What do you think?
Rate this book
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011) #9
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 9: Monsters, Misfits, and Madmen
The Turtles return to New York to find a city in Shredder's grip. Donatello seeks help from his cranky friend Harold, Raphael and Michelangelo pay a visit to Old Hob, and Leonardo and Splinter plan for a coming war.
Collects: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #33-36.
Collects: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #33-36.
104 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2014
9 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Eastman
1,159 books357 followersKevin B. Eastman is an American comic book artist, co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 22, 2024
(A-) 83% | Very Good
Notes: Pictures pack a pretty punch, all bold and brash-kinetic; interstitial stuff, but never fluff: fun, smart, and sympathetic.
Notes: Pictures pack a pretty punch, all bold and brash-kinetic; interstitial stuff, but never fluff: fun, smart, and sympathetic.
July 11, 2021
This transitional volume as the boys head back to NYC is really good. Casey continues to have the world's worst dad (Somehow he's even worse now that he's no longer a drunk.). The interlude with the Rat King is fantastic and shadows things to come in the future.
Matteus Santolouco's art is the best in this series to date. It's very reminiscent of Mark Bagley.
Matteus Santolouco's art is the best in this series to date. It's very reminiscent of Mark Bagley.
October 8, 2019
Yet ANOTHER well above average Turtles volume.
I like how Splinter and Leo's debate over whether to prioritize the threat of The Foot or Krang is overshadowed by the creepy appearance of The Rat King as a growing (unrecognized) threat in the background.
Meanwhile Casey Jones continues having The Worst Dad Ever, and Donnie's weird techie friend continues to provide grumpy comic relief and memorable gadgets and predicaments, including THIS lethal little guy:
Highly recommended, will definitely be continuing, if only to see how THIS pans out:
I like how Splinter and Leo's debate over whether to prioritize the threat of The Foot or Krang is overshadowed by the creepy appearance of The Rat King as a growing (unrecognized) threat in the background.
Meanwhile Casey Jones continues having The Worst Dad Ever, and Donnie's weird techie friend continues to provide grumpy comic relief and memorable gadgets and predicaments, including THIS lethal little guy:
Highly recommended, will definitely be continuing, if only to see how THIS pans out:
August 15, 2020
The turtles return to the big apple to get back to what they do best, kicking bad guys butts.
But it's not as simple as that. Each one is trying to find how to heal themselves still. On top of that Mikey and Ralph go check up on their big friendly turtle but what is old hob up to? Oh a little kidnapping? Sounds about right. Leo and Splinter work on their healing but are met with the RAT KING! Last but not least is Donatello and April trying to work with their scientist buddy. Oh and Casey is dealing with daddy issues but what's new?
I'm actually amazed how many characters are introduced to this series and yet I'm enjoying each one. Despite a large cast it always feels well crafted and paced. I love the interactions with everyone and even with the turtles apart they all feel like they're getting good amount of page time. I think this is pushing the series to new heights and while I only read a little bit of the classic, this is really well done. A 4.5 out of 5.
But it's not as simple as that. Each one is trying to find how to heal themselves still. On top of that Mikey and Ralph go check up on their big friendly turtle but what is old hob up to? Oh a little kidnapping? Sounds about right. Leo and Splinter work on their healing but are met with the RAT KING! Last but not least is Donatello and April trying to work with their scientist buddy. Oh and Casey is dealing with daddy issues but what's new?
I'm actually amazed how many characters are introduced to this series and yet I'm enjoying each one. Despite a large cast it always feels well crafted and paced. I love the interactions with everyone and even with the turtles apart they all feel like they're getting good amount of page time. I think this is pushing the series to new heights and while I only read a little bit of the classic, this is really well done. A 4.5 out of 5.
November 17, 2014
The turtles have return to New York and are preparing for their next confrontation with Shredder and the foot clan. There is a lot of character building moments in this volume. I like how Tom Waltz has tied the story together nicely even though this volume has the reader following our heroes on individual ventures. I really enjoyed the new story featuring the Rat King. I like how Leo is growing as a leader and how he and Splinter are at odds but are trying to find that father son connection lost in the chaos with the Shredder. Every moment in this books leaves our heroes with a few changes to ponder. I especially love where Tom Waltz is taking the Casey Jones character. The artwork is pretty good in this volume as well. If your not reading the new TMNT comics you should be. They are incredibly good.
April 2, 2021
A transitional volume that introduces new characters, other than that, not much happens.
July 11, 2021
The book continues to show that City Fall, despite all of the hype, was just the beginning. Returning to New York after the wonderfully executed Northampton arc, we see the turtles and their crew getting back up to speed with the situation. There aren't big boss fights or anything, but there are more character moments and development to really make you care.
Some of it is still clumsy. The more I read, the more i realize how hard it is to write believable dialogue. Anyway, the moments with April and Casey are the worst. The turtles all have some pretty good interactions. They also introduce some really fun elements here, like Metalhead, Nobody, and Pigeon Pete. They're clearly building up again to something even more. Kraang is still out there with the technodrome and Shredder is still trying his best to rule the city. It's this type of adventure, issue-to-issue stuff, that really gives you a chance to see what's at the heart of the book.
The art is still good. It's not as mind-blowingly gorgeous as Sophie Campbell was in the last volume, but Santoluoco still does a good job and brings interesting elements to the design of new characters. The book is really solid and anyone with a passing interest in the turtles should really enjoy themselves.
Some of it is still clumsy. The more I read, the more i realize how hard it is to write believable dialogue. Anyway, the moments with April and Casey are the worst. The turtles all have some pretty good interactions. They also introduce some really fun elements here, like Metalhead, Nobody, and Pigeon Pete. They're clearly building up again to something even more. Kraang is still out there with the technodrome and Shredder is still trying his best to rule the city. It's this type of adventure, issue-to-issue stuff, that really gives you a chance to see what's at the heart of the book.
The art is still good. It's not as mind-blowingly gorgeous as Sophie Campbell was in the last volume, but Santoluoco still does a good job and brings interesting elements to the design of new characters. The book is really solid and anyone with a passing interest in the turtles should really enjoy themselves.
April 25, 2020
This volume of TMNT proves that you don't need to be the big event story to be really fucking good. These four issues focus on each of the Turtles in their attempt to try and find out how badly the Foot's rule has affected New York. Casey tackles his father head on with some story stuff that's been building for a long time now, Donnie and Angel visit Harold and discover Metalhead, Mikey and Raph meet with Old Hob to find a new Mutanimal in the mix, and then Leo and Splinter run afoul of the Rat King.
These are all single issue stories bar some light foreshadowing as cliffhangers, but they're all really damn good on their own too. These are the kinds of stories that you can only tell this far into the series, and there are still some surprises to be found as well - the Rat King reveal especially took me aback.
And of course, Matteus Santolouco on art doesn't hurt at all. I've raved about him already, and I will continue to do so - guy's brilliant at what he does.
Big fan of this volume. Turtles has really hit its stride now.
These are all single issue stories bar some light foreshadowing as cliffhangers, but they're all really damn good on their own too. These are the kinds of stories that you can only tell this far into the series, and there are still some surprises to be found as well - the Rat King reveal especially took me aback.
And of course, Matteus Santolouco on art doesn't hurt at all. I've raved about him already, and I will continue to do so - guy's brilliant at what he does.
Big fan of this volume. Turtles has really hit its stride now.
March 5, 2024
Lots of gears getting moving in this volume, everyone’s got stuff going on and not all of it is easy to manage. Sometimes I don’t favor these volumes where the gang is so split up and so much is happening all at once, but it all serves a purpose in the end to put various plots in place!
My boy Casey deserves so much better, he needs like... a three week break. The sheer amount of shit his dad put him through in this volume alone, not even considering the combined impact of the past, was heartbreaking. I do not like his dad and Hun is a fool if he thinks Shredder will honor any promises.
My boy Casey deserves so much better, he needs like... a three week break. The sheer amount of shit his dad put him through in this volume alone, not even considering the combined impact of the past, was heartbreaking. I do not like his dad and Hun is a fool if he thinks Shredder will honor any promises.
October 14, 2014
Mateus Santolouco returns to art duties in fine form in volume nine of IDW's TMNT reboot. There's lots of great visuals in this book, and it's fun to see Santolouco's interpretations of classic characters, and cartoon parallels. Apart from that, the volume drags narratively. All four issues contained here amount to little more than house keeping as the turtles return to NY. Lot's of pieces are set up, including a great new mythos for the Rat King, but nobody really makes any moves. There's also lots of heavy exposition needlessly spelled out in dialogue, which has always been a problem for this book. Some of the character work is good, specifically Angel and Slash, but the two volumes prior tower over this one. Still, things are shaping up for an interesting new(ish) conflict.
May 15, 2015
Here comes the typical praise I bring for an IDW Ninja turtles book.
This book has it all, Metalhead, Slash,Nobody.... more and more characters make their way along the Nostalgia highway right out of the toyboxes of our childhood.
It doesn't end there. It never does.
This book also has some great moments between Casey Jones and his villain father, Hun. It also builds upon the brilliant backstory that ties in the concept of the Turtles and splinter being reincarnations of a medieval samurai family with the Mutagen of Dimension X. The Rat King Gets woven into the mythology, in a way that makes his character far, far more interesting than he ever was before. I really love this book
This book has it all, Metalhead, Slash,Nobody.... more and more characters make their way along the Nostalgia highway right out of the toyboxes of our childhood.
It doesn't end there. It never does.
This book also has some great moments between Casey Jones and his villain father, Hun. It also builds upon the brilliant backstory that ties in the concept of the Turtles and splinter being reincarnations of a medieval samurai family with the Mutagen of Dimension X. The Rat King Gets woven into the mythology, in a way that makes his character far, far more interesting than he ever was before. I really love this book
May 19, 2021
This wasn't a bad follow up but there was almost too many plot points just blowing in the breeze. The turtles break up into three distinct groups with their own agendas. We see the Rat King for the first time but they have their memory erased so maybe he'll be in the back burner for awhile still? I did like the bits with Hun though!
April 9, 2019
How can something as ridiculous as TMNT be so damn good? I love the family aspect in this story, particularly. Also Pete the Pigeon. Oh and the Rat King, which has way more depth than a comic about ninja turtles nerds...but that’s why this series is so good!
September 9, 2014
Although this volume has yet to be released, I've read the individual issues contained here. This new series gets better and better!
August 15, 2020
After the aftermath of City Fall in Volume 8, this volume feels like the first episode of a new season -- the chef is assembling ingredients, the painter is filling up a palette. Even, as one character mentions late in the volume, the chessboard is being set up.
A lot happens but there's not much through-line with any of it, which at this point is fine. The threads, I'm sure, will connect. I would prefer less Hun (a snooze) and more Old Hob (always fun). Metalhead shows up. We meet the Rat King. Slash continues to grow. The Turtles and Splinter have a lot of discussion about which villain to tackle first, Krang or Shredder. However, after a fateful meeting between the two villains that calls to mind the partnership of Hitler and Mussolini, we can assume that in future volumes our heroes may need to face both at once.
Something I've been appreciating right along: The creators seem to have no interest in tampering significantly with the looks of these characters (with the exception of Krang, whose robot body is more imposing here than the bikini-briefed thing from the cartoon). After the Michael Bay versions and the new Rise of the TMNT, both of which feel alien to me, I wouldn't have been surprised to see Fugitoid and Metalhead look like something from Boston Dynamics. Or for Bebop and Rocksteady to be clad in black leather. But they look like the 80s action figures that are still at my parents' house, right down to the details in the outfits, which really helps me to tap into the emotional capital reserves I have for these characters.
A lot happens but there's not much through-line with any of it, which at this point is fine. The threads, I'm sure, will connect. I would prefer less Hun (a snooze) and more Old Hob (always fun). Metalhead shows up. We meet the Rat King. Slash continues to grow. The Turtles and Splinter have a lot of discussion about which villain to tackle first, Krang or Shredder. However, after a fateful meeting between the two villains that calls to mind the partnership of Hitler and Mussolini, we can assume that in future volumes our heroes may need to face both at once.
Something I've been appreciating right along: The creators seem to have no interest in tampering significantly with the looks of these characters (with the exception of Krang, whose robot body is more imposing here than the bikini-briefed thing from the cartoon). After the Michael Bay versions and the new Rise of the TMNT, both of which feel alien to me, I wouldn't have been surprised to see Fugitoid and Metalhead look like something from Boston Dynamics. Or for Bebop and Rocksteady to be clad in black leather. But they look like the 80s action figures that are still at my parents' house, right down to the details in the outfits, which really helps me to tap into the emotional capital reserves I have for these characters.
January 21, 2024
Lots of set up for future arcs in Volume 9. The story itself doesn't really have a beginning, middle, and end. A main focus of this arc is Casey and Hun's relationship, as well as Angel's involvement with the turtle family. Casey continues to be a very likeable and strong character for the series, as he is forced to make life changing decision in these issued. Angel's character also goes through some big changes, as she becomes a more realized and important character for the series.
We are introduced to many characters that will play big roles later on. Rat King is introduced, and the robot turtle suit too. Rat King's interactions with Leo help add to and deepen Leo's journey from the City at War arc. Harold also plays a more important role, but his character isn't developed yet.
Slash's story line is my favorite from this arc. I love re-tellings of the Frankenstein's monster story. I'm looking forward to more of Slash. Hob on the other hand, I have consistently disliked since the beginning of the series. His goals and motivations are cartoonist, compared to the intentionally thought out characters around him in the series. He should be a complex character, but he is not in this volume.
Mateus Santolouco's art is solid, but there isn't much action to showcase what he's best at. I like his version of the turtles, but his female character's look strange to me, especially April.
We are introduced to many characters that will play big roles later on. Rat King is introduced, and the robot turtle suit too. Rat King's interactions with Leo help add to and deepen Leo's journey from the City at War arc. Harold also plays a more important role, but his character isn't developed yet.
Slash's story line is my favorite from this arc. I love re-tellings of the Frankenstein's monster story. I'm looking forward to more of Slash. Hob on the other hand, I have consistently disliked since the beginning of the series. His goals and motivations are cartoonist, compared to the intentionally thought out characters around him in the series. He should be a complex character, but he is not in this volume.
Mateus Santolouco's art is solid, but there isn't much action to showcase what he's best at. I like his version of the turtles, but his female character's look strange to me, especially April.
April 2, 2023
Book 9.
Returning to New York, the Turtles, Splinter, Casey and April find the city a much more dangerous place. As they prepare to strike back at Shredder, each of them must face challenges of their own, including malfunctioning robots, Hun's gang, Hob's mysterious plans and the emergence of the Rat King.
This book is every bit the jumble of short side adventures that the title would suggest. It feels simply like old superhero comics in which the main character would face a different enemy or challenge in every issue with very little connective tissue. That wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the fact that this series has gone to great lengths to get us invested in the Turtles Versus Foot Clan narrative, which then takes a huge backseat here.
The last volume, 'Northampton', felt like a much-needed pause for breath in the series, but this book feels like the series spinning its wheels for no purpose.
The only reason I've not rated this book lower is that the introductions of Metalhead and Rat King are really well done. I was particularly intrigued to see that the already-creepy Rat King has been given a new look and the backstory of a sinister god-like being.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
Returning to New York, the Turtles, Splinter, Casey and April find the city a much more dangerous place. As they prepare to strike back at Shredder, each of them must face challenges of their own, including malfunctioning robots, Hun's gang, Hob's mysterious plans and the emergence of the Rat King.
This book is every bit the jumble of short side adventures that the title would suggest. It feels simply like old superhero comics in which the main character would face a different enemy or challenge in every issue with very little connective tissue. That wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the fact that this series has gone to great lengths to get us invested in the Turtles Versus Foot Clan narrative, which then takes a huge backseat here.
The last volume, 'Northampton', felt like a much-needed pause for breath in the series, but this book feels like the series spinning its wheels for no purpose.
The only reason I've not rated this book lower is that the introductions of Metalhead and Rat King are really well done. I was particularly intrigued to see that the already-creepy Rat King has been given a new look and the backstory of a sinister god-like being.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
January 24, 2026
This is another bang-up collection of comics from the TMNT IDW run! I enjoyed the portrayal of Metalhead in hear and how Angel's curiosity had some amusing side effects. Angel's use of the anti-grav suit was also well done in here. I am sinking my teeth into the evolving arc of Casey's dad/Hun into revived gang leader and am interested to see how his role grows in future comics. Speaking of evolving, Slash had a fascinating pivot for his character I was not anticipating that I am all for. I vaguely recall the Rat King from the Saturday morning cartoon, but his eerie and mystical portrayal here landed a memorable debut in his IDW run, and I am cannot wait to see where it goes next. I am docking a star for the cliffhanger at the end, I could not get into the last arc for Krang/Rock Soldiers/Technodrome, but maybe they will win me over this time around.
July 31, 2018
Уже лучше. Намечается что-то крутое. Появились новые враги, черепахи не могут разобраться в своих приоритетах и разделяются. Жаль Эйприл перестала быть сильным женским персонажем и просто беспокоится о Кейси. Надеюсь, что это временно. В номере очень крутое появление Крысиного короля. Он теперь не бомж, а довольно мистический чувак, который очень плотно связан с одним из главных злодеев, но цели у него свои.
К сожалению Комильфо сделали брак и пачка страниц в конце повторяется.
К сожалению Комильфо сделали брак и пачка страниц в конце повторяется.
September 10, 2020
This was more of a fan-service volume as the turtles return to New York and reconnect with a lot of the quirky characters of the city. Thus we finally get a new story for Metalhead, this time the creation of Harold. He also makes a super-suit that allows Nobody to enter the story. We even revisit the likes of Slash and give him a deeper story.
Oh, and the Rat King! And man, he's super creepy in this iteration.
Oh, and the Rat King! And man, he's super creepy in this iteration.
April 20, 2020
Continuing my love for the turtles. New artist and I absolutely love the design of the turtles here. Feels like a lot happens but at the same time the story hasn’t moved that much more forward. Could be while I love it so much though because you’re really spending time with characters and watching them develop. That ending was just enough to have me aching for the next one
July 31, 2021
Follows 3 arcs, after the Turtles return to NYC. I kind of liked each arc, which doesn’t always happen in comics. Each one doesn’t lose sight of the overall direction of the book, but does help flesh out characters, which often cannot happen any other way in a team book. Good art again.
October 7, 2019
Read for TLP
February 14, 2021
A good addition to the ongoing story. Great art and build up for whats to come.
October 14, 2022
Pretty good. Glad they are back in New York and looking forward to the showdown with Shredder. Also, Rat King is interesting.
January 7, 2025
Another good one, introducing Metalhead, Nobody, Slash 2.0 and Rat King. Casey and Hun confrontation was long expected too! And the art was top notch yet again!
4 stars
4 stars
January 27, 2025
Mostly scene setting for events coming up in future, but still riveting
May 23, 2016
I really love every single volume of this series. It just gets better and better. After the calm of 'Northampton,' this has a good feeling of the start of a slow build to the next big event.
[SPOILERS]
There is a lot of great variety in this volume. It's some pretty high--practically Shakespearean--drama between Casey and his father, Hun, at this point. There's a lot of depth there, and I'm very impressed with Eastman's, Curnow's, and Waltz's ability to maintain a status quo with their relationship, while still creating growth and development.
Hob and his Mutanimals are really great. Pigeon Pete was so hilariously unexpected and is a real delight. I really hope he gets a moment to shine. I was admittedly uncertain about the change-over to 'Smart Slash.' But this creative team has never steered me wrong in the past, so I'm very much willing to follow on this track.
Ironically, on the evening before I read the final chapter in this book, I was thinking 'oh man, I wonder if they'll get into Rat King at some point...' and there he was! Very different from what I remembered him as, I'm not sure though if it's another version they are referencing. I'm curious about his part to play in the next big event. We'll be seeing him again, for sure.
Nobody and Metalhead are fantastic. It's cool to see Angel get in on the action in a bigger way, and Metalhead will be so great.
Again, I can't recommend this series enough to people. Fans of any or all of the previous incarnations will love it, as well as new readers. But on the note of new readers, I'm not sure that there is any 'jumping on' point. I don't think it's a bad thing, but I can imagine that with the length and density the story is at this point, it might prove intimidating.
[SPOILERS]
There is a lot of great variety in this volume. It's some pretty high--practically Shakespearean--drama between Casey and his father, Hun, at this point. There's a lot of depth there, and I'm very impressed with Eastman's, Curnow's, and Waltz's ability to maintain a status quo with their relationship, while still creating growth and development.
Hob and his Mutanimals are really great. Pigeon Pete was so hilariously unexpected and is a real delight. I really hope he gets a moment to shine. I was admittedly uncertain about the change-over to 'Smart Slash.' But this creative team has never steered me wrong in the past, so I'm very much willing to follow on this track.
Ironically, on the evening before I read the final chapter in this book, I was thinking 'oh man, I wonder if they'll get into Rat King at some point...' and there he was! Very different from what I remembered him as, I'm not sure though if it's another version they are referencing. I'm curious about his part to play in the next big event. We'll be seeing him again, for sure.
Nobody and Metalhead are fantastic. It's cool to see Angel get in on the action in a bigger way, and Metalhead will be so great.
Again, I can't recommend this series enough to people. Fans of any or all of the previous incarnations will love it, as well as new readers. But on the note of new readers, I'm not sure that there is any 'jumping on' point. I don't think it's a bad thing, but I can imagine that with the length and density the story is at this point, it might prove intimidating.
August 16, 2015
I started reading the IDW iteration of the TMNT out of nostalgia, but these stories are proving to stand on their own and forge a new lineage for fans both old and new to enjoy. The characters are complex and relatable, and they're intwined in a surprisingly tight story arch that has spanned all 40+ issues so far.
The illustrations are wonderful as well. Mateus Santolouco has really found a great groove illustrating all of these characters throughout the past few volumes.
I can't wait to see where the story goes!
The illustrations are wonderful as well. Mateus Santolouco has really found a great groove illustrating all of these characters throughout the past few volumes.
I can't wait to see where the story goes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews