TMNT/Ghostbusters crossover

The TMNT and Ghostbusters are paired up and dimension hopping. And unlike the TMNT’s most recent dimension-hopping adventure (and weekly miniseries), this is showing promise in its second installment.

Comic Review: TMNT/Ghostbusters II #2

(W) Erik Burnham & Tom Waltz, (A) Dan Schoening, Mark Torres, Pablo Tunica, & Tadd Galusha, (C) Luis Antonio Delgado

After a solid, but unspectacular first issue, I was prepared to tear into a lazy, uninspired second installment of another cash-grab miniseries. But writers Erik Burnham and Tom Waltz had something else in mind, delivering a delightfully entertaining comic. Action, though present, takes a backseat to a cohesive narrative and character building. TMNT/Ghostbusters II #2 is a well-balanced story that broaches a wide emotional spectrum.

It is important to point out that, despite being a character-heavy issue, the writers do not forget that this is a team-up between the Ninja Turtles and Ghostbusters. To that end, there remains a healthy dose of the utterly ridiculous. But those moments are outshined by the heartfelt, one-on-one conversations each Turtle has with his respective Ghostbuster. Leonardo blames himself for the predicament they’re in. Michelangelo finds himself missing his father. Raph is annoyed and Donnie is neck-deep is technobabble… maybe not so much those two.

Perhaps more surprising is how the Ghostbusters – specifically Winston and Venkman – react to the emotional outpouring by these anthropomorphic reptiles. Winston – a formal military man – gives his straightforward, honest opinion, which seemingly unburdens Leonardo from his self-inflicted guilt. Meanwhile, Venkman puts his psychology degree to good use, soothing Michelangelo’s fragile psyche. It’s a refreshing reminder that these characters are more than their iconic brown jumpsuits.

Unfortunately, it’s not all rainbows and sunshines, as there is a glaring flaw in this issue: the artwork. As you’ll note above, their are four artists credited on this issue. Each one of them performs their work competently. However, as is often the case, the constantly changing art styles has a jarring effect on the overall narrative. It is understandable what the creative team was going for – each artist provides a unique look to each differing dimension. Unfortunately, the book jumps back and forth between plot threads frequently enough to pull the reader out of the story. Normally, the colorist is able to unite the different styles under one color palette, but the intended differing aesthetics hinders the ability of Luis Antonio Delgado to do so.

TMNT/Ghostbusters II #2 sees this series take a narrative step forward, delivering strong characterization as the plot progresses. Burnham and Waltz demonstrate a clear understanding of these characters and are able to present their best versions, making this a welcoming miniseries for both veteran readers and newcomers. While the art leaves something to be desired, the creative team should be commended for attempting to execute something bold.