Already weakened, weary, and a little deranged, poor Donatello has now been captured by the Foot Clan! The remaining Turtle boys make a plan for an all-out war against Karai, but are forced to think twice when they hear the voice of reason… coming from the body of a dead rat? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #9 is another amazing issue that delivers both punches in action and emotion.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has been one of the best comics on the shelves with the new volume’s launch. Written by Jason Aaron, each issue has featured a hell of an emotional story while delivering a solid villain and lots of action. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #9 is no exception with Donnie captured by D.A. Hale, and the dysfunctional trio left struggling to work together to find their brother.

And that’s what has made this series so solid. The Turtles are back together but they’re not clicking. Instead, we get to see squabbling brothers, each lost in their own way. While they have strength in skill they’re weak on the emotional side. This is a Turtle team that’s together and broken at the same time.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #9 focuses a bit on Michelangelo as he reflects on his recent stardom in his quest to find Donnie and also do a bit good. Through the focus on Mikey, we get a spiritual journey for the trio as they all reflect on how things are going and how they’ve gone wrong, even if it’s off panel. It’s a cathartic issue that lays things out and gets back a team that’s more focused and following the teachings of their Master Splinter. This is the hero at their lowest, recognizing they need to do something, and turning their journey so it’s a climb back on top.

The art by Juan Ferreyra is amazing and has been the entire series. With lettering by Shawn Lee and design by Nathan Widick, the comic looks amazing. The opening sequence of Mikey assaulting where he thinks Donnie is being held is exciting in both action and visuals with amazing page layouts and presentation. To say it’s a hell of a series visually is an understatement and this issue might be the best yet when it comes to that. There’s so much to linger and love as far as the page on the art, so much detail that not only delivers solid action but such emotion.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #9 is an issue of a series that keeps getting better. It’s amazing in its storytelling, its visuals, and its ability to get readers excited. At its core is a concept that’s familiar, the hero at their lowest and fighting back, but it’s executed so well. If you’re not reading this series, you’re missing out on one of the best monthly comics today.

Story: Jason Aaron Art: Juan Ferreyra
Letterer: Shawn Lee Design: Nathan Widick
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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