Andrew Newton reviews IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #2…
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto is certainly not a crossover I ever expected to see, but it does make complete sense given their similarities. Though they share common ground, they also have their differences and this comic blends the street-smart attitude of the Turtles with the shinobi culture of Naruto’s world. Fans of either series may be intrigued by this collaboration, but whether it does justice to both worlds is up to the reader.
In the previous issue, we saw action galore as the masked Turtles (more masked than usual) fought off the Foot Clan and then clashed with Naruto and his Team 7 friends. Neither side emerged victorious, of course, but it was a great issue to kick off the story, packed with excitement and energy.
In contrast, this latest issue is far less action-orientated as the Turtles and Team 7 take time to get to know each other, thanks to Kakashi Hatake’s connection to Master Splinter. As the Turtles show Team 7 around their subterranean base, Naruto has plenty of fun with what looks like a Nintendo Entertainment System. However, it isn’t long before the conversation takes a darker turn, as they discuss the infamous Oroku Saki, more commonly known as Shredder.
Naruto and Michelangelo’s playful personalities shine through during the tour around the base, providing some lighthearted moments. Meanwhile, both Hatake and Splinter’s more peaceful and contemplative sides come to the forefront, adding a bit of depth to the slower pace of the story.
When it comes to the art, I do prefer the more cartoonish style that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles used to have. However, I understand that this would look out of place when compared to the more detailed and serious style of Naruto. Despite this, Hendry Prasetya’s artwork in this crossover works well and there’s nothing odd about having the Turtles in the same world as Naruto.
This second issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto certainly isn’t as exciting and fast-paced as the previous one. However, the serious conversations, interspersed with the entertainment of the two groups in the base, provide a balance of enjoyment. Overall, this issue helps to strengthen the bond between the two groups while also setting the stage for the greater conflicts ahead. It’s a solid chapter that builds on the characters and their relationships and paves the way for what’s to come.
SEE ALSO: Check out the official preview of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #2 here
Rating: 7/10
Andrew Newton
