IDW And DC Announce ‘Batman/TMNT Adventures’ [SDCC 2016]

James Tynion IV and Freddie E. Williams II's Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover was one of the best comic books of the year, and if you doubt that, consider that there was a scene where Shredder and Ra's Al-Ghul used mutagen on Batman's enemies and turned Mr. Freeze into a polar bear. If you can think of a comic where something better than that happened, then folks, I want to hear about it.

The only downside was that it ended after only six issues. Now, though, it looks like we're going to get a sequel --- sort of. Today at San Diego Comic-Con, IDW and DC announced Batman/TMNT Adventures, a second crossover between the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half-Shell --- and this time, it's set in the animated universes of both characters.

Here's the official announcement:

“The previous Star Trek/Green Lantern and Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossovers were a huge hit with fans of each of the characters,” said Hank Kanalz, DC SVP of Editorial Strategy and Administration. “Bringing these characters back again, and expanding Batman and the Turtles to the realm where they’re most recognized by comic fans and fans of the TV series will make for a great story that any fan can’t wait to read.”

“It’s always a blast to pair up beloved characters in comic series, and our recent pairings with DC have been especially satisfying on a creative level and in regards to fan satisfaction, too,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer. “Being able to bring Ciro Nieli’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the amazing animated Gotham envisioned by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski is a major bonus.”

The cartoons of the two franchises --- the classic 1992 Batman: The Animated Series and the current Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles --- are actually pretty comparable in their approach to the source material, and seeing them interact is an idea with a lot of potential, even before we know who the creators behind the story will be.

Personally, I hope this is the start of an annual crossover, where we see different versions of Batman hanging out with different versions of the Turtles, until we inevitably get to Crisis On Infinite Shredders. Listen, stranger things have happened.

Of course, if that's not enough SDCC/TMNT content for you, then take heart: There was also a five-minute animated short from Invader Zim creator Jhonen Vasquez that's now online for your viewing pleasure. (It may take a moment to load.)