Andrew Newton reviews Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder #1…
IDW’s new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles spin-off, Shredder #1, wastes no time in throwing readers into something very different from the usual Foot Clan antics. Written by Dan Watters with art by Michele Bandini, this first issue sets up a compelling mystery surrounding a very changed Oroku Saki, one who feels more like a ghost of his former self than the fearsome villain we’re used to.
The story opens with a pair of Darkwater operatives doing their shady business in typical covert fashion. But it’s not long before the real focus of the issue emerges: a scruffy, disoriented man who we quickly realise is none other than Shredder himself. Except, this isn’t the armour-clad, razor-sharp mind we remember. He’s older, rougher, out of time and seemingly devoid of purpose, not to mention he’s also without his Foot Clan.
Dan Watters’ writing is filled with intrigue. There’s a sense of something larger bubbling beneath the surface, especially when a new, ominous force is teased, a dark power threatening to engulf New York, and perhaps even challenge Shredder’s dominance. Interestingly, Darkwater, who aren’t exactly friends of the Turtles, seem to be backing him, if only as the ‘lesser of two evils’. This sets up a morally grey world where even Shredder might become something of an anti-hero. Or will he? The story so far does a great job of giving us just enough without revealing all his cards. Questions start to build: Can Shredder reclaim his legacy? What’s driven him to this point? And just how bad is the threat he’s now facing?
The artwork by Michele Bandini is fantastic and complements the tone of the story. His use of bold colours and clear frames of action makes the story easier to follow, and it’s very easy to notice genuine emotion in the facial expressions, especially in Shredder’s looks of confusion, anger, and disgust. It’s expressive without going overboard, and that works really well for a story that seems to be walking the line between anti-hero and villain.
Overall, Shredder #1 is a strong start to what could become an interesting exploration of one of TMNT’s most iconic villains. Whatever lies in store for Oroku Saki in this story, I think it’s going to be one worth following.
Rating – 8/10 pizza slices. A captivating start to what looks to be a great story.
Andrew Newton
