Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #4 brings to a close the dream crossover between the comic book and manga franchises. If there was a comic book that ever had my name as part of it this has been it. The crossover has been very enjoyable so far. But how well this crossover is received will come down to this final issue. We got the chance from IDW Publishing to check out an early copy of the finale. Find out how it turned out with our advance review of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #4.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Caleb Goellner
Artist: Hendry Prasetya
Colorist: Raul Angulo
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES X NARUTO #4 SOLICITATION
“IDW and VIZ Media present the shinobi showdown of your dreams in this action-packed crossover finale!
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Team Seven have defeated the Foot Clan’s mutated forces, but the battle is far from over: Using the power of the ooze, Oroku Saki has abandoned his humanity and transformed himself into the monstrous Shredder. As he seeks revenge against Big Apple Village, it’s up to our heroes to end Shredder’s path of destruction and challenge the cycle of hatred consuming him. The fight you’ve been waiting for is finally here—Naruto vs. Shredder!” – IDW Publishing
REVIEW
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #4 delivers exactly what it needed to do. That is a conclusion that is just as fun as this type of dream crossover event needs to be. This is non-stop action that pays off the growing dynamic between the characters of both franchises.
One of the best parts of this ending is that Caleb Goellner and Hendry Prasetya don’t try to fight against the obvious notes they should hit. Specifically when it comes to positioning Shredder as the endgame boss of this story. In his Super Shredder form is presented as a big time threat.
Adding in some of Shredder’s backstory in this unique universe was a nice touch. It is just enough to further drive home the big message that really connects the two franchises. That is how important family is to both franchises. It certainly taps into the power of friendship that is a common theme for anime and manga, but it works. Both franchises define this through the relationship the main cast have and is a great way to bond them together.
And really, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #4 is one big extended fight. Everything you can expect from a big final fight is here. We get to see each character on both teams shine. And when it matters most we see them working together as the power of friendship is strong.
With the direction things go with the fight it was nice to see Naruto ultimately take a lead role on the heroes side. The way it is done is reminiscent of a lot of the Naruto movies. Which is really what this series feels most like. It is big action movie in comic book form.
To that extent Hendry Prasetya really nails making the everything as dynamic as it needs to be. Prasetya nails how to blend the action style of a TMNT comic and Naruto manga are styled. The blending of both styles is a lot of fun as every character shines in some way. There are a lot of cool moments that Prasetya brings to life that fans of both franchises will enjoy.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #4 wraps up the dream ninja crossover with a fun and exciting conclusion. Caleb Goellner and Hendry Prasetya hit on all the notes that will bring a smile to fans of both franchises’ faces. If you are a TMNT or Naruto fan this is a must-read comic book.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10
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