Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #16 – Fear Factor

Master Splinter is back from the Land of the Dead! On a mission to save the future of his sons, but things take a turn when his biggest fear becomes a factor in his mission.

Creative Team

Gene Luen Yang (Writer), Freddie E. Williams II & Fero Pe (Artists)
Andrew Dalhouse & Luis Antonio Delgado (Colorists), Shawn Lee (Letterer)

Freddie E. Williams II & Andrew Dalhouse (Cover Artists)

Nathan Widick (Designer), Jake Thomas (Editor), Tommy Stella (Assistant Editor),
Ben Bates (Ujigami Designer)

IDW Publishing

Fear Factor

Issue sixteen of this amazing series of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) by Gene Luen Yang is yet another masterpiece! This is a continuation of the previous issue, number fifteen. If you need a quick refresher, please check out my review of issue fifteen via the link provided at the bottom of this article. Now let’s dive into #16!

**SPOILERS AHEAD!**

This issue takes us right to where readers left off, Master Splinter going after Casey Jones! This takes Casey off guard, and he can’t bring himself to believe that he is seeing Splinter back from the dead. Things get really out of hand causing all of the Turtles to focus on stopping Splinter. As you can imagine, it would be quite difficult for some to fight their father.

Splinter uses some device that sends his sons and Casey into an unconscious dream state while he makes his way to another villain. Meaning to take this character out, Splinter unfortunately is taken captive. Splinter has something that this character needs, and he is unwilling to give that up. Until this character triggers Splinter’s deepest fear to get what she wants. Splinter’s biggest fear, being a disappointment in the eyes of his sons…

This issue is full of action and emotion. The action panels are captivating to look at! While the emotional ones pull from the father aspect of this issue, and are gut wrenching. This issue will resonate with fathers who read this story. I assume that one of the fears of being a father is being looked upon as a disappointment from their children. And being threatened to have your children alter their emotions to view you as such would cripple a father. Such a powerful tone to this issue!

The Writing

The writing by Gene Luen Yang is continuing to be powerful with each issue. This issue is no exception. Gene has a beautiful way of incorporating powerful messages and tones to this series within the fighting and drama. The dialogue and narration from characters makes you truly feel the emotional impact on them based off what is happening within the story. Take your time reading Gene’s writing, you will be surprised of the real-life messages that he is conveying!

The Artwork

Freddie E. Williams II & Fero Pe provide such rough yet elegant pencilwork for this issue. The action panels force you to focus on the action movements, but there is also so many details that are sewn in that you have to take the time to admire them. And the way they (Freddie & Fero) capture the raw emotions on the faces of the characters is so riveting!

Andrew Dalhouse & Luis Antonio Delgado do such impeccable work filling in the pencilwork of the artists above. The color choices are just as rough as the pencilwork, as well as a somewhat “faded” texture. Fabulous large panels that capture peak moments are stunningly beautiful!

Shawn Lee also deserves credit for his work lettering this series! His choice of font, sizing, and various styling deliver the tone of the dialogue and narration! Placement of comment bubbles is perfect; not taking away from the art within the panels.

My Thoughts

This TMNT series is AMAZING! Issue sixteen continues this outstanding story composed by Gene and his amazing art team! The ever-winding plot takes you through ups and downs with all characters! It’s been said before that comics should be like looking out your own window. Gene has a fabulous ability of making this TMNT series feel like you’re looking in your window instead of out. Focusing on the emotional pull of parents and children, brothers amongst brothers, even friends amongst friends. Please do not sleep on this current series of TMNT! It is so captivating and truly phenomenal!

Grade: 9.5/10

Comic Books Reviews & Nerdy Content: Nerd Initiative
My Previous TMNT Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #15 – Ujigami Pt. 3
My Personal Content: Travis’ Comic Haven

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