Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #2 Review

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #2

Writer: James Tynion IV
Art Team: Freddie Williams II, Jeremy Colwell
DC Comics/IDW Publishing
Release Date: December 20, 2017
Cover Price: $ 3.99

Escape From Gotham to New York
Donny had a little snafu last issue, which lead to Bane and Donny basically having a Freaky Friday experience, only changing worlds with each other instead of bodies. This is basically a good news-bad news thing for Donny as he ran directly into Batman and Robin but unleashed Bane on New York, his and his brothers home. So where does that take us next ... let’s find out.

Events begin with Batman confronting Ra’s Al Ghul as the two discuss their mutual foe Bane and the recent events, which come as no surprise to Ra’s. Ra’s does hand Batman a doohickey he needs to something we see down the line.

Meanwhile Donny and Robin (Damian Wayne) race off after Mr. Freeze on Bat Bikes which don't do too well when Freeze tells them to “Chill out”, shout out Arnold. Donnie takes their broken bikes and concocts a Bat Sled to chase after Freeze, who they also hunt down for some tech before meeting back up with Batman.

Back at Wayne Enterprises Batgirl and Lucius Fox put the finishing touches up on the interdimensional teleporter to get Donnie back where he needs to be, while also taking down Bane. While everything goes down without a hitch a week to get the machine up and running gave Bane a hell of a head start on taking over New York and the foot.

Time for some turtle action now, first up Bebop and Rocksteady, trying to deal with the Bane situation on their own, without a Shredder around to help them. Lets sum this up by saying it doesn't go well for them, now that I think of it does it ever, and they end up kneeling to Bane.

Back at the Turtle Lair Batman, Robin, and Donnie await while Leo, Raph, and Mikey get back from a tough night on patrol. The reunion goes mostly swimmingly, with the exception of Raph and Damien’s of course, and a plan is developed with Bane almost out of Venom they will attack shortly when his withdrawals are at their worst.

Bane ever the master planner himself, has worked himself out a little out of his dilemma the heroes aren't too up on yet. Baxter Stockman kidnapped and brought to Bane concludes this issue and we all know the road that will be headed down … until Bane drops the bombshell he wants enough for Manhattan.

Overall, I have a really good time reading this series as a fan of both properties and feel Tynion does an excellent job of capturing each character's voice this series, with a very crowded cast, even allowing everyone an opportunity to have a moment. Although this issue was primarily a setup issue setting the stage for things to come there are enough meaningful moments and shared time with characters to make the buy worth it.

I loved the art of the first series and there is no let down with the follow-up effort either. The colors and look of the book on the page are top-notch and I always consider it a treat when Freddie Williams II, joined by Jeremy Colwell here, is on a new title.

Bits and Pieces:

While this issue is largely a setup for what’s to come, now that Bane has assembled an army, between the art and top-notch character interactions I find the series continues to be worth a definite look. True care is put into seeing these two properties work together and I'm excited for more.

8.0/10