|
Some TMNT stuff really isn't for little kids. |
Leatherhead, part 1 is issue #56 of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, published on March 23, 2016 by IDW Publishing.
Solicit[]
The Turtles return to the Technodrome to monitor the revival of the Utroms. They are surprised to meet a new mutant there— Leatherhead! Will the mysterious mutant be friend or foe?
Appearing in Leatherhead, part 1[]
Major Characters[]
- Donatello
- Harold Lilja
- Leatherhead
- Leonardo
- Michelangelo
- Raphael
- Rat King
- Splinter
- Tragg
- Zayton Honeycutt
Minor Characters[]
- Granitor
- Jennika
- Kitsune
- Shirley's Revenge (flashback only)
- Utroms
Synopsis[]
In a cave on the shore of Burnow Island, two figures sit around a campfire and discuss their current chances of survival, which are not looking good at all since the entire island was transformed. And to stay alive, they decide to do something right now... no matter what the cost.
Meanwhile, the Turtles arrive at Harold's lab, where the owner greets them with his usual warmth. Leonardo asks about Harold's results from his study of the phase cloaks they stole from the Street Phantoms; but the inventor has to tell them that a cursory investigation didn't get him very far, since his ex-partner, who cheated on him, was the true technical developer of these cloaks. But the real reason he called the Turtles here is because Professor Honeycutt invited them to Burnow Island because he wanted to show them something. Since the atmosphere above the island is no longer breathable for humans, he equips the mutants with oxygen masks and then sends them through the transmat to the island.
Meanwhile at Foot HQ, Kitsune 's chambers are visited by her brother, the Rat King, who has longed for a little more "stimulating" company after his recent reunion with Aka. This topic brings them up to date on their "game" and the risks they have taken so far in order to achieve their goal. But the Rat King keeps his visit short as he still has a lot to do; however, he promises Kitsune that they will see the rest of their family again soon...
At the same time, Jennika, in turn, has an audience with Splinter. He talks to her about how, since her demotion from the Foot Assassins, she has continued to faithfully and conscientiously carry out her duties to the clan, no matter what. So he sets her a task that requires that kind of conscientiousness and is of the utmost importance: to guard the tomb of her late former master, the Shredder!
Meanwhile, in the Technodrome on Burnow Island, Professor Honeycutt reveals to the Turtles his intention to free the Utroms from their stasis and help them settle on the island. Even if he actually had his reasons for taking revenge on the Utroms, Honeycutt still wants to put his plan into action for the following reasons: First, because it is morally the right thing to do, because not all Utroms are to blame for the deeds of their rulers; and secondly because during his duel with Krang the controls for the life support systems of the stasis pods in which the Utroms rest have been irreparably damaged, and the helpless Utrom will soon die in deep sleep if they are not released. The Turtles reluctantly agree that Honeycutt is doing the right thing, and the Fugitoid reveals that that's not the only reason he called them to Burnow Island. The reason for this presents itself to the Turtles personally in the door to this chamber: a giant, mutated alligator who introduces himself to them as Leatherhead!
Honeycutt introduces Leatherhead to the stunned Turtles as the most important part in restoring Donatello 's broken body. Leatherhead then tells them his own origin story: Centuries before, he was a simple alligator living by his instincts until one day a group of pirates threw some canisters of mutagen into the bay where he was staying; some canisters were leaked in the process, and their contents altered Leatherhead's shape and intelligence. With his newfound knowledge of how valuable this substance could be, he collected the canisters and spent his life as a secret hermit on the island. Eventually, however, when Krang's terraforming project poisoned the island's atmosphere, Leatherhead had no choice but to confide in Honeycutt and Harold, and in exchange for Donatello's healing, begged them to join those like him. .. in NYC!
Of course, the Turtles have some reservations at first, but after Professor Honeycutt convinces them that Leatherhead hasn't shown any malice, they agree to take him to New York to keep him under their watch and so that he is not likely to fall into the wrong hands. With that settled, the Turtles, Honeycutt, and Leatherhead set about waking the Utroms from their stasis sleep - all but one; an Utrom soldier named Ch'rell who wreaked havoc on Dimension X on behalf of his employers. Using the mutagen Leatherhead has stored away, they initiate the process of awakening, and despite the dramatic effects that result, the operation proceeds without complications; however, the Utroms remain dormant for now, allowing their bodies to gradually reacclimate.
In order to check their vital signs, Honeycutt moves the Utroms to a series of specially prepared recovery chambers. After the Turtles and Leatherhead go to sleep, Honeycutt wanders between rooms, overseeing the Utroms' restful sleep. But when he looks into a chamber, he is horrified to find the recovery capsules inside smashed and their patients murdered. Just then, Honeycutt is attacked from behind and before he can do anything he is smashed to pieces by his attacker (whom he recognizes).
Reprint versions[]
- Leatherhead (TPB), October 2016