Book Review: Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 1

James Tynion IV, et.al., Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 1. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2016.  ISBN: 9781401262785.

 

Genre: Graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: superheroes, crossovers

Format: e-book galley

Source: NetGalley

 

Initially I was a bit skeptical how this crossover between DC Comics and IDW would work. Turns out it works out pretty well. The author and artist manage to keep the essence of the characters from both settings, and they interact pretty well. 

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) find themselves transported by a dimensional portal to Gotham City from their own New York. Their enemy Shredder and the Foot Clan also get transported to Gotham. Shredder figures he may as well try to take over Gotham, but he soon has to figure out alliances with the local villains including the Penguin, Ras Al Ghul, and others out of Arkham Asylum. Meanwhile, the TMNT get to meet Batman, and after a bit of a rocky start they become allies. The Turtles are fighting also against time because the mutagen that makes them who they are does not exist in Batman's universe. This means it will go inert and turn them back into normal turtles if they do not return to their world soon. 

As I said, this comic turns out to be very good. It is fast paced. The reader gets dropped right in the middle of the action, and soon we follow the story from there. Story combines good action with a bit of the grittiness Batman comics are known for, and it also maintains the humor that distinguishes TMNT comics. While it is a dramatic story, there are plenty of moments to make readers smile as well. 

The art is very good as well. It captures the characters well. It is a bit realistic within the overall fantasy style. Art is also in full color, which makes this volume a pleasure to read. 

Fans of either Batman or the TMNT will probably enjoy this. I certainly did. This is a good selection for libraries with graphic novel and comics collections. If the libraries already collect comics for either series, then this can be a good addition to the collection as well. Overall, I really liked this one, and I am likely to read the next installment of this series.

4 out of 5 stars. 

This book qualifies for the following 2020 Reading Challenge: