Bodycount #1–4 – Comic Book Overview
Genre
Action, Crime, Neo-Noir, Ultra-Violent Thriller
Bodycount is a hard-hitting, adrenaline-fueled comic
rooted in gritty action and excessive violence, channeling the over-the-top
stylings of ‘90s antihero narratives. It blends the grim tone of noir
storytelling with high-octane chaos and mature themes.
Main Characters
- Casey
Jones – A volatile, hockey-mask-wearing vigilante from the Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles universe. Known for his unorthodox crime-fighting
tactics and love for confrontation, Casey is front and center in this
violent saga.
- Raphael
– The rebellious and temperamental Ninja Turtle, Raphael teams up with
Casey in this high-stakes, blood-soaked chase. His gritty personality fits
perfectly in the story's dark and brutal tone.
- Midori
– A mysterious woman on the run, whose past with a powerful crime
syndicate drags both Casey and Raphael into a spiral of conflict,
betrayal, and relentless pursuit.
- Johnny
Woo Woo – A psychotic and nearly unstoppable cybernetic hitman
employed by the mob. He’s a major antagonist whose madness and bloodlust
drive much of the action.
Writer
Kevin Eastman – Co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles, Eastman brings his signature raw energy and punk edge to Bodycount,
creating a visceral, high-impact narrative laced with dark humor and anarchic
spirit.
Artist
Simon Bisley – Famous for his work on Lobo and
Sláine, Bisley infuses the comic with his unmistakable style: explosive,
exaggerated anatomy, frenzied line work, and vivid, chaotic compositions that
amplify the book’s unrelenting violence.
Editor Details
While specific editorial credits for this mini-series are
minimal, the editorial direction appears to have leaned heavily into giving
Eastman and Bisley creative freedom, allowing for an uncompromising artistic
vision.
Publisher and Brand
Published by Heavy Metal Magazine
Originally serialized and later collected by Heavy Metal, a brand known
for embracing experimental, graphic, and genre-bending comics. The
publication’s legacy of pushing boundaries aligns perfectly with Bodycount’s
aesthetic.
Release Year
1996
Brief Plot Summary
Set in a world where justice is raw and life is cheap, Bodycount
begins when Midori, a former associate of a powerful Yakuza crime boss, steals
incriminating evidence and goes on the run. Casey Jones stumbles into her
escape and, along with Raphael, decides to protect her. Their journey becomes a
relentless cross-country chase punctuated by hyper-violence, gore, and a
barrage of ambushes orchestrated by the mob, led by the unhinged cyborg
assassin Johnny Woo Woo. The narrative doesn't pull punches, unfolding as a
violent road trip where morals blur and survival means embracing chaos.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
- The
Blood Highway Chase – The central storyline where the trio must evade
increasingly deranged killers while uncovering more about Midori’s ties to
the mob.
- Johnny
Woo Woo’s Rampage – A mini-arc within the series showcasing the
antagonist's grotesque methods and cyborg augmentation, making him one of
the most memorable villains in TMNT-related lore.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Some fans view Bodycount as a metaphorical
exploration of unchecked masculinity and rage, embodied through Casey and
Raphael’s hyper-violent camaraderie. Others interpret Johnny Woo Woo as a
twisted mirror of Casey, reflecting what the vigilante could become if he
completely surrendered to bloodlust. There’s also speculation that the book
represents Eastman’s frustration with the sanitized TMNT adaptations, offering
a brutally honest take on the darker side of its characters.
Review Summary
Bodycount is an unapologetically raw comic that leans into excess. The story is fast-paced, prioritizing stylized violence over intricate plotting, but its chaotic rhythm is addictive. Kevin Eastman's dialogue is punchy and darkly comedic, while Simon Bisley's artwork is a full-blown assault on the senses—violent, bold, and intentionally grotesque. Character depth takes a backseat to spectacle, but Casey and Raphael’s dynamic remains a highlight. It’s not for everyone, but fans of underground comics and unfiltered action will find Bodycount a wild ride worth taking.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
