You had to know another “City Fall” group review was coming so let’s get right into it. Each of the writers/reviews of Comic Bastards will give the issue a score of: Buy, Borrow or Pass along with a short reason for the score. Here’s a blurb about the issue from IDW before we begin: “City Fall: Part Six” In this breathtaking penultimate issue to City Fall, Shredder asserts his dominance over the criminal underworld of NYC through a show of force. But what happens when the Turtles crash the party? With allegiances shifting no one is safe from all-out war!

Dustin: BUY

To be honest I know that this series is wearing thin on some people. I can understand that considering how much build up there has been, but for me personally I love it. The Turtles have never tried something like this before and this series is doing an incredible job of changing the landscape of the franchise and I’m all for that.

As for the issue itself, there isn’t much in the way of action. It’s more build up and so if you’re tired of that then you’ll be tired of it here, but I think the slow and steady approach is definitely going to win the race. I liked this issue more than I liked the micro-series with Bebop and Rocksteady and let me tell you… I fucking loved that issue.

Samantha: BUY

All hell breaks loose when Shredder has a huge villain meeting in an abandon theater. All the characters show up in one place. It can’t get much better than that. I couldn’t stop reading. Leo is starting to see his ways, and the boys are trying to get him the heck out of there. Casey Jones is back to stop his father. It is crazy. Although my favorite part is the idea of Hob and the Turtles teaming up. I always keep forgetting that they have formed an alliance. Hob is such a cool cat...just hope he can turn into some sort of a better cat when this is all over. He is exactly like Raph to me, which makes me think that maybe they will team up on something once again when the going gets tough.

I was also intrigued with Alopex’s part in this issue. She has a short discussion with Kitsune, who we haven’t seen in a while, and the talk is interesting. I don’t know if something more is going or if I am reading too much into Alopex recently. It all just makes for great storytelling.

Carl: BORROW

As they have been for the last few issues, the Turtles look for their lost compatriot Leonardo, who has been under Shredder’s spell.  Casey Jones recuperates while he ponders his father’s gang’s involvement in the whole spectacle.

Most of the issue is the buildup dialogue and explication.  In the last pages of the book the battle starts, and the action gets intense.  Like issue 25, Rocksteady and Beebop make an appearance on the last panel.  That’s right; they don’t actively fight the turtles in this issue, as well.  Be sure to buy issue 27 to get the fight you have been waiting for in three issues so far.  Hopefully.

This type of pacing really ends up being a slap in the face of fans that have been waiting for the battle.  Sure, some would say its elaborate teasing leading up to a great fight.  What if that fight turns out to be flat?  Then fans will be indignant over the ruse.

James: BUY

I can't believe that I have let this comic run pass me by for so long. We are almost to the end of the City Fall story arc. Only one issue left after this one?. I have got a lot of catch up reading to do the next month.

What can I say...Shredder and The Foot Clan are making a play for control of the city, Leo brainwashed and working with him? The Purple Dragons are partnered (albeit, not very happy about it) with The Foot Clan? The guys are partnering up with former foes to get a leg up and rescue Leo... Man this is some great storytelling.

Add to that great artwork that has a playful use of color, but still has a gritty intensity to it...Well I think you just have yourself a solid all-around comic. TURTLE POWER!!

P.S. Sweet ending art and teaser to the next issue.

Adam: BORROW

Call me crazy, but I wish this story arc would have ended with this issue.  I felt this one was pretty dialogue-heavy.  I loved the action, but most of it didn’t occur until the big meeting that Shredder leads.  Leonardo seems to be starting to put the pieces together as far as who his loyalty really should stand with, but we’re left with another huge cliffhanger.  I did like that Casey and Angel are retaliating against Hun, but again we weren’t left with much to work with in the last few pages.  I would’ve given this issue a buy if the issue got to the meeting sooner and we would’ve seen more of the situation with Leonardo, but I’m going to give this a Borrow.  I just wasn’t as invested in this book as I was last month, but I have a feeling there’s a lot in store for the next issue.

Score: 3 Buys and 2 Borrows

Story: Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow & Tom Waltz Writers: Tom Waltz Artist: Mateus Santolouco Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 10/30/13