TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #15 (IDW Publishing)

The true mission and identity of the Ujigami is revealed to the Turtles. How will this revelation sit with our heroes? More importantly, what will the Turtles decide to do when they realize that doing the right thing costs them their father? This issue brings a crossroad for our Heroes in a Half Shell for sure.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #15 - 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:

As the Turtles celebrate the return of their beloved father Splinter at a pizza shop, they are attacked by the Shinigami. The Turtles are no match for her sorcery, as she even turns Donatello & Michelangelo into her own soldiers. She slices into Splinter and after getting his blood on her blades disappears. This releases Donnie & Mikey from her grasp, but with more questions than answers.

After returning home the Turtles discuss what happened and ponder on if their father is Ujigami. They get their answer when Splinter reveals that he is indeed the Ujigami and he came back from the Land of the Dead to protect them, after seeing their fates well looking over the Tree of Fates. This is why he has been killing their enemies, as those enemies would be the ones to kill them in the future. Pruning those leaves changes their fate but is this a great thing? As now, new fates with consequences have been written.

WRITING:

This issue delivers the action, drama, and suspense that we have become accustomed to in this series. Gene Luen Yang really tugs at the heart strings as the Turtles realize that their father is this force they have been fighting against. Yang shows each Turtles emotions and shows how they feel keeping to each of their personalities. Yang also presents some interesting questions to the reader as well. Do the ends justify the means? Are Splinter’s reasons for his actions justified or has he become what he taught his sons to fight against? These questions will surely push the drama going forward.

The fight with and reveal of the powers of the Shinigami add some threats to the Turtles going forward. Even scarier than that is her reasoning to collect Splinter’s blood. This will really impact the long-term story of this arc. Couple that with yet another crazy cliffhanger final page, and this series is continuing to heat up even more.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this issue is truly impressive, vividly bringing the world to life. Freddie Williams II excels at drawing readers into the universe of TMNT. The fight scenes are grand and powerful, while the dramatic moments genuinely resonate. Williams' meticulous attention to detail stands out in his character designs, which feel familiar yet highlight each character’s unique traits.

Andrew Dalhouse maintains the classic aesthetic with thoughtful color choices and application techniques. His color palette not only emphasizes each character's individuality but also enhances the amazing artwork. Meanwhile, Shawn Lee adds depth and emotion through his expressive lettering. Together, the art team works seamlessly, much like the Turtles themselves, to deliver an outstanding visual experience.

check out my review of teenage mutant ninja turtles #14

Final Thoughts:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #15 is another great issue in a series full of great issues. The action, well still there, takes a back seat to the drama and story driven tones of this issue. If you weren’t hooked by this arc before, there is no way it doesn’t have you hooked now. TMNT continues to be one of the best series on the shelves and this issue just bolsters that. This is a must add to everyone’s collection and Pull List.

FINAL GRADE: 9.5/10

Let me know your thoughts on TMNT #15 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!