The Last Ronin #1 by Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, Tom Waltz, Esau & Isaac Escorza, Luis Antonio Delgado and Shawn Lee is a must-read for both new and old TMNT fans; moody, noirish narrative, several mysteries and gritty and striking art.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin
Story: Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird and Tom Waltz
Script: Tom Waltz and Kevin Eastman
Layouts: Kevin Eastman Pencils/Inks: Esau & Issac Escorza
Colors: Antonio Delgado Letters: Shawn Lee
In a future NYC far different than the one we know today, a lone surviving Turtle goes on a seemingly hopeless mission to obtain justice for his fallen family and friends.
There is no getting around the hype this book has. It’s been on the radar for months, and with its hardcore flex of a 69 variant cover release, IDW is certainly putting a lot behind this. So is the book all hype? No, the book certainly delivers. I will avoid spoilers because the various reveals are important, but the narrative is strong and although the hook is, of course, WHO the remaining Turtle is (you do get an answer at the end of the issue), there are still several other plots unfolding and a decent amount of world-building as well. There is a bit of exposition here and there, but it’s a small fault and the narrative’s even pace keeps everything going toward a solid ending that certainly has me wanting to keep reading.
This is also a very good looking book. It’s gritty, all thick, heavy lines, very much full of ‘weight’ on the page. It’s also very detailed; think Dark Knight Returns and Frank Miller’s Ronin (both obvious influences here). The color palette is heavy on the deep blacks and muted primaries, creating pages that pop without having to be dayglow colored. There is also solid lettering throughout, with a great font and strong use of subtle “sound effects”.
So, yes, believe the hype and buy this book when it’s out on October 28th. As a lapsed TMNT fan I loved it and it piqued my interest enough to dive back into the franchise as well.
Check out our 5-Page Preview of The Last Ronin right here!
