The Turtles were happy to have Splinter back, but that happiness didn’t last. They’ve now discovered their father and teacher is actually Ujigami, a dangerous assassin. Issue #16 of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles continues that shocking story, and things get even more complicated as Splinter chooses his next target. It’s this intense chaos and the impact it has on the Turtles’ family that makes the series, and this issue especially, so compelling.
Gene Luen Yang has thrown the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles into a difficult situation with the shocking reveal of Ujigami’s identity. Issue #16 immediately dives into the consequences of this discovery, exploring how it impacts the Turtles and their loved ones. The issue also shows how Splinter’s past actions are now coming back to haunt them through their enemies. This increasing complexity is what makes the current storyline so engaging and fascinating.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
| PROS | CONS |
| Michelangelo gets some welcome shine | Would have loved an extended sequence for Ujigami vs The Foot |
| Freddie Williams and Andrew Dalhouse’s Art & Colors are off the charts | |
| Few series blend drama and humor as well as TMNT |
Michelangelo’s Time To Shine
It’s great to see Michelangelo taking center stage, and he’s been important to the story so far. But issue #16 really delves into who Mikey is as a person, showing us his feelings about past losses and his worries about what might happen if things get worse.
Mikey is known for being the most lighthearted of the Ninja Turtles, and that’s a big reason why fans adore him. However, he’s more than just the funny one. What’s great about the current Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series is that it’s exploring deeper sides of each Turtle, and with Michelangelo, it’s fascinating to see how connected he is to the Turtles’ history.
I especially loved how the story beautifully remembers their mother while honestly portraying the family’s complex relationships and how those past dynamics affect things today. It’s also a nice touch that Mikey is the only one who remembers Japanese from a past life. This issue really adds depth to an already charming character, and issue #16 delivers that in abundance.
The Turtles Have Rarely Looked This Good
The story is excellent, but the artwork by Freddie E. Williams II and Andrew Dalhouse is truly outstanding. The Turtles have rarely looked this good, and that’s no exaggeration. A major family conflict between the Turtles and Splinter leads to a thrilling action scene, beginning with a stunning two-page spread that could be a poster.
As soon as the battle begins, the dynamic movement and smooth action are captivating. There’s always something happening to keep the energy building, leading seamlessly into the next phase. The vibrant colors are also striking, and one specific panel truly stands out – it’s visually impactful and memorable.
While the action is great, two scenes in the second half really stand out. The clash between Shinigami and Splinter is both visually striking – with beautiful blends of green, purple, and yellow – and significantly advances the plot. The final page is equally impressive, but in a more subdued way. Its use of blues, greens, and grays powerfully reflects a character’s feelings and hints at important events to come.
I wish the fight between Ujigami and The Foot had been longer – what we did get looked fantastic. However, it’s hard to say what could have been cut to make room for it, as the issue doesn’t really have any unnecessary filler. Overall, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #16 continues the consistently excellent run of TMNT comics, and it’s a definite must-read for fans.
- Published By: IDW Publishing
- Written By: Gene Luen Yang
- Art By: Freddie E. Williams II and Fero Pe
- Colors By: Andrew Dalhouse and Luis Antonio Delgado
- Lettering By: Shawn Lee
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #16 is in comic stores now.
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2026-03-11 20:40