That time of the year again: The top ten comic books of 2018!

Image by IDW Publishing

8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Macro-Series No. 3: Leonardo

The second canonical TMNT ongoing series, TMNT Universe, was canceled this year. As a result, a new miniseries of themed, double-sized one-shots replaced it on the schedule. And in truth, all four issues — themed around each Ninja Turtle — have been great. Yet out of those four, one stood above the rest. It is the third issue, written and drawn by Sophie Campbell and colored by Brittany Peer. Considering the presence Ninja Turtles already has in this column, a double dip has to be justified on a case by case basis.

And, the justification for this case is that this issue is simply a masterwork. From a story which intertwines the themes of family, vengeance, and forgiveness, to absolutely jaw dropping artwork, this is an example of an exceptional comic book from cover to cover. It isn’t just the best single issue of a TMNT comic released in 2018, it is one of the best single issues of TMNT as a franchise. For the art alone, it should be on far more top ten lists for the year than this one.

Sophie Campbell is at the top of her game, topping herself with every panel. Her passion and love for the franchise, and her understanding of its fundamental cast and concepts, ooze from every panel. Work from this should be in her portfolio forever. While the 2nd and 4th macro-series issues were also great, they can’t touch this one in terms of unadulterated quality. While they fit as part of the grander narrative, it also works as a complete standalone tale. This is excellence.