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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The IDW Collection #4
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The IDW Collection Volume 4
Recovering from the events of “City Fall,” the Turtles seek sanctuary in the countryside, but questions remain unanswered and tension festers among the brothers. Meanwhile, in New York, Shredder tightens his grip on the city in their absence and Krang’s plan to destroy the Earth is ramping up, but Baxter Stockman has plans of his own. Collects Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles issues #29–37, Utrom Empire, and the 2014 Annual.
344 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2017
139 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Eastman
1,106 books352 followersKevin B. Eastman is an American comic book artist, co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 12, 2025
(A-) 80% | Very Good
Notes: Review pending re-read. Individual reviews for included volumes can be found here:
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 8: Northampton
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Utrom Empire
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual 2014
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 9: Monsters, Misfits, and Madmen
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 10: New Mutant Order
Notes: Review pending re-read. Individual reviews for included volumes can be found here:
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 8: Northampton
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Utrom Empire
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual 2014
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 9: Monsters, Misfits, and Madmen
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 10: New Mutant Order
July 13, 2021
I feel these oversized volumes are the best editions of the current TMNT run. They do collect some odds and ends that aren't in the smaller collections either like the 2014 Annual. The regular title is kicking it on all cylinders, particularly with Mateus Santolouco on art.
My reviews for the smaller collections contained in this:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 8: Northampton ★★★★★
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Utrom Empire ★★★
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual 2014 ★★★
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 9: Monsters, Misfits, and Madmen ★★★★
My reviews for the smaller collections contained in this:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 8: Northampton ★★★★★
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Utrom Empire ★★★
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual 2014 ★★★
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 9: Monsters, Misfits, and Madmen ★★★★
May 28, 2024
4.75 stars. The only reason this doesn’t get a 5-star review from me is the annual issue. It just didn’t seem to flow with the story the best and was just an okay aside from the intensity of everything else going on. Everything else in this one though was incredible. I’m here for all of the new characters being introduced in this run and that’s a huge part of what is most exciting and what is working so well in this series. Loving all of the high stakes drama and action this one is bringing. This series balances the action and character work masterfully.
December 22, 2020
My friends and I have conducted two interviews with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman and you can watch them here https://youtu.be/gt5B_RxPeqY and here https://youtu.be/ZQ_xgNqtq4g
The TMNT IDW run continues to be phenomenal. This is 100% the best version of the Turtles. I’m sad because I’m in the process of moving and my copy of V5 is in transit. Can’t wait to get it back in my hands so I can read it. This is the bomb dot com.
The TMNT IDW run continues to be phenomenal. This is 100% the best version of the Turtles. I’m sad because I’m in the process of moving and my copy of V5 is in transit. Can’t wait to get it back in my hands so I can read it. This is the bomb dot com.
August 1, 2025
Still no cowabunga. I honestly hated the tie in run for this volume. I honestly don't give a fuck about the history of the Utroms. Like i get it, they are bad aliens who are little pink squid guys. I really like the Rat King though. I'm honestly very unfamiliar with him as a villain of the turtles, but do remember him in like one episode of the old TV show. He is honestly super bad ass and his design is super creepy/eerie to see on the pages (especially when he is lurking in the background of some panels). I like that he is an evil spin off of the Pied Piper, and instead of being on any side, he's just on whatever side he picks to mentally torment and kill. However, No Bebop or Rocksteady :(. The Krang vs. Shredder issue was cool too.
I'm taking a break to read a real book after next volume.
I'm taking a break to read a real book after next volume.
September 26, 2024
Lots of fun. Hard to keep up since school started, but a good time nonetheless!
April 12, 2017
Only 4 stars because of the steaming turd that was annual 14. It completely halted the flow of the story and had no redeeming qualities.
The actual story however is on par with book 2 and really develops the utron empire coming war. The turtles struggle with recovery from shortfall and shredders increasing strength. Alopex comes into her own as a character of importance as hob and the turtles build alliances.
Well done cAnt wait for book 5
The actual story however is on par with book 2 and really develops the utron empire coming war. The turtles struggle with recovery from shortfall and shredders increasing strength. Alopex comes into her own as a character of importance as hob and the turtles build alliances.
Well done cAnt wait for book 5
January 25, 2023
**I'm not marking this as a spoiler filled review but I will be going through moments in the book**
Volume 4 of IDW's TMNT which, as always with these hardback bind-ups, puts everything in chronological order. In short, it's an incredible story, the quality is excellent and the value for money, especially if you can find them discounted online, is top notch.
On to the story itself. The great thing about doing a re-read of the series is that you can see things that will take place later being put in place.
Following on from the City Falls storyline we travel to a familiar Ninja Turtle location, Northampton which gives the book time to breathe and let the characters have some interactions that don't, solely, focus on action. What surprised me, and actually sounds strange to say to myself, is that I actually found the pacing to the end of the Dark Leo story to be much better when reading it in trade. What's really strange about that is that when I was reading the books in singles, so once a month, I actually thought it was resolved too quickly.
We get the introductions to a couple of characters who'll be important later on. I'd forgotten where Metalhead came from in this universe and that Nobody (I still think that is a stupid name) came into the book so soon.
Half way into the book we get the second annual. This time it was part colour / part black and white and at least felt like it would lead to something eventual unlike the previous offering. I still didn't love it and will never be a fan of black and white comics (personal preference) but it was definitely an improvement.
Doing a re-read of a comic in trade can help see where events started. When you're reading one book each month you obviously don't know where things are going and this time around felt so satisfying. We see very early seeds planted for a huge event that will shape the book going forward for 50 plus issues and I also loved the very early beginnings of what would become the Pantheon.
All this along with learning about the Utroms made for a highly enjoyable reading experience. Without a doubt I think this is the best way to read this series (I've probably said this for every volume and will probably continue to do so going forward)
Volume 4 of IDW's TMNT which, as always with these hardback bind-ups, puts everything in chronological order. In short, it's an incredible story, the quality is excellent and the value for money, especially if you can find them discounted online, is top notch.
On to the story itself. The great thing about doing a re-read of the series is that you can see things that will take place later being put in place.
Following on from the City Falls storyline we travel to a familiar Ninja Turtle location, Northampton which gives the book time to breathe and let the characters have some interactions that don't, solely, focus on action. What surprised me, and actually sounds strange to say to myself, is that I actually found the pacing to the end of the Dark Leo story to be much better when reading it in trade. What's really strange about that is that when I was reading the books in singles, so once a month, I actually thought it was resolved too quickly.
We get the introductions to a couple of characters who'll be important later on. I'd forgotten where Metalhead came from in this universe and that Nobody (I still think that is a stupid name) came into the book so soon.
Half way into the book we get the second annual. This time it was part colour / part black and white and at least felt like it would lead to something eventual unlike the previous offering. I still didn't love it and will never be a fan of black and white comics (personal preference) but it was definitely an improvement.
Doing a re-read of a comic in trade can help see where events started. When you're reading one book each month you obviously don't know where things are going and this time around felt so satisfying. We see very early seeds planted for a huge event that will shape the book going forward for 50 plus issues and I also loved the very early beginnings of what would become the Pantheon.
All this along with learning about the Utroms made for a highly enjoyable reading experience. Without a doubt I think this is the best way to read this series (I've probably said this for every volume and will probably continue to do so going forward)
June 14, 2025
One of my favourite parts of the Turtles mythology is when they have to run away from New York with their tails (turtles have tails right?) between their legs. It's a dark time for them, one or multiple characters are injured and they don't know what they're going to do next. This is the IDW version of it.
Splinter has some physical healing he needs to get through and Leonardo is completely messed up mentally, so it leaves the Turtle Team pretty fractured.
At the same time we get a flashback to Krang's shenanigans in the early days to see why he ended up the angry little alien blog he is today.
And both Casey and April are dealing with parental issues.
I really enjoyed this volume and smashed through it relatively quickly thanks to some fantastic art by Sophie Campbell (among others). I love the way Campbell draws the turtles in a slightly cuter way (for lack of a better term) while also showing them with their masks down around their necks when they're not in combat. It never made a lot of sense to me they wore them all the time so I love that she did that.
The other artists, notably Mateus Santolouco are also great, but it was Campbell's art that stood out to me as my kind of style.
A great continuation of this story.
Splinter has some physical healing he needs to get through and Leonardo is completely messed up mentally, so it leaves the Turtle Team pretty fractured.
At the same time we get a flashback to Krang's shenanigans in the early days to see why he ended up the angry little alien blog he is today.
And both Casey and April are dealing with parental issues.
I really enjoyed this volume and smashed through it relatively quickly thanks to some fantastic art by Sophie Campbell (among others). I love the way Campbell draws the turtles in a slightly cuter way (for lack of a better term) while also showing them with their masks down around their necks when they're not in combat. It never made a lot of sense to me they wore them all the time so I love that she did that.
The other artists, notably Mateus Santolouco are also great, but it was Campbell's art that stood out to me as my kind of style.
A great continuation of this story.
February 27, 2025
German HC Collection by Splitter. Collecting the Utrom Empires Miniseries, The Anual 2014 and the IDW 2014 Series till issue 37. and it's quite heavy, a let down and screeching halt by the Annual and more Mateus Santuoco Artwork that kills. Shredder, Krang and some new inspirations plus the first Appearance by a latter character i wasn't expecting.
Struggled through the Annual but the rest of the collection rocks. am hooked and will keep reading. already 2 issues behind in german.....
Struggled through the Annual but the rest of the collection rocks. am hooked and will keep reading. already 2 issues behind in german.....
May 14, 2022
Another solid volume, but the Krang stuff was just way too drawn out leading to some very boring chapters, as was Casey's father's story. The "ending" was fine. Looking forward to volume 4.
February 13, 2023
The main story is really picking up pace now and it was nice to have quite a few issues in this book. The Utrom Empire story was enjoyable as well as a very creepy first appearance of the rat king. Would have been five stars but found it really difficult to connect with the Annual story
December 9, 2020
Really digging the main story line. There was an annual in here that had some atrocious artwork which really was completely different to everything else.
July 15, 2024
A reset volume.
City fall is over, the team regroups and repairs themselves in more ways than one.
New battles spin up, new alliances forged, mysteries deepen.
A solid piece of the larger puzzle
City fall is over, the team regroups and repairs themselves in more ways than one.
New battles spin up, new alliances forged, mysteries deepen.
A solid piece of the larger puzzle
January 30, 2021
A calm following the City Fall arc. Lots of character development. Some fun new characters introduced. A lot of prep for future volumes. The previous annual was great, this one not so much. An enjoyable overall read.
Skip the garage annual.
Skip the garage annual.
September 7, 2020
To bad for the horrible 2014 annual, otherwise this book would've been a solid 5 star collection.
July 12, 2024
These get wild and weird at times, but still very fun overall.
March 22, 2017
Like volume 2, this book is mostly about world-building, specifically reassessing the status quo in the aftermath of City Fall. Starts out a little slow (and the 2014 Annual doesn't help much- the issue is really out of place in this volume and really puts the brakes on the momentum), but the Fugitoid mini-series scattered throughout is a treat, and by the end things take an exciting turn. Can't wait for the next collection!
August 2, 2022
At this point I think I’ll end up giving all the volumes 5/5 because the story has me so engaged. It’s hard to accurately rate them since it all feels like one continuous story that I want to fully finish before analyzing that deep. This was overall another great volume.
This story puts Shredder and The Foot more to the side and focuses a bit more back on Krang since his defeat in Dimension X by the turtles and their alien resistance friends. Krang now has both the fugitoid Honey Cutt and Baxter Stockman working for him on the technodrome (both plotting against Krang as well as each other).
Meanwhile after the massive battle with the Turtles against Shreddar to save a brainwashed Leo, they have escaped to the country side outside of New York, at April’s parents farm. Here they recoup and we get some nice character development, especially for Raph and Leo. Leo must come to terms with himself and being back and Raph has some growth with Leo as well as Alopex. All is nice till the foot and one of their new giant ass bird mutants come crashing in. Forcing the gang to pack up and head back to New York to face shredder and figure out how they’re going to stop Krangs technodrome.
I also liked that we get to see more of April and her family and her dads history with Stockgen and the Ooze. I’m sure it’s going to play a huge part in later volumes. As for Casey he continue to get some solid character growth, with his dad now fully Hun and it seems what love he did have for his son is completely gone by the end of this volume. This of course has Casey all over the place emotional as the dude just can’t seem to catch and break, only ass whoopings.
Also enjoyed seeing Angel get some growth as she gets to work with Donnie’s old friend Harold from Vol 1 as “Nobody” (the advanced suit Harold made). We even get to see that old mech turtle come into play this volume. And speaking of Donnie, I feel it’s going to come into play big next volume his concerns about feeling like he’s being ignored when expressing concerns over the technodrome and needing to stop it before The Foot.
We also get to see the Turtles be traveled to what is The Battle Nexus by time traveling with some girl who claims to have met them at some point in the future and there they overthrow the high council and stop the brutal Nexus fights and instead turn it into a Battle Nexus for sport and not killing. Thought it was a neat tie in and I’m sure like all stories in these volumes it’ll come into play soon.
Finally seeing Shredder basically declare war on Krang after peace negotiations fall through was pretty intense and it sets the stage for all these plot points to finally come together in a huge battle. I didn’t know it was Krang who Shredder met 300 years ago with Kitsune. I just thought it was a random of Krangs race, but to know it was actually Krang they betrayed all those years ago and his ooze that kept Shredder in stasis all these years adds even more tension to the coming battle.
Another solid volume and can’t wait to read the next volume!
This story puts Shredder and The Foot more to the side and focuses a bit more back on Krang since his defeat in Dimension X by the turtles and their alien resistance friends. Krang now has both the fugitoid Honey Cutt and Baxter Stockman working for him on the technodrome (both plotting against Krang as well as each other).
Meanwhile after the massive battle with the Turtles against Shreddar to save a brainwashed Leo, they have escaped to the country side outside of New York, at April’s parents farm. Here they recoup and we get some nice character development, especially for Raph and Leo. Leo must come to terms with himself and being back and Raph has some growth with Leo as well as Alopex. All is nice till the foot and one of their new giant ass bird mutants come crashing in. Forcing the gang to pack up and head back to New York to face shredder and figure out how they’re going to stop Krangs technodrome.
I also liked that we get to see more of April and her family and her dads history with Stockgen and the Ooze. I’m sure it’s going to play a huge part in later volumes. As for Casey he continue to get some solid character growth, with his dad now fully Hun and it seems what love he did have for his son is completely gone by the end of this volume. This of course has Casey all over the place emotional as the dude just can’t seem to catch and break, only ass whoopings.
Also enjoyed seeing Angel get some growth as she gets to work with Donnie’s old friend Harold from Vol 1 as “Nobody” (the advanced suit Harold made). We even get to see that old mech turtle come into play this volume. And speaking of Donnie, I feel it’s going to come into play big next volume his concerns about feeling like he’s being ignored when expressing concerns over the technodrome and needing to stop it before The Foot.
We also get to see the Turtles be traveled to what is The Battle Nexus by time traveling with some girl who claims to have met them at some point in the future and there they overthrow the high council and stop the brutal Nexus fights and instead turn it into a Battle Nexus for sport and not killing. Thought it was a neat tie in and I’m sure like all stories in these volumes it’ll come into play soon.
Finally seeing Shredder basically declare war on Krang after peace negotiations fall through was pretty intense and it sets the stage for all these plot points to finally come together in a huge battle. I didn’t know it was Krang who Shredder met 300 years ago with Kitsune. I just thought it was a random of Krangs race, but to know it was actually Krang they betrayed all those years ago and his ooze that kept Shredder in stasis all these years adds even more tension to the coming battle.
Another solid volume and can’t wait to read the next volume!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2023
Este tomo es más bien un respiro, y más por la cantidad de acción que hubo en el arco anterior.
Esta colección completa de IDW trae el equivalente a los TPB 8 y 9, el anual 2 y la miniserie Imperio Utrom de tres números.
En los de la serie principal tenemos a las tortugas huyendo y teniendo que hacer las paces con lo que ha sucedido. También tienen que planear sus nuevas acciones: ir por el tecnodromo o por shredder. Se introducen un par de personajes nuevos, villanos principalmente y desarrollan más la relación de Slpinter y Leo, además de que vemos a Aloplex integrarse con los protagonistas.
Cada tomo que pasa y conecto más y más con Miguel Ángel, creo que es mi tortuga favorita. De niño mi favorita era Rafael, de adolescente sentí que me identificaba más con Leo pero ahora mi favorito es Mike sin lugar a dudas.
Tenemos un cambio interesante con Slash que quiero ver en qué deriva.
El anual dos sigue siendo horrible, tanto en arte como en guión.
La miniserie de Utrom está bien, añade información sobre el tecnodromo y también vemos qué le sucedió al imperio de Utrom y a Krang con su papá.
Algo que me gustó es que introducen a un personaje, Rat king, que parece tiene que ver con Kitsune y hacen algunos comentarios que te llevan a pensar que hay una historia todavía más grande que la de Utrom, o la resurreción de Hamato Yoshi y Oroku Saki, algo todavía más ancestral que está derivando en todos estos mutantes, pero ya veremos en qué deriva y más bien cuando porque Eastman abrió muchos arcos que no ha cerrado.
Tras leer el tomo sentí que no había pasado mucho pero al hacer esta reseña creo que es de los tomos en qué más cosas han sucedido, no muy grandes quizá, pero han cambiado el status de varios personajes, han introducido nuevos villanos, y se ha dado más información sobre lo que tienen que hacer, además que hay un enfrentamiento interesante entre Krang y Shredder. Si que sucedió mucho.
Esta colección completa de IDW trae el equivalente a los TPB 8 y 9, el anual 2 y la miniserie Imperio Utrom de tres números.
En los de la serie principal tenemos a las tortugas huyendo y teniendo que hacer las paces con lo que ha sucedido. También tienen que planear sus nuevas acciones: ir por el tecnodromo o por shredder. Se introducen un par de personajes nuevos, villanos principalmente y desarrollan más la relación de Slpinter y Leo, además de que vemos a Aloplex integrarse con los protagonistas.
Cada tomo que pasa y conecto más y más con Miguel Ángel, creo que es mi tortuga favorita. De niño mi favorita era Rafael, de adolescente sentí que me identificaba más con Leo pero ahora mi favorito es Mike sin lugar a dudas.
Tenemos un cambio interesante con Slash que quiero ver en qué deriva.
El anual dos sigue siendo horrible, tanto en arte como en guión.
La miniserie de Utrom está bien, añade información sobre el tecnodromo y también vemos qué le sucedió al imperio de Utrom y a Krang con su papá.
Algo que me gustó es que introducen a un personaje, Rat king, que parece tiene que ver con Kitsune y hacen algunos comentarios que te llevan a pensar que hay una historia todavía más grande que la de Utrom, o la resurreción de Hamato Yoshi y Oroku Saki, algo todavía más ancestral que está derivando en todos estos mutantes, pero ya veremos en qué deriva y más bien cuando porque Eastman abrió muchos arcos que no ha cerrado.
Tras leer el tomo sentí que no había pasado mucho pero al hacer esta reseña creo que es de los tomos en qué más cosas han sucedido, no muy grandes quizá, pero han cambiado el status de varios personajes, han introducido nuevos villanos, y se ha dado más información sobre lo que tienen que hacer, además que hay un enfrentamiento interesante entre Krang y Shredder. Si que sucedió mucho.
March 7, 2020
Title/Author/Artist: TMNT vol. 4 by Kevin Eastman and others
Series/Standalone: volume 4
Genre/sub-genre:
Book Format: Hardcover
Length: 344 pages
Violence: Yes
Well written/Editor Needed: Well written
Art/Illustrations: I really like the artwork in this series. There was only one issue in this volume where I didn’t like the artwork, otherwise, this was great. Seeing the range of emotions on their faces tugs at the heart here, as the brothers struggle to become a family again.
Would I Recommend?: Yes
Personal thoughts: This volume is clearly an in between story where the turtles are recovering after a major set back and most everyone is laying low for the time being and gathering forces. So not much is happening, in a sense. I found it easier to set this one down between issues but I recognize how necessary this downtime is. I’m worried about pretty much everyone except Shredder and Krang, lol.
And, oh yeah,
Series/Standalone: volume 4
Genre/sub-genre:
Book Format: Hardcover
Length: 344 pages
Violence: Yes
Well written/Editor Needed: Well written
Art/Illustrations: I really like the artwork in this series. There was only one issue in this volume where I didn’t like the artwork, otherwise, this was great. Seeing the range of emotions on their faces tugs at the heart here, as the brothers struggle to become a family again.
Would I Recommend?: Yes
Personal thoughts: This volume is clearly an in between story where the turtles are recovering after a major set back and most everyone is laying low for the time being and gathering forces. So not much is happening, in a sense. I found it easier to set this one down between issues but I recognize how necessary this downtime is. I’m worried about pretty much everyone except Shredder and Krang, lol.
And, oh yeah,
November 9, 2019
Volume 4 of IDW's fantastic TMNT run slows it down after the events of "City Fall" in volume 3. You have to read with the understanding that all heroes, villains, and rogues alike are in a regroup and reflect phase to set up upcoming events.
The turtles flee the city for the country. Leo is still traumatized from previous events, Donnie is trying to make sense of Honeycutt's scientific notes and plans for the future, Raph makes an unlikely friend, Mikey shares his thoughts and feelings about his family through writing, April and Casey explore their new relationship, and Splinter is trying to help Leo recover. They are not as safe as they think.
Shredder continues to build his forces and tighten his grasp on the city. Will an alliance with Krang be the key to ruling the world? Honeycutt is in Dimension X doing his part to survive and subvert Krang's plans. We get some flashback issues about the rise of Krang and what motivates him; we can't help but feel somewhat sympathetic to his flights and unfortunate rise to power. What did Old Hob ever do with that mutagen? What will happen in the future now that a certain sewer king appears as a seemingly psychedelic trip to a pair of characters?
Volume 4 could be viewed as "boring" to some because of it's slower pace to let our characters breathe and sit in their uncertainties of the future and the past; however, this is also its strength and one of the main reasons this fantastic run has been so enjoyable. Have patience through the build-up and prepare for battle.
The turtles flee the city for the country. Leo is still traumatized from previous events, Donnie is trying to make sense of Honeycutt's scientific notes and plans for the future, Raph makes an unlikely friend, Mikey shares his thoughts and feelings about his family through writing, April and Casey explore their new relationship, and Splinter is trying to help Leo recover. They are not as safe as they think.
Shredder continues to build his forces and tighten his grasp on the city. Will an alliance with Krang be the key to ruling the world? Honeycutt is in Dimension X doing his part to survive and subvert Krang's plans. We get some flashback issues about the rise of Krang and what motivates him; we can't help but feel somewhat sympathetic to his flights and unfortunate rise to power. What did Old Hob ever do with that mutagen? What will happen in the future now that a certain sewer king appears as a seemingly psychedelic trip to a pair of characters?
Volume 4 could be viewed as "boring" to some because of it's slower pace to let our characters breathe and sit in their uncertainties of the future and the past; however, this is also its strength and one of the main reasons this fantastic run has been so enjoyable. Have patience through the build-up and prepare for battle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2020
Another fantastic collection of TMNT comics that highlights everything that makes this series special.
I'm currently on my second read through of the TMNT series and I actually find myself liking this comic better the second time around. This volume is nearly perfect. Taking place after the action packed City Fall storyline this volume feels slower. It's almost entirely world building and character development, and it comes at just the right time. The IDW Ninja Turtles world is one of the larger and crazier versions of the TMNT, with a ridiculous number of characters, mutants, aliens, etc. Spending the extra time to make them all feel real and relatable goes a long way to making the crazier elements of the series feel plausible. It also ends with just enough action to tide you over till the next volume, while setting up the perfect teaser for what is to come.
All that said, this volume isn't quite perfect. The 2014 Annual in the middle feels completely out of place, and while I don't hate it as much as some people here, it is still pretty boring. This is made more noticeable because this is the shortest volume yet by almost 60 pages. Still, I love how IDW is collecting everything together like this, and other that the annual the content here is all fantastic. So it gets five stars.
Recommended? Well you should already know if you like the series by this point. So keep reading and you wont be disappointed!
I'm currently on my second read through of the TMNT series and I actually find myself liking this comic better the second time around. This volume is nearly perfect. Taking place after the action packed City Fall storyline this volume feels slower. It's almost entirely world building and character development, and it comes at just the right time. The IDW Ninja Turtles world is one of the larger and crazier versions of the TMNT, with a ridiculous number of characters, mutants, aliens, etc. Spending the extra time to make them all feel real and relatable goes a long way to making the crazier elements of the series feel plausible. It also ends with just enough action to tide you over till the next volume, while setting up the perfect teaser for what is to come.
All that said, this volume isn't quite perfect. The 2014 Annual in the middle feels completely out of place, and while I don't hate it as much as some people here, it is still pretty boring. This is made more noticeable because this is the shortest volume yet by almost 60 pages. Still, I love how IDW is collecting everything together like this, and other that the annual the content here is all fantastic. So it gets five stars.
Recommended? Well you should already know if you like the series by this point. So keep reading and you wont be disappointed!
May 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this volume. I liked seeing Leo recover from his trauma and brainwashing. His return to fight Koya was epic. Seeing Raphael and Alopex build a friendship was wonderful. Angel getting the Nobody armor was awesome! All in all a great volume.
The only part of this volume I really didn't like was the Annual story with Renet. Like it had no logic whatsoever. Renet brings in the turtles to put a stop to these gladiator games or whatever when no other efforts have been successful before, yet the turtles don't do anything at all. The crowd who presumably enjoyed the games before all turn on the council after watching the turtles do nothing special except work with each other, which presumably is not a first for the arena since Balthazar or whatever his name was mentioned people had tried this all before. So why didn't it work before but suddenly worked now??? All of the council except one hated the games to begin with which raises questions as to how they were allowed in the first place. Total nonsense issue.
The only part of this volume I really didn't like was the Annual story with Renet. Like it had no logic whatsoever. Renet brings in the turtles to put a stop to these gladiator games or whatever when no other efforts have been successful before, yet the turtles don't do anything at all. The crowd who presumably enjoyed the games before all turn on the council after watching the turtles do nothing special except work with each other, which presumably is not a first for the arena since Balthazar or whatever his name was mentioned people had tried this all before. So why didn't it work before but suddenly worked now??? All of the council except one hated the games to begin with which raises questions as to how they were allowed in the first place. Total nonsense issue.
January 17, 2023
Another solid entry in the TMNT ongoing run from IDW. This volume was a bit of a step down from the more exciting "City Fall" arc from the previous volume, but I did quite enjoy the increased emphasis on Krang this time around. Donnie's obsession with taking down Krang over Shredder already seems to be hinting at a fracture amongst the Turtles over priorities, and the burgeoning relationship between Alopex and the heroes seems intriguing. The 2014 Annual was probably the low point of this volume, telling a completely dull, irrelevant story (though I guess it serves to re-introduce Renet in the TMNT lore). Eastman doing the interiors for the annual did add some much needed vitality to the story.
August 9, 2023
One of my favorite segments in the original TMNT live action movie is when the group finds Ralph, they're down in the dumps and they have to retreat to an old abandoned mansion to heal and regroup. The opening arc of this volume is very reminiscent of that (feels intentional?) and I loved it, only here another turtle is in need of healing. These were my favorite issues of the book, the others are more actual buildup for the next event and I didn't enjoy those as much . Low point is the annual. All due respect for Eastman, but that forgettable story didn't do it for me.
June 24, 2024
While the central narrative is still excellent, I think the Ultrom Empire mini here just doesn't add very much, and also breaks up the pacing of the main story in a really strange way. Also, the annual in this is bad. I like Eastman's annual from the previous year, but this one just didn't work very well, practically wants to be it's own 5 issue arc, but just doesn't end up working at all. It gives us an introduction to Renet, but even by her own admission it doesn't actually matter if she is introduced in that issue or not.
Despite its flaws, it's still pretty good. Just spaced weirdly and has a few misses.
Despite its flaws, it's still pretty good. Just spaced weirdly and has a few misses.
August 25, 2017
This volume continues the high quality storytelling fans have come to expect from the series. Lots of world building takes place in this volume and it is rewarding to see long time characters like Krang and the Turtles themselves get more fleshed out. As with the previous volume the only misfire in this collection is another overlong, poorly written annual. Kevin Eastman's art is the only redeeming part of the annual. Beyond that this series continues to impress both as a comic book series and as the definitive narrative of the TMNT!
June 1, 2024
Another solid outing with a good mix of art and genres.
The turtles have a change of scenery and take some downtime to recover from the events of the last book. Leonardo and Raphael have some good moments but I'm increasingly enjoying how Donatello is growing in confidence as a potential leader or at least someone able to see the bigger picture beyond the splinter/shredder feud.
I didn't really enjoy the time travel/gladiator episode as again it felt a bit too out there for the rest of the series.
On the other hand, Kraang's backstory makes him more understandable and less one dimensional.
The turtles have a change of scenery and take some downtime to recover from the events of the last book. Leonardo and Raphael have some good moments but I'm increasingly enjoying how Donatello is growing in confidence as a potential leader or at least someone able to see the bigger picture beyond the splinter/shredder feud.
I didn't really enjoy the time travel/gladiator episode as again it felt a bit too out there for the rest of the series.
On the other hand, Kraang's backstory makes him more understandable and less one dimensional.
December 18, 2024
The best thing about this series is that it gives each of the Turtles and Splinter their own arc with their own internal conflicts and moral dilemmas, and it makes Casey into a complex character beyond being a meathead. This series gives its stories room to breathe and builds momentum slowly while still being engaging. Everything feels high-stakes here, and the characters feel like real people. The art does a great job of conveying this 95% of the time. It gets choppy and scratchy in spots, but for the most part it's pretty darn good.
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