5 out of 5

Well, ‘Amazing Adventures’ still hasn’t really capitalized on its “ongoing” format potential, but whatever the reboot rejiggered, it’s working more often than it’s not, with less mug-at-the-reader style dumb humor, better quality back-ups, and – of course – the amazing Chad Thomas as the regular artist.  (Insert my prattle against Dizzy Brizzy here.)

These two issues were especially amazing, though: the main story was wonderfully composed and paced, and the one-shot contributions were unique and entertaining.  Up front we have ‘job security,’ in which Shredder threatens Rahzar, Fishface, Bebop and Rocksteady with some vaguely terminal version of being fired for their general incompetence in nabbing the Turtles.  So, in true villain form, the expected duos (B and R vs. R and F) pair off, each planning to purposefully one-up the other two by capturing our boys.  You know things go wrong and you know, mostly, how they will, but Brill pulls it off with some legitimately funny moments, fitting – and not overly badguy stupid – dialogue, and even some minor twists and turns.  And Chad Thomas.  So: aces.

Issue 7’s ‘You Win Some, You Shoe Some’ has Donnie inventing hi-tech but fashionable new kicks for the usually barefoot team when some antics trigger Casey to shoe up with a new pair of his own.  The happenstance is more organic than it sounds, and the way the shoes come into play during a Purple Dragons tussle – as a shoe fan – rang pretty amusingly accurate.  A good light-hearted strip that avoids the usual gag format.

Issue 8’s ‘Cowa-Booyakasha’ is one of those bits that’s told with only minimal dialogue – this time Mondo Gecko and Michelangelo bickering over the ultimate celebratory term.  The art is pretty fantastic, still within the expressive range of the Animated books but the painted-looking colors giving it an extra kick, and the way Mondo and Mikey eventually agree to disagree is expected, but again, well-executed and fun.

No slouches in these issues; an enjoyable read through and through.