Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13 is written by Gene Luen Yang and published by IDW Publishing. Artwork is by Freddie E. Williams II, colours by Andrew Dalhouse and letters by Shawn Lee. Main cover art (left) is by Williams and Dalhousie.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
A new era of TMNT begins! Acclaimed Eisner-winning writer Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Superman Smashes the Klan) takes on writing duties for TMNT! Following the stunning events of TMNT #12, the Turtles face a different New York…one where they are viewed as heroes! The celebration will be short-lived as new threats vie for control. The mutant yak Papa Beng is determined to widen the power base for his gang. Yet little does he know that he and other TMNT villains are being stalked by a powerful new assassin… Ujigami!
Review
After a groundbreaking run from Jason Aaron and Juan Ferreyra, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is starting afresh today with Gene Luen Yang and Freddie E. Williams II at the helm. Will Yang build on Aaron’s psychologically complex interpretations of the brother’s relationship? Or will this new vision spin the series in an entirely new direction? We’re about to find out…
The answer is, surprisingly, equal parts yes to both questions. Whilst Yang makes reference to the events of Aaron’s run, neatly building on the emotional fallout, there’s also a fresh coat of paint which immediately takes the series to new heights. In fact, as first impressions go Yang does an incredible job of signalling his TMNT mission statement. This run is bringing back the family dynamic amongst the Heroes in a Half Shell whilst, at least for this first arc, putting them against a unique enemy who only claims to want to protect them.
Yang’s direction of travel was heavily signposted at the end of the previous issue. Calling back to our heroes grief at losing their father, Splinter. The burden of living without him is still strong as Yang opens this new chapter. But is complicated massively by the arrival of new original villain Ujigami. Ujigami claims to want the same goal as the TMNT, his methodology is just a little more… brutal, shall we say?
Yang balances classic TMNT elements like April O’Neil, and Baxter Stockman against newer introductions like Ujigami perfectly. Likewise there’s a pleasing mix of family drama as the TMNT go out on a mission together and action as the Triad falls apart on the streets. Everything fans could ask for is packed inside these 21 pages of story and signals a strong start to this brand new run.
Freddie E. Williams II is no stranger to drawing Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael but I was shocked to learn this was his first time working outside of crossover stories. I’m so used to his work on the Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover books that his turtles feel intrinsic to reading a TMNT book to me. All of the visual elements feel familiar welcome immediately starting from the cover art. It just feels instantly TMNT to me and that puts me at ease even before diving in to the story.
Visually things have moved on from the end of the Aaron/Ferreyra run. Donatello is in a much better place and that’s confirmed pretty early on when our heroes are verbally sparring whilst running across rooftops. There’s a cool mix of daytime and nighttime activities which vary up the look of the book from page to page. In one panel we’re back in time witnessing NYC in the rain, on the next page we’re in the White Lily Tea Room under the warm restaurant lighting. It’s a real feast for the eyes and again indicates a dynamic and strong start for our new creative team.
Verdict
Whether you’re returning after Aaron’s run or jumping in fresh, TMNT #13 makes it easy. Yang builds on emotional foundations while Williams brings iconic visuals that feel instantly right. New readers and longtime fans alike will find plenty to love here.
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