Bebop and Rocksteady enjoy a little vacation to Las Vegas. Of course, they somehow managed to mess that up. Before they know it, they’re racing through the streets of Vegas an a Grand Prix! After that, Lita has trouble adjusting to the farm life with the O’Neil’s. Hopefully a new friend will give her the wisdom to make the best of her situation. Mutant Nation continues!
Bebop RockVegas
- Written by Caleb Goellner
- Art by Omar Francia & Nelson Daniel
- Colors by Luis Antonio Delgado
- Letters by Rus Wooton &
- Design Nathan Widick
- Editors Andy Khouri & Dave Wielgosz
Northampton Ninja
- Written by Dave Wielgosz
- Art by Vitor Cafaggi
- Letters by Rus Wooton
- Design Nathan Widick
- Editors Andy Khouri & Dave Wielgosz
Two New Stories Expand the Mutant Nation
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Nation rolls on with two new short stories revolving around different characters. Bebop RockVegas takes on a fun chase through Vegas. Northampton Ninja levels things out with a wholesome message. The two stories couldn’t be any more different and yet both are a treat!
In Case You Missed It: TMNT Mutant Nation #5 Punks in the Neighborhood
Mutant Nation Rides with Bebop and Rocksteady!
This was a fun romp through Las Vegas! Bebop and Rocksteady attend a boxing match of one of their favorite fighters! When the result isn’t what they hoped for, they rush the ring and get themselves in trouble! Their holographic disguises short out and the crowd turns on them quickly! This story was just a blast, full of action and comedy. Caleb Goellner brings larger than life character to the two most popular TMNT rivals. They embody the old adage “A bull in a China shop” as they tear through Vegas figuratively and literally!
The artwork is vivid and dynamic. The bright lights and neon of Vegas provide a prime-time backdrop for the bumbling adventure. Bebop and Rocksteady are so iconic and dominate the scenery whether in human form or mutant. What really stands out is the panel layouts. The action flows and it feels cinematic in a way!
A Mutant Nation in the Little Town of Northampton?
Northampton Ninja shifts gears from the explosions, racing, and fist fights of Bebop Rockvegas. On the O’Neil farm, little Lita finds herself longing for the streets of NYC. The story follows Lita as she writes a letter to Jennika, exploring her thoughts on “home” and “Family”. Lita wants to be with her aunts and uncles but because of her changing back to human form, it’s safer for her with April’s parents.
It’s a wholesome journey through town and Lita’s philosophy. When she makes friends with a stranger wearing a band t-shirt she’s familiar with, it becomes clear that she has to make the best of a bad situation. This journey through Lita’s perspective is a roller coaster of emotions and provides the reader with a lot of introspective questions.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #8 – In the Mouth of Madness
The artwork for Northampton Ninja is reflective of the setting. Soft lines and colors set the tone for a young girls trip from angry to acceptance. It feels like a kids story, but the subject matter is totally relatable. The art style invites the reader in to comfortable and relax. It’s light-hearted but not without purpose or detail. It’s beautifully done and truly feels inviting.
Overall Grade: 9/10
This is possibly my favorite issue of Mutant Nation so far. Bebop and Rocksteady provide a high octane action adventure that hits on so many fun tropes. They are buffoons and the story is better for it! Lita’s story brings the excitement down and gives us an intriguing look into the mind of a little girl trying to find her place in the world. It’s a smart, feel-good story that really touches on what I love most about TMNT, which is family.
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