SYNOPSIS: Batman and the Turtles grapple with the laws of Krang’s combined universe, desperate to return their two worlds to their original states. But there are some who do not want things set right. In this reality, the Laughing Man runs the Smile Clan, the most dangerous criminal organization ever to strike New Gotham City—and that’s how he wants things to stay! He’ll kill anyone who gets in his way…even the Shredder!
Reality is starting to catch up to everyone in this month’s BATMAN/TMNT III #4.
In what’s been an insane multiverse tale thus far, Batman has started to convince his allies that what seems real, actually isn’t. And now, they need to convince everybody (including their foes) to remember their true past and embrace it. But one man always stands in the way. And he thinks it’s hilarious.
I’ve said in previous reviews that multiverse, cosmic, omega tales just aren’t my thing. It just gets a little too far out there for me to follow along, and can’t contain my interest. It’s like writer James Tynion heard this and enthusiastically said, “challenge accepted!”. This story is becoming one of the most fun comic stories I’ve ever read. No hyperbole. The brilliance from the first issue of combining different worlds, to explain how that’s possible, then giving us a resolution but withholding one last twist is genius. I’ve loved every issue thus far, and this month’s most recent chapter is no different.
Pacing is always key to me in my comic book reading, and Tynion has no problem here. He picks up nearly where he left off a month ago, with Batman continuing to persuade others to remember their past. Their most recent challenge? The Shredder. Tynion handles this “reunion” brilliantly, with great dialogue, respect, and awareness of where these characters stand among each other. Seamlessly, the writer guides us through this other world, reuniting everyone and everything to what they, and us, are familiar with. But he has an ace up his sleeve, and it’s the Joker card.
We know we can never trust The Clown Prince of Crime, yet we do anyway. And a scene so familiar to all of us fans towards the end of the issue ends surprisingly…yet none of us should be surprised. Well done, Tynion.
The art by Freddie Williams continues to be an A+. What can I say that I haven’t said before? It oozes comic book flavor. The characters look detailed, yet cartoonish. Each setting contains a great combination of fun and mood. There’s no other artist that should be on this crossover book. Williams’ fandom is shining through every panel.
Another exciting chapter in this excellent crossover. We get some answers, but the story is far from over. Yet nothing is left frustratingly unanswered, and the book just flies by. Easily, one of the most recommended DC comics on the racks today. If you haven’t started yet, catch up. Turtle power! – Ryan Lower
