Craig Neilson- Comic Reviews

A beautiful issue in every possible way, packed with big character beats and moments that will genuinely leave you with a lump in your throat. One of the best issues of IDWs ongoing TMNT series that Ive read in a long time, and in a world of uncertainty and anxiety, this is exactly the comic book that a lot of people need right now. Fantastic stuff.

Ultimately, while the burden of expectation for her run was dizzyingly high, Campbell has done a truly stellar job, not just of continuing the existing story but of expanding it in new and exciting ways. Its never been a better time to be a TMNT comic book fan, and this new arc has all the makings of becoming an all-time classic.

A promising start then, and with Tynion gently easing himself into the mantle of the Dark Knight scribe, Daniels artwork is already pretty much worth the cover price on its own.

Ultimately, this issue is focused on re-establishing characters and setting up new storylines, but it never feels like filler with a rapid pace and some great emotional beats along the way. With a fresh feel and an exciting new direction, I have absolutely no doubt that this series is in safe hands with Campbell at the helm, and I absolutely cant wait to see where this story goes next.

This is a monumental storyline in every sense of the word, and next month cant come quickly enough for me.

After several solid, story-building chapters, this is easily the best issue of the arc so far, and injects the proceedings with a real sense of purpose as Karai finally makes her decisive move. IDWs TMNT series is always at its best when its different storylines unite into one single narrative, and thats exactly what happens here. Highly, highly recommended.

Ultimately then, while the core of the arc is pure gold, it does feel a bit like City at War is groaning under the weight of its various subplots and offshoots. The Splinter/Karai, Jennika/Casey and Bishop/Metalhead stuff is fantastic, but some of the other peripheral characters and situations feel like theyre suffocating things just a little. Its still an enjoyable read, and Im completely and utterly invested in finding out what happens next, but Im just not loving it quite as much as I hoped I would going in. Not yet, anyway.

After several issues of subtle maneuverings and pieces being gently nudged around the board by Eastman, Waltz and Curnow, City at War is finally here, and it feels like the creative team are ready to launch a serious attack on the status quo for the remainder of the year. One of the most consistent comics on the shelves today continues to go from strength to strength, and these next eight issues are promising to be an absolute joy to read. Bring on next month!