TMNT: BATTLE NEXUS #1 (IDW Publishing)

A massive tournament is upon us in the TMNT Universe and who will be left standing. TMNT: Battle Nexus is a huge bi-weekly event from IDW Publishing that kicks off with Issue #1 this week. What is this tournament and who will show up? Those questions get answered in Issue #1, plus more!

TMNT: Battle Nexus - Written By Tom Waltz, Paul Allor, Sophie Campbell, Caleb Goellner, and Erik Burnham - Art By Esau & Isaac Escorza – Colors By Luis Antonio Delgado - Letters By Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou – Edited By Andy Khouri & Jake Thomas - Published By IDW Publishing

Credit: IDW Publishing

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

The Battle Nexus is located outside of space and time and hosts a brutal fighting tournament every 12 cycles. Champions are brought from every dimension and time, selected by the Dimensional Council and overseen by Lord Simultaneous. However, recently the tournament has been hijacked by an evil tyrant Savanti Romero, who has a major grudge against the heroes in the half shell. He has now summoned the turtles of our time and dimension to get his vengeance on them. For the one-on-one matches in this tournament Romero has found enemies and friends of the Turtles from other dimensions to take them out one by one. Can the Turtles survive this methodical and brutal gauntlet, or will they succumb to the wrath of Romero?

WRITING:

The writing team has crafted an exhilarating event that promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for TMNT fans. From the outset, the first issue excels at introducing the concept of the tournament, establishing both the stakes and the danger that surround the Turtles. The story doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to the peril the heroes face, and the main antagonist emerges as one of the most formidable threats the Turtles have encountered to date. In addition, the narrative is filled with clever callbacks and unexpected appearances by familiar characters, which not only honor the series’ legacy but also heighten the excitement for longtime fans. Together, these elements set the stage for a truly epic TMNT event that is both thrilling and memorable.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in the first issue stands out as a highlight, perfectly capturing the essence of the TMNT universe. The visual style of the Battle Nexus is especially striking, evoking the atmosphere of Roman gladiator arenas. This unique aesthetic adds a layer of excitement and grandeur to the setting, immersing readers in the tournament’s fierce and competitive environment.

Character designs are executed with impressive creativity, bringing the turtles and every other character to life with distinct flair. Notably, the characters from other dimensions are designed in a way that clearly differentiates them from those of our own dimension, while still preserving their recognizable features. This thoughtful approach ensures that each character is both familiar and refreshingly new, enhancing the sense of a multiversal competition.

The use of color throughout the panels is vibrant and dynamic, making the artwork leap off the page. The bold and lively palette draws the reader’s attention to every detail, ensuring that each scene is as engaging visually as it is narratively. The overall visual presentation of the comic is both eye-catching and immersive, pulling readers into the heart of the action with each turn of the page.

Check Out My Review of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13

Final Thoughts:

If the first issue is any indication of what is to come, TMNT: Battle Nexus may be the best comic event of 2026. The biweekly nature of this series will keep the excitement and anticipation going. Well, the surprise guest appearances, action, and drama are guaranteed to keep the reader hooked. This is my Pick of the Week and if you didn’t pre-order your copy of issue one, make sure to run to the LCS today and get a copy ASAP. After you secure your copy make sure to add the series to your Pull List as well.

FINAL GRADE: 10/10

Let me know your thoughts on TMNT: Battle Nexus #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!