Review: Shredder #4
From IDW Publishing
Continuing on the adventures within the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe, it’s Shredder #4 from IDW Publishing.
The Shredder’s quest takes him deep into the mountains of Japan, where he visits the temple of the Foot Mystics, an ancient sect that went dormant centuries ago. Shredder had hoped to leave their strange cult to history, but they may hold the key to defeating his powerful new enemy, the Mourner. The path is treacherous, and the Shredder will have to face more than the elements as he ascends to the secret Foot outpost.
by Dan Watters (Author), Michele Bandini (Artist)
After the back-and-forth of the previous issue, this chapter feels like the story is taking a decisive step forward. It’s an interesting episode that leans heavily on commentary from Shredder’s so-called handler, although it quickly becomes clear that he doesn’t actually view their relationship in those terms at all. That tension adds another layer to the narrative and helps underline just how independent—and dangerous—Shredder truly is.
The setting is used extremely well here. The cold, snowy mountains of Japan create an oppressive, isolated atmosphere that suits the story perfectly, especially given the supernatural elements at its core. There’s a real sense that something ancient and powerful is at work, and even after getting a small taste of it, the reader is clearly not prepared for what’s still to come.
The flashbacks are particularly effective. They’re cleverly placed and do more than just fill in background details. Instead, they push the plot forward while also giving us a deeper look into Shredder himself—his past, his relationships, and the motivations that drive him. These moments add weight to the present-day story and make his actions feel more deliberate and meaningful.
All of this builds toward an excellent reveal that brings us very close to the finale. It genuinely caught me off guard, arriving in a way that feels both unexpected and completely earned. The writing here is sharp and confident, setting up what looks to be a very strong conclusion to the series.
The artwork continues to impress throughout the issue. From the harsh, snowy landscapes to the magical confrontations and the more gruesome moments, everything lands visually. Shredder’s expressions and body language are especially well done—even behind the mask, his reactions are clear and powerful. It all comes together to create what feels like a classic TMNT story with a darker, more mystical edge.
By the time I reached the final page, I was already thinking about the next issue. This one does a great job of building anticipation and leaves me eager to see how it all ends.
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Finally: his backstory.