Krang threatens the multiverse in Batman/TMNT III No. 2
By Alex Widen
Honoring the Histories of Both Animal Themes Vigilante Franchises!
The reintroduction to the Ninja Turtles’ origin was a great twist, made even better by the artwork of Kevin Eastman. Considering he draws 3 full pages and contributes to the artwork for most of the issue, it is a bit strange he doesn’t share cover credits with Freddie E. Williams II and Jeremy Colwell. The contrast between Williams and Eastman helps make the “Mirage Turtles” stand out even more, which makes for a distinct dynamic. While the Ninja Turtles themselves acted as a satire of Miller’s work on Daredevil, had they teamed up with Batman at their time of creation, it would have been exactly the version shown here — one a little brighter and more colorful, but no less determined and heroic.
Image by DC Comics & IDW Publishing
Besides Eastman, the artwork in general is a masterwork. Williams II works well alongside Eastman, and his design for the massive Anti-Monitor Krang remains imposing. Readers can easily imagine all of the costume designs earning their own action figure variants, especially the Laughing Man. Despite this issue serving mostly as exposition, it remains fast paced and exciting. Seeing the Turtles and Batman team up across more than one era or incarnation is thrilling, and speaks to the longevity of both franchises.
Image by DC Comics & IDW Publishing
Next. Batman and the Ninja Turtles face a Crisis in No. 1!. dark
This third installment is in many ways more far-reaching and “crazy” than the previous two. It is dealing with the Multiverse as well as far out concepts which make fan’s heads spin, like the “Anti-Krang.” But that is part which makes it more memorable than the sequel, which merely flipped the script of the original. This one is expanding upon the concepts and histories of both franchises on a metaphysical adventure which celebrates the storied pasts of both franchises. With big ideas, bold concepts and a plot which reaches across the Multiverse, “Crisis In A Half-Shell” looks like a sure-fire hit for fans of both the Dark Knight and Turtle Power!