IDW Comics
Releases October 30, 2013
32 pages • $3.99
Other than Shredder, Bebop and Rocksteady are easily the fan favorite villains of the entire TMNT universe. From the animated show to a multitude of comics, there’s no shortage of quality stories involving the two of them. Ben Bates (Mega Man) and Dustin Weaver (Infinity, Avengers) were given the tricky task of rebooting the origins of Bebop and Rocksteady for the Foot Clan saga, and for the most part, they succeed.
The introductory scenes move by pretty quickly and establish that the two titular gang members have the classic backed into a corner and looking for a way out scenario. Since this is part of the City Fall arc, it ends up being Karai who orchestrates the mutant transformation. It’s here that Bates’s art really picks up and showcases the classic look these two have always had (along with two amazing splash pages that highlight the first time we see this form). There are a few minor changes here and there to give them a hardened, gang-type look, but it’s still a thrill to see Rocksteady in all his glory.
The story gets a little silly with one too many slapstick jokes, although one could argue that’s in line with how Bebop and Rocksteady usually come off. The massive battle with the Ghost Boys runs till the end of the issue and probably won’t have much meaning to readers who aren’t following the main comic. It’s nice to see Bates not hold back, and it results in multiple exciting and bloody fights. The panel showing off Rocksteady smashing through the entire interior of the building is a ton of fun. There’s only one shot of the two showing off their truly dark and sadistic side, but the use of shadows makes it extremely creepy. Had this been its own miniseries, I’m sure we would have seen this explored more fully, and hopefully it happens during City Fall.
Closing Comments:
This microseries is already going to have a huge appeal to all TMNT fans. Readers of the main series will get the most out of it due to its place in the continuity, but it’s still a fun side story for fans of these well-loved characters. More Bebop and Rocksteady is never a bad thing.
Verdict: 8/10
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Alex Smith is a news and reviews writer for Capeless Crusader. When not wasting away in class, he spends all his free time with comics, movies, and video games, and has been since birth. He can spend hours discussing Saga, Hawkeye, or Game of Thrones. Lying Cat’s number one fan. Random brain thoughts: @imapensfan
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