Dark days have arrived for our heroes in a half-shell, but can even these mean green fighting machines whether the storm?  Should you care?  Read on to find out.

The official description from IDW:

“CITY FALL” part 3: With the hunt on for Leonardo, the remaining Turtles take whatever help they can get… but can they trust a truce with Old Hob?! A startling climax will change the Turtles foreve

It’s a powerful and action packed thrill-ride that’s also an uproarious adventure.  I can’t say enough how impressed I was with this issue, as the creative team uses their prior story lines to debut an antagonist that’s sure to have fans talking while unstable alliances continue to form.

The script by Tom Waltz is outstanding as the author moves all the pieces on the board, in an effort to not only create chaos but instill a sense of dread.  Each of the characters react as you would expect them to, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the new villain as he handily took out all the turtles and their master without even breaking a sweat.  In all honesty this saga takes me back to my childhood as stories similar to this existed on the small screen (think “Green With Evil” from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), except this one has the emotional weight and narrative strength to have a lasting impact.

Mateus Santolouco with a one page assist by Mike Henderson handles the art in this intense outing.  From the first panel to the final page I was absolutely floored by the execution therein as the illustrator brings a realistic touch to this outlandish world.  His depictions of our primary characters are detailed and unique, as they embody the best qualities that have made this property a staple over several generations of fans.  In short: the art is pretty close to perfect as it uplifts the script to new heights that fans might not expect.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #24 is a remarkable comic that earns the right to be called a key issue for this franchise.  Highly recommended.

4.5/5