Review - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder #6
From IDW Publishing
Finishing the arc, Shredder #6 is out now from IDW Publishing.
The Shredder’s worldwide hunt for the Mourner brings him back to where it all began: New York City, where his renegade former pupil has assembled the final components for a device to tear open the mystical gates to our world. What peers through is terrifying and powerful, and it will test even the Shredder’s strength of will—and heart.
WRITER: Dan Watters
ARTIST: Michele Bandini
COVER A: Mateus Santolouco
Coming to the end of this arc—and I genuinely went into this thinking it was just a contained mini-series—it’s clear now that Shredder has been positioned for something much bigger. This issue doesn’t just wrap things up neatly; it gives him a sense of closure while also handing him a clear direction forward, both in terms of purpose and the people (or person) he now has alongside him. There’s a feeling that this is less an ending and more a recalibration.
What really works here is how much of the issue leans into Shredder as a solitary force, especially in his confrontation with The Mourner. Her plan finally starts to come together, and the story gives space for some surprisingly introspective moments from Shredder. As he faces her—and everything she represents—there’s a sense that he’s confronting not just an enemy, but the weight of his own past choices and what he truly wants moving forward. Whether or not this is the path he would have chosen before almost doesn’t matter now.
That said, it’s definitely not lacking in action. Shredder tearing through the Mourner’s followers delivers exactly the kind of intensity you’d expect, and the resistance he faces is strong enough to make those moments feel earned rather than routine. There’s a nice balance between overwhelming force and credible opposition, especially as he pushes forward, trying to break through and take control of the situation.
Running alongside all of this is the wider plan—because, of course, Shredder never walks into anything unprepared. Watching that strategy unfold in the background adds another layer to the issue, and it pays off in a way that feels true to the character. He achieves the outcome he was aiming for, not just on a personal level but on a larger scale, hinting at consequences beyond this immediate story.
The betrayal ticking away in the background is another strong element. It doesn’t land the way the betrayers intended, which actually makes it more effective. Instead of derailing things, it reinforces Shredder’s position and sharpens his focus as whatever comes next approaches. If anything, it strengthens his resolve and sets him up even more cleanly for the next arc.
Visually, the issue delivers exactly what you’d hope for from an IDW Publishing TMNT title. The blend of mysticism and grounded ninja combat is handled really well, and the Mourner’s transformation—especially how it’s revealed across a page turn—is a standout moment. The colouring deserves a mention too; the brighter, almost supernatural elements contrast brilliantly with the heavy darkness of Shredder’s armour, making him feel even more imposing in every scene he’s in.
Overall, this has been a fantastic arc. It re-establishes Shredder in a meaningful way, gives him a clear mission statement, and leaves just enough threads hanging to build anticipation. A clash with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles feels inevitable, but for now, the focus is firmly on who Shredder is becoming—and it’s clear there’s still a lot more to come.
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