Review: TMNT - Shredder #3
From IDW Publishing
Shredder has a mission, and we get more ninja action in Shredder #3 from IDW Publishing.
The Shredder’s quest to find the rogue Foot soldier “the Mourner” takes him to Europe, where she is rumored to have procured some top-secret technology from a very distant place — Dimension X — to use in the mysterious device she’s constructing. For what purpose, only the Mourner knows for sure, but it’s one the Shredder is determined to undermine at all costs.
by Dan Watters (Author), Michele Bandini (Artist)
Shredder #3 from IDW Publishing delivers some truly fantastic moments for fans of Oroku Saki, giving us a well-balanced look at both sides of his persona. What makes this issue stand out is how confidently it shifts between Shredder the calculating businessman and Shredder the relentless warrior, allowing both identities to shine without ever softening who he really is.
On the business front, we get a fascinating glimpse at Saki operating behind an assumed name while managing subordinates with the same cold precision he once used to command the Foot Clan. The way he navigates meetings, drops snide remarks about European travel—especially the wine—and handles corporate manoeuvring shows that his ruthlessness didn’t vanish just because he traded his armour for a suit. The alias he adopts is a clever touch, underscoring that even in the corporate world, he maintains his edge. It’s a reminder that Shredder isn’t trying to blend in—he’s simply conquering a different battlefield.
As for the fighter, the issue escalates into an intense, claustrophobic battle sequence that demonstrates exactly why Shredder remains one of the most formidable figures in the TMNT universe. His opponent’s teleportation tricks add a chaotic layer, forcing Saki to adapt in real time, making the fight feel unpredictable and dynamic. Even though he receives some assistance, it’s clear he resents needing it, neatly tying back to his prideful, commanding nature hinted at through his business persona. He’s a man who wants control—on every front.
One of the strongest aspects of the issue is how it invites you to root for Shredder while never letting you forget who he actually is. The story centres on him and pulls you into his perspective so effectively that you almost catch yourself cheering him on. But the writing smartly reinforces that he isn’t a misunderstood hero—he’s still the dangerous, morally rigid figure he’s always been.
The artwork deserves special praise as well. It blends corporate environments with ninja-stealth aesthetics and bursts of sci-fi energy, creating a visual tone that matches Shredder’s dual existence. Small details reward a second look, and the characters’ facial expressions—from icy confidence to terror to outright madness—add an extra layer of storytelling that enhances every scene.
Overall, this issue is a strong and engaging chapter in the larger narrative, propelling the story forward at a brisk pace while giving Shredder fans plenty to appreciate. It balances atmosphere, action, and character insight in a way that bodes very well for what comes next.
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