Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Nation #3 review (2025)

In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Nation #3, the series dives deeper into the high-stakes infiltration of Area 51. Writer Tom Waltz and the talented art team including Vincenzo Federici, Jose Jaro, and Mateus Santolouco deliver a visually striking and action-packed issue that sets the stage for the arc’s conclusion. With a main story focusing on Raphael and Metalhead’s parallel missions and a compelling backup tale of tension between Casey Jones and Karai, this issue offers a mix of adrenaline-fueled moments and thought-provoking character work. But does it push the narrative far enough? Let’s break it down.

The Story

We begin where we left off in issue #2, as Raphael is infiltrating a secret lab in Area 51. We get a nice recap through Raph’s internal monologue to get us caught up. The situation is there are four mutanimals being kept in cages by some kind of four-legged cyborg named Dr. Yuhasz. Raph springs into action, but this doctor is more formidable than expected. Meanwhile, Metalhead with the kidnapped Pepperoni is trying to steal unspecified information from some data servers in the basement of Area 51. Both of our protagonists end up in sticky situations, and we’re left to find out how they escape in the finale of the arc next issue. Writer Tom Waltz once again does a great job presenting the inner monologue of Raphael. He acts exactly how the cocky teenager would act when separated from his more cool-headed brothers. He rushes into situations when stealth probably would have been a wiser strategy. It would have been nice to get a little more information on why the mutanimals were captured, or what information Metalhead is trying to get. I can’t hep but feel we’re more or less in the same place as last issue and the plot hasn’t really progressed much in the 20 pages of story.

In the backup, Casey Jones and Karai finally have the confrontation that’s been building up for the past two issues. Jones refuses to follow the orders of Karai that he knows to be irrational and dishonorable. Unfortunately for him, the spirit residing in Karai doesn’t tolerate any dissension among the ranks. Writer Erik Burnham presents the strained relationship between Casey and Karai very well. Casey is confused and troubled by Karai’s actions, and isn’t sure what his place in the Foot Clan is if he can’t do what Karai brought him in to do. Casey sticks to his principles though and won’t be another sycophant in the ranks of the Foot.

The Art

Veteran Turtles artist Vincenzo Federici has done it again with this issue, providing well-choreographed action sequences as well as lots of expressive faces. Whether it’s Raphael fighting Dr. Yuhasz or Metalhead fighting off an army of auto defense bots, it’s a feast for the eyes. There’s an especially impressive double page spread of Metalhead showing off his full power. A few of the pages focus on the security team in their command center, responding to the infiltrators. This is where we get lots of expressive faces, especially from Director Braun – a stereotypical gruff, no-nonsense military type that’s always shouting orders and looks like the veins in his neck are about to explode. One of these panels also has what looks like a canister of mutagen in some kind of machinery…perhaps a hint to the purpose of this secret base. Pages 16-20 are drawn by a different artist, Jose Jaro. Jaro does an excellent job of matching the style of Federici and it’s barely noticeable that the artist changes. He renders a positively adorable Pepperoni, even though she may be in mortal danger.

Colorist Ronda Pattison keeps the colors dark and muted, just like you’d expect in a clandestine military base, but also knows when to add in pops of color during action sequences to really drawn your attention. The skilled coloring on the smoke, fire, and lasers throughout the issue showcases why Pattison has been coloring TMNT books for over a decade.

Artist Mateus Santolouco’s beautifully rendered art for the backup story is perhaps the highlight of the issue. He cleverly depicts the demon within Karai in a mirror before the demon is unleashed on Casey Jones in all his fiery glory. His more realistic, gritty style is perfect for the more serious themes of torture and honor. Colorist Marco Lesko has his work cut out for him with lots of electric shocks and bursts of flame. The pink he uses for the spiritual representation of the demon is a nice contrast to the blues and reds used throughout the story.

Final Thoughts

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Nation #3 is a visually stunning issue that maintains the high bar set by its predecessors, but stumbles slightly in advancing the overarching narrative. Tom Waltz’s sharp characterization of Raphael shines through, and the action-packed sequences drawn by Vincenzo Federici and Jose Jaro make for an exhilarating ride. While the lack of plot progression in the main story is a bit disappointing, the backup story by Erik Burnham and Mateus Santolouco adds depth and emotional weight, delivering a standout moment between Casey Jones and Karai. Overall, this issue offers plenty for fans to enjoy, even if it leaves us wishing for more momentum heading into the arc’s finale.