Review - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder #7
From IDW Publishing
After the end of the initial arc, Shredder has a new goal. It begins here in Shredder #7 from IDW Publishing.
The Shredder returns to Japan to recruit the Dog Star Clan, a rogue offshoot of the Foot Clan, to his new cause…but finds the cybernetic ninja clan infected by lethal malware. Now he will trace this virus to its root—and ensure those responsible feel the edge of his blade.
Author: Dan Watters
Artists: Mateus Santolouco, and Sid Kotian
It’s genuinely satisfying to see the Dog Star Clan return here, especially given their history and the aftermath of their clashes with Karai. Their reappearance feels like a natural progression for Shredder’s journey—these are allies, or at least connections, that make sense for him to seek out. However, things are far from stable on their end. The clan is clearly struggling, and their increasing reliance on advanced technology has backfired in a big way, leading to internal conflict and a breakdown in leadership. That instability adds an immediate sense of tension to everything that follows.
The action throughout the issue is a real highlight, delivering both intensity and creativity. Shredder isn’t just facing standard opponents here—he’s up against enemies enhanced or corrupted by technology, and the body horror elements that come with that are particularly striking. The way these transformations are portrayed adds an extra layer of unease to the combat. What really stands out, though, is how Shredder approaches these fights. His methods feel calculated and deliberate, and there’s a clear sense of strategy behind every move. The battles aren’t just visually engaging—they’re logical, showing how Shredder adapts to increasingly unpredictable threats.
Within the Dog Star Clan, the shift in leadership is another compelling element. The new figure in charge immediately gives off a sense of danger, not just because of his authority but because of his apparent control over the clan’s technology. That control makes him a serious threat to everyone around him, including Shredder. On top of that, he’s portrayed as deeply unlikable, which makes the tension around him even stronger. There’s a clear sense that his downfall is inevitable, and when it comes, it’s likely to be a very satisfying moment.
As if that weren’t enough, Shredder is now dealing with threats beyond the clan itself. The EDF has taken notice of his actions and views him as a planetary-level danger, which raises the stakes significantly. This adds a broader layer to the story, suggesting that Shredder’s journey is no longer just a personal or faction-based conflict—it’s something with much wider implications. Balancing this external pressure with the immediate dangers posed by the Dog Star Clan creates a strong sense of escalation.
The artwork ties everything together exceptionally well. The fusion of technology and organic elements is handled with great detail, especially in the effects of the malware and the resulting physical distortions. The visuals reinforce the horror aspects without overshadowing the action. The use of shadow in the later pages is particularly effective, helping to build atmosphere and leaving the issue on a visually striking note.
Overall, this feels like a strong and confident start to a new arc. It expands the scope of the story, introduces compelling new conflicts, and keeps Shredder at the centre as a calculated and formidable presence. There’s a clear sense that bigger challenges are on the horizon, and it makes what comes next feel all the more intriguing.
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