TMNT #7 Review: Turtles Dive into Grief and Action in NYC Showdown

Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Juan Ferreyra
Letters: Shawn Lee
Publisher: IDW Publishing

After finishing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Volume 1: Return to New York by Jason Aaron, I immediately jumped on Hoopla to catch up with the three remaining issues currently available. With Volume 1 officially hitting stores today, now is the perfect time to grab a copy—and if you’re still on the fence, check out my review of Volume 1 to see why this relaunch is a must-read.

For now, let’s jump into today’s Turtle Tuesday with a deep dive into TMNT #7.

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Story Breakdown: The Turtles Fracture While New York Burns

Issue #7 picks up right where we left off in #6, launching us headfirst into the NYC vs. TMNT arc. The city the Turtles call home has turned hostile, forcing them back into the sewers and splitting them apart—both physically and emotionally. Each brother sets off on his own path to find Karai and confront the looming threat of the Foot Clan.

What really stuck with me this issue was Donatello’s emotional arc. We see more of the grief that’s been building inside him, and his vulnerability gives the story new weight. Jason Aaron weaves in layers of emotional depth without slowing the pace—something that elevates this from a standard action comic to a character-driven drama with ninja fights.

And let’s not forget April O’Neil—finally getting the panel time she deserves. She only popped in briefly back in issue #6, but here, she steps up and proves (again) that she’s not just the Turtles’ sidekick—she’s a total badass in her own right.

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Art Style & Visuals: Ferreyra’s Gritty Glow

Juan Ferreyra takes over full artistic duties in this issue and it’s clear this arc is in capable hands. His use of color is bold but grounded—nothing neon or flashy, but just enough to make the panels pop. One scene even had heavy shadows, giving off serious Sin City vibes that are both nostalgic and stylistically fitting for the darker tone of this arc.

There are two standout double-page spreads, including a stunning sequence with Raph, Leo, and Mikey set against bold, color-themed backdrops that spotlights the struggles they all have while fighting alone and not together. Ferreyra’s style feels like the perfect fit moving forward, and I hope he stays on for the long haul.

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Final Thoughts: Cowabunga-Worthy Comic Storytelling

Jason Aaron is solidifying himself as a perfect writer to tackle the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He’s not just giving us fight scenes—he’s giving us stakes, emotion, and complexity. I’ll admit, I was a bit unsure about the direction of Donny’s storyline during the earlier issues, but this issue won me back. There’s something truly special brewing here, and I can’t wait to see how far it goes.

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Is TMNT #7 Worth Reading?

Absolutely. Whether you’re a lifelong TMNT fan, new to the comics, or just someone looking for a high-stakes, emotionally charged action story, this run is worth your time. It’s fun, gritty, and loaded with heart. After reading this, you’ll be yelling “Cowabunga!” right along with the brothers.

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Movie Pairing: The Karate Kid Part II

While any Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie could be a solid pairing, I’m going a little off the beaten path and recommending The Karate Kid Part II. It carries strong themes of loss, personal growth, and loyalty—perfectly mirroring the emotional turmoil the Turtles are dealing with in this issue. This is currently streaming on Hulu also if you want to check it out!

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What’s Next for Turtle Tuesday?

I plan to continue following this arc and keeping up with new issues each week under the Turtle Tuesday banner. I’d love to hear what TMNT side stories or companion series you think I should check out next. Drop your recommendations and let’s keep the Turtle Power alive!