TMNT: Shredder #2 Exclusive — Oroku Saki Descends Into New York’s Criminal Underworld
TMNT: Shredder #2 delivers on all fronts. If you grew up in the late ’80s or early ’90s, chances are you spent countless hours watching the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles battle their arch-nemesis, Shredder, while scarfing down pizza (extra cheese, of course). Fast forward to today, and the TMNT universe is still going strong. This time, the spotlight is on the man behind the blades. TMNT: Shredder #2 is here, and it’s diving headfirst into the gritty, shadowy world of Oroku Saki. Spoiler: it’s not all Foot Clan and Technodromes anymore.
This new series from IDW Publishing, written by Dan Watters (Lucifer) and illustrated by Michele Bandini (Batman Incorporated), is giving Shredder the solo treatment he’s long deserved. Let me tell you, it’s not just a nostalgia trip. It’s a full-blown character study with a side of revenge.
TMNT: Shredder #2: The Man, The Myth, The Legend (Sort Of)
For those of us who’ve followed the TMNT saga over the years, Shredder has always been the ultimate bad guy. In recent years, however, he’s taken on a more complex role. Remember the Armageddon Game storyline? Shredder actually teamed up with the Turtles to take down the Rat King. Wild, right? Now, he’s back on Earth, and things are complicated.
In TMNT: Shredder #2, Oroku Saki is trying to rebuild his power in New York’s criminal underworld. The catch? He’s doing it without the Foot Clan, which is like trying to make a pizza without dough. It’s possible, but it’s not easy. The story follows Shredder as he tracks a rogue Foot Clan soldier, leading him to a mysterious crime lord who’s been running the show in his absence. This new boss isn’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat. Some even question if Shredder is still the fearsome force he once was. Big mistake, buddy.
Dan Watters has described this as a “rags-to-revenge” story for TMNT: Shredder #2 , and honestly, that’s the perfect way to sum it up. Shredder isn’t just fighting to reclaim his throne. He’s also wrestling with his identity. Who is Oroku Saki without the Foot Clan? Can he still strike fear into the hearts of his enemies?
Let’s Talk About Art
The visuals, because wow! Michele Bandini’s artwork in TMNT: Shredder #2 is nothing short of amazing. Bandini’s artistic talent captures the grittiness and magnitude of Shredder’s world. Sid Kotain, who’s contributing to this issue, adds even more depth to the story. The inked pages previewed by The Beat are nothing short of mesmerizing, pulling you into a darker, grittier world that perfectly captures the raw intensity of the story. The inked pages lure the reader into the darker side, filled with raw intensity.
The cover art is by Mateus Santolouco. Santolouco is a true master of reimaging the classic characters. If you’re a fan of his work, you know he’s a master at reimagining classic characters. His new design for Shredder is a great balance between nostalgia and new beginnings. It’s the kind of art that makes you want to frame the cover and hang it on your wall.
Why This Series Hits Different
Here’s the thing. Shredder has always been a larger-than-life villain, but this series brings him down to earth, both literally and figuratively. It’s not just about the battles and the schemes. It’s about the man behind the mask. For longtime fans, it’s a chance to see a different side of Shredder. He’s vulnerable, he’s determined, and he’s got a chip on his shoulder the size of a manhole cover.
This series is the perfect entry point for new readers to the TMNT universe, because the reader doesn’t need to know every single background detail of Shredder’s history. TMNT: Shredder #2 is a fantastic standalone tale that has rich character development and is full of action. It is the perfect mix for making it a win-win for fans old and new! It is so good, it has me going back to look at TMNT: Shredder #1.
Final Thoughts: Shredder’s Still Got It
TMNT: Shredder #2 isn’t just a comic. It’s a deep dive into one of the most iconic characters in the TMNT universe. This comic gives the reader jaw-dropping artwork, action, and all the drama you need, and a fresh take on a classic villain. This issue is a must-read. Whether you’re here for the action, the drama, or just to see Shredder remind everyone why he’s not to be messed with, this series delivers.
So grab your nunchucks or your reading glasses, and get ready for a wild ride. Oroku Saki is back, and he’s got something to prove. If this issue is any indication, the underworld of New York is about to learn a very painful lesson: never count Shredder out.
