Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Stranger Things #2 is a totally tubular time!! As a massive fan of both franchises, I was beyond excited when I heard the announcement that IDW was doing this amazing crossover. The second issue sees the Hawkins crew and heroes in a half-shell split up, with Donatello, Raph, Dustin, and Max trying to save Eleven from Baxter Stockman. Meanwhile, Lucas, Mike, and Will are aiding Michelangelo and Leonardo deep in the subway tunnels below, where they have found an upside-down gate.
What I love most about the book, besides the ’80s nostalgia and ninja action, is how writer Cameron Chittock perfectly captures the voice and personalities of each character from both franchises, from Donatello’s brilliant wits to Dustin’s cheesy but charming nicknames for monsters like Demomousers. The essence of what makes Ninja Turtles and Stranger Things great is on full display in this book. In addition, the story so far has had a rather serious tone with splashes of humor; the storytelling is straightforward, and the characters represented very well.
Fero Pe does an impressive job bringing the Ninja Turtles, Demogorgons, and Hawkins kids to life. Whether it’s the Turtles busting up Demodogs or Eleven going into The Void, the illustrations hold great weight to the story. I love even more that Pe chose to illustrate the Turtles in their original forms, where they all wore red bandanas. This makes sense because the animated television show came out in 1987, and this book takes place in 1985. Complementing his art well in the color choices laid out by colorist Sofie Dodgson, who brings a solid balance between light-hearted panels where the Turtles and Hawkins kids are talking and darker panels where the Demogorgons are trying to strike.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Stranger Things #2 is a fantastic addition to the series. Each character and element contributes something to the story, and it will be intriguing to witness how the Hawkins crew overcomes Baxter Stockman and the Demogorgons that threaten New York City. The Ninja Turtles have never looked better, and with only two issues remaining, we have only begun to scratch the surface of the awesomeness of this series.
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