IDW's 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' #52 Review: TMNT's Leonardo, Master Splinter Epic Twist!

Resurrections and casualties took place inside the milestone pages of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #50, from IDW Publishing. In the new story arc, the TMNT family have to deal with Master Splinter and Leonardo's decision in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #52.

As we previously mentioned, Bebop and Rocksteady delivered the death blow as they smashed Donnie's shell with a sledgehammer. While Donnie's consciousness was downloaded into the robot, Metalhead, by Fugitoid, the Turtles were fighting to the death against Shredder and his Foot Clan.

The brothers were once again reunited with Donnie as he was resurrected back into his body. After Master Splinter took care of Shredder once and for all, the Foot Clan were lost without a leader. With Master Splinter stepping up as the Foot Clan's leader, Michelangelo was heartbroken by his father's decision and abandoned his family.   

Writers Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, and Tom Waltz continue with the gripping drama of the Turtles taking control of the Foot. In the opening, Leonardo ends up becoming a teacher to the remaining Foot soldiers. But is he actually training them how to defeat him? With a new gang, the Street Phantoms, wanting him to make a new name for themselves, does this mean everyone underestimates the Foot?

Artist Ken Garing does a phenomenal job putting his own style on the character designs. Notice how Master Splinter is drawn to look younger and tougher in his portrayal. Even Casey Jones has a shorter haircut and the goalie mask is meant to be more menacing. Garing illustrates the fight scenes in close-ups and medium shots to capture the hits and kicks. 

With a new story arc and artist at the helm, the Turtles are heading towards a darker path. With so much power at their hands, how long before it corrupts them?

RATING: BUY IT NOW

A highly entertaining read, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #52 is out in stores now.