BATMAN/TMNT Adventures #5
Matthew K. Manning (w) • Jon Sommariva (a & c)
The surprising conclusion to the hit all-ages crossover! Surprising alliances are formed and friendships are tested as the villain behind the cross-dimensional chaos is revealed!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!
We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.
Mr. H
Top Pick: Batman/TMNT Adventures #5 (IDW Publishing) – This book has just been plain all out fun! I was skeptical of the quality it would be after the last Batman/ TMNT crossover, which was good but this story so far just ninjas the previous teams ass! It takes the very best aspect of Batman: The Animated Series and melds it together in the Turtles world. Each issue is better than the previous and even though they are leaning to The Mad Hatter being the big boss behind it all, when Tetch is written correctly he is quite the villainous force. I can’t wait to see how this joyride through my childhood icons ends.
Action Comics # 976 (DC Comics) – Well here it is, the battle for Superman’s future! Can Supes defeat Myx (not spelling his damn name) and get back his family or will he lose more than he gained in the process? All I know is if Jon becomes a casualty out of it, I’m going hunting with Kryptonite bullets. Nevertheless a good twist on a classic Superman character and I am enjoying the various runs on my hero since Rebirth. Can anyone say New New 52?
Reborn #5 (Image Comics) – I have really dug this team up of Millar and Capullo thus far. I don’t think it has tremendous long term value but the short term storyline has been fantastic. The art is some of Capullo’s best and Millar’s writing is less Millar-y than usual which keeps it at a nice tempo for me. Very interesting look into the theory of reincarnation and one that wants to make sure my pet gets all the love he can get before I meet him in the afterlife. A fun ride for sure, not ready to get out of the car yet.
Iron Fist #1 (Marvel Comics) – The timing for this couldn’t be better as I have just reached the middle of my binge watching of “Iron Fist” on Netflix and I love it. My Danny Rand – ometer is at it’s peak right now so more firery chi punching for me is a must. This book is welcome, hope it meets my kung fu needs.
Joe
Top Pick: The Unworthy Thor #5 (Marvel) – What did he do to make him unworthy?! It seems like this is the issue where we should finally learn what was whispered into Odinson’s ear.
Action Comics #976 (DC Comics) – The end of the fantastic Superman Reborn arc! I loved this entire run so far and this arc has been so crazy it works.
Doom Patrol #5 (DC’s Young Animal) – This is one of the most fun and wacky comics out. I am obsessed with Nick Derrington’s art and wished he was drawing everything lately.
Black Hammer #7 (Dark Horse) – It has returned! One of the best comics out in the medium and written by one of my favorite writers, Jeff Lemire.
Dept. H #12 (Dark Horse) – Matt and Sharlene Kindt have been so consistently good on this book every month. I love this cover and I am excited to return to the deep and find out whodunit.
Alex
Top Pick: X-O Manowar #1 (Valiant) – I have the review copy sat on my desktop just waiting to be opened up and read again, but before I did that, I realized that this was honestly one of the few comics this week I’m looking forward to reading (again) when I pick it up i print so I can see the art without the watermark on it. I can’t wait to see it.
Hulk #4 (Marvel) – I read the first issue of this entirely by accident and immediately found one of my favourite new series. The tension you feel as Jen struggles to not change into the Hulk is palpable, and so well written. I don’t even need a villain in the series, I could read about Jennifer Walters living her life all day long.
Paul
Top Pick: Extraordinary X-Men #20 (Marvel) – The war between the X-Men and the Inhumans has come to an end, and the X-Men need to figure out their next move. I am very excited for the upcoming ‘ResurreXion’ event and looking forward to seeing the new paths the X-Men take.
Top Pick: Hulk #4 (Marvel) – This has been a great book from the start, showing that even a superhero can be shaken to their core after traumatic events. Jen has definitely seen her share, from losing her cousin to almost dying by Thanos’ hand. This book is doing a fantastic job of showing her struggle to try and gain back her life while keeping her Hulk side at bay. If you aren’t reading this book, jump in now while it’s still early; you won’t be disappointed.
Invincible Iron Man #5 (Marvel) – I’ve been enjoying this book and getting to know Riri Williams. It’s a fun book, seeing her being mentored by AI Tony Stark, and seeing her show him a thing or two in the process. This issue should be fun as well, as various heroes are approaching her to join their teams but, of course, we’ll some villains tag along. This should be fun.
Unworthy Thor #5 (Marvel) – Will Odinson just pick up the damn hammer already?!?!
Brett
Top Pick: The Torture Report: A Graphic Adaptation (Arcade Publishing) – On December 9, 2014, the Senate Intelligence Committee released a report condemning the CIA for its secret brutal torture during the Bush administration. This graphic novel summarizes and makes that important document understandable for individuals. The illustrations add poignancy to the facts.
The Circle #4 (Action Lab: Danger Zone) – A solid teenage horror tale that mixes fantastic art with a creepy story.
Heathen #2 (Vault Comics) – The first issue was great, the second issue is somehow better. This is a fantastic new series from a relatively new voice in comics and definitely a unique spin on things. Two words: lesbian. vikings.
Powerless #1 (Vault Comics) – Everyone has powers, but a new disease takes away those abilities. A cool concept from the upstart publisher.
Terms and Conditions (Drawn & Quarterly) – R. Sikoryak has taken the iTunes Terms and Conditions and created a word for word graphic adaptation.
Batman/TMNT Adventures #4 (of 5)
Matthew K. Manning (w) • Jon Sommariva (a & c)
The Turtles must face their worst fears when they confront the deadly Scarecrow! Meanwhile, Batman takes the fight to Shredder and the Joker only to find that the greatest danger has yet to be revealed!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!
We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.
Mr. H
Top Pick: Batman/TMNT Adventures # 3 (DC Comics/ IDW Publishing) – This comic just plainly rocks! It’s the best of both worlds. I love how well the creative team has captured the spirit and feel of Batman: The Animated Series as well as keeping the Turtles timeless in their incarnation. Very pumped for the Joker/ Shredder feud. This has just been radical!!
Detective Comics #949 (DC Comics) – One more issue to go until the big 950 celebration! This book has been on such a roll though, I’m not even noticing the mile stone. Such a stark contrast to the snooze fest going on over in the regular Batman monthly title. I am loving how Kate Kane is getting the spotlight here and I’m very much looking forward to this springboarding her into the new Batwoman title next month. Finally Bruce has an ally that feels like a true equal and not one of his students. Hey, who better than family right?
Reborn # 4 (Image Comics) – This tale between Millar and Capullo is just a breath of fun. Nothing groundbreaking in terms of story or newness but it entertaining as all get out. The art is stellar as always and I could see this as an animation property. Very cool take on the entire idea of reincarnation. This won’t have a long journey but I’m sure here for the ride.
Shay
Top Pick: The Dregs #1 (Black Mask Studios) – A comic tackling gentrification, homeless people confined in one area and what happens when a homeless man decides to help solve the mystery of the disappearing “invisible” population of a city divided. I’m here for it !
Justice League vs Suicide Squad #6 (DC Comics) – The end of this arc could have one team destroyed or they could join forces to create the super team that we all deserve .
Hulk #2 (Marvel) – Jen is still trying to sort it all out while returning to work and it’s getting harder to control the green beast of rage within.
Suicide Squad #10 (DC Comics) – A bonus epilogue to the JL v SS comic arc finds Amanda trying to break through and reconcile the wreckage of her dark secrets.
Alex
Top Pick: Divinity III: Stalinverse #2 (Valiant) – I’m like a kid in a candy store with this series; I bloody love everything about this alternate history version of the Valiant universe. To be honest, I’ve already read the comic – and it’s good – but I’m looking forward to seeing the artwork on the printed page.
Bloodshot USA #4 (Valiant) – The conclusion to Valiant’s version of a zombie story with nanomachines infecting civilians. It’s been a surprisingly strong story so far, but the only thing keeping this from my top spot is Jeff Lemire’s tendency to set up the next arc midway through a concluding chapter. Sometimes I want a self contained story…
Hulk #2 (Marvel) – The first issue was easily the best Marvel comic I’ve read in a long time.
Savage #3 (Valiant) – I could just copy what I wrote about Divinity III #2 here with some slight adjustments, but that’d be lazy (almost as lazy as not writing anything else).
Brett
Top Pick: Dead Inside #2 (Dark Horse) – I’m a sucker for crime comics and this murder mystery within a prison has been fascinating so far. The art is solid, writing entertaining and engaging, it’s a complete package.
Animosity: The Rise (Aftershock) – The main series is solid about animals rising up against humanity. I really want to see where this fits into all of that. A great series under the radar.
The Circle #2 (Action Lab: Danger Zone) – A different take on The Craft, the first issue caught me by surprise and the second issue is even better.
Inhumans vs. X-Men #3 (Marvel) – This has been an event series that’s worked so far. The action is solid and it’s balancing a lot going on really well.
The Kamandi Challenge #1 (DC Comics) – Tons of creators taking on a classic. The first issue kicks off this week with eleven more to go.
It was new comic book day yesterday! What did everyone enjoy? What didn’t you? Sound off in the comments below! While you decide on that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.
Around the Tubes
CBLDF – Despite Challenges, Russian Indie Comics Scene Continues to Grow – We really should try to check these comics out.
CBR – Star Trek: Discovery Finds Its Lead in The Walking Dead’s Martin-Green – A solid addition.
Around the Tubes Reviews
ICv2 – 4001 A.D. TPB
Newsarama – Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #2
Talking Comics – The Circle #1
Newsarama – Detective Comics #946
Comic Vine – Detective Comics #946
Newsarama – Hawkeye #1
Comic Vine – Inhumans vs. X-Men #1
Newsarama – Inhumans vs. X-Men #1
The Outhousers – Legends Vol. 1
BATMAN/TMNT Adventures #2 (of 5)
Matthew K. Manning (w) • Jon Sommariva (a & c)
The Joker and Harley Quinn escape Arkham Asylum and make their way to the TMNT’s NYC where they meet none other than the Shredder! Meanwhile, will Batman, Robin, and Batgirl be able to form a truce with the Turtles?
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
In a disappointing turn of events, reading Batman/TMNT Adventures #1 is like watching one of your favorite bands as a kid or teenager come back together for a half-hearted reunion because they have bills to pay or something. (And maybe it’s a completely new band lineup.) In IDW’s latest intercompany crossover with DC Comics, writer Matthew K Manning, artists Jon Sammariva and Sean Parsons, and colorist Leonardo Ito kind of , sort of mash together Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles using the designs from the classic Batman the Animated Series and not as famous 2003 TMNT cartoon. There are plenty of silly jokes, some creative drawing of Clayface, and even Alfred snark, but these good bits seem thrown together in a kind of heterogenous crossover mixture if you remember high school chemistry.
Manning does a decent job writing banter for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles relying on bad puns and sight gags from Sammariva and Parsons for most of his humor. They are the entertaining part of the crossover with a small skirmish against Clayface, who has randomly crossed a portal into the TMNT universe that was opened by Two-Face that Manning struggles to explain before moving onto the next average gag. Batman and company get completely neglected by the crossover with the Dark Knight doing a tiny bit of detective work and just posing around the whole issue. Sammariva brings some slapdash energy to Clayface’s transformation into Michelangelo, and Ito pours on the brown, but there is none of the psychological depth that Batman: The Animated Series brought to them as they are just jokes and gimmicks. (And Sammariva draws Harley Quinn with no spine.)
There is already a pretty good Batman/TMNT crossover that came out earlier this year from James Tynion and Freddie Williams as they juxtaposed the Turtles’ relentless love of fun with Batman’s no nonsense attitude for great comedic effect and even one powerful dramatic moment when Batman showed Raphael his parents’ graves. Manning uses this juxtaposition in Batman/TMNT Adventures #1 for weak sight gags as Michelangelo quotes dialogue from Batman: The Animated Series and asks a criminal where the best place to get pizza is. There is a slight attempt at showing how the Turtles are trying to be legit superheroes, but it falls by the wayside for the Clayface battle and having the Joker and Harley Quinn as the plot turns into a flurry of cameos and what was meant to be a cliffhanger reveal.
The iconic Bruce Timm Batman: The Animated Series and the ridiculously delightful 2003-2009 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series designs are on model, but lack the motion and kinetic feeling of the source material. I would really love to see what an artist like Michael Avon Oeming or Ian McGinty would have done with these characters. Batman/TMNT Adventures #1 may appeal to young readers, who didn’t grow up on these two cartoons or who enjoy the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but it falls short of being a true “all ages” book despite its nods to nostalgia.
Story: Matthew K. Manning Penciler: Jon Sammariva
Inker: Sean Parsons Colors: Leonardo Ito
Story: 5 Art: 6 Overall: 5.5 Recommendation: Pass
IDW provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
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