SHREDDER #7 (IDW Publishing)

Coming off of a great opening story arc, Shredder is back with the next arc in this on-going series from IDW Publishing. Agent Avon seems to have turned on the Shredder after the events of the initial arc. However, Shredder is too busy trying to put together a new clan to regain his power in the criminal underworld to even care.

Shredder #7 - Written By Dan Watters – Art By Sid Kotian - Colors By Marco Lesko - Letters By Darran Robinson - Edited By Jake Thomas -Published By IDW Publishing

Credit: IDW Publishing

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

Agent Avon has returned to the E.P.F after escaping and taking out the Darkwater group with Shredder in the first chapter of this series. As she talks with Director Braunze and describes how she was the only survivor of the Shredder, you realize she is leaving quite a bit out of the story and there may be something more at play. We then catch up with Shredder in Tokyo where he has tracked down an offshoot of the Foot Clan called the Dog Star Clan. Shredder is looking for the leader Yoshi Chen but instead runs into Hoshimi and Akito who are both enforcers for the Clan. Hoshimi gets away, but Akito gets stopped by Shredder and it’s revealed that the Clan is using Biomechanical Engineering. Hoshimi makes it back to who appears to be calling the shots Kenji and lets him know the Ghost known as Shredder is in Japan.

WRITING:

The new arc kicks off with a lot of questions and some even better action. Dan Watters continues the story structure that made the first chapter of this series successful well adding even more to it. This story starts off with some great initial plots including Agent Avon’s motives, a tie-in with the main-line Turtles, and of course most importantly the Shredder going after a sect of the Foot Clan. Watters doesn’t give too much away well also giving enough away that reader never feels lost or confused. The action beats hit their mark while the questions that are raised will pique any reader’s interest. Watters accomplishes all that needs to be accomplished in setting up a first issue of a chapter in this book.

ARTWORK:

The artwork presented in this issue enhances the narrative, supporting the overall story and its dramatic impact. Sid Kotian delivers illustrations that meticulously portray each fight scene, and background thereby building out the world and the conflict in it. Kotian’s character designs are impeccable, especially the Biomechanical “monsters”. Marco Lesko’s deliberate color choices contribute to the overall atmosphere, immersing readers within the story, while Darran Robinson provides lettering that is clear and expressive. The combined efforts of the art team produce a publication that is visually unified and distinguished.

Check Out My Review of Shredder #6

Final Thoughts:

Shredder #7 kicks off this new chapter in the series with excitement and intrigue. The book cuts a great pace and delivers enough intrigue to bring readers back for the issues to come. Shredder has been a great spinoff title in the TMNT Universe, and this issue proves that this new chapter will deliver more of the same. Being the first issue of an arc, this is a perfect time to jump in on this series. I strongly recommend this book and think you should grab a copy at the LCS this week.

FINAL GRADE: 9.3/10

Let me know your thoughts on Shredder #7 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!