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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2011) #13
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 13: Vengeance, Part 2
The Turtles take the fight to Baxter Stockman, while Karai decrees a "Gauntlet" battle between ancient foes Splinter and Shredder all leading to a final showdown that will determine the fate of NYC, and the world, for years to come!
Collects: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #48–50.
Collects: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #48–50.
104 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 2016
About the author
Kevin Eastman
1,115 books369 followersKevin B. Eastman is an American comic book artist, co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 22, 2026
(A) 85% | Extraordinary
Notes: Frankly fantastic, a fire finale, full of familial feeling, fortitude, and fierce fights, finishing fateful and future-forward.
Notes: Frankly fantastic, a fire finale, full of familial feeling, fortitude, and fierce fights, finishing fateful and future-forward.
December 22, 2021
The final battle between Splinter and Shredder. Damn, it looked good. Ties up most of the loose ends of the last 50 issues and leads off in a new direction. It's amazing how good this book looks when IDW enlists some bigger artists on the book. Cory Smith and Mateus Santolouco do a fantastic job here.
May 6, 2021
Finally we get what we wanted, Shredder vs Splinter.
The first half has the brothers teaming up to take down Shredder's toughest enemies. I'll admit, this fight was cool, but I felt it ended the same way they all did. Then we get to Shredder vs Splinter and OH MAN is this shit awesome. The past, the history, and the last few pages were all glorious. Splinter just jumped up on my list of interesting characters.
And that ending? Yo what the fuck.
A 4 out of 5.
The first half has the brothers teaming up to take down Shredder's toughest enemies. I'll admit, this fight was cool, but I felt it ended the same way they all did. Then we get to Shredder vs Splinter and OH MAN is this shit awesome. The past, the history, and the last few pages were all glorious. Splinter just jumped up on my list of interesting characters.
And that ending? Yo what the fuck.
A 4 out of 5.
January 26, 2016
I LOVED this graphic novel.
The book starts where the last graphic novel left off. A giant fight is brewing and the story doesn't disappoint. There are conclusions to a lot of unanswered questions so far, which is fantastic.
I'm not sure how I feel about the new Foot Clan Leader, but time will tell how this story will develop. The turtles are in character and the many fights left me feeling very satisfied.
Donatello AKA Metalhead was a little bit of a negative to me. The whole sorry episode that left Donny seemingly dead was too contrived; however this storyline has been concluded in a wonderful way. There are story arcs finishing all round with this book and now the team is open to new adventures with new enemies.
This is my favourite graphic novel of IDW so far. It feels as if the story has come full circle and if the books ended now, then I wouldn't be disappointed by the series. Hopefully, there will be many more graphic novels to come... but right at this moment, they got it just right.
I won't say too much more because I don't want to spoil anyone's experience of it but I think it was well worth reading all thirteen books to get here.
The book starts where the last graphic novel left off. A giant fight is brewing and the story doesn't disappoint. There are conclusions to a lot of unanswered questions so far, which is fantastic.
I'm not sure how I feel about the new Foot Clan Leader, but time will tell how this story will develop. The turtles are in character and the many fights left me feeling very satisfied.
Donatello AKA Metalhead was a little bit of a negative to me. The whole sorry episode that left Donny seemingly dead was too contrived; however this storyline has been concluded in a wonderful way. There are story arcs finishing all round with this book and now the team is open to new adventures with new enemies.
This is my favourite graphic novel of IDW so far. It feels as if the story has come full circle and if the books ended now, then I wouldn't be disappointed by the series. Hopefully, there will be many more graphic novels to come... but right at this moment, they got it just right.
I won't say too much more because I don't want to spoil anyone's experience of it but I think it was well worth reading all thirteen books to get here.
June 25, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this, but there wasn't really a whole lot of substance. It's another volume that caps off the story arc that's been building up for a little while.
There are some interesting seeds being planted. I love the treatment of Mikey and Alopex. Some stuff with Splinter kind of detracts from or slows down the pace, but it's all deliberate and it's about the only depth in the book.
The art is consistently solid. I've really grown to love Santolouco's style and these character designs.
It's been a fun ride, but I'm just not sure if I'm still invested enough to start another arc. I might be dropping this since it looks like it falls in interest a little bit after this. Plus, I'm looking for a reason to downsize the number of titles I'm following and this is a great place to stop.
There are some interesting seeds being planted. I love the treatment of Mikey and Alopex. Some stuff with Splinter kind of detracts from or slows down the pace, but it's all deliberate and it's about the only depth in the book.
The art is consistently solid. I've really grown to love Santolouco's style and these character designs.
It's been a fun ride, but I'm just not sure if I'm still invested enough to start another arc. I might be dropping this since it looks like it falls in interest a little bit after this. Plus, I'm looking for a reason to downsize the number of titles I'm following and this is a great place to stop.
April 3, 2017
Pushes "City Fall" for the honor of 'best story' to come out of this 50-issue run and I don't make that statement lightly. This arc, particularly Part 2, is a thrill ride with high stakes and lasting consequences. The art is top notch and gives anything else in the industry a run for its money. Lastly, Waltz and Eastman just get it. I know Eastman co-created the Turtles, but I feel they've never been as fleshed out and identifiable as they are now. This run is something special and look forward to where the journey goes from here.
October 5, 2021
A brilliant wrap up of the first half of the series! This moves us up to issue 50 of this series and I do feel like I need a little breather as we switch over to whatever they're gonna throw at us next! I don't know anything about Turtles lore, but the choice to have Shredder and Splinters be as close as brothers as they trained to be ninjas in the past just makes such a poetic dynamic for this finale. This series is brilliant and I'm excited for the ever twisting path ahead as everything changes. Bring on Mikey's arc! He's earned one!
April 30, 2020
The time has come. Clan Hamato Vs. Clan Foot. Winner takes all. As Shredder nicely put it last volume; this isn't just about retribution - this is....Vengeance.
And there we go. Volume 12 was the calm before the storm, but this second half of Vengeance knocks it out of the park. I've talked a lot about how this book has many moving parts that are always feeding the upcoming stories, but it's nice to see the series pared back to just the Turtles and Splinter vs. Shredder for once, which has a very Daredevil-esque ending that I would likely not have seen coming if I hadn't read the blurbs on a few upcoming trades, but that's on me. And of course, there's still a few little teasers like the person that helps repair Donnie (that was fast!), Kitsune and Alopex's little teté a teté, and Baxter Stockman escaping into the night (again), but overall Vengeance is a perfect culmination of everything the Turtles have been working for since day 1, and the landscape of the title has definitely changed now.
The art is mainly Cory Smith, although he and Santolouco tag-team the mega-sized issue 50. These two joining the book is what I think really kicked the series into high gear for me, and I'm glad the pair of them got to share something as iconic as issue 50.
Vengeance is one of those rare 'this title will never be the same again' type storylines that actually delivers. The status quo for the Turtles is definitely going to change going forward, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next 50 issues!
And there we go. Volume 12 was the calm before the storm, but this second half of Vengeance knocks it out of the park. I've talked a lot about how this book has many moving parts that are always feeding the upcoming stories, but it's nice to see the series pared back to just the Turtles and Splinter vs. Shredder for once, which has a very Daredevil-esque ending that I would likely not have seen coming if I hadn't read the blurbs on a few upcoming trades, but that's on me. And of course, there's still a few little teasers like the person that helps repair Donnie (that was fast!), Kitsune and Alopex's little teté a teté, and Baxter Stockman escaping into the night (again), but overall Vengeance is a perfect culmination of everything the Turtles have been working for since day 1, and the landscape of the title has definitely changed now.
The art is mainly Cory Smith, although he and Santolouco tag-team the mega-sized issue 50. These two joining the book is what I think really kicked the series into high gear for me, and I'm glad the pair of them got to share something as iconic as issue 50.
Vengeance is one of those rare 'this title will never be the same again' type storylines that actually delivers. The status quo for the Turtles is definitely going to change going forward, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next 50 issues!
April 1, 2021
Well f**k me sideways and call me Sally, this one was intense. I was genuinely shocked. It starts off routinely enough with the Turtles battling Shredder, but some masterful writing ratchets up the tension so slowly and carefully that at some point you realize this time is different, that there's no way out except for some major stuff to go down. And oh, it does. The result is both a satisfying ending to an exceptionally good 50-issue run, as well as an exciting new beginning for what I presume is the next 50.
I'll just say it: Vengeance > City Fall.
My only gripe is that nothing especially interesting was ever done with Donatello being in Metalhead's body. I think they could've gone a lot of places with that, and they just didn't. Missed opportunity, I think.
I'll just say it: Vengeance > City Fall.
My only gripe is that nothing especially interesting was ever done with Donatello being in Metalhead's body. I think they could've gone a lot of places with that, and they just didn't. Missed opportunity, I think.
May 12, 2022
50 issues, and this one wraps up the great war against the Foot Clan. And it was just awesome to follow through. I mean, if you're reallly, really "nerdy", to see a showdown in a kind of a tournament thing, you'll would be excited.
Saki and Baxter made a plan to defeat Splinter and the Turtles, Karai is not happy about it and offered a chance for both sides to finally end it all. It was beautiful. If you're a fan from the start, from the first edition of Kevin and Peter's work, and if you watch the first Turtle movie, you will understand what that final battle means. And the ending? C'mon! Just gonna skip the fillers and dive through the next volume. Just great!
Saki and Baxter made a plan to defeat Splinter and the Turtles, Karai is not happy about it and offered a chance for both sides to finally end it all. It was beautiful. If you're a fan from the start, from the first edition of Kevin and Peter's work, and if you watch the first Turtle movie, you will understand what that final battle means. And the ending? C'mon! Just gonna skip the fillers and dive through the next volume. Just great!
October 11, 2015
Whoa. Totally worth reading this 50 issue story. Growing up with the turtles, it's extremely satisfying to have a team spin a tale that is aimed at our generation, and not children. Goes to show, as I've always said, that there is more to TMNT than some kid's franchise. Fans who appreciate and recognize that the original movie is ACTUALLY good will love this series. And what a conclusion! Change of status quo like you wouldn't imagine! Wouldn't want to give anything away, but let's just say the role Splinter and the turtles fill in the following issues will be different from anything ever done before. I'm also excited for the team up with batman coming up! Genius!
October 8, 2015
Couldn't put the book down TMNT 50. Truly a great way to end the installment of this series and well done by @kevineastman86. Looks like it's finally time for Mikey's story in the books to come.
March 2, 2020
Sometimes a great volume really can be as simple as FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!
March 27, 2024
IDW's TMNT Vol. 13 is a continuation of the "Vengeance" story arc that began in Vol. 12, which I immensely enjoyed. Sadly, the story in this volume lived up what I expected. The volume includes issues #48, #49, and the giant sized #50.
Although I did enjoy the high-stakes situation that Donatello finds himself in,I felt as if I was reading a prolonged battle scene--as if the writers needed to extend scenes just to make the final scenes end up on issue #50.
I have never really enjoyed Stockman in this series. I dislike anything having to do with his weak character, even his flyborgs. There are better ways to raise the stakes than creating new variations of mousers. He literally runs off in the middle of the book--I'm sure to show up again in future volumes.
The friction between Shredder and Karai continues to be interesting, and the concept between the Foot and the Turtles fighting honorably in a "Gauntlet" seemed cool, but I just don't need a comic (even an issue #50) to consist of characters just fighting and talking about fighting. All the fighting does not lead up to Splinter's final actions in the issue. The flashbacks that are meant to help foreshadow the conclusion are not enough to compete with the cacophony of action that this volume contains.
The art by Smith is solid and Santolouco's art in issue 50 might be his best (the best in my opinion), especially in his action and emotional sequences. Yet although there is plenty of action, the volume lacks heart. Splinter's actions do leave me bothered and questioning--as good fictional story telling should, so that is not why I am disappointed by these issues. I dislike these issues because violence and shock is used instead of the good dialogue, nuance, characterization, and skill that I know the creative team is able to pull off.
Perhaps issue 50 is really good, but the issues before it take the wind from its sails?
Although I did enjoy the high-stakes situation that Donatello finds himself in,I felt as if I was reading a prolonged battle scene--as if the writers needed to extend scenes just to make the final scenes end up on issue #50.
I have never really enjoyed Stockman in this series. I dislike anything having to do with his weak character, even his flyborgs. There are better ways to raise the stakes than creating new variations of mousers. He literally runs off in the middle of the book--I'm sure to show up again in future volumes.
The friction between Shredder and Karai continues to be interesting, and the concept between the Foot and the Turtles fighting honorably in a "Gauntlet" seemed cool, but I just don't need a comic (even an issue #50) to consist of characters just fighting and talking about fighting. All the fighting does not lead up to Splinter's final actions in the issue. The flashbacks that are meant to help foreshadow the conclusion are not enough to compete with the cacophony of action that this volume contains.
The art by Smith is solid and Santolouco's art in issue 50 might be his best (the best in my opinion), especially in his action and emotional sequences. Yet although there is plenty of action, the volume lacks heart. Splinter's actions do leave me bothered and questioning--as good fictional story telling should, so that is not why I am disappointed by these issues. I dislike these issues because violence and shock is used instead of the good dialogue, nuance, characterization, and skill that I know the creative team is able to pull off.
Perhaps issue 50 is really good, but the issues before it take the wind from its sails?
April 5, 2023
Book 13.
Seeking to restore the honour of the Foot Clan, Karai calls a Gauntlet; a sacred ninja ritual which sees Splinter and the Turtles face Shredder and his chosen minions in honourable combat. Splinter agrees from a desire to end the threat to his family, whilst Shredder agrees in order to prove his dominance once and for all.
Throughout this TMNT series the aspect that has most engaged me has been the emnity between Hamato Yoshi (and his sons) and Oroku Saki (and the Foot Clan). The story of two close friends becoming such fierce enemies that their conflict transcends death itself is a really powerful one. It was great, therefore, to finally get a satisfying conclusion to that story arc. The series has had big moments before, such as 'City Fall' and 'Attack on Technodrome', but for me this feels like what everything has really been leading up to.
I also really enjoyed Splinter's flashbacks to his former life where we get an even deeper appreciation of the relationship between Yoshi and Saki, as well as get a better sense of why each feels so betrayed by the other. It gives much great depth and complexity to both characters.
But it's not just the conflict between Splinter and Shredder that takes centre stage here, as we get to see the Turtles confronting Bebop, Rocksteady, Bludgeon and Koya, the mutant animals of the Foot Clan. It gives all of those characters the opportunity to revisit rivalries which have played out in previous books, with Donatello's revenge on Rocksteady and Bebop being particularly enjoyable after what they did to him in Volume 11.
The conclusion hits all the right emotional buttons and serves as a fitting end point for war between the Turtles and the Foot, as well as having a surprising twist right at the end.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
Seeking to restore the honour of the Foot Clan, Karai calls a Gauntlet; a sacred ninja ritual which sees Splinter and the Turtles face Shredder and his chosen minions in honourable combat. Splinter agrees from a desire to end the threat to his family, whilst Shredder agrees in order to prove his dominance once and for all.
Throughout this TMNT series the aspect that has most engaged me has been the emnity between Hamato Yoshi (and his sons) and Oroku Saki (and the Foot Clan). The story of two close friends becoming such fierce enemies that their conflict transcends death itself is a really powerful one. It was great, therefore, to finally get a satisfying conclusion to that story arc. The series has had big moments before, such as 'City Fall' and 'Attack on Technodrome', but for me this feels like what everything has really been leading up to.
I also really enjoyed Splinter's flashbacks to his former life where we get an even deeper appreciation of the relationship between Yoshi and Saki, as well as get a better sense of why each feels so betrayed by the other. It gives much great depth and complexity to both characters.
But it's not just the conflict between Splinter and Shredder that takes centre stage here, as we get to see the Turtles confronting Bebop, Rocksteady, Bludgeon and Koya, the mutant animals of the Foot Clan. It gives all of those characters the opportunity to revisit rivalries which have played out in previous books, with Donatello's revenge on Rocksteady and Bebop being particularly enjoyable after what they did to him in Volume 11.
The conclusion hits all the right emotional buttons and serves as a fitting end point for war between the Turtles and the Foot, as well as having a surprising twist right at the end.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
June 2, 2026
Wow, what a trade. The first half has a lot of inner-circle fighting with Baxter Stockman trying to usurp Karai to win over Shredder's favor. It all results in the Turtles and Splinter setting up a big "Gauntlet" battle over the final couple of issues of this trade which appears to have a surprisingly conclusive victor. The aftermath of the duel looks to have serious consequences for the Turtles. There are other interesting things that play out on the side, such as an amusing way to wrap up Donatello's "RoboBro" character, Hobbs attempting a jailbreak for Hun, and certain forest flashbacks that I will never forget! High recommendation, but knowing comic books 101, it will be interesting to see how long the "finality" of this trade lasts for!
September 13, 2020
This was quite the "final" confrontation between Splinter and Shredder following ancient rites of the Foot Clan. Sure, we had to go through a weird Baxter Stockman battle that came to a most unusual end, but that was just warm-up material. Things were brought back on track to be about honor and the rules and rites of the clan that once bound two great men with their respective mutant creations needing to battle things out to come to a final judgment of sorts.
This book does set up an interesting new status quo for next stories for this comic and I'm very curious to see how things will go.
This book does set up an interesting new status quo for next stories for this comic and I'm very curious to see how things will go.
December 13, 2021
Anyone, male or female, who has experienced a bully has no doubt dreamed of confronting them, shutting them up once and for all. Do not mess with Master Splinter! This series has done the hard work of laying the foundation of the Shredder/Splinter vendetta, and the payoff is an old school duel, winner takes it all. There is emotional weight with the result, and you only get that with good characterization along the way. Well done. Great art as well.
December 13, 2023
Finally!!!! A fight to the death were the hero actually kills the bad guy for hurting his family. I hate it when the hero has the villain dead to right and then pulls away at the last second because of honor or some bull. This book did not do that, Splinter did what had to be done and I was so happy. Revenge for Donnie!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2020
Just when you think you know what you’re getting into...this volume lets you know that you are and will always be wrong with this series. The ending will flip your whole childhood upside down, but not in a bad way.
November 2, 2018
Se me hizo demasiado breve, tremendo el arte de Santoluoco. Buen nivel, pero creo que el volumen 11 fue superior.
June 16, 2019
Yooooo this one was good. It took such an interesting (and epic) turn at the end.
July 26, 2022
Holy mess!!
What an ending!
Still loose ends to keep the series going but an epic battle to finish this arc and usher in a new era of TMNT.
What an ending!
Still loose ends to keep the series going but an epic battle to finish this arc and usher in a new era of TMNT.
March 23, 2024
That ending was absolutely INSANE. Everything will change from here
January 9, 2025
Oh wow, what an unexpected ending. Can't even imagine what's next for the heroes in a half shell!
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
March 20, 2025
Well written with good action. Some mystery to follow up on too
June 16, 2016
Continuing their war against the robots of Baxter Stockman seen in the last Volume, the 3 turtles, Metalhead (holding the conscious spirit of Donatello) and Splinter seem to be holding their own, but are quickly being surrounded. Enter Karai and the Foot Clan. They dispatch of the bots and convince Splinter to challenge Shredder to "The Gauntlet", seeing this as a honorable way of stopping this war between them.
The fight between Shredder and Splinter is epic and the end just takes your breath away (or at least someone's head LOL). As the Foot Clan sees a new leader take the place of the old, Michaelangelo, not able to handle the chaotic turn of events, leaves to gather himself for a bit.
This series just continues to entertain me. Having so long between Volumes is a bit uncomfortable, but the story is not too chaotic that it can't be followed. Seen last Volume, and talked about with the Rat King, where are "the demons"?
High recommend.
The fight between Shredder and Splinter is epic and the end just takes your breath away (or at least someone's head LOL). As the Foot Clan sees a new leader take the place of the old, Michaelangelo, not able to handle the chaotic turn of events, leaves to gather himself for a bit.
This series just continues to entertain me. Having so long between Volumes is a bit uncomfortable, but the story is not too chaotic that it can't be followed. Seen last Volume, and talked about with the Rat King, where are "the demons"?
High recommend.
May 8, 2016
Donatello's body has been badly damaged. While his friends work tirelessly to save him his consciousness inhabits a robot turtle so that Donatello can aid his family against the Shredder. They seek vengeance for the violence, but is it the correct path? It seems that no matter how weirdly mystical things get, it's totally acceptable. Reincarnated Japanese ninjas, some of whom happen to be animals that happened to be experimented on and become anthropomorphic, just in time to battle their old foes? Why not? Robot turtle convenient for use when you lie dying with your shell split open? Of course! The writing hooks you. I am so invested in this series!
September 4, 2016
Yes!!!!! Omg! This issue was so satisfying. It even seems like a PERFECT end to the series! But it's not! Looking forward to seeing where the series goes from here! Also, Donnie coming in and whacking Bebop and Rocksteady with his new metal staff and calling them stupid was soooooooo satisfying!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews