Writers: Kevin Eastman. Bobby Curnow, Tom Waltz
Art: Dave Wachter, Michael Dialynas
Colors: Ronda Pattison
Letter: Shawn Lee
Publisher: IDW Publishing

In this day of constant reboots, mini-series, and cancellations, it has become increasingly rare for a comic to hit Issue #100. But that is exactly what we get with IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #100. Checking in at 50 pages, this hundredth issue serves as the final part of the City at War arc that has lasted for the previous seven issues. It also ends several major plot points that have been lingering for the better part of the last few years.

When you have been building up to a major event for, like, the better part of the last year, you cannot help but worry that the landing may not be as good as the set-up. Fortunately, in the case of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #100, the large team provides an ending that feels appropriate. There are a lot of moving parts to this issue. By the end, it feels as if everyone gets their time to shine.

While I have not been following the Turtles closely, I took the time to go back and check out some of the issues leading up to this book before writing my review. If you are going to take the time to read Issue #100, I would suggest going and checking out the City at War story arc and the miniseries Shredder in Hell. Doing so gives you a newfound appreciation of what Shredder’s dual role within the Foot clan has always been. When it comes down to it, the importance of family is the focus here, and we get both some beautiful reunions and tragic ends to wrap up the storyline and set up the next adventure.

Normally, I am not a huge fan of a large number of artists on one book. For me, it takes me out of the story by creating a disjointed feel. However, with the different storylines all coming together, the variety works well. The characters all feel true to their more recent looks, while certain brutalities are presented in a way that move the story forward without feeling gratuitous. The panels up on the building as Kitsune is performing her ceremony are awe-inspiring. The bright colors against the darkness of the city allow the art to pop off the page. Meanwhile, the muted colors of the city surrounding the Turtles help to ground their street-level battles.

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