Batman / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3 Review
By Steve Lam
Batman / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3 – “Totally Awesome Team-Up!”
Script: James Tynion IV / Art and Cover: Freddie E. Williams II / Colors: Jeremy Colwell / Letters: Tom Napolitano / Variant Cover: Kevin Eastman with Tomi Varga
I need to be beaten like the armed henchmen at the start of the final Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice trailer. I’m serious. Why did I delay reading the latest and greatest installment of the Batman / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover extravaganza!? This has to be the most awesome chapter in this mini-series to-date! I have no idea how I’m going to review this without giving away any spoilers, but I’m going to give it my best shot …
Writer James Tynion IV ups the ante on everything — action, thrills, humor, and twists. It’s just great overall plotting. No frills. Pure Dark Knight / Turtle action. What I appreciated the most about this issue was that you can still tell see the differences in both properties. Now, isn’t that a bad thing, Steve? Let me put it to you this way: world renowned chefs always say that when you cook a dish, you should always be able to identify the individual ingredients. This is exactly what this issue retains.
We have the world of Batman and Alfred operating at their best: A Dark Knight Detective who will analyze everything before throwing the first punch; and a butler who can hold his own. On the other end, we have the Turtles in all their glory: Splinter’s fatherly and wise nature; Leonardo’s unwavering leadership; Donatello’s unquenchable curiosity; Rafael’s temper and determination; and Michelangelo’s immature humor and optimism. The blend works without sacrificing anything from DC or IDW.
The action is clear and beautifully illustrated. Artist Freddie E. Williams II has quite the beautiful mid-book spread where Splinter gives some backstory. It really felt like I was watching an actual animated series. But later events show me that this “cartoon” is definitely not for kids. Not a bad thing. In fact, it totally raised the stakes, and it wasn’t done in a gratuitous manner. This “event” or scene, in a way, defined Splinter and showed us that he doesn’t slouch on his villain insurance.
The ending is something that will make every fan go, “Of course! Why not!?” It’s only logical and really makes the reader salivate for the next issue. It’s all about raising the stakes here. I’m actually nervous for Batman and the Turtles for what’s coming. This is historical and will make the next issue a very interesting read.
Next: Batman / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2 Review
The third issue of the Batman / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover is very aptly named. They’re not joking when they call this a “Totally Awesome Team-Up.” However, after reading this issue, you will understand that the title has a double-meaning. Okay, that’s it, I need to stop. No more revelations. I will not rob you of the pleasure if experiencing this yourselves.