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Review: Batman Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III #003

By Philip Schweier
July 3, 2019 - 08:29

Worlds collide as yet another Earth is manifested in the Multiverse. On this planet, young Bruce Wayne and his four pet turtles were swept down a sewer in the aftermath of bio-terrorism. Raised by Master Splinter, the five seminal heroes grow into the urban legends they became elsewhere, their destinies entwined. But now, there is a great disturbance in the Multiverse, and only the Batman and the Turtles can fight it.

Aiding them in their battle is the Raphael from an alternate Earth, where all is black and white. No, literally color does not exist. Everything is monotone, of varying shades of gray. But Black and White Raphael has a plan, and as Bruce Wayne learns more about his past – and that of his other selves on other Earths – he is overwhelmed by the cosmic forces against him.

The conundrum in this battle is a little bit of, “Don’t overthink it, just go with it.” And the same would be true of the series itself. Do we really need three team-ups of Batman and the Turtles? Probably not, but kudos for the creative team for coming up with a new take on an old favorite. Ignore any narrative logic. After all, you’re dealing with mutated turtles trained in the art of the ninja. Logic went down the sewer a LONG time ago.

Whatever the story may (or may not) lack in appeal, the art is wonderful. I appreciate a good watercolor wash as much as the next reader, but it can be a challenge to merge it effectively with the heavy pen & ink work of Turtles creator Kevin Eastman. But this series pulls it off nicely.

Rating: 8/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12