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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011) #24.5
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Jennika
The newest member of the TMNT team embarks on her own adventure in this stand-alone tale!
Trying to acclimate to life as a mutant, the newest Turtle, Jennika, will be forced to come to terms with both her troubled past and conflicted present. In search of a dangerous procedure to reverse mutation, will Jennika be tempted by the call of her old life? And how far will she go to save those who gave up on her long ago? Brahm Revel returns from his acclaimed TMNT Universe tale “What is Ninja?” to reveal more of Jennika's backstory!
Trying to acclimate to life as a mutant, the newest Turtle, Jennika, will be forced to come to terms with both her troubled past and conflicted present. In search of a dangerous procedure to reverse mutation, will Jennika be tempted by the call of her old life? And how far will she go to save those who gave up on her long ago? Brahm Revel returns from his acclaimed TMNT Universe tale “What is Ninja?” to reveal more of Jennika's backstory!
120 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 22, 2024
(B+) 78% | Good
Notes: Light fluff like soufflé, it won't blow you away, begins pretty killer, but a repeat and filler, the new stuff is only okay.
Notes: Light fluff like soufflé, it won't blow you away, begins pretty killer, but a repeat and filler, the new stuff is only okay.
March 10, 2024
Oof, this was the worst TMNT book I've read in a while. Starts off with a reprint of Brahm Revel's backup story of Jennika's past from TMNT Universe. It's impossible to follow. There's a voice over from Splinter about the history of ninja while the art flips back and forth between two stories alternating with each panel. One is Jennika spying on the Turtles while she was still part of The Foot Clan. The other is Jennika's past. To keep it straight I had to read it three times, just focusing on one of the stories at a time.
Then we get to the main story. All of the criminals she associated with in her teenage years have been mutated and suck her back in to a stupid search for a cure. I didn't like it at all. Jennika is very weak-willed in the story and doesn't assert herself at all. She deserves better than letting herself get pulled along with two guys that murdered someone and left her to take the fall.
Brahm Revel isn't a good writer and he's not a great artist either. The art is sketchy with little detail especially when it comes to limbs. His coloring is very bland and one-note as well. The best part about this were the little slice of life backup stories by Ronda Pattinson and Jodi Nishijima.
Then we get to the main story. All of the criminals she associated with in her teenage years have been mutated and suck her back in to a stupid search for a cure. I didn't like it at all. Jennika is very weak-willed in the story and doesn't assert herself at all. She deserves better than letting herself get pulled along with two guys that murdered someone and left her to take the fall.
Brahm Revel isn't a good writer and he's not a great artist either. The art is sketchy with little detail especially when it comes to limbs. His coloring is very bland and one-note as well. The best part about this were the little slice of life backup stories by Ronda Pattinson and Jodi Nishijima.
November 14, 2020
Jennika strikes out on her own as a potential cure for her mutant transformation comes to light, but with all of Mutant Town chasing after it, is it too good to be true?
Brahm Revel takes creative control of Jennika, the newest Turtle, and throws her head first into a conspiracy story set against the backdrop of the newly transformed Mutant Town. It's not a bad setting, but it's secondary to the flashback stuff that fleshes out Jennika's life. We get to know a bit more about her before she joined the Foot Clan, and how her past experiences shape how she feels about being a turtle now, which is a good narrative move but it does mean that the A plot becomes the B plot, and loses a bit of momentum. The ultimate reveal as to the truth of the cure also lacks punch, since it's clear from the get-go that someone's lying, and it's just a matter of who.
Actually better than the main story are the back-up stories in each issue, which are more slice of life stuff that give us glimpses into Jennika's new life when she's not fighting mutants. These types of stories can be a little repetitive, but here they're short and sweet enough that they cleanse the palette nicely between the heavier main story issues.
Revel's art isn't my favourite - he draws a lot of limbs as just squiggles of colour, and Jennika's head is far too big for her little turtle body. Look at Sophie Campbell's interpretations of the Turtles in the main book for how they should look, dude; they're giant turtles, they should have some weight behind them.
Jennika's first solo outing isn't perfect, but it's decent enough. The flashbacks and side-stories far outweigh the main plot in terms of importance and enjoyability, while the artwork is more miss than hit, but if you want more of this new character, there are worse places to look.
Brahm Revel takes creative control of Jennika, the newest Turtle, and throws her head first into a conspiracy story set against the backdrop of the newly transformed Mutant Town. It's not a bad setting, but it's secondary to the flashback stuff that fleshes out Jennika's life. We get to know a bit more about her before she joined the Foot Clan, and how her past experiences shape how she feels about being a turtle now, which is a good narrative move but it does mean that the A plot becomes the B plot, and loses a bit of momentum. The ultimate reveal as to the truth of the cure also lacks punch, since it's clear from the get-go that someone's lying, and it's just a matter of who.
Actually better than the main story are the back-up stories in each issue, which are more slice of life stuff that give us glimpses into Jennika's new life when she's not fighting mutants. These types of stories can be a little repetitive, but here they're short and sweet enough that they cleanse the palette nicely between the heavier main story issues.
Revel's art isn't my favourite - he draws a lot of limbs as just squiggles of colour, and Jennika's head is far too big for her little turtle body. Look at Sophie Campbell's interpretations of the Turtles in the main book for how they should look, dude; they're giant turtles, they should have some weight behind them.
Jennika's first solo outing isn't perfect, but it's decent enough. The flashbacks and side-stories far outweigh the main plot in terms of importance and enjoyability, while the artwork is more miss than hit, but if you want more of this new character, there are worse places to look.
January 10, 2025
3.6 ⭐️ Decent introduction but wanted more intrigue.
Absolutely love a woman turtle being introduced, especially a sapphic one. Saying this, the volume did feel a tad lacklustre.
The pacing was pretty hectic but it was nice seeing more of Jennika’s origin story. However it felt reminiscent of past issues and didn’t exactly feel fresh or gripping.
I enjoyed the read, but definitely wanted a little more from it plot wise.
Rep// MC is sapphic, bi/pan (in this issue there is a WLM romance, but other volumes feature Jennika in a WLW romance.)
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// blood, needles, police, medical setting, guns, drugs, mutants treated poorly by humans.
Absolutely love a woman turtle being introduced, especially a sapphic one. Saying this, the volume did feel a tad lacklustre.
The pacing was pretty hectic but it was nice seeing more of Jennika’s origin story. However it felt reminiscent of past issues and didn’t exactly feel fresh or gripping.
I enjoyed the read, but definitely wanted a little more from it plot wise.
Rep// MC is sapphic, bi/pan (in this issue there is a WLM romance, but other volumes feature Jennika in a WLW romance.)
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// blood, needles, police, medical setting, guns, drugs, mutants treated poorly by humans.
April 15, 2024
The artwork in this wasn't good. :/
The story was interesting enough but Jennika alone without the Turtles is just meh to me. I liked getting a deeper look at her and her backstory though. This did well to establish her as a unique member in the story with her own struggles. It was also helpful building the world and expanding to other factions in the Mutant Town.
The story was interesting enough but Jennika alone without the Turtles is just meh to me. I liked getting a deeper look at her and her backstory though. This did well to establish her as a unique member in the story with her own struggles. It was also helpful building the world and expanding to other factions in the Mutant Town.
July 19, 2021
Jennika, the 5th Ninja Turtle, came by her mutation through a life saving blood transfusion from Leonardo rather than the regular contamination with mutagen. Joining the turtles, and donning a yellow bandana she must now acclimate to life as a mutant, as well as her own troubled past.
This volume is made up of 2 main stories and 3 short ones. We get an insight into Jennika's life before she mutated, as well as some of her exploits afterwards with a collection of guest stars (although interestingly only brief interactions with the main four turtles). The most interesting story is 'The Cure for You', which takes place after the mutagen bomb event, so Jennika can interact with a small city of fellow new mutates that are equally struggling to deal with their new reality. The crux of the story is of course a possible 'cure' for her condition, as well as running into a number of figures (who are also now mutants) from her past. Several themes are explored here, to see how Jennika has changed (inside and out), feelings of abandonment and learning from her mistakes. Brahm Revel's artwork is slightly cartoony but services the story well.
The other main story 'What is Ninja' is a little drawn out serves to review Jennika's backstory, also by Revel, but has a much grittier feel to it than his other story featured here.
The remaining 3 shorts are just filler really, with a 'What if' story that follows some gentle musing of Jennika, if she grew up with the other turtles instead of joining them in adulthood, a throw away fluff story 'Wreckreation' that follows a 'girls night' with some of her fellow female mutates, and 'Time and Again' where Jennika compares her escape from prison to now. A selection of varied cover art is also included.
While the main story is engaging enough the rest of the book is mediocre, but we do get to understand more of Jennika's backstory, her motivations and her state of mind, away from the shadow of the main TMNT.
This volume is made up of 2 main stories and 3 short ones. We get an insight into Jennika's life before she mutated, as well as some of her exploits afterwards with a collection of guest stars (although interestingly only brief interactions with the main four turtles). The most interesting story is 'The Cure for You', which takes place after the mutagen bomb event, so Jennika can interact with a small city of fellow new mutates that are equally struggling to deal with their new reality. The crux of the story is of course a possible 'cure' for her condition, as well as running into a number of figures (who are also now mutants) from her past. Several themes are explored here, to see how Jennika has changed (inside and out), feelings of abandonment and learning from her mistakes. Brahm Revel's artwork is slightly cartoony but services the story well.
The other main story 'What is Ninja' is a little drawn out serves to review Jennika's backstory, also by Revel, but has a much grittier feel to it than his other story featured here.
The remaining 3 shorts are just filler really, with a 'What if' story that follows some gentle musing of Jennika, if she grew up with the other turtles instead of joining them in adulthood, a throw away fluff story 'Wreckreation' that follows a 'girls night' with some of her fellow female mutates, and 'Time and Again' where Jennika compares her escape from prison to now. A selection of varied cover art is also included.
While the main story is engaging enough the rest of the book is mediocre, but we do get to understand more of Jennika's backstory, her motivations and her state of mind, away from the shadow of the main TMNT.
November 10, 2021
The Short Answer
A nice addition to Jennika's backstory and lore, but nothing that will blow you away. The art is excellent as always, and the stories are reasonably interesting, but they are for the most part predictable. Definitely worth reading, but won't be a classic.
The Long Answer
I loved the start to Sophie Campbell's TMNT run, and I really liked the introduction of Jennika to the turtles lineup, so I was quite hopeful for this. And while I wasn't disappointed I also wasn't blown away.
The first main story delves into a lot of Jennika's back story as told through flashbacks while she is in the middle of a mission. It's an interesting way to tell the story, but it does rob it of some of it's emotional power. I kind of wish we had just done a couple tales from her backstory where we spent more time with the individual characters and learning about their relationships. Less backstory with more depth would have been more interesting.
The second story sees her reconnect with a person from her past. This one works a bit better because you really start to see the characters as being real, but would have been stronger if we'd already made attachments to them in the previous story. Still, it's fun and well written enough to help flesh Jennika out.
The final collection of stories is the strongest because it just lets Jennika be her new self around town. The focus on character and the small moments in life that really matter helps ground these stories and make them the unexpected highlight of the book.
So overall it was satisfying, but nothing special. I'll probably re-read it when it's collected in one of IDW's Ultimate Collection books, but otherwise that will probably be the only time I return to it.
A nice addition to Jennika's backstory and lore, but nothing that will blow you away. The art is excellent as always, and the stories are reasonably interesting, but they are for the most part predictable. Definitely worth reading, but won't be a classic.
The Long Answer
I loved the start to Sophie Campbell's TMNT run, and I really liked the introduction of Jennika to the turtles lineup, so I was quite hopeful for this. And while I wasn't disappointed I also wasn't blown away.
The first main story delves into a lot of Jennika's back story as told through flashbacks while she is in the middle of a mission. It's an interesting way to tell the story, but it does rob it of some of it's emotional power. I kind of wish we had just done a couple tales from her backstory where we spent more time with the individual characters and learning about their relationships. Less backstory with more depth would have been more interesting.
The second story sees her reconnect with a person from her past. This one works a bit better because you really start to see the characters as being real, but would have been stronger if we'd already made attachments to them in the previous story. Still, it's fun and well written enough to help flesh Jennika out.
The final collection of stories is the strongest because it just lets Jennika be her new self around town. The focus on character and the small moments in life that really matter helps ground these stories and make them the unexpected highlight of the book.
So overall it was satisfying, but nothing special. I'll probably re-read it when it's collected in one of IDW's Ultimate Collection books, but otherwise that will probably be the only time I return to it.
August 8, 2021
Jennika recovered from a life of crime to train under Splinter, when he was the head of the Foot Clan. After mutation, she joined the turtles, donning a yellow mask and adopting hand claws as her primary weapon.
In the style of many of the TMNT comics I’ve read, there are different issues/chapters in this collection, all of them with a different style of animation. By far I prefer the second storyline, which is also the most complete and exciting story. Jennika must confront her past, and has an adventure while protecting other mutants within a sort of safe zone within NYC, where the mutants are confined to live. I didn’t like the other animation styles nearly as much, if it was all in that style and continued that storyline it’d be 5 stars for sure. Still very good though.
This is a great introduction to the character. I’d never heard of Jennika before. One of the most interesting things in this volume is a chapter that is only a timeline (near the end) of Jennika’s development as a character, including notes of all the TMNT issues that contain the stories referenced.
It made me want to read more of this character. I’d definitely recommend it.
In the style of many of the TMNT comics I’ve read, there are different issues/chapters in this collection, all of them with a different style of animation. By far I prefer the second storyline, which is also the most complete and exciting story. Jennika must confront her past, and has an adventure while protecting other mutants within a sort of safe zone within NYC, where the mutants are confined to live. I didn’t like the other animation styles nearly as much, if it was all in that style and continued that storyline it’d be 5 stars for sure. Still very good though.
This is a great introduction to the character. I’d never heard of Jennika before. One of the most interesting things in this volume is a chapter that is only a timeline (near the end) of Jennika’s development as a character, including notes of all the TMNT issues that contain the stories referenced.
It made me want to read more of this character. I’d definitely recommend it.
August 26, 2020
I have not read any TMNT comics and this was definitely not the one to start with. The story and artwork is good, but I felt like I was thrown completely into the middle of a story. Where are the other turtles? Apparently someone has mutated part of the city, and now everyone wants a cure and will do anything for it. #TeenageMutantNinjaTurtlesJennika #NetGalley
August 25, 2022
A new member of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that is a female with the claw blades of Shredder? Yes please!! I loved learning about Jennica's past, but I am now realizing that there is so much more to learn about her. I think that she is mentioned in some of the past issues. I might have to check those out too.
November 29, 2020
Dado que la mitad de este tomo es repetido de otro, baja la nota. La historia corta y sus tie-ins son de agradable y ágil lectura que ayudan a introducir a la quinta tortuga y dar cuenta, que se puede desenvolver sola. Veremos cómo anda su segunda historia en desarrollo.
November 9, 2021
Started with this book not knowing I needed to read other books to get parts of the story. Liked the art and the character but the dialogue was rambling. I really wanted to like this but just not quite there
October 21, 2020
I couldn’t really get into this book. The art was great, but the use of panels and skipping between characters and times was confusing.
February 21, 2021
a solid 3.5 take in the realm of TMNT :)
October 9, 2021
It was interesting to meet someone from Jennika's past. The very last part, the What If, was very intriguing to think about.
July 4, 2023
I really want to like Jennika. And she does add some diversity to Clan Hamato. I found it a little boring.
November 21, 2025
this was kind of meh story with bad art
2.75 stars
2.75 stars
January 8, 2023
I've been a fan of IDW's take on the Ninja Turtles for a while, but haven't caught up with the most recent issues yet. When I heard IDW was introducing a female Turtle, I - like many longtime fans - immediately worried we'd get a reprise of Venus (If you don't know who that is, don't Google her). Fortunately, the writers and artists handle Jennika with the care and attention to character that I've come to expect from IDW.
The "Jennika" volume collects several comics about Jennika from a variety of different points in her life. It's not a single chronological story, but rather a collection of short stories. The first story is very abstract and, frankly, a bit confusing because the narration didn't always line up with the artwork. Brahm Revel's artwork is beautifully stylized, but doesn't always convey action well. You can piece together the story, but it takes a bit of work. Fortunately, one of the later arcs in the volume helps clarify the meaning of the flashback scenes. I still think it was an odd choice for the first arc in the volume, so don't be put off if you find yourself initially confused.
The later arcs are more straightforward and contain some of the great character work I've come to appreciate from IDW's TMNT. The primary story arc focuses on a heist that involves characters from Jennika's past. Some of the other stories are a bit more lighthearted, including a "What If..." series speculating on how Jennika's life might have changed if she grew up with the original four turtles.
I recommend this "Jennika" volume for TMNT fans. That said, it takes place pretty far into IDW's TMNT run, so I don't recommend it for readers who haven't been reading at least the main line. It contains references to events from other TMNT arcs.
The "Jennika" volume collects several comics about Jennika from a variety of different points in her life. It's not a single chronological story, but rather a collection of short stories. The first story is very abstract and, frankly, a bit confusing because the narration didn't always line up with the artwork. Brahm Revel's artwork is beautifully stylized, but doesn't always convey action well. You can piece together the story, but it takes a bit of work. Fortunately, one of the later arcs in the volume helps clarify the meaning of the flashback scenes. I still think it was an odd choice for the first arc in the volume, so don't be put off if you find yourself initially confused.
The later arcs are more straightforward and contain some of the great character work I've come to appreciate from IDW's TMNT. The primary story arc focuses on a heist that involves characters from Jennika's past. Some of the other stories are a bit more lighthearted, including a "What If..." series speculating on how Jennika's life might have changed if she grew up with the original four turtles.
I recommend this "Jennika" volume for TMNT fans. That said, it takes place pretty far into IDW's TMNT run, so I don't recommend it for readers who haven't been reading at least the main line. It contains references to events from other TMNT arcs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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