‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Things Change’ Graphic Novel Review

DreamWave released this comic in 2003.

Before going defunct, Dreamwave Comics brought us Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Things Change, the first graphic novel collection from 2003 following the micro-series.

A gang known as the Purple Dragons is terrorizing New York City, but the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are out looking for a new hideout when they run into April O’Neal. She is working with Dr. Baxter Stockman who is building robot “mousers” that are supposed to be taking care of NYC’s rodent problem but are actually robbing banks. Thus, Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michaelangelo decide to work with April to bring down her boss after he tries to kill her.

With the artwork, I miss comic book art like this. The turtles, Splinter, April, and the mousers are all drawn excellently. Kudos to Peter David Lesean, who wrote and drew this series. He brought it to life and, along with the character designs, did a good job with the New York illustrations as well.

This comic book mirrors the television series that was featured on Fox Box at the time, and so it features the reveal for several key characters, including Casey Jones and the Shredder. I always liked the story and felt that Dreamwave was able to nail the Ninja Turtles. Rereading it now, I feel the same way. It is a great representation of the four brothers, making it a blast.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, anime, or novel you would like me to review.