That’s right folks, you read that title correctly! It seems that some of the world’s most popular Turtles are going to meet up with the Nine Tailed Fox’s host, Naruto Uzumaki! When Kakashi Hatake, Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Hanao are set to escort April O’Neil from the Hidden Leaf Village back home, it gathers some attention. Specifically, from the Foot Clan. This issue seems to be already very popular – just last month, we reported that it sold more than 100,000 orders, With the first issue finally here, is it worth the hype?
IDW Publishing
Now, I’m only 27 chapters into Naruto and I’ve actually never read a TNMT comic (although I’ve loved the shows and recent movie), so I’m viewing this from the lens of a semi-new reader. Given that this story seems to be set in the earlier days of Naruto and it being a limited series, it stands to reason that this story should be relatively adaptable. Thankfully, that holds to be true.
IDW Publishing
While there seem to only be a small handful of nuanced moments hinting where this takes in the world of Naruto, no one acts beyond belief to spoil that for any unfamiliar readers. Similarly, The Turtles are equally as balanced. Each has hints of their unique charm while maintaining some mystery. Altogether, the characters themselves can be easily with each having enough personality and uniqueness to show how much research writer Caleb Goellner has done to prepare for this book.
One of the biggest concerns some readers may have had was whether the art would be able to capture the style of Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto. That said, I think the story is depicted with a perfect style. While the story itself is easy to follow, safely deliver April back home and fight ninjas, it’s the art that helps to bolster the story. Here, artist Hendry Prasetya and colorist Raúl Angulo deliver one stunning story. Prasetya blends the two world’s tones rather well, with characters being sharply defined and full of emotion, and this helps to elevate the story into one full of heart, action, and intrigue.
IDW Publishing
Additionally, the colors from Angulo add to the more intense moments, in which fights seem more vivid and characters’ powers all but shimmer on the page. Additionally, the colors help to balance the bright tone that Naruto had in its anime with the sci-fi action of the TNMT world. Altogether, this issue’s strong visuals help to make an easygoing premise into a fun action-packed story.
Altogether, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #1 is a very fun story that spends more time introducing readers to the world of Naruto before interweaving them with the Turtles. This works to both privide insight into what direction the story may take while also ensurng every character in this mighty cast is given the spotlight. Additionally, this book appears to be very new-reader frinedly, which makes the book all the more enjoyable for this new reader!
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