Seems like Oroku Saki aka The Shredder can’t catch a break. He was defeated both in life — by Hamato Yoshi, better known as Splinter — and in death by the person he’s reincarnated after — Takeshi Tatsuo, the founder of the foot clan. In TMNT: Shredder in Hell #4, IDW Publishing and writer/artist Mateus Santolouco continue to put Shredder through hell on his journey of self-discovery and redemption. Will Shredder be able to stop the demons from his past? Your guess is as good as mine.
The Writing
Shredder in Hell #4 picks right up from issue number three, where we last saw Takeshi Tatsuo choke out Shredder. Takeshi brings Shredder back to the dragon lair to fulfill the prophecy of becoming a Dragon God of ultimate power. Before his diabolical plan can be realized, the spirit of Splinter shows up to lend a helping hand to Saki. What comes next is an action-packed issue that proves why Santolouco has been a driving force in the TMNT comic legacy.
The only thing cooler than watching Shredder battle it out in hell against the founder of the foot clan is the fact that he’s the good guy in this series. I really love the rich backstory that Shredder in Hell adds to Shredder’s origin. Santolouco has created an impressively fun thrill ride that gets better with each issue. It embodies the spirit and heart that keeps TMNT fresh, interesting, and entertaining.
Santolouco isn’t afraid to tell compelling stories about the other great characters within the Turtle universe which in turn helps continue to expand it. It’s also a nice ironic twist as Shredder’s main goal was always about gaining power and here he’s fighting to get away from it. It’ll be interesting to see where this arc leaves him.
Capturing Hell
Santolouco’s art is richly detailed and makes the realm of hell look heavenly. His character designs and flawless pencil work help emphasize the intensity of each book. My favorite thing about his illustrations is his ability to give each panel so much depth. You’ll simply love the fight between Takeshi and Shredder — it’s truly mesmerizing to watch.
Shredder in Hell #4 is a fantastic read and would make an awesome animated movie. The plot remains solid, the artwork is breathtaking, and watching Shredder as the hero is definitely a nice touch. I’d encourage any hardcore Ninja Turtles fan who hasn’t heard of this series to check it out. Make sure to download your copy today or add it to your list next time you visit your local comic shop.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.