No medium has more crossovers than comics, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Stranger Things is the latest example of that. It’s a crossover that might have you asking, “Were IDW and Netflix so preoccupied with whether they could that they didn’t stop to think if they should?” Likely it’s a combo many will scoff at, but how’s the comic? With an advance copy in hand, I dig into what fans of both franchises can expect and whether or not they should pick it up.
Out in comic shops on July 12th, there are more connections between these properties than their ’80s identifiers, and by the end, the crossover itself makes enough sense to jump in on the ride. Children of the ’80s will enjoy the connections, from the art style to both properties being from or inspired by the era.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Stranger Things opens with the Stranger Things kids going on a vacation to New York City. After a brief scene getting to know their personalities, the kids are faced with a threat: A robot mouser Demogorgon. Honestly, the design was right there all along! Soon the Ninja Turtles and the Hawkins kids are interacting, and thanks to having unique info, they team up.
Right out of the gate, Cameron Chittock’s writing proves they understand this rather robust cast. From the various Ninja Turtles’ personalities to the kiddos in Stranger Things, everyone sounds accurate. The general combo of the two is set up well enough, as well. Sure, it takes some convenient timing and the right place for them to meet, but the mutual threat is obvious.
The general pairing makes some sense when you consider the kids tend not to have fighting abilities outside of Eleven’s powers, so the Ninja Turtles could easily help them on their adventures. It’s also helpful that the kids are used to seeing inhuman creatures, so their lack of shock when seeing giant talking turtles is understandable.
My only gripe really is that it’s a bit slow to start. There’s a lot of time spent with characters talking to one another. The slower start introducing the Stranger Things characters to New York, then later a regroup, slows down the pace. Some action or something to do while connecting instead of sitting around could have amped things up. The issue does end on an action scene, though, so I’m hoping things pick up.
Art by Fero Pe is a major stand-out, especially for those who love the classic Ninja Turtle look. That includes the all-red bandana look with colors by Sofie Dodgson. Given the ’80s aesthetic of classic Ninja Turtles, and the Stranger Things vibe in general, the visuals pair up really well. The dynamic and exciting double-page layout of the Ninja Turtles taking on the Mousers is particularly great. Everything in this book is also steeped in Ben-Day dot shadow work which also gives it a nostalgic vibe. Texture and detail are evident and strong throughout.
If you’re curious about what Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Stranger Things is about, you’ll likely enjoy this first issue. If you’re a fan of either property, you’ll want to pick this up, whether or not it’s actually canon in the TV universe. Fun and celebratory of both fandoms, check out Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Stranger Things for its nostalgic undertones.
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