Batman / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1
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Batman / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1

Writer: James Tynion IV Artist: Freddie Williams II Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: December 9, 2015 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 33 User Reviews: 21
7.9Critic Rating
8.3User Rating

DC Comics and IDW team up for the crossover you never saw coming as two of the greatest entertainment icons meet for the first time! In Gotham City, a series of deadly raids leads Batman to believe he's up against a group of highly trained ninjas known as the Foot Clan! Somehow, they've crossed over to another dimension and are determined to take advantage of the situation while looking to get back home. But they haven't come alone: Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo are hot on their trail. Get ready for excitement as heroes and villains from both worlds clash and team up in an epic battle that threatens the very fabric of reality!

  • 10
    Nerds On The Rocks - Earl Rufus Dec 9, 2015

    I said at the beginning there was no way I wasn't going to love this book, but I'm more than thrilled to announce that it is also a damn good read with some beautiful art. If it wasn't on your radar for some strange reason, I'd recommend picking it up today! Read Full Review

  • 10
    Dark Knight News - Eric Joseph Dec 9, 2015

    While the fateful meeting doesn't happen until the very end, this is a flawless setup for what will hopefully be one for the ages. DC seems to have the Midas Touch with mini-series this fall and the release of this book further cements that position. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    AIPT - David Brooke Dec 9, 2015

    The fact is you need to join this party knowing it's all about action and fun. Get over that hump and enjoy this beautiful ride. Read Full Review

  • 9.2
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Matthew Murphy Dec 15, 2015

    Williams' history as an illustrator has left him with experience drawing both the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Batman and that has left a lasting impact on the pages of this comic. Every character's presence is felt on the page; Batman is a massive figure that watches Gotham while the individual turtles' personalities are reflected in how they are drawn. His action-oriented style is much appreciated and Tynion's writing compliments it in a way I was not expecting. Known for a past on Batman, I wasn't sure if he would have the ability to meld the humor of TMNT into the seriousness of Gotham. I was horribly wrong, BATMAN/TMNT #1 is one of the funniest issues I've picked up this year. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    FreakSugar - Jed W. Keith Dec 10, 2015

    Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 is the first issue of a crossover that marries two different, yet hardly diametrically opposed franchises that should prove to not only let each character shine, but give off that light in ways not yet explored. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Newsarama - Oscar Maltby Dec 10, 2015

    This reviewer's a sucker for an improbable cross-over, and Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is shaping up to be one of the greats. Read Full Review

  • 8.6
    Good Kind Of Geek - Nikki Yuan Dec 11, 2015

    It's not easy making such a ridiculous idea so interesting, and this is thanks to the wonderful creative team of James Tynion IV and Freddie Williams II. The writer is very familiar with both franchise, and the artist understands how to be playful with colors. The crossover event is only just begun, and I already can't wait to see how these characters are going to interact with each others and who might appear next. A great crossover event with a solid beginning. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Doom Rocket - Jarrod Jones Dec 9, 2015

    A massive crossover such as this requires care and demands respect. If it were to skew just an inch from its mission, Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would quickly devolve into a one-note farce. But this book has an ace in the hole, and his name is James Tynion IV. TheBatman Eternal and Memeticscribe has found a project intowhich he can truly immerse himself. He taps into what has made these characters endure for so many years and places their fundamentals at the forefront of the proceedings. Of all the projects I've read by the writer, this has to be his most assured.The big surprise ofBatman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesis that it finds James Tynion IV at his most elemental. This has the makings of a bona fide classic. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Weird Science - Joel Bowers Dec 15, 2015

    In the first issue of Batman/TMNT, the Turtles have come to Gotham City and they do not understand why. They are fighting the Foot Clan, who are also in Gotham committing burglaries from several area laboratories. We see Batman facing off against the Foot, and a tease for a future battle with a major villain. The book was great, but I found the writing for Batman very stereotypical of one specific take on his character, which did not help to make ninjas seem like tough adversaries. The writing for the Turtles was a lot of fun, especially when they fight a Batman villain. Art was amazing with the exception of Batman himself, but spot on for the Turtles. This is a very fun first issue for this long-awaited crossover. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Fanboys Inc - Buddy Beaudoin Dec 9, 2015

    Tynion IV and Williams are a great pairing on a great team-up piece. The story feels expansive and leaves a lot to the imagination. The art possesses a wonderfully handcrafted feel that isnt present in many comics these days, and brings you back to the origins of TMNT with the coloring of Jeremy Colwell. This book is really one for the fans. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comic Watch - Justin Cooper Jan 3, 2018

    I absolutely loved the first installment, and in no small part to the artwork of Freddie Williams II. The story has the levity and the humor that you would expect with a TMNT book, and the Investigative pursuit and eventual payoff of the Detective work in Batman's Adventures in Gotham City. This is far greater than just nostalgia for this reader. I am excited to see the characters move about in each other's worlds, and it is written with the recognizable voices that you all know and love. High praise for this creative team of James Tynion IV and Freddie Williams II. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Graphic Policy - Karcossa Dec 10, 2015

    With the ending of issue #1, I can't wait to get my hands onthe second issue, because the first issue had something that too many comics don't these day: fun. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Anthony Composto Dec 10, 2015

    Batman/TMNT starts off better than expected, although not without its hiccups. The biggest draw is its intrigue, which will have readers waiting for the next issue, looking for answers. The writing and art create a solid balance of grit and wit, making this book everything you'd want in a Batman/TMNT team-up. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - David Pepose Dec 9, 2015

    Some critics might accuse this book of being shallow, of not finding a deeper connection between its two franchises - but when it comes to Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, I think they might be trying to reinvent the wheel here. Part of the reason why these two franchises work so well is that they don't need to justify themselves or continuously remind us of how they became who they are. Just rev them up, put them on a path towards one another, and watch the sparks fly. It's clear that Batman and the Turtles are in great hands - the second issue can't come fast enough. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Multiversity Comics - Keith Dooley Dec 11, 2015

    There will probably be those who will dismiss this book as a money grab or just for those diehard Batman and TMNT fans. They'll be missing out on a good time. "Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" #1 is not only a fun book (which is always a welcome thing) but is also a visual treat. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Batman Universe - Ryan Blair Dec 9, 2015

    Overall this issue was pretty good, but I think my rating is going to be a little higher purely for my love of the characters in the story. Truthfully this issue was pure setup for things to come and a lot didn't happen"however we are sure to open with a bang as Batman and the Turtles engage in a fight that is should to be awesome. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Resources - Matt Little Dec 11, 2015

    For your money, you get action, setup, Batman being Batman and the Turtles being the Turtles. If you're looking for the kind of book that makes you laugh while pumping your fist, then check out this debut issue and collect your high five at the door. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    SnapPow.com - John McCubbin Dec 11, 2015

    Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 is a brilliant start to DC and IDW‘s latest crossover, as despite the creative team leaving a lot of our narrative in the shadows, they set-up a wonderful premise. They also leave us a lot to look forward to, with a thrilling climax that is bound to leave readers returning for more. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Pastrami Nation - Nolan Smith Dec 12, 2015

    This could have been a lackluster idea if executed poorly- thankfully, this issue is anything but lackluster. This first issue is a great start to the mini series, putting all the players on the chessboard. I felt like a kid seeing my cartoon heroes meet in a once in a lifetime opportunity- tell me that isnt the best feeling to walk away with? Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comicosity - Aaron Long Dec 11, 2015

    Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 is a fun comic. It's a good ol' fashioned mash-up of iconic characters and Tynion IV, Williams II and Colwell sell it. This could be a gimmicky, crappy money grab, but it's far from it. These are entertaining characters being wielded by a solid team and I'm very excited to see where this goes next. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    IGN - Jeff Lake Dec 9, 2015

    A crossover long in the making gets off to a great start in the hands of James Tynion IV and Freddie Willams II. The dynamic duo show a clear knowledge and appreciation of their leads, delivering a debut that succeeds beyond its already brimming promise. There's still room for improvement, but as far as crossovers go you'd be hard pressed to find one quite so giddy giggle inducing as this one. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Lost Lighthouse - thelostlighthouse Dec 10, 2015

    This is a simple one: do you want to see Batman and the Ninja Turtles in the same book? Then go get it. It won't win any awards I imagine, but it's a very fun romp and your inner child will love it. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    GWW - Casey Walsh Dec 9, 2015

    Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 didn't offer anything fantastical or groundbreaking in the world of publisher cross-overs. What it does offer is some amazing visuals of some of your favorite characters with an engaging and intriguing story by a proven creator. This is a 90's kid's dream and I still can't believe its real. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Graphic Policy - Brett Dec 9, 2015

    DC Comics and IDW are taking this miniseries seriously with top creative team that are showing that while the concept might seem silly, this isn't a cash grab. Can't wait to see where this goes next, as I was seriously amazed at how well it worked. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Infinite Comix - Daniel Gehen Dec 10, 2015

    If there is one thing to take away from Batman / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, it is that the creative team is clearly impassioned by the book's concept. How could they not be? It's Batman and the freaking Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? Fantastic artwork and solid storytelling provide an excellent springboard for this childhood fantasy come to life. It is awesome, righteous, and even" bossa nova. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Major Spoilers - Matthew Peterson Dec 10, 2015

    A rock-solid first issue story, with lovely art and a good balance of tension to fun… Read Full Review

  • 7.2
    Comic Crusaders - Shane Tydeman Dec 14, 2015

    For fans of Batman and TMNT, or fans of crossovers this won't disappoint and it's worth buying upon release or waiting for the TPB or graphic novel. Do ya'self a favour and check it out! Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Fortress of Solitude - Byron Hendricks Dec 8, 2015

    All in all, this is a great idea that seems to be working well given that it is the first issue. It features characters that are literally and figuratively worlds apart. It will be interesting to see how this story turns out, especially since the Shredder and his Foot Clan are hidden in the shadows of Gotham. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Batman-News - Jay Yaws Dec 10, 2015

    A high concept that doesn't collapse under its own weight, the deft handling helps it overcome any narrative and visual shortcomings to deliver a solid, enjoyable book. Time will tell if the full six issues will be justified, but for right now it's compelling enough on its own and is treated with a light enough touch that it almost doesn't need the nostalgic feelings it will no doubt inspire to drive interest. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    First Comics News - Richard Vasseur Dec 19, 2015

    The Turtles are written and draw to perfection as they fit right in in Gotham. They are dark, mysterious and tough. They do also have a child like quality. Batman with his dark and foreboding attitude does steal the show. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Big Comic Page - Craig Neilson-Adams Dec 9, 2015

    Okay, cards on the table, my expectations for this series were ridiculously low, so the fact that it hasnt turned out to be a complete car crash thus far is almost reason enough for me to recommend it. That said, if youre willing to fight through your misgivings (assuming you actually have them and arent whipping yourself into a fanboy frenzy at the prospect of these characters meeting face-to-face something I probably should be doing myself), theres actually a pretty fun story here with some chunky, dynamic artwork and a Batmobile-load of potential. Definitely worth a look if youre curious, but it doesnt quite do enough to qualify for the essential reading category. Not yet, anyway. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Bounding Into Comics - Jared Leatzow Jul 6, 2016

    Crossovers like this seem kind of dated at this point, and the plot really isn't anything that feels super original. There is also lots of silliness in Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles both intentional and unintentional. The strength of this comic is that it is probably going to be more appealing to younger audiences who enjoy both of these properties. As for adults, the story lacks complexity and may be too silly. The art is the strongest part of this book. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    All-Comic - Erik Gonzalez Dec 12, 2015

    Overall, this comic feels uneven and a bit of a letdown, but perhaps this is due to my own high expectations. Batman and Gotham were shortchanged and this was very much a highlight for the Ninja Turtles, so fans of those characters will be happy. Enthusiasts of either franchise should give this first issue a shot, but just have expectations managed. Hopefully the next book will step-up to the plate. Read Full Review

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