Things are not looking very bright for the Earth Protection Force (E.P.F.). Discovering a mole within their ranks while actively hunting Shredder is proving to be more than they can handle. Which leaves the government very displeased! Will the E.P.F. survive this issue…?
Creative Team
Dan Watters (Writer), Giona Zefiro (Artist), Marco Lesko (Colorist), Darran Robinson (Letterer)
Tommy Stella (Assistant Editor), Jake Thomas (Editor)
Publisher: IDW Publishing
The Kill Switch
Issue eleven of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder is the darkest and most manipulative issues of this series. This issue takes readers through a first-person account of hunting down Shredder. Going through major details and events that take place. Throughout the panels you will learn more about the E.P.F. and their tactics regarding Shredder. While also learning all the E.P.F. knows about Shredder. Are some ethical and legal lines crossed, you bet they are! This is Shredder!
A great aspect of this issue is the storytelling about a mole within the E.P.F. staff. It is no longer a secret and the Director of the E.P.F. knows! The main basis for this issue centered around a virtual meeting between government officials and the Director of the E.P.F. To get a better picture of this meeting, think about the meeting within Captain America: Winter Soldier (2014) when Secretary Alexander Pierce (over-seer of S.H.I.E.L.D.) is meeting with government leaders about S.H.I.E.L.D.’s progress. That is the tone for issue eleven!
This issue also provides a darker and more in-depth view of Shredder. Going as far as to give a complete background as well as some of his more “not proud” moments. Fans of Shredder will know majority of these facts but the way those facts are presented within this issue give him a more sinister feel. But knowing Shredder’s past makes you feel that something terrible is about to happen… And you would be right…
The ending of this issue will take you by surprise in more than one way! You will not want to miss this ending which is the beginning of something mischievous for issue twelve. The E.P.F. is in serious trouble and I’m not sure if they will be able to restore their reputation after this issue.
* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder #11, Credit IDW Publishing. Main Cover by Mateus Santolouco & Marcelo Maiolo *
The Writing
Dan Watters does an amazing job telling this portion of the Shredder story! Giving readers past information in an almost interigation format while also giving it a mysterious tone. Leaving readers to question what will happen next. The dialogue and narration come mainly from the Director of the E.P.F. which makes this issue seem like it’s just his. Then, once you’re comfortable, here comes Dan throwing a GIANT twist to the story! Loved the pacing this issue demonstrates as well. It’s not a hurry to the climax read. This is a slow burn leading up to an explosion. I really enjoyed reading this newest issue of Shredder!
The Artwork
Giona Zefiro and Marco Lesko work together like Ying and Yang! The art for this issue is spot on with the tone of the story. The coloration is dark with supple amounts of shading and erie tones. Filling in the pencil work with is smooth and direct, providing exceptional outlines for the colors to fill. The amount of details that are within these panels is outstanding! From scene accessories to clothing and ultimately physical features of the characters. Amazing work on capturing the utter fear and stress within the E.P.F.’s Director throughout this story!
Variant Covers
Final Thoughts
TMNT: Shredder is a phenomenal series! This issue alone taps into the darker side of not only Shredder, but the Earth Protection Force as well. The ending of this book left me completely surprised, not just by what you will see, but what you will read… If you’ve not been following along with this series I highly encourage you to either hunt down the single issues or the trade paperback. The way in which Dan Watters is writing this series is very entertaining! The artwork has been supporting the storytelling every step of the way with beautiful panels and pages. Go get your issue of this dark winding road today!
Overall Grade: 10/10
Links
Comic Book Reviews & Entertainment News: Nerd Initiative
Previous TMNT Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #20 (LGY #300!) – The Veil
Travis’ NI Portfolio: TravisComicHaven – Nerd Initiative
Travis’ Personal Content: Travis’ Comic Haven
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