SHREDDER #4 (IDW Publishing)

Shredder continues his journey to find and put an end to the Mourner. His journey takes him to a temple at the top of a snow-covered mountain, where the Mystics of the Foot Clan protect a valuable relic. Will the Shredder reclaim his relic or is he too late?

Shredder #4 - Written By Dan Watters – Layout Art By Michele Bandini – Finishing Michele Bandini & Scott Hanna - Colors By Marco Lesko - Letters By Darran Robinson - Edited By Andy Khouri & Jake Thomas - Published By IDW Publishing

Credit: IDW Publishing

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

Shredder hikes up a mountain in a blizzard with Agent Avon barely in tow. Just when the Agent is about to give up and challenges Shredder to kill her, they arrive at their destination. It is a Foot Clan Temple and as they enter they see the signs of carnage. Only one Foot Clan Mystic remains and his name is Myzoko, he has a large hole in his chest. He goes on to explain that the Mourner and her minions showed up and demanded the Heart of Tengu. This powerful relic is what gives the Foot their mystic powers including immortality. Unfortunately for Myzoko the other Mystics turned on him and joined the Mourner, revealing that the relic was in his chest. Now armed with the powerful relic, the Mourner is that much more dangerous.

WRITING:

This issue continues to bring not only the action, but an ever more interesting plot that continues to unfold before us. Dan Watters does an excellent job of unveiling Shredder’s motives and history. Every issue gives the reader a little more, and the more we find out the more intriguing Shredder becomes. Watters also does an excellent job of building up Agent Avon, who is becoming a more important character in each issue. To top it all off, keeping the Mourner and her true motivations a mystery really builds intrigue and suspense as the story moves forward.

ARTWORK:

The artistic contributions in this issue work in perfect harmony with the narrative, effectively amplifying the story’s intensity and emotional weight. Michele Bandini brings the action to life with skillful illustrations, capturing the energy and motion of each fight sequence. The depiction of violence is both impactful and nuanced, serving to deepen the reader’s connection to the unfolding events. Every clash and its aftermath are rendered with a level of expertise that highlights the stakes of the story and the characters’ struggles.

Marco Lesko elevates the visual experience further through thoughtful and deliberate color choices. The palette used throughout the issue accentuates the mood of each scene, from the chilling cold of the mountain temple to the raw energy of the battles, drawing the reader deeper into Shredder’s world.

Darran Robinson demonstrates impressive proficiency in lettering, ensuring that dialogue and sound effects are seamlessly integrated into the artwork. The clarity and style of the lettering enhance readability while also contributing to the overall atmosphere.

The seamless collaboration among the entire art team is evident in the polished quality of the final product. Each member’s distinctive strengths come together to create an immersive and visually compelling issue that stands out within the series.

Check Out My Review of TMNT: Battle Nexus #1

Final Thoughts:

Shredder #4 is yet another strong installment in this series and continues to keep readers intrigued and wanting more. The closer we get to learning the Mourners’ true plans, the more suspense the story builds. This is one of the best TMNT spinoff books in publication currently. If you are looking for a good anti-hero story that has plenty of action, this series is for you.

FINAL GRADE: 9.5/10

Let me know your thoughts on Shredder #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!