***Contains Spoilers***
I have been a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fan for years. I had the toys, watched the Saturday morning cartoons, played the video games, and loved the ’90s movies. But over all my years, I had not ventured into the comics. Something about The Last Ronin’s post-apocalyptic last brother remaining storyline drew me to the book — and BOY, WAS IT GREAT!
I loved that we did not know which turtle was the last remaining in the first issue. I hoped they would continue the mystery throughout, only revealing the other turtles as the stories of their deaths were told. I was surprised that it was Michelangelo that survived. I had my money on it, being Ralph or Leo. I thought the pacing of the story was incredible. Each chapter had the perfect blend of moving the present-day story forward, mixed with the retelling of the tragedies of the past. Eastman and Laird perfectly weaved a thrilling revenge story set in a dystopian future. They restored old connections and introduced a new hero in April’s daughter.
This story contains very little to complain about, but a few nostalgic TMNT elements felt overlooked. I was hoping to get a little taste of Beebop and Rocksteady. Those were two of my favorite villains from the 1989 video game. Additionally, I was a bit sad that Michelangelo lost his “cool.” Very understandable after everything he went through, but I would have loved a “cowabunga” or stupid joke tossed in here or there — especially as he built his relationship with Casey. And last, pizza? Do they not have pizza in the future? How do you have a turtles story without pizza?
I finished The Last Ronin in one night. I couldn’t put it down. This book instantly jumps into my all-time favorites with a 5-star rating.
Feature Image The Last Ronin Cover art by Esua & Isaac Escorza