Writer: Gene Luen Yang
Artist: Freddie E Williams II
Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse
Letterer: Shawn Lee
Cover Artists: Freddie E Williams II & Andrew Dalhouse; Ben Bishop; Jared Cullum; Clayton Crain; Daniel Warren Johnson; Dustin Nguyen; David Nakayama; Blind Bag
Designers: Nathan Widick & Ben Bates
Editors: Jake Thomas & Tommy Stella
Publisher: IDW
Price: $4.99
Release Date: December 10, 2025
The Turtles have experienced highs and lows. They’ve fought separately and together. Master Splinter may no longer be with them. Still, they’re together again, protecting Humans and Mutants alike. As they honor their master’s memory, the Turtles also enjoy newfound popularity after defeating Hieronymous Hale. But life is ever in flux, transitioning from one state to another. What new danger will arise to threaten New York? And can the Turtles hang together as they combat it? Let's grab our weapons, leap into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13, and see!
Story
On a dark and stormy night, Mr Brinkman visits the White Lily Tea Room. When he meets with Madame Xiang Fei Tong, he paints a glorious picture of their partnership. Thanks to his employer's support, Madam Xiang's Ghost Boys enjoy an unprecedented era of success. He suggests that, perhaps, she might consider demonstrating her gratitude by extending unprecedented generosity to his employer.
While Madam Xiang agreed to this meeting as a show of respect, the triad leader takes umbrage at Mr Brinkman’s suggestion in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13. As the negotiator courts disaster, another player appears. He calls himself Ujigami. And instead of repeating Losira’s catchphrase, “I am for you,” the mysterious stranger says, “I am your death.”
Ujigami’s attack has profound consequences in Gene Luen Yang’s story. The death of a triad leader spreads violence across New York, as factions within the Ghost Boys battle for supremacy. While taking steps to quell the violence, the Turtles realize they must discover who murdered Madam Xiang. As for “Mr Brinkman,” he may need the Turtles' protection.
April O’Neil has fought alongside the Turtles since Hieronymous Hale put Casey Jones out of action. Now, she assists them with their investigation. Even though they are together, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello prove reluctant to acknowledge that Leonardo is the head of their family in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13. But no one questions that Donatello is the heart. He grieves Splinter’s death more openly than his brothers and takes comfort in anyone who acknowledges their responsibility to their family.
Art
The red paper lanterns suspended above Chinatown's streets sway in the wind and rain. Inside the tea shop, Mr Brinkman and Madam Xiang perch on barrels. As more paper lanterns illuminate their discussion, lighting flashes across the skylight above them. An open briefcase rests between them as Madam Xiang sips from a porcelain cup. When Mr Brinkman produces a gun, the triad leader reveals that she has more than a card up her sleeve. Then Ujigami enters, covered in sculpted, ornamental armor. He holds a knife in each hand, and his mask evokes a ferocious bull.
Andrew Dalhouse adorns Freddie E Williams II’s art with a vibrant palette in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13. As in a Western movie, the Turtles form tiny silhouettes as they bound atop a suspension bridge before the ebbing sun. The brothers gaze down at the white-clad Ghost Boys battling around an orange school bus. As they descend to join the fight, the yellow-orange air fills with purple, bronze, and brown. Attacks summon white pinpoints of light and yellow splatter. As Leo enters his brother’s room, an image of white-and-red-clad Splinter comforting Donatello overlays a closeup of Donatello’s green-and-purple face. Donatello places his brother’s gift next to a photograph of the brothers and their father on a cobwebbed floating shelf.
Shawn Lee places small, faint black uppercase letters in white dialogue balloons. The words grow bold for intonation, and change color for enthusiasm. White letters in blue boxes locate us in time and space, while Donatello’s thoughts appear in purple boxes. Sound effects accompany the fighting as Ujigami's attacks send his victims fleeing. Thanks to IDW for providing a review copy.
Final Thoughts
When loved ones depart this life, their spirits linger if we remember them. As the Turtles mourn their sensei’s passing, a more tangible spirit rises to protect them. Unlike them, Ujigami has a stricter method of punishing the guilty. His code of justice could shake the brothers' unity and overturn their newfound popularity in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13.
Rating 9.4/10
For more cover options see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.
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