Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder in Hell No. 1 review: Enter the pit
By Alex Widen
It is exactly what it says in the title! What happens when the Shredder goes to the Underworld in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder In Hell No. 1?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder In Hell No. 1
Writer & Artist: Mateus Santolouco
Colorists: Marcelo Costa & Mateus Santolouco
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When what was once a plucky independent comic book became a syndicated cartoon show in 1987, most of the main cast of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles became household names. Among them was Oroku Saki, also known as the Shredder. Despite being killed off in the franchise’s debut issue in 1984 and only appearing sparingly in Mirage Studios’ comics afterwards, the Shredder was appearing as the weekly villain for 8 of that series’ 10 seasons across two networks. Feature film appearances followed in 1990-1991, and he continues to be the series’ primary villain. Virtually any kid knew his name by heart.
Image by IDW Publishing
Yet Saki’s overuse in media adaptations can lead him being over familiar with fans. Comedic animated appearances softened his edges throughout the 90s. The 2003 era cartoon sought to rehabilitate that image, and IDW Publishing’s comic series has followed suit. As great a villain as the Shredder is, eventually he can hit a wall in terms of appearances and potential. Hence, he was killed off at the climax of TMNT No. 50 after a final showdown against the Turtles and Splinter.
Image by IDW Publishing
The Life and Death of Oroku Saki!
In this incarnation, Oroku Saki’s origins began in Feudal Japan, with him being manipulated by the immortal fox-witch Kitsune literally before he was born. His father Oroku Maji alongside his friend Masato slew the original founder of the Foot Clan, Takeshi Tatsuo, after learning he used a “demonic” elixir from Kitsune to retain his vitality. Having seen Tatsuo as a vessel to resurrect her father, “the Dragon,” Kitsune cursed Maji’s son with being Tatsuo’s reincarnation. This is what led to Saki’s vicious instinct to conquer and kill, leading him to become the Shredder.
Image by IDW Publishing
Kept vital by mutagen ooze for centuries, he was revived in modern times by his descendant, Karai, who saw the current Foot Clan’s operation as white collar crooks as dishonorable. The Shredder quickly reorganized the clan in a similar fashion to how it ran centuries ago, complete with a reliance on older weapons and a return to savage protection schemes, sabotage, and assassinations. Ultimately, Saki’s retro philosophy worked too well, ultimately alienating Karai and leading to his downfall. Yet Kitsune hasn’t abandoned him, and still sees his corpse as a vessel.
Image by IDW Publishing
Kitsune failed to successfully recover the Foot Clan from Splinter and Saki’s complete corpse in TMNT No. 60 — the mutant rat kept Shredder’s skull. As a result, the Shredder is still dead, and has reached the underworld. Initially it takes the form of the forest that he and Hamato Yoshi — Splinter’s human form — enjoyed as children ages ago. Yet it quickly becomes clear that Saki’s soul is still damned, and ripe for further torment. He is quickly attacked by the spirit of Takeshi Tatsuo!
Image by IDW Publishing
Can the Shredder Be Redeemed?
Saki quickly finds himself torn. He still wishes to conquer and rule, yet he also desires to be free of Tatsuo’s influence over him. He quickly finds himself cast into demonic waters, attacked by evil mermaids. Before his soul is lost, he’s saved by an old friend — Splinter! Either as a figment of Saki’s psyche or a psychic manifestation of his old enemy (and friend), Splinter seeks to aid his friend navigate the afterlife. He explains the “Tree of Life,” and the Dragon God behind Kitsune.
Image by IDW Publishing
The Shredder, however, remains committed to Kitsune, and had vowed to reunite with her even in death. Further cementing the notion that Splinter is somehow psychically aiding his old friend is the appearance of the spirit of Tang Shen. Caught between the destinies of both Yoshi and Saki, her murder centuries ago proved to be the catalyst for untold of events in modern times. Yet despite being dead, she still monitors her family in their new mutant incarnations and does what she can to guide and support them. This time she encourages Yoshi to save Oroku Saki’s soul.
Image by IDW Publishing
However, this isn’t some happy or pleasant afterlife — this is Hell. And the souls of the damned are not so easily redeemed. As a result, Splinter almost immediately finds his “psychic avatar” reduced to the form of a genuine rat upon getting close to Saki again. The former Shredder decides to keep him along anyway, yet now Yoshi’s input is severely limited. Saki continues to traverse the realm of Hell, ultimately coming to a bridge over a lake of fire, possibly the river Styx itself.
Image by IDW Publishing
Will Shredder Dine on Turtle Soup, or Die by It?
Here the souls of those killed in war (or presumably other acts of organized violence) wader aimlessly. Being a figure with a bloody past, it isn’t long before Shredder encounters zombie versions of dead Foot Clan soldiers from throughout history. Even worse, he finds the cursed soul of Victor, leader of a gang of French criminals called the Savate who Saki personally executed. Death hasn’t softened Victor any, and he’s eager to avenge himself upon the Shredder!
Image by IDW Publishing
While the Shredder may want to be free of any outside influences, the path to redemption is hardly assured. He still has designs on conquest, and doesn’t suffer enemies easily. Saki quickly manages to slay Victor a second time, before entering another layer of hellish torment. It wouldn’t be a comic about the Shredder if the Ninja Turtles didn’t show up. They’re in the title, after all. Yet this time they’re warped, demonic versions of the shell-backs. Is Saki ready for a rematch?
Image by IDW Publishing
The art, skill, and influence that Mateus Santolouco has had on IDW’s TMNT cannot be understated. His art first graced the main TMNT series’ 5th issue in 2011. He would later go on to draw the Secret History of The Foot Clan mini series, of which this is a spiritual sequel. Mateus quickly became the main series’ third major artist after Dan Duncan and Andy Kuhn, drawing most of the issues from 2013-2015. His work on the main title has been sparse ever since, yet his designs for the characters have since been immortalized in video games, board games, and so on.
Image by IDW Publishing
A Testament to the Talent That Is Mateus Santolouco!
Santolouco writes, draws, inks, and co-colors this series. It is evident that it therefore means a lot to him. This is more than just another installment in the overall “narrative” as edited by Bobby Curnow; it is meant as both a character and creator showpiece. Beyond for covers, his output in 2018 has been limited in preparation for this series, and by the looks of this first issue, it doesn’t disappoint. From the Shredder’s caped guise to the various realms of the underworld, this issue is a feast for the eyes. From the depths to the forests of Hades, it looks like no other Turtle comic.
Image by IDW Publishing
As mentioned elsewhere, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has been about more than a franchise which went from cult favorite to selling fast food toys. It’s a franchise in which a laundry list of talented writers, artists, and others have told passion pieces with its unique cast and within its unique world. Santolouco is telling a story about redemption and damnation, and whether or not someone can change, even after death. The Shredder, who represents an often overlooked oxymoron as a “popular villain,” is a perfect lead for a story such as this.
Image by IDW Publishing
Tang Shen, as always, remains a noteworthy figure within this adaptation. It must have been a challenge, from a narrative and/or editorial standpoint, to figure out how to have her play a major role while still being dead. That’s quickly been solved by the sporadic but notable appearances by her spirit. Her appearance here showcases that her love even allows her to forgive her murderer, and see the greater good in redeeming him. Or perhaps she knows doing so will aid Yoshi’s soul?
Image by IDW Publishing
Every Panel Could Be Framed in a Gallery!
Finally, the sight of the Shredder in Hell fighting various monsters and demons is the sort of “elevator pitch” that all but writes itself. Many fans will grab this for that concept alone, yet Santolouco is wise to not overwhelm them right off. This is only the first issue, and more is yet to come. The inky depths of a black sea, the grins of the evil mermaids, the tranquility of a forest and a lake of lava itself are all jaw dropping. Yet it looks like only a sample of what future issues will show. From the flashbacks to the vistas, every panel and splash is a masterwork by Mateus.
Image by IDW Publishing
Characters “going to Hell” has become a trend in recent comics. Bruce Banner is currently wandering such plains in Immortal Hulk, and other recent visitors have included Wolverine, Hellboy, and even Godzilla. As such there is some pressure to make Shredder In Hell stand out from a crowd. This first issue indicates that Mateus Santolouco is well aware of the challenges, yet is thriving in his element. The cliffhanger promises an action packed spectacle in a month’s time!
Image by IDW Publishing
Next. Someone Else in the Turtles' Lives Meets Their Maker in No. 90!. dark
The Ninja Turtles’ ultimate villain has become his muse, and this series is intent on adding some layers to his soul. Whether or not it will lead to his resurrection, and whether that is such a good idea, is a question for another time. For the moment, this series lives up to its title, and gives fans a taste of a villain within his element. Thankfully, it won’t require any sort of bargain with the devil to become part of this adventure.