Review: Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #4

Who would’ve thought that we’d be reading a comic about the Ninja Turtles fighting a Bane army with the help of Batman? A few years ago I would’ve thought this issue impossible. I am very grateful that this exists. I remember way back when I saw the newsÂ that Batman was officially crossing over with the Ninja Turtles. ConsideringÂ that Batman and the Ninja Turtles are possibly my two favorite things in all of geekdom, I was pretty excited, to say the least. I am even happier that I was not disappointed. Fortunately, DC and IDW gave the reins to the right people, and now here we are midway through the sequel series.

We’ve come a long way, and Bane has become an awesome element to the narrative.Â Batman/TMNT #4 is perhaps the heaviest issue so far. James Tynion IV has killed it the entire time with his writing. Our heroes lay everything on the line to stop Bane, and nothing is coming easily. Even though the battle in the issue is pretty cool, it’s the emotion behind the story that drives the comic. Tynion captures the “teenage” element of the TMNT by way of the emotions shown by the four brothers. Most people might not even realize it, but it is this element that is most important to the turtles. Mutant Ninja Turtles are pretty cool, but the teenage part is what makes them relatable. This series continues to hold on to this element, and I love it.

The TMNT and Batman squabble over if they should use venom to even the odds. KnowingÂ what it is capable of, and what it can do to the brain, Batman is against the idea. However, Donatello is reaching the point of desperation and is insistent on using it. Should our heroes sacrifice their brains for brawn to try to match Bane? Or can they save the city, and themselves? Everything seems tough, about this story.

Â I am impressed with the form of this series, and the development. For example, you can start to see the Turtles growing on Robin. It’s evidentÂ that their relationship isn’t quite there yet, but progress is shown. It’s always nice when writers ease into changes and don’t force them in overnight. All throughout this series, and its predecessor the story, plot, and characters have been expertly developed. I am enjoying the progressing storyline of Donatello, as he is my favorite turtle. (Although I’m also nervous about Donnie)

After all this time, the art has definitely grown on me. I am becoming more of a Freddie Williams II fan. He definitely has a unique style and not one that would fit everything, but definitely suits this series. I officially love his Ninja Turtles art. As the series progresses the art reveals itselfÂ as the perfect style for the series.

The win streak continues as I am yet to read a disappointing issue of “Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II” (or the first series). I may not praise any other comic series as much as this one, or the one before it. I am looking forward to the conclusion of this epic story, and crossing my fingers for “Batman/TMNT III”.

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(W) James TynionIV (A/CA) Freddie Williams II