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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011) #32
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Reborn, Volume 9 – First, Last, Always
One hundred fifty issues have all led to this! Read the climactic finale to over 12 years of storytelling!
Change is constant, but family is forever…at least it’s supposed to be. Since recent events have left his family fractured, Donatello has taken it upon himself to do whatever it takes to protect his brothers from a threat only he saw coming. Little does he know it’s already too late…Armageddon is inevitable. It’s a race against time in one of the biggest TMNT stories yet!
Collects issues #145–150 by Sophie Campbell and Vincenzo Federici.
Change is constant, but family is forever…at least it’s supposed to be. Since recent events have left his family fractured, Donatello has taken it upon himself to do whatever it takes to protect his brothers from a threat only he saw coming. Little does he know it’s already too late…Armageddon is inevitable. It’s a race against time in one of the biggest TMNT stories yet!
Collects issues #145–150 by Sophie Campbell and Vincenzo Federici.
176 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
About the author
Sophie Campbell
269 books238 followersOne of the most exciting and talented creators working in comics today, Sophie Campbell has made her mark on IDW books such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Jem and the Holograms.
A graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design, Campbell began her career writing and drawing independent comics primarily focused on the lives of young women from all walks of life, including Wet Moon, Shadoweyes, and the Abandoned. She further proved her versatility as an artist when she began drawing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for IDW, where her kinetic action sequences and distinctive character art were a hit with fans and critics alike.
Campbell was brought on as the first artist on the IDW continuing series Jem and the Holograms, where she was responsible for the modern redesign of the characters and establishing the unique look of the comic. Her work on Jem with writer Kelly Thompson was so well received that the two were profiled by the New Yorker in 2015.
Campbell continues to work on several projects for IDW, as well as her own creator-owned independent comics.
A graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design, Campbell began her career writing and drawing independent comics primarily focused on the lives of young women from all walks of life, including Wet Moon, Shadoweyes, and the Abandoned. She further proved her versatility as an artist when she began drawing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for IDW, where her kinetic action sequences and distinctive character art were a hit with fans and critics alike.
Campbell was brought on as the first artist on the IDW continuing series Jem and the Holograms, where she was responsible for the modern redesign of the characters and establishing the unique look of the comic. Her work on Jem with writer Kelly Thompson was so well received that the two were profiled by the New Yorker in 2015.
Campbell continues to work on several projects for IDW, as well as her own creator-owned independent comics.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 24, 2025
Despite the craziness of various Time Travel storylines coming /attempting to come together...a fitting conclusion.
loved Sophie Campbell's run on this title.
loved Sophie Campbell's run on this title.
June 27, 2024
Nothing but love to this series but man, what a disappointing way to cap it off for my personal tastes. I'm not a fan of time travel shenanigans and of things getting unnecessarily twisted. This last impression isn't really helped by that Alpha one-shot, which seems to do exactly what I feared Aaron would do - go for the grim, nasty ideas that can be mined out of this story. Not excited for what's next but much love to all that preceded this new chapter.
March 30, 2026
Review to come...
(B+) 77% | Good
Notes: Review pending re-read. Individual reviews for included issues can be found here:
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011-2024) #145
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011-2024) #146
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011-2024) #147
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011-2024) #148
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011-2024) #149
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011-2024) #150
(B+) 77% | Good
Notes: Review pending re-read. Individual reviews for included issues can be found here:
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011-2024) #145
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011-2024) #146
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011-2024) #147
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011-2024) #148
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011-2024) #149
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011-2024) #150
October 26, 2024
Much better than "Reborn Volume 8" for sure, but still two stars from me.
Readers never get to see how the main characters react after big moments. They jump from adventure to adventure non stop, which is ironic considering the first few volumes of Campbell's run were nearly plotless and heavy on characters overreacting. At least the main turtles in this volume were written "on" character instead of "out" of character. There are so many moments jam packed into this volume that could be huge, but I can't tell which moments are important. They fly by to quickly.
The character of "Bob"--who the readership knows next to nothing about--is pivotal to volume 9. The problem is that I have no reason to care about him or his problems, even when they have major ramifications on the main characters. For the end of a 150 issue series, there is no real internal resolution. The Armaggon situation is similar to Bob. Armaggon is a flat character.
I do not think the volume moves the main characters forward; it mainly relies on our love of the characters to make the reader care at all. Armaggon and Bob commit the great story telling error: they don't make the audience pull for or against them. I simply did not care. And honestly, the characters did not seem to either. Bob faces no real consequences for his actions and Armaggon comes and goes without fanfare. Even the character who is sacrificed in this volume comes and goes. If I don't see the characters on the page caring, then it is hard for me to care.
Key scenes with Donatello did impress me, particularly when they time travel, but even those ideas feel rushed. Characters are created but not enough time is spent on them. This has been true of Lita's character throughout the series. Creating a character and placing her in the background of issues does not develop her character--or make me pull for or against her.
The time travel reminds me of some of the worst seasons of CWs The Flash because of the use of time travel. I don't mind time travel, but it is not done in a new way here. All the tropes are covered, such as: Oh no, I went back to fix the problem and caused it!
I do appreciate the attempt to continue Donatello's character being torn between science and magic, but overall, I did not like the ending which kind of retcons the beginning of the series. Again, I like how they go back to montage the beginning of the series, but some of the events are more confusing than they are enjoyable.
Perhaps this volume would have been more enjoyable without the words, since they don't add to the characters.
Readers never get to see how the main characters react after big moments. They jump from adventure to adventure non stop, which is ironic considering the first few volumes of Campbell's run were nearly plotless and heavy on characters overreacting. At least the main turtles in this volume were written "on" character instead of "out" of character. There are so many moments jam packed into this volume that could be huge, but I can't tell which moments are important. They fly by to quickly.
The character of "Bob"--who the readership knows next to nothing about--is pivotal to volume 9. The problem is that I have no reason to care about him or his problems, even when they have major ramifications on the main characters. For the end of a 150 issue series, there is no real internal resolution. The Armaggon situation is similar to Bob. Armaggon is a flat character.
I do not think the volume moves the main characters forward; it mainly relies on our love of the characters to make the reader care at all. Armaggon and Bob commit the great story telling error: they don't make the audience pull for or against them. I simply did not care. And honestly, the characters did not seem to either. Bob faces no real consequences for his actions and Armaggon comes and goes without fanfare. Even the character who is sacrificed in this volume comes and goes. If I don't see the characters on the page caring, then it is hard for me to care.
Key scenes with Donatello did impress me, particularly when they time travel, but even those ideas feel rushed. Characters are created but not enough time is spent on them. This has been true of Lita's character throughout the series. Creating a character and placing her in the background of issues does not develop her character--or make me pull for or against her.
The time travel reminds me of some of the worst seasons of CWs The Flash because of the use of time travel. I don't mind time travel, but it is not done in a new way here. All the tropes are covered, such as: Oh no, I went back to fix the problem and caused it!
I do appreciate the attempt to continue Donatello's character being torn between science and magic, but overall, I did not like the ending which kind of retcons the beginning of the series. Again, I like how they go back to montage the beginning of the series, but some of the events are more confusing than they are enjoyable.
Perhaps this volume would have been more enjoyable without the words, since they don't add to the characters.
February 3, 2025
Esta reseña abarca toda la era Reborn del cómic de Las Tortugas Ninja de IDW, no solo su volumen más reciente.
Es innegable que hay una caída en la calidad en comparación con la etapa anterior, pero considero que no es tan drástica como suele afirmarse en internet. La historia sigue llevando a los personajes a lugares interesantes y explorando nuevas dinámicas, aunque algunas decisiones narrativas no terminan de convencerme. Aun así, reconozco el esfuerzo por mantener la esencia de la serie mientras se buscan nuevas formas de evolucionar a los protagonistas.
Uno de los aspectos más destacables es la creatividad de ciertos eventos, como la trama de Armageddon, que comienza con una propuesta fresca y ambiciosa. Sin embargo, el problema radica en su ejecución: estas historias tienden a extenderse demasiado y a dar demasiadas vueltas, lo que a la larga diluye el impacto y hace que el interés se desgaste.
Dicho esto, sería deshonesto negar que el final me emocionó profundamente. Despedirme de mi serie favorita de Las Tortugas Ninja y de mi encarnación predilecta de los personajes es algo agridulce. A pesar de sus altibajos, este cierre logra dejar una impresión fuerte y significativa. Ahora solo queda esperar y ver qué hará Jason Aaron con la franquicia. Tengo mucha curiosidad por ver su enfoque y el rumbo que tomará esta nueva etapa.
Es innegable que hay una caída en la calidad en comparación con la etapa anterior, pero considero que no es tan drástica como suele afirmarse en internet. La historia sigue llevando a los personajes a lugares interesantes y explorando nuevas dinámicas, aunque algunas decisiones narrativas no terminan de convencerme. Aun así, reconozco el esfuerzo por mantener la esencia de la serie mientras se buscan nuevas formas de evolucionar a los protagonistas.
Uno de los aspectos más destacables es la creatividad de ciertos eventos, como la trama de Armageddon, que comienza con una propuesta fresca y ambiciosa. Sin embargo, el problema radica en su ejecución: estas historias tienden a extenderse demasiado y a dar demasiadas vueltas, lo que a la larga diluye el impacto y hace que el interés se desgaste.
Dicho esto, sería deshonesto negar que el final me emocionó profundamente. Despedirme de mi serie favorita de Las Tortugas Ninja y de mi encarnación predilecta de los personajes es algo agridulce. A pesar de sus altibajos, este cierre logra dejar una impresión fuerte y significativa. Ahora solo queda esperar y ver qué hará Jason Aaron con la franquicia. Tengo mucha curiosidad por ver su enfoque y el rumbo que tomará esta nueva etapa.
September 25, 2024
The longest running TMNT series comes to a conclusion as a time-devouring shark runs rampant across time and space, and it's all...Donatello's fault? Oops.
I think what drags this final arc of the series down is that it's a little convoluted, even for a time travel plot. QNA, magic, Meggadon, time-travelling Bobs, and Renet are just a little too much for six issues. They're dense, and never slow, but I definitely felt like I was just going 'yeah okay that might as well happen' by the time things were winding down. It doesn't feel as much like an ending as a new beginning, which is nice since we're not losing this continuity even when the book relaunches, but this definitely didn't have the punch that I'd hoped it'd have for the last arc of a long-running series.
I think what drags this final arc of the series down is that it's a little convoluted, even for a time travel plot. QNA, magic, Meggadon, time-travelling Bobs, and Renet are just a little too much for six issues. They're dense, and never slow, but I definitely felt like I was just going 'yeah okay that might as well happen' by the time things were winding down. It doesn't feel as much like an ending as a new beginning, which is nice since we're not losing this continuity even when the book relaunches, but this definitely didn't have the punch that I'd hoped it'd have for the last arc of a long-running series.
April 3, 2025
Finally after 12 long years, the turtles come face-to-face with their arch-nemesis... Bob.
This was alright. I had a lot of fun reading it and I think it's a neat little Turtles story with a sweet ending. The problem lies in it being the big finale of the long-running IDW series and if I'm going to compare it to the earlier Tom Waltz comics, or even the earlier Sophie Campbell comics, than it's just not that satisfying of an ending.
You can tell this was very rushed, especially with how they choose to wrap things up. Even then, it was a fast-paced breezy read and the lackluster nature of it didn't set in until I had finished. It could be better but it could have been so much worse too.
This was alright. I had a lot of fun reading it and I think it's a neat little Turtles story with a sweet ending. The problem lies in it being the big finale of the long-running IDW series and if I'm going to compare it to the earlier Tom Waltz comics, or even the earlier Sophie Campbell comics, than it's just not that satisfying of an ending.
You can tell this was very rushed, especially with how they choose to wrap things up. Even then, it was a fast-paced breezy read and the lackluster nature of it didn't set in until I had finished. It could be better but it could have been so much worse too.
February 13, 2025
I love reading...
I love reading...
I love reading the Turtles!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
Turtles, count it off:
1! 2! 3! 4! Turtles!
There's no one better [Turtles!]
150 issues [Turtles!]
They're like no others [Turtles!]
Those teenage brothers!
1! 2! 3! 4!
12 years of comics!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
I love reading...
I love reading the Turtles!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
Turtles, count it off:
1! 2! 3! 4! Turtles!
There's no one better [Turtles!]
150 issues [Turtles!]
They're like no others [Turtles!]
Those teenage brothers!
1! 2! 3! 4!
12 years of comics!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
March 31, 2025
This entire Volume dealt with the Donatello time travel stuff, and although it was an entertaining story, I felt it was somewhat unnecessary. Would have been fine to stop with Reborn V8. I am excited to see what is next for the Turtles, which only seem to be getting more popular, with the success of the Last Ronin. Guess we'll see.
Recommend.
Recommend.
April 26, 2025
There were a lot of things to like in this, but as a "finale" it really was unsatisfying and awkward. Still, I enjoyed it, generally speaking, so I'm trying not to judge it too harshly, but it does have a "that's the finale?" feeling. (I know these sorts of finales shouldn't be too resolved to always leave room, but still, I don't love it.)
June 24, 2024
Solid, emotional finish to an amazing TMNT run. All 150 issues from IDW were excellent.
August 11, 2024
Se hizo cada vez más compleja y sin dirección.
September 10, 2025
This is the end of quite a journey for me. Almost 2 years of reading all the IDW turtles material, and while there is an in continuity relaunch occurring, given the big name involved in relaunching I'd be surprised how much remains intact. This is also the end of Sophie Campbell's run, while I haven't enjoyed it as much as the Tom Waltz run, I do feel like Campbell has brought a lot more humanity to the cast. There is a bit too much reliance on time travel that doesn't really add up but it also simultaneously ties up some nice loose ends. There's a really satisfying explanation for the reincarnation of the splinter clan into mutant turtles that's puzzled readers since the start of this series.
While Donatello has benefitted the most from the IDW run the most (and is my favourite turtle now) it was disappointing that this final arc was almost entirety focused on him. Michaelangelo and especially Raphael are virtually non-existent in this arc. While I like Venus, it was a shame that they and "Bob" stole time from the main cast.
While Donatello has benefitted the most from the IDW run the most (and is my favourite turtle now) it was disappointing that this final arc was almost entirety focused on him. Michaelangelo and especially Raphael are virtually non-existent in this arc. While I like Venus, it was a shame that they and "Bob" stole time from the main cast.
July 1, 2024
What a wild ride. Having read this entire run over the course of the last year or so and now its done.
I haven't loved the entirety of the Campbell 50 issues, but this last issue was amazing!
Very excited to see what Aaron and the gang do next.
I haven't loved the entirety of the Campbell 50 issues, but this last issue was amazing!
Very excited to see what Aaron and the gang do next.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews