Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto #1 [Review]
Walking through the comic shop, the cover of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto immediately caught my eye. The concept feels like a middle school fever dream: pairing the beloved heroes in a half-shell with Naruto and his iconic ninja crew. Written by Caleb Goellner, illustrated by Hendry Prasetya, with colors by Raúl Angulo and letters by Ed Dukeshire, this crossover may seem improbable, but it’s every bit as fun as you’d hope.
As a fan of both TMNT and Naruto, I couldn’t resist diving into this first issue. What I found was a visual and narrative spectacle that delivered on its promises of action, personality, and some surprising depth. While the opening issue could benefit from a bit more narrative groundwork, it’s a thoroughly entertaining romp that sets the stage for a crossover worth following.
Dynamic Art Brings Two Worlds Together
Hendry Prasetya’s artwork is the star of the show, blending the unique aesthetics of TMNT and Naruto with an impressive sense of balance. The Turtles’ gritty, urban designs—complete with detailed textures and ninja gear—contrast beautifully with the sleek and vibrant look of Naruto’s world. Prasetya excels at capturing the essence of both franchises, using bold colors and dramatic poses to create thrilling action scenes. The linework is sharp and fluid, making every movement and strike feel purposeful and dynamic.
The environments are another standout. Prasetya merges the grungy, cityscapes familiar to TMNT with the lush natural settings of Naruto’s world, crafting a visual harmony that feels organic rather than forced. This attention to detail extends to the panel layouts, which are expertly arranged to heighten tension, spotlight emotional moments, and showcase the over-the-top action sequences fans of both series expect.
Writing That Honors Two Iconic Franchises
Caleb Goellner’s script strikes a fine balance between fan service and fresh storytelling. The dialogue is pitch-perfect, staying true to each character’s established voice. Naruto’s brash optimism, Kakashi’s calm intellect, and Splinter’s sage wisdom shine through, while the Turtles’ dynamic—especially the banter between Michelangelo and Donatello —adds a layer of humor to the high-stakes battles.
The story itself hinges on themes of teamwork and resilience, elements that are central to both TMNT and Naruto. Goellner cleverly weaves ninjutsu into the plot, creating opportunities for compelling interactions between the characters and even some creative team-ups. The pacing is brisk, which is fitting for the action-packed “meet-and-greet” approach of this opening issue. However, there are moments that are carved out for levity and even some brief introspection.
Perhaps most impressively, Goellner celebrates the core ninja motifs of both franchises while crafting a story that feels fresh and engaging. It’s a narrative that respects the source material but isn’t afraid to explore new territory. I’m curious to see how Goellner and Prasetya will incorporate some of the more advanced ninjutsu that the Naruto team employs in later issues, including Naruto’s nascent Nine-Tailed-Fox form.
Fun for All Ages
While this issue might be an easy sell for younger readers, there’s plenty for fans of all ages to enjoy. The action is exhilarating, the humor lands consistently, and the story strikes a satisfying balance between nostalgia and novelty. Goellner and Prasetya have created a crossover that not only celebrates the best of TMNT and Naruto but also delivers an entertaining story in its own right.
If you’re a fan of either franchise—or just love a good action-packed comic—this is a no-brainer. The spectacle of seeing these two worlds collide is worth the price of admission alone, and I’m already eagerly anticipating the next issue.
