TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #13 (IDW Publishing)
The NEW era of TMNT is upon us and it is glorious! As great as the Jason Aaron run was, Gene Luen Yang kicks off this new era in a huge way. The Turtles are still processing the events of the last year, when a new and mysterious problem arrives in the city.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13 - Written By Gene Luen Yang – Art By Freddie Williams II - Colors By Andrew Dalhouse - Letters By Shawn Lee - Edited By Jake Thomas - Published By IDW Publishing
Credit: IDW Publishing
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
STORY OVERVIEW:
Madame Xiang, a ruthless crime boss, is murdered in what appears to be a criminal meeting that has gone wrong. The murderer is a new mysterious and ruthless figure who goes by the name Ujigami. The boss’ death has now led to a power struggle within her gang The Ghost Boys Triad, which our heroes in a half shell now have to stop. Once they put out the fight on the Manhattan Bridge, they go with April O’Neil to try and figure out what’s exactly going on. This leads them to Mayor Baxter Stockman’s penthouse, but they are not the only ones that arrive. Meanwhile, Splinter who appears to have returned from the dead is trying to figure out who he is, which will lead him in some surprising directions.
WRITING:
This first issue in the new era of TMNT really delivers on all facets. Gene Luen Yang masterfully continues the story from the previous era, while adding some new and key elements of the story going forward. The action in this issue is top tier, but better than that is the story that unveils. Yang not only creates a new character, but he also builds mystery and intrigue with the character and the world. Just to then pull the rug out from underneath the reader with a huge final page reveal. Issue 12 ended with the revelation that Splinter is alive, and one would think you couldn’t top that. However, the reveal at the end of this issue matches that shock value for sure.
ARTWORK:
The art in this issue is fantastic and really sets apart the new era of the creative team. Freddie Williams II really makes this series his own with his art. The art is different from his predecessors, but still with the familiarity of the art we have grown to love. The character designs are really good, especially the new character Ujigami. Andrew Dalhouse does an amazing job with the colors, which really makes the art pop.
Final Thoughts:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13 really kicks off the new creative era with a bang. The creative team really hit a homerun with this initial issue. Continuing the amazing story that we have been following, while at the same time adding some awesome elements that will surely drive the story forward. The TMNT Universe is in amazing hands and if this first issue is any indication we are in for one heck of a ride. This book is my Pick of the Week, and this is a must have issue for every comic fan and collector.
FINAL GRADE: 10/10
Let me know your thoughts on TMNT #13 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
