TMNT: The Last Ronin

No, it’s a turtle shell hard-arm! I read this graphic novel twice! As a kid that was born in the 80’s and saw the original 80’s TMNT movie in theaters, this story freaking rocks! (It was the first movie I ever saw in theaters btw) Amazing artwork, and well thought out story boarding/ story telling that pushes the story along with grace, intensity and hardcore action. Read every couple months to boost your manhood.

The Last Ronin is not just another Ninja Turtles story—it’s a bold, post-apocalyptic reimagining that delivers emotional weight, brutal action, and a powerful meditation on loss, legacy, and redemption. If you grew up with the Turtles, this hits like a gut punch in the best way. Set in a dystopian future, the story unfolds like a noir revenge saga. It’s Old Man Logan meets The Dark Knight Returns, but with the soul of TMNT intact. The writing by Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, and Tom Waltz is tight and emotionally resonant. The art by Esau and Isaac Escorza is gritty, cinematic, and perfectly suited to the tone. Every panel feels like a battle-scarred memory, and the action sequences are brutal without losing narrative clarity. This is a love letter to the Mirage-era fans, but it’s also accessible to new readers. You don’t need deep TMNT lore to appreciate the stakes—just a heart for stories about resilience and brotherhood. The collected edition is beautifully produced, with high-quality paper and bonus content that adds depth to the experience. If you’re a collector, this belongs on your shelf. I cannot wait until Hollywood has the courage and intelligence to adopt this into a feature length film.

TLDR: Do yourself a favor - if you're planning to get this book, stop thinking, and just get it. For maximum enjoyment, go in blind, as in don't search for "last ronin" online, especially on sites like Youtube as you'll be riddled with spoilers in the form of suggested videos. Avoid reading the description of the other Last Ronin books like the "Lost Years". Some genius decided to spoil who the last ronin is in the book's description of "Lost Years"...grr. Even if you're spoiled, or new to the series, I swear you're still going to appreciate the story, it's that darn good. Oh, it's also a perfectly self-contained story presented in its entirety here. (The series does continue in its own multiverse aka Ronin-verse, but I'm not as invested.) Longer version: I'm still in awe that this came out in 2022. Everything in pop culture since 2012-ish has been lazy, and/or lackluster at best, but the critics can't stop celebrating them despite the mediocrity of those "masterpieces". If you're a TMNT fan in any capacity, or a fan of comics at all, this is a necessary read. I grew up with the 80s cartoons, played video games, and absolutely love the 2003 + 2012 animated series. Back to the book, the plot is so powerful and poignant that I was almost in tears toward the end. (That's when I realized this is a timeless piece, a work of art.) I'll be proud to own this impeccable piece on an "ultra-sized" hardcover format a la DC's Absolute/Marvel's Gallery with extras + variant covers if IDW makes it available. Thoughts on the story: Well-done Eastman, Laird, Waltz, and team, you killed it! I read it in one setting ~2 hours, which NEVER happens these days. I've been having attention issues, and I can barely read something for over 45 minutes without getting distracted. To conclude, call it (minor) criticism, or call it nitpick: the main villain could've used a bit more characterization. Build details of this edition: Format: Hardcover. (Oversized; sized like a DC deluxe edition.) Binding: Sewn and sturdy. Made in China. Pages: Thick paper, slightly glossy. Gutter loss: Little to none. Slipcover: None Dust jacket: None Packaging: Usual Amazon shenanigans - meaning getting a book in mint/near mint condition is a miracle. I did return the first copy, because it had many tiny dents, and some nicks.

I remember the comics and the old series. I still have the comics, some drawings and original doll and a large Raph. In time the shows got a little more goofy and I had moved on. I learned of this story from an online rant about plans for new Ninja turtles who were girls. The stories had been out awhile so I went after the hardback. I immediately liked the look as it was a return to the old. That Batman kind of style. The last TMNT wearing black and carrying all all of the groups weapons. Who was he? It’s quickly answered. I admit I guessed wrong. It starts with a mission of revenge in the classic sense of the last charge of a samurai. Of course it goes wrong. He finds a safe haven and an old friend. The story doesn’t slow down. There really isn’t time to sit and plan as shockingly he heals quickly. It’s the start of an explanation to the original group and what happened. It’s well written in that regard as you aren’t overwhelmed by what happened. Overall it’s the right balance of humor, sadness and hope. The ending is bitter sweet. As I said I liked the artwork. I am ordering the Next story and can’t wait for November when it’s released.

I've got to say, as an avid comic book reader that was hooked primarly on DC and Marvel, The Last Ronin is one of the best graphic novels that I have read in a while. Unlike most comic book stories which are just predictable, convoluted and sometimes downright dumb, The Last Ronin is a pretty straightforward, emotional rollecoaster that will make any true TMNT fan cry, even a grown man as myself, with intense action and awesome character development that would make any modern Marvel writer jealous of, this is truly a one of a kind event made for long time TMNT fans that have grown up with this property in any shape or form. I recommend it a 100% for its price, just remember to bring a box of tissues for your tears. :)

I read through this on the very same day it arrived (which if I may add, was on time to the estimated delivery). While some may argue that this is a very dark and depressing comic for the TMNT franchise, which I can't argue with really... I believe the story was very well executed, and this is something I would LOVE to see more of when it comes to the franchise. Acknowledging that being a "hero" isn't as easy or painless as it seems is very important to me in comics and stories like these. The protagonist CAN and WILL get hurt throughout the fights and battles, mentally AND physically. Change happens. Life and death happens. You can't save everyone, you're going to feel pain and regret over the things you witness, maybe even cause. This story told that side incredibly well, and it's definitely something I can appreciate. At times, it did make me want to skim through the text and pages as I felt it went a little slow, but perhaps that was mostly due to my impatience to see what would happen next. Nevertheless, that won't lower my rating on this, because the comic as a whole was way too good for me to rate it any less. It was delivered in one cardboard package, which made me concerned it would arrive in bad shape, but I was happy to see that I received the book in excellent condition. The hardcover design and art looks incredible as well. Yes, I cried going through the last few pages, and I feel no shame over that. This was extremely well done, and you can tell heart and passion was put into it. That is something that deserves my bursting emotions. Genuinely tempted to do an actual video review/essay on this book, because typing this out has made me realize how much I truly have to say about this comic. TLDR: I absolutely recommend giving this comic a read, especially if you're a TMNT fan. HOWEVER, if you're a young fan of the franchise (as I've noticed many nowadays are), or simply not into angsty and emotion-heavy stories, you may want to skip reading this.

Leitura fantástica. Bem como a arte. Uma história envolvente que nos prende do inicio ao fim. Uma história sobre vingança, honra e destino. Vale a leitura, com toda certeza!

Big read but great

Appena saputo della sua esistenza non ho saputo resistere, prima ho preso la versione digitale e appena trovato la versione cartacea non ho saputo esimermi^^