Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto #1 Advanced Review: Ninja Mayhem

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto #1

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Caleb Goellner

Artist: Hendry Prasetya

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Release Date: November 20, 2024

Page Count: 36

Format: Single-issue

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto #1 is a crossover comic for the ages. It hits the ground running with a fun and energetic issue that embraces what’s fun about the two beloved franchises.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto #1

Review

Writer: Caleb Goellner

Artist: Hendry Prasetya

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Release Date: November 20, 2024

Page Count: 36

Format: Single-issue

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto #1 is a crossover comic for the ages. It hits the ground running with a fun and energetic issue that embraces what’s fun about the two beloved franchises.

Rating

9

Good

The fun thing about comics is that the wildest things are possible on the page. Sometimes, the craziest ideas come to fruition and make so much sense despite being absolutely insane. Just like how a series like Eye Lie Popeye made the iconic sailor man something closely resembling One Piece, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto brings together arguably the most popular ninjas in history to meet in one exciting story. But does the comic live up to the hype of its absurd concept? Keep on reading for my full review! 

Overview

April O'Neil mysteriously appears in the Hidden Leaf Village, seeking help from Naruto, Kakashi, and the rest of Team 7. However, the Foot Clan catches wind of her visit and attacks to steal the information she knows. But just as the battle intensifies, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arrive to save the day, setting the stage for an epic meeting of ninja worlds.

Image: IDW Publishing

Review

When I first heard about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto, my initial reaction was, "Of course! This mashup makes perfect sense!" Bringing together these beloved ninja franchises is a stroke of genius, opening up a world of creative possibilities. But what's so fun about this comic is how well the concept translates from idea to execution. The comic doesn’t waste time overly explaining how Naruto and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are now somehow in the same universe together. Characters will talk about it like it’s a fact, making for a quick pace that does not let up once it starts. So if you’re looking for some clever explanation why this story came together, you’ll need to suspend your disbelief quite heavily for this one. 

Artist Hendry Prasetya also deserves high praise for his work on this comic. The challenge of blending the Turtles' with Naruto's anime look is no small feat, yet Prasetya pulls it off very well. Characters from both universes are instantly recognizable, yet feel cohesive within the same panels. The action sequences are also fantastic. Prasetya's dynamic style delivers a frenetic energy that makes the big fight scene of the issue pop off the pages. 

Image: IDW Publishing

One of the greatest joys of this crossover is seeing the beloved characters from TMNT and Naruto interact with each other. Writer Caleb Goellner perfectly captures the characters’ uniqueness, from the Turtles’ wisecracking nature to Naruto’s more animated tone. It’s so much fun seeing the Turtles' irreverent humor bounce off of characters like Kakashi and Sasuke once they meet, leading to some genuinely interesting moments. Even as someone with only surface-level knowledge about Naruto, I found the character dynamics engaging and easy to follow. The comic does an excellent job of bringing out each character’s quirks, making it accessible even if you're more familiar with one franchise than the other.

Speaking of being a fan, this comic is also packed with clever nods to both TMNT and Naruto lore that people will love to see. From subtle background details to more overt references, it's clear how much this comic shows love for the beloved franchises. But more than just having cheeky references for the sake of it, the details add interesting layers to the story that help make it feel more organic and compelling to follow. As fun as the concept is already on paper, you can tell how much the creators seek to elevate both sides and bring to life something that fans of either TMNT or Naruto can enjoy. 

Image: IDW Publishing

Final Thoughts

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto #1 delivers on its wild concept with a fun and exciting story that fans can easily get into. It's a love letter to both franchises that manages to capture their distinct flavors while creating something fresh. The creative team has struck an impressive balance, crafting a story that should satisfy longtime fans while remaining accessible to anyone looking to see how such a crazy idea gets pulled off. While some readers might balk at the lack of explanation for how this crossover makes sense, I'd argue that's missing the point. This comic embraces the inherent absurdity of its concept, inviting readers to simply enjoy the ride. And what a fun ride it is.

Why You Should Read Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto #1

• It successfully blends two iconic ninja franchises in a way that feels organic and fun.
• Hendry Prasetya's artwork brilliantly merges the distinct visual styles of TMNT and Naruto.
• The character interactions are a highlight, offering both humor and heart that’s at home with either franchise.
• The action sequences are dynamic and showcase the unique abilities of both teams.
• It's an energetic, entertaining read that doesn't take itself too seriously while still delivering a compelling story.