Keepin' It 360: "Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" #6

Is this really over!? Yes, "for now" it is. The Batman/TMNT was a success throughout, as writer James Tynion IV creates a tireless dynamic between the protagonists that's boosted by Freddie E. Williams' sketchy and washed-out art. This issue in particular though is too rushed and generic at times, wishing for a more epic finale to one of 2016's best comics.

7/10

Further links:

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5
Batman #52
Detective Comics #52
DKIII: The Master Race #4

Comic of the Day 22/4: "Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" #5

The Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover was taking somewhat of a risk when teaming up characters that are held so dear by so many people. But the series has been real success so far, maintaining the individual strengths of both Batman and the Turtles, while finding common ground for them to share.

And even though #5 might not be as spectacular or funny as earlier issues, it still does a lot of things right. From an unexpected ally in Penguin to a (temporarily) unexpected foe in Robin, when Freddie E. Williams delivers one of the greatest fight scenes in the series so far, Batman/TMNT understands how to mix things up and keep them interesting. 

But it's first and foremost James Tynion's ability to illustrate the amazement and pure joy the Turtles and Casey have when living out their teenage fantasies in the Batcave that gives Batman/TMNT its flair. And it is also their disbelief when Robin confesses to never even having thought of trying out something similar that strikes a more serious note. It questions the way Batman raises and educates Robin and the experiences he denies him.

And yeah, that Intimidator suit Alfred mentioned. I want that one in #6. A lot of it.

Comic of the Day 3/4: "Batman/Teeanage Mutant Ninja Turtles" #4

It's the surprise series of 2016, offering perfect fan service for admirers of the Bat and/or the Turtles. Any chance of making this an ongoing series, DC and IDW? 

Admittedly, the story does hardly progress at all, and another journey back into Crime Alley, even if just to make Batman more relatable for the Turtles, feels like filler material at best.

But all is ironed out and then some by the sheer crossover possibilities James Tynion IV explores here. Just to name a few, we can see 

• Batman eating a slice of pizza (!)
• The Turtles riding a Batmobile
• Raphael walking through Gotham night in a trenchcoat

With only two more issues left, I hope there's more to come in the future.