Warning: Contains minor spoilers for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are embarking on all-new adventures with the launch of their latest comic run, the first four issues of which highlight one turtle brother each. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 was all about Raphael, and now, with the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2, readers get to see what became of Michelangelo in this new continuity.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2 by Jason Aaron and Rafael Albuquerque open with Michelangelo in the heat of battle. None of his brothers are there with him, and he is facing a horde of ninjas and a massive Kaju all by himself. Then, the director shouts “CUT!“And it is revealed that Mikey wasn’t actually fighting for his life without the backup of the other Ninja Turtles, he became an actor Starring in exciting action movies that highlight not only his ninja skills, but also his ‘party animal’ persona.
While Michelangelo eventually finds himself thrust into life-threatening danger tied to the ongoing mystery presented in TMNT #1 (including a not-so-pleasant reunion), This issue focuses mostly on one thing: Michelangelo has lost his way. Sure, he’s rich and famous, but Michelangelo makes it clear he’s not happy—and he’s certainly rusty when it comes to actual combat. This issue sets the stage for Michelangelo’s personal journey as the series progresses, one that will show him reconnecting with his brothers and himself.
Michelangelo’s New TMNT Arc is the exact opposite of The Last Ronin
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin By Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, Tom Waltz, Esau & Isaac Escorza and Ben Bishop
Michelangelo’s story in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2 is an interesting parallel to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last RoninHow Maki is separated from the rest of the family, and makes his own way in the world. however, The way Michelangelo went about forging a life for himself TMNT #2 is the exact opposite of what he does The Last RoninHow he abandons and rejects the part of himself that is a ninja warrior as opposed to allowing himself to be consumed by it.
The way Michelangelo goes about forging a life for himself in TMNT #2 is the exact opposite of what he does in The Last Ronin
in The Last RoninMichelangelo is the last surviving member of his family after the Foot Clan rose to power and wiped out the other members of the TMNT. In his isolation, Michelangelo became even more committed to his martial arts studies, traveling the world and protecting the innocent from roving gangs of villains before finally taking down the Foot Clan single-handed. Not only that, but Mikey completely drops the ‘party dude’ aspect of his personality without his brothers by his side, opting instead to become a hardened, focused warrior.
As fans can clearly see on reading Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2, which is a far cry from the solo journey with Michelangelo in the current continuity – and, honestly, that’s a really cool direction to take his character. Everyone is familiar with The Last RoninSo to create another scenario where Mikey is forging his own path, only to show him becoming the exact opposite of the warrior he used to be. The Last RoninIs A fascinating parallel, giving fans even more insight into what Michelangelo is like without his brothers.
Michelangelo’s TMNT #2 Story is a perfect continuation of the previous arc
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Road to 150 By Sophie Campbell, Vincenzo Federico, Fero Pe and Dan Duncan
While this new chapter in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Story is technically a continuation of the saga that previously ran at IDW Publishing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Comic book universe, it was obvious that Jason Aaron’s run will be something completely unique, without strong ties to what came before. However, Michelangelo’s story in this issue proves to be a perfect continuation of his life in Road to 150 – At least, an alternative version of it.
in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #149-150, readers are introduced to a version of Michelangelo from an alternate future who went off on his own and became rich and famous. This version of Mikey lived in a giant penthouse, was loved by almost the entire world, and seemingly had everything he could want. However, he was incredibly unhappy, as he gave up his life as a ninja just as he abandoned his family. Michelangelo chose comfort and notoriety over his loved ones, and as he admitted in the Road to 150He got lost on the way.
That version of Michelangelo is seemingly erased from existence at the defeat of Armaghon, although after reading TMNT #2, it seems that this is not the case. Michelangelo in the main TMNT The timeline was an identical path to his old-universe self, and the outcome was exactly the same. Michelangelo is capable of being great, but without his family, he will never be happy. It’s an excellent consistency with his character, and it proves that Jason Aaron fully understands who Michelangelo is. Beyond his ninja skills and ‘party dude’ persona.
TMNT #2 further proves why fans should be so excited about this run
when TMNT #1 came out in July, fans everywhere were in complete agreement that it was one of the coolest comics in TMNT History. Raphael has already shown his brutality in a situation that only increased his brutality. Plus, it presented fans with a conspiracy involving the Foot Clan, one of which the Turtles themselves are now smack-dab in the middle of. And now, with TMNT #2, fans are given a completely different story, tonally speaking, that keeps the Foot Clan mystery while also delving into Michelangelo with the same talent and care as the story of Raphael’s character.
in other words, The quality of narration is consistent between TMNT #1 and #2Meaning the next two issues diving into the characters of Leonardo and Donatello, respectively, will likely continue this trend, which only lays the ground for the epic story that will unfold thereafter. Indeed, no one had any doubt that Jason Aaron and his wonderful artist collaborators would be able to deliver, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2 is just the latest example of how fans are right to trust them.
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From parallels to iconic storylines like The Last Roninto the continuation of a previously-explored character arc of The way to 150To stand alone as a unique take on Michelangelo, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2 is a captivating read from start to finish, and should only make fans more excited for what’s to come.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2 by IDW Publishing is available September 11, 2024.