When teenage reporter April O’Neil has a clandestine meeting with Tsunade, the leader of the Hidden Leaf Village, it garners the attention of Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi. They aren’t the only ones who are wondering what the two women were discussing, though. The sinister Foot Clan have their own interest in April’s visit, as they think she might hold the valuable information on mutation research being conducted by the scientist Baxter Stockman. With April caught between the forces of the Hidden Leaf Village and the Foot Clan, it can’t be long before the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles show up to lend her a hand! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #1 is an interesting crossover series but falls intro tropes far too easily.

I know nothing about Naruto. I’ve never read the manga, seen the anime, couldn’t name a character. But, I was intrigued to check out Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #1 to see how these two properties would come together and what the result would be.

Written by Caleb Goellner, the comic opens with the Naruto crew escorting April O’Neil back home. She completed a meeting with the leader of Hidden Leaf Village to learn about Ninja Biology for a story that involves Baxter Stockman and ninja mutants. It’s not explained why the leader of Hidden Leaf Village would know a lot on the topic, but we can roll with it as it’s not really the point. Instead April’s journey hits some bumps as she and her escorts first come across the Foot Clan and then the Turtles. What results is a very typical hero vs. hero misunderstanding that pits the Turtles against Naruto in an entertaining action comic. But it’s really just that battle and feels like it’s exactly what one would expect, not challenging readers with anything too out of the ordinary for the story.

They art by Hendry Prasetya is what stands out with some great action that pops. With color by Raul Angulo and lettering by Ed Dukeshire, the visuals are solid covering a lot going on. Each character gets the spotlight with the battle showing off everyone’s abilities. As expected, they’re matched up well and no one really stands out as dominating. The art is good though with a style that feels like it captures the attitude of both series well finding a balance that mixes their various styles. The designs look good and overall, there’s just a good flow to it all visually.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #1 isn’t a bad start but beyond the fight, there’s not much there. The visuals are good but it feels rather surface level so far. There isn’t much of an explanation of who the characters are and much of that is told in battle and involves abilities. Some personalities come through but overall, it’s your typical hero vs. hero battle before they eventually team up.

Story: Caleb Goellner Art: Hendry Prasetya
Color: Raul Angulo Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.4 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle