Review - Batman TMNT Adventures #1 (@IDWPublishing)


"I want you to tell all your friends about me."

Batman has a penchant for going it alone. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are the exact opposite, relying on the brotherly bonds to get them through any and all situations. Bringing them all together for a singular purpose is a good bet to be interesting. And it is in Batman TMNT Adventures #1 from IDW Publishing. The issue is written by Matthew K. Manning, illustrated by Jon Sommariva, inked by Sean Parsons, colored by Leonardo Ito and lettered by Shawn Lee.

When villains start to mysteriously escape Arkham, Batman seeks to track them down. What happens when he discovers that they have left Gotham completely...and entered the TMNT's New York City?

Manning takes a very lighthearted approach in Batman TMNT Adventures #1 by giving all the characters an all-ages appeal. The Turtles have (for the most part) always been a lot more kid-friendly than Batman, Manning does a good job of finding a balance in likability between to the two franchises for something that meshes well. The dialogue is extremely entertaining and Manning manages to make in-jokes for the two franchises work and keep the mood light. And Manning spends most of the issue jumping back and forth between Batman and the Turtles to set up the overarching plot and reason for a crossover. The jumping is slightly jarring at times, but it does keep both paths moving at a relatively even pace.

Batman: The Animated Series is quite possibly one of the greatest cartoons ever and a lot of that had to do with the stylized, art deco approach to the show. Sommariva apes that approach very well, infusing the book with a throwback mentality that invokes all the good memories many have of the series. His Batman and friends are slightly more cartoonized to keep up with the more Nickelodeon look of the Turtles, but it all works. Parsons inks are sharp and accent Sommariva's very angular and blocky style well. Ito's colors are bright and bold, preventing the book from looking too dour.

Batman TMNT Adventures #1 is a breezy yet enjoyable crossover between the Caped Crusader and the Heroes in a Halfshell. Batman is doing his own investigation of Arkham Asylum's missing inmates while the Turtles have their own impending problem to deal with. Manning's script is paced well and rife with homage to the two franchises. Sommariva's artwork is fun and airy, providing plenty of levity for the series. Batman TMNT Adventures #1 should definitely be checked out if you're into really fun crossovers or are just big fans of either of the franchises.

Batman TMNT Adventures #1 is in stores now.


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