Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe #5 (2016) – Comic Breakdown & Review
đ️ Genre
Action • Superhero • Sci-Fi • Urban Fantasy
𩾠Main Characters
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Old Hob – The militant mutant cat and leader of the Mutanimals, driven by a controversial vision for mutantkind.
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Leatherhead – A powerful, intelligent mutant alligator with a tragic past and a short temper.
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Slash – A key member of the Mutanimals, known for his brute strength and loyalty.
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The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Though not central in this issue, their presence looms in the backdrop of the larger narrative.
✍️ Writer
Ryan Ferrier brings a sharp and emotionally complex script, digging deep into themes of power, control, and mistrust among mutants.
đš Artist
Adam Gorham illustrates the issue with raw intensity, capturing the grittiness of the characters and the chaos of mutant conflict.
đ§đŒ Editor
Bobby Curnow, known for his stewardship of TMNT comics at IDW, maintains narrative consistency while encouraging character evolution.
đą Publisher and Brand
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Brand: IDW's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe – a companion series to the main TMNT line, focusing on side characters and lore expansion.
đ Release Year
2016
đ Brief Plot Summary
In TMNT Universe #5, Old Hob sets out to enlist Leatherhead into the Mutanimals — his ever-growing militant faction of mutants. However, Leatherhead, having survived a tortured past in Dimension X, isn't eager to follow anyone's lead. What begins as a philosophical disagreement quickly spirals into an explosive confrontation đđ„. Old Hob's attempt to recruit the gator ends in violence, underscoring the rift between different visions for mutantkind’s future.
đ Notable Arcs or Storylines
This issue forms part of a continuing arc in the TMNT Universe anthology that explores the deeper, often darker, lives of supporting characters. The clash between Old Hob and Leatherhead foreshadows future ideological splits within the mutant community — something that echoes through upcoming conflicts in the Mutanimals' storyline.
đź Fan Theories or Interpretations
Fans speculate that Leatherhead’s rejection of Old Hob isn't just about freedom — it may reflect long-term trauma from his time in Dimension X. Some readers theorize that Leatherhead could eventually become a wildcard ally to the Turtles, potentially even standing against both Hob and Splinter’s factions. Others believe Hob's methods are a setup for a future villain turn, positioning him as a mutant supremacist.
đ Review Summary
TMNT Universe #5 delivers a gritty and emotionally charged chapter that dives deep into character psychology. Ryan Ferrier crafts a taut narrative around conflicting ideologies, while Adam Gorham’s artwork heightens the tension with sharp lines and expressive panels. Leatherhead’s depiction is particularly compelling — a creature torn between savagery and intellect. The issue is a testament to IDW's commitment to fleshing out the rich world beyond the Turtles themselves. A must-read for fans of morally grey storytelling in the TMNT universe. đąđ„đ
Stay tuned, shellheads — this universe has teeth! đ✨
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
