Continuing with our group review cover for “City Fall” we’ll once again be weighing in on the series as it reaches the half-way point in the arc. Each of the writers/reviews of Comic Bastards will score the book with either: Buy, Borrow or Pass and a short reason for their choice. First here’s a blurb about the issue from IDW: CITY FALL' part 4: City Fall continues as Shredder reveals his new second-in-command: Leonardo! While the underworld readies their armies, the Turtles must come together if they have any hope of saving their brother. Don't miss this landmark 25th issue that sees the launch of a full-scale war on New York City! The Savate, Foot Clan, and Slash are all back - along with a couple of shocking special guests!

Samantha: BUY

Dude these covers by Kevin Eastman are so sick. Probably not the only person who thinks this, but I really want him to do a full issue for this story arc. He brings in such classics lines while still getting me giddy over these ninjas.

Of course this issue is once again a buy. I don’t think a lot happens here, but I don’t need a ton of action every time. I am weird and kind of enjoy the time it takes to wrangle in Raph. He is a hardass, so I like seeing him going all crazy but being able to hone this in for the good of his brothers.

I told you during Karai’s mirco issue that these story lines would cross over into the City Falls and they have. You totally need to read them in order to be more informed of what is happening. But clearly what makes this issue is the end reveal. It is going to be a huge a turn around and I think will eventually aid the Turtles into their ultimate goal.

Carl: Borrow

Leonard remains under Shredder’s control.  Splinter returns to Old Hob for some help, and the remaining Turtles look for their missing kin.  In true 25th style, the issue ends with a surprise appearance that will have TMNT devotees quivering in their shell.

Unfortunately, the end doesn’t justify the means.  In this case, this issue is overall flat.  Not much happens, save for the last panel.  This is a bit of a disappointment considering how good the previous issues were.

Congratulations to the title on reaching issue 25.  Please keep in mind fans buy comics for the entire book, not just the last panel.

Steve: BUY

I still can’t believe that a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle book is one of my most anticipated monthly reads, but there is just no denying that the solid foundation this universe has established is paying off dividends with the beginning of this City Fall event. It is kind of a shame that cracks are beginning to show in the Foot Clan’s brand new structure, but hopefully these hints are just clever feints to keep readers interested. I personally would like to see Leonardo’s new status quo explored further and for some time before inevitably reverting back, but that’s just me.

Regardless, we are in for one hell of a multi-front war that I can’t wait to see play out further. Plus, this series and its compendium (the villain spotlights, which have been similarly amazing) have done a fantastic job of slowly introducing the arrival of two very cool characters, and the tease at the end of this issue in particular leaves me all aquiver. Whether you’re an old fan or completely uninitiated to the new world of Turtles, you really should be reading this book.

Adam: PASS

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was before my time, both the comic and the show.  The show ended when I was 1, so I never really grew up with it.  That being said probably means my review on this has no credibility, but whatever.  Here’s my take on TMNT #25.

I feel that the art on the original series suits the story and feel of the comic a lot better.  The new artwork is very good, but almost too detailed.  It also seems to take itself seriously; I thought that the original was first intended to be a one-shot parody of superheroes.  It also retains none of the whit or charm that I always hear people talking about in the original cartoon.  The story itself whips back and forth between different sets of characters, it almost seems like you’re reading a couple different issues at once.  For being a first time reader of the comic, it was pretty jarring and discouraging; I definitely didn’t care to read the backstory or want to know what happened next.  Definitely a pass for me.

Dustin: BUY

I have enjoyed the last three issues of this story arc, but for me the fourth chapter of “City Fall” has been the best. There was just the right balance of plot progression and character development. There were several scenes leading up to the ending that had me giddy with excitement, which only made the ending even better. You’ll hear a lot more of what I have to say about it on this week’s podcast so I’m going to keep it short, but this issue wow’d me big time and in a way delivered everything I wanted from the series.

Score: 3 Buys and a Borrow

Story: Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow & Tom Waltz

Writer: Tom Waltz

Artist: Mateus Santolouco

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Price: $3.99

Release Date: 8/28/13