IDW's 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' #46 Review: TMNT's Donatello Shocker Takes "Epic" Turn!

An unexpected casualty occurred inside the shocking issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #44, from IDW Publishing. As the story arc continues, an epic twist takes place as rest of the TMNT family deal with Donatello's ultimate defeat in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #46.

As we previously mentioned, in issue #44, Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo were busy stopping Krang from terraforming the planet using the alien "Technodrome."  Back at the Turtles home base, Bebop and Rocksteady delivered the death blow as they smashed Donnie's shell with a sledgehammer.

In our previous review of issue #45, after his heartbreaking demise, Donatello found himself lost in the afterlife. In this alternate plane of existence, Donatello's lost spirit met his mother, who was guiding him to his final destination. Thinking of his brothers and his father, Splinter, Donnie knew his time on Earth wasn't over. 

The "brains" of the group is back from the dead, but not in the way you would expect. Donnie's consciousness was downloaded into the robot, Metalhead, by Fugitoid. It's a race against time as Donnie attempts to save himself. It's interesting how Donnie, who's really a person of science, struggles to comprehend this extraordinary situation.  

Writers Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, and Tom Waltz deliver a riveting installment, where the emotional turmoil is pushed to the max. The theme of family is reinforced throughout the issue, especially with Shredder missing in action. Because the Turtles and the Foot have  suffered a major loss, someone has to step up, which Karai knows wholeheartedly.

Artists Mateus Santolouco defines his illustrations with such detailed facial expressions. Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo should be happy seeing their brother right in front of them, but deep down, they know it's not him. In his panel layouts, Santolouco captures an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere as Karai gives a rousing speech as she takes up the mantle of the Foot clan.

RATING: BUY IT NOW

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #46 is out in stores now.