I don't give out perfect scores often, but this deserves it. Ian Flynn's story mixed with Michael Dialynas's art is a perfect combination. This is the best issue of TMNT that I have read in a while and that is saying something! IDW's TMNT series is usually always good but this surpasses that. TMNT: Macro-Series Michelangelo #2 is an incredible issue that not only furthers the ongoing story in the TMNT Universe but does a superb job of telling a complete one-shot story as well. Incredible work from the whole team on this issue and everyone who worked on it should be proud. Read Full Review

so far these ew Macro-series have been exactly what the IDW Tmnt has desperately needed for a very long time now. the quality of storytelling is fast-paced and excellent, unchecked plot lines are now finally being addressed, and we’re getting much needed time spent with the main characters.
i only hope that the overall story in the main Tmnt series becomes more streamlined and focused as these Macro-series have been with just two issues in.

the set up is a bit convoluted, as plot-lines have been developing over many years in the making.
but i will try to summarize this as simply as i possibly can…

New York City was the site of a large scale battle. an Alien species called the Triceratons that was formed from mutated dinosaurs had searched the Galaxy for a home. Eventually they were directed to return to the planet Earth from which they originated. A government agency known as the EPF had been tracking the Triceratons as they landed on the planet. The Triceratons wanted peace, but the EPF only sought to destroy the Aliens fearing they would eventually become a threat.

The battle left the city in chaos, and many children were left as orphans, and facilities to house them were destroyed. The Ninja Turtles would eventually save these children. Having no other refuge the children were brought to Master Splinter, who is now head of the Foot Clan.

Splinter saw his taking in the orphans and caring for them as inducting new recruits into the Foot Clan. Michelangelo has a problem with this, and tensions finally come to a head within this special over-sized one-shot.

the character writing was a real delight. this story gave all four of the Turtles and Splinter moments to shine. even Splinter’s Chunin, Jenika had her moments. of course most of the focus went to Michelangelo and Splinter, and the conflict between them.
it was really wonderful to see flashbacks to Michelangelo’s past life in feudal Japan as he was training with his father. Splinter (back then was Hamato Yoshi) was a stern teacher, but also a nurturing father. the words he passed onto his son as he trained him were a pure pleasure to read.
the concept of the Turtles being reincarnated was introduced in the ongoing IDW Tmnt issue #5.
it’s probably one of my favorite issues from that entire run, and is terrific when ever we see callbacks to the Turtles past life.

the art was really nice as well. i have a few minor gripes with it, but nothing worth mentioning to detract from the overall story.

would i recommend this story? sure!
just so long as you can try to keep up with all the plot development that’d been built up over the last several years. more