Heavy. That’s the best way to describe the mood following last issue’s shocking events. The cost was steep, and the ramifications weighed on every page of this chapter. Reading it, I couldn’t shake the thought: “teenagers with attitude.” Only this time, it’s not a slogan; it’s raw, painful, and honest. Ryan Parrott crafts a script that digs into the cracks of grief and blame, giving us a crossover that dares to show these heroes at their most vulnerable. Prepare yourself for an emotional gut check – you won’t be alone, and neither are these Rangers or Turtles.
BOOM!/IDW
Vincenzo Federici’s art is a perfect partner to Parrott’s writing, amplifying the anger and sorrow coursing through the teams. His ability to capture subtle body language and facial expressions makes scenes like Leonardo confronting Tommy hit like a punch to the gut. The way he zooms in on their tension, then pulls back to show the rest of the team reacting in shock or silence, keeps the drama grounded and authentic. Every Ranger and Turtle looks like they’re teetering between lashing out or breaking down, which makes the stakes feel even sharper.
Raul Angulo’s colors elevate that emotional intensity to another level. When red bleeds into the background of Leonardo and Tommy’s argument, you can feel the anger pulsing off the page. Angulo uses his palette to create a kind of emotional spotlight, dulling certain moments with muted tones to convey numbness, then flashing bursts of color to heighten rage, grief, or despair. One standout is Michelangelo’s portrayal of burying his pain in a fight; the contrast of shadows and highlights makes his scene both heartbreaking and cathartic.
BOOM!/IDW
This third crossover has taken a darker, more grounded turn, and I love it. While the first two volumes leaned into the joy of these iconic franchises colliding, this one pushes the characters to face consequences, and that makes it hit harder. It’s not a story I’d hand to younger readers, but for longtime fans, it’s powerful, emotional, and gratifying. It leaves me wondering: could a future team-up give us The Last Ronin crossing blades with Lord Drakkon? For now, though, I’m hooked on watching Ryan Parrott, Vincenzo Federici, Raul Angulo, and the rest of the team steer these grief-stricken heroes through a gauntlet of loss and into the hands of their waiting enemies.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III #2 slows down the crossover spectacle to let grief and anger take center stage. Ryan Parrott’s script digs into the fallout of loss, showing how easily blame can fracture even the strongest teams. Vincenzo Federici’s expressive art and Raul Angulo’s emotionally charged colors make every clash, glare, and silence resonate. It’s a heavier, darker issue than past crossovers, but one that feels honest and necessary, pushing these iconic heroes in bold directions.
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