Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 22: City At War, Part 1

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011) #22

by Kevin Eastman (Writer), Tom Waltz (Writer), Bobby Curnow (Writer)

It's all been leading up to this! A massive showdown on the streets of NYC! Everything comes together in this explosive story that sees New York City torn apart by different factions, mutant and human alike! Karai returns to New York and the future of the TMNT, and all of NYC, comes down to a final negotiation between Splinter and Karai. Can they reach an agreement before Bishop’s new plan begins? Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo face a gauntlet of danger unlike anything they have experienced before!

Collects: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #90–95 and a story from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Free Comic Book Day 2019.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Ebooks, Science Fiction

152 pages, ebook

First published September 24, 2019

About the author

Kevin B. Eastman is an American comic book artist, co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Reviews

[Jayson · Rating 4 out of 5]

(A-) 83% | Very Good
Notes: Wherein tensions rise progressively from ethical divergency, emergence, and emergency: just nicely plotted urgency.

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stuff. I grew up on Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles as the were called over here, now even the UK has adapted to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT). As much as I loved the original series and movies. I did not like the more kid versions of them. By the time I discovered the comics with the grittier versions of them the series was too far in.

This is the second last volume of the series I think. So there is a lot of history her I do not know. Though it is easy to catch up on what is going on. My complaint about the first three issues being too slow is part prelude to the war and part of the character and story development that would be great for long time fans of the comic series.

Once the war begins it is with a sudden strike, and action packed. I also like how moral dilemmas that play out in the series. I really like that the swords are slashing stabbing weapons. Looking back at my youth I can't believe they went so many episodes without cutting or stabbing any one.

Reading this I am a fan again, not just wanting to read the next volume but to do back and work my way through the series. I would have given it 4.5 stars simply because of the slow start, but I know why that was necessary and for longtime fans. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The creative team continues to keep TMNT fresh and exciting. Karai has returned from Japan and attempts to take back the Foot Clan setting up all out war between all the various factions running around New York. After some dishonorable moves, it becomes an all-out sprint to save one of the cast members lives as they are constantly pursued by Karai and the EPF. This series has consistently been great.

2024
Doing a reread of this as part of the Fifth Turtle trade that's coming out. It's still excellent. Jennika has been a nice addition to the series.

[Will Robinson Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really want to give this book a 3.5 stars rating but to be fair it was really good. I just had a gripe with the dialogue heavy lead up to the City at War story arc. Ever since the Turtles creation the City at War concept has been a staple. Basically the Turtles seemingly vanquish their longtime enemy Shredder and things seem peaceful but with out Shredder New York's underworld is left with a power vacuum. Many of the gangs then begin to battle for control. But the IDW publishing TMNT universe gives a different take on the City at War concept. In this tale the Turtles find themselves thrust into a civil war which sees the Foot clan elements ruled by Master Splinter aka Hamato Yoshi vs. Karai (Shredder's protege). I have to admit I have not been a fan of the darker side of Splinter. I really imagine Splinter as the perfect teacher next to such great mentors in fantasy like Yoda, Mr. Miyogi, or Gandalf the Wizard. In this volume some of Splinter's not so good decision's come home to roost as Karai believing she is the rightful ruler of the Foot Clan will do what ever it takes to defeat clan Hamato. Eastman and Waltz have built up to this very serious arc. Once the City at War tale begins it is nonstop action and heartbreaking moments. The later part of the book is where all the important things happen. I mean Raph wants to be more proactive at the point of extreme violence, Jennika is seemingly killed, and Bishop is getting closer to hunting the turtles. The artwork ranges from okay to splendid on some issues. The coloring and inks are good. Ultimately this is one of the best arcs in the series but the heavy dialogue weighs it down. The action is good but suffers from inconsistent pacing at times. I am definitely looking forward to the next part as we welcome the new fifth turtle and see how the heroes will defeat Karai. Here are some of my favorite books in the IDW series thus far: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 1: Change is Constant, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 3: Shadows of the Past, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 5: Krang War, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 6: City Fall, Part 1, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 7: City Fall Part 2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 8: Northampton, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 12: Vengeance, Part 1 & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 13: Vengeance, Part 2.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great volume, even if it feels like 90% set-up for what is to follow.

I'd heard rumblings about what happens at the end of this one, which is too bad as it kind of made me impatient to see it happen already. Hopefully this won't be the case for too many readers as I'm sure it would have hit much harder.

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you want in a Turtles story is here, and the fact that it's been percolating for 100 issues just makes it even more exciting. Literally everything the Turtles have been through up until now comes home to roost as Karai, Agent Bishop, Old Hob, and Kitsune make their moves, all of which ensure that the TMNT landscape will literally never be the same again.

I can't sing the praises of this storyline too much, but I also can't mention too much without dropping spoilers. Just let it suffice to say that this is a perfect culmination of everything Eastman and Waltz have been doing, and while it's not an ending per se, it's absolutely a slam of their book, paving the way for new writer Sophie Campbell to step in and pick up the pieces.

The artwork is by series mainstays Dave Wachter and Michael Dialynas, with some help from Mateus Santolouco, Adam Gorham, Dan Duncan, and Cory Smith. It's a tour de force of TMNT talent.

City At War is brilliant. So many things going on, seamlessly tied together in one big storyline with unexpected developments, and far-reaching consequences. Perfect.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted something new to read so I figured I'd try out the Ninja Turtles. I grew up watching the cartoons in the early nineties, the first two live action films and a couple of episodes of the later CGI based shows. But aside from the first issue I've never really read any of the comics.

I jumped in at this point because I know it's the climax of a longer running arc and I wanted to get some backstory before I started the newer issues.

I obviously missed out on most of the build up, and I wasn't familiar with a lot of the characters, but for the most part I really enjoyed it. It was easy to get an idea of who all the characters were and where they stood in the story.

[Lucas Lima · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, the end is near and everything is connecting through it.

Karai is back, and she wants her throne as the Foot Clan master. Splinter wants to deliver it, but they diverge on some ideas, and, again, war is out on NYC.

Another great volume, with great battle, great dialogues, and one of the best ideas Kevin and Tom had, in the ending.

[Martin Lund · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has been juggling a lot of storylines for a while now and this volume begins tying them together in a clear and imaginative way. This is not the first time TMNT's city has been at war, but the IDW series makes the franchise mainstay its own.

[Adam Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! War has begun indeed! This Volume had a lot going on, but I will try to sum up as brief as I can.
Highlights:
- Karai brings her forces to visit The Foot for two reasons, to visit the grave of her grandfather Oroku Saki (AKA Shredder) and to try to regain the clan back from Splinter. Through some encouragement from Leo, Splinter agrees and begins to hand over the clan. The children Jennika has been taking care of is the only dividing point: Karai wants them to start soldier training, and Splinter refuses to let that happen. Karai declares war and swears to take over the clan, escaping for now.
- Karai then moves on to trying to get Foot allies to join with her cause, she is somewhat successful.
- On another front, Metalhead has reached out to become allies with Bishop. He will lead Bishop to the Turtles if he can gain access to the computers of Area 51 so he may evolve.
- Baxter Stockman continues his rise to Mayor (pretty sure he's going to win... is this win we will see him turn into a bugman?)
- Karai reaches out to Jennika, Splinter's chunin, and when she determines that Jennika will do anything to save Master Splinter, even die for him, Karai runs her blade through Jennika's midsection.
- Everything else happens in a quick chain of events. Don and Leo take Jennika to the Mutanimals to see if they can use ooze to accelerate her healing (like they did for April's dad). When Metalhead and Bishop's forces invade, they must take Jennika and run again. In a last ditch effort to save her life, Leo gives Jennika a blood transfusion... and she develops turtle features, like the 4 brothers.

WOW... this had a very fast pace to it and I loved seeing the build up in the story. City at War Part 2 will be amazing!

NOTE: I understand this title is coming to an ending and starting over somewhat. I look forward to seeing how that goes into effect.

Meanwhile... read this! Recommend very strongly. If you've gotten away from the series, this is a great time to jump back in.

[Rocky Sunico · Rating 4 out of 5]

As if dealing with Agent Bishop and the EPF wasn't sufficient escalation already, this two-volume arc brings back the question of the leadership of the Foot clan and everything that has mainly been happening in the supporting Universe comics. The title does promise war and this first volume is all about the initial setup and how the peace will eventually be broken.

The book also pulls in a lot of different characters introduced into the run to take part in the coming events. And it also likes to stress how much happened in the Macro-series (which I don't have!), so that's a bit of a pain.

Solid but really more about rising tension. There's a bit of a climax towards the end, but you know things are just getting started.

[brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

um...what?!

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here we go. This was a super high stakes volume as we gear up for the finale. Not too stoked about the implications of the cliffhanger it left us on but looking forward to see the overall wrap-up of the OG series.

[Cyril · Rating 5 out of 5]

High paced action packed top notch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
4.5 stars

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this City at War storyline.

[Matt Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story in here lots of drama action and racing against time.

[Megan Danvers · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I found the City at War plot to be a bit too chaotic at times and found Raph losing his temper and throwing a tantrum to be detrimental to his character. Yes, Raph is the angry one but this felt more immature and forced than a form of anger that would naturally arise from his character and to have him start suddenly talking about his trauma from living on the streets before his family found him when that hadn't been touched upon in so long and should reasonably have been smoothed over by now at least in some way felt like the writers were just grasping at straws for drama. I also felt that Jennika's near-death was similarly too forced in that roadblock after roadblock just seemed to spring up as if as a plot inconvenience rather than an actual problem to overcome. It felt a bit contrived if I'm using that word correctly.