Review: Shredder #5
From IDW Publishing
The endgame is coming in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe with Shredder #5 from IDW Publishing.
Dark revelations abound as Agent Alda at last discovers the stunning truth of what happened to the Shredder, the nature of his nightmarish visions, the unbelievable place in which he was trapped, and the impossible price he paid to come back to the world.
Meanwhile, the Mourner’s forces amass for a final showdown with Shredder that could take New York City down with them.
Author: Dan Watters
Artists: Mateus Santolouco, and Michele Bandini
As we move ever closer to the inevitable showdown between Shredder and the Mourner in Shredder #5 from IDW Publishing, this issue smartly slows things down just enough to deepen the stakes. Rather than rushing headlong into the clash, we’re given more of Shredder’s backstory — specifically, how he has arrived at this precise moment. It’s not just about physical positioning, but emotional and philosophical positioning as well.
There are strong mystical undercurrents running through this chapter, but it also operates on a much grander scale. We’re dealing with forces that stretch beyond simple revenge or power struggles. Space, time, destiny — all of it feels layered into what’s unfolding. And crucially, this exploration doesn’t just flesh out Shredder; it reframes what the Mourner is doing and why. Her motivations become clearer, and with that clarity comes complexity.
I’ve always thought it’s far more compelling when a villain believes — truly believes — that they’re in the right. The Mourner isn’t evil for the sake of it. In her own mind, her actions are justified, perhaps even necessary. That moral certainty makes her more dangerous and more interesting. The final pages of the issue do an excellent job of reinforcing that idea as we edge closer to the endgame. There’s weight behind her choices, and that gives the coming confrontation far more impact.
There’s also the lingering question of how — or if — this ties into the wider Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe. An entertaining cameo from the brothers suggests they’re at least partially aware of what’s unfolding. It’s a fun moment, but it also plants a seed. Whether that thread becomes something larger will depend entirely on how this arc concludes, but the possibility is certainly there.
What continues to make this series work is the way Shredder himself is handled. He’s layered, driven, and still morally ambiguous. This issue adds more depth to him without suddenly transforming him into a straightforward hero. He’s compelling precisely because he exists in that grey area. And amid all the cosmic and mystical weight of the story, we still get flashes of sharp, almost playful moments — including his uniquely inventive way of distracting a cop, which adds a welcome touch of levity without undercutting the tension.
Artistically, there’s a lot to admire here. The issue moves seamlessly from grounded city confrontations to expansive, almost surreal, mystical and cosmic elements. The colouring helps differentiate those spaces beautifully, and the panel layouts grow increasingly dynamic as the story dives deeper into its more metaphysical aspects. When the action hits, it hits hard — but it never overshadows the thematic depth.
All of this sets the stage perfectly for the final confrontation back in New York. The pieces are in place, motivations are clear, and the tension is coiled tight. Now it’s just a matter of seeing how it all unravels — and who’s left standing when it does.
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