REVIEW: ‘Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III,’ Issue #1

I love crossovers. More specifically, I love well-made crossovers. There is nothing that thrills me more than seeing two of my favorite characters/franchises collide, and that is definitely the case with the Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics. The Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half Shell have crossed paths twice, and in this third outing, their respective worlds are turned upside down in more ways than one

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III #1 is written by James Tynion IV, illustrated by Freddie E. Williams II and Kevin Eastman, colored by Jeremy Colwell, and lettered by Tom Napolitano. The issue opens in what appears to be Gotham City. Batman is alerted to a robbery being committed by Harley Quinn and the Smile Clan. With the help of his brothers Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello he manages to fight them off and save the lives of several police officers, including Commissioner Gordon. All is not as it seems, and one of the Turtles’ deadliest enemies is responsible for shaping this strange new world.

Both Tynion and Williams have collaborated on the previous Batman/TMNT crossover series, and they look to be pulling out all the stops with this one. At this point in his career, it should be clear by now that Tynion is well versed in both the DC and TMNT universes. Several characters from both universes show up, including Bebop and Rocksteady and a deadly new take on the Joker.

The Turtles are pitch perfect. Donatello brings his hi-tech know-how to the fight, Raphael is a ball of rage, all while Michelangelo cracks jokes. Batman himself is in classic Batman fashion, introduced standing on top of a gargoyle in the pouring rain, brooding all the while.

As if the dedication to getting the characters right wasn’t enough, Tynion crafts a compelling narrative, packed with genuine twists and turns. He is helped in this regard by the art team of Williams and Eastman. Williams draws insanely dynamic fight scenes, and Cowell’s colors add to the atmosphere, particularly in Batman’s introduction scene.

As the Dark Knight pulls out his grappling hook and leaps from his perch, lightning crashes in the background, illuminating him. It’s a striking visual in a book chock-full of great images. Eastman, who helped create the Turtles, makes a surprise contribution to the issue that had my jaw hitting the floor. Suffice it to say, long time TMNT fans will love this development.

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III looks to be a treat for both Batman and TMNT fans. It looks like Tynion, Williams, and Eastman are going to close out this crossover trilogy in style.

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III #1 is available now wherever comic books are sold.