Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Script by James Tynion IV
Art by Freddie E. Williams II with Kevin Eastman
Colors by Jeremy Colwell
Letters by Tom Napolitano
Review by Kris K
For one final time (supposedly), Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reunite to fight ninjas and mutants. While this installment marks the third crossover, the reader needs no prior knowledge of the other crossovers. This story aims for a bold re-imagining of both worlds, creating fun new takes on heroes and villains.
The story opens with Batman on a rooftop during a lightning storm. He talks over the intercom about the young man with dark hair who plagues his dreams. Above him, in the storm, Krang reports an escape from their ship. A figure streaks to the earth’s surface in a lightning bolt and borrows a homeless man’s trench coat. Batman sneaks into a museum, where the Smile Clan holds the patrons hostage. Harley Quinn dual wields Uzis and Katanas. Deadshot wears a hood and armor. Clayface takes the shape of a giant rhino. Killer Croc rocks a mohawk, sunglasses, and a tattered vest. The Smile Clan is run by the “Laughing Man”. This is only the first few pages.
The writing is the best yet for the crossovers. While the first two stories deliver enjoyable romps, they also felt like standard crossover stories. This issue tells a whole new tale. It aims high, and it hits its mark. The premise files neatly under ambitious, and so far, this story succeeds. It succeeds at being both new reader friendly and chock full of Easter eggs for fans of both franchises. In a season of events from my favorite names, this IDW/DC crossover delivered the best issue this week. (Cherry on top, this comic has a preview for Snyder/Capullo’s closing Black Label Batman story.)
The art leans towards the TMNT comics, but it benefits from it. The fact that the book looks different than the current Batman books makes it feel fresher. The new designs look amazing, and they make sense based on who the character is. (Other than Michelangelo, whose new design feels forced) I love Raphael and Splinter’s concepts the most. Furthermore, the colors by Colwel suit both universes perfectly, blending them effortlessly.
Verdict: Buy! This comic was the best #1 issue I have read this year. I left it feeling like a kid again. I can’t wait to see where this team goes with this story.
