie must make hard calls about who she can trust and how to keep her family and city safe.
The legacy continues as legendary TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman reassembles the acclaimed creative team for the epic next chapter of The Last Ronin!
Author: Kevin Eastman
Artists: Ben Bishop, and Esau Escorza
This new generation is kicking the adventures into a higher gear. I still enjoy the parallels with the previous Turtles, but now we get not only some exciting additions but their own distinct personalities and powers.
Not only that, but this issue gives us a better look at their bond and any fears they may have. Their communication is interesting, and I wonder if there are already some suspicions about how they are doing that. Discussing their mutations and what may come next is logical and adds a new dimension to the new batch.
I enjoyed all the character aspects in this story, and many characters are used in this issue—but even so, they all had their time to shine.
The flashback was especially special. Using the classic art style to show that was a nice touch and made me reminisce about the old stories—a perfect idea, even down to the colouring.
This was a brilliant issue, with action, science, ninjas, history and a way forward. The enemy is becoming more brazen, and I expect we will get more of that and these new Purple Dragons…
