4 out of 5

Where’s the switch been quality Waltz and schmaltz Waltz?  What type of story triggers the former over the latter?  Because these two issues – focusing on an undercover op to spy on The Pantheon, following up on their TMNTU appearance – are the former, in which dialogue clutter is kept to a minimum, the plot actually moves along logically (no faked forced conflict), and the jokes land.  These types of issues have been a rarity in a sea of mostly overblown arcs.  Is it the short length, precluding Waltz waxing on via villain motivations or brotherly conflict?  Or is it something more indirect, like the art?

Because I couldn’t help but notice how well Dave Wachter hits the story’s comedic beats, and how that’s in contrast to frequent TMMT artist Santolouco, whose timing always feels a little off.  Wachter has quickly become a very welcome hand on the title, bringing a nice weight to the characters without sacrificing a sense of motion.  And as he’s gotten more comfortable with the character models, he’s found a look that’s more definably ‘his,’ and also (seemingly) able to find more for his backgrounds and detail dressing.  These two issues, besides being a fun read, are a joy to look at.  The Pantheon, amidst a series of a billion mutants, were interesting, and emanated unique, identifiable personalities.

So maybe Waltz scripts loose and Wachter is well suited to adapting his style.  Or maybe there’s no secret beyond planetary alignment and conspiratorial plots to keep my on my toes regarding TMNT comic quality.  The Baxter aspect felt incredibly superfluous and there was a sort of Wait, Why Are We Doing This? Rushed urgency to things, but I can live with all that.  More comics like this, please.