The Indie Comix Dispatch: TMNT X Stranger Things #3

4.07/5.0 StarsRating if the Book Were a Movie: PG-13

Creative Team:

Writer: Cameron ChittockArtist: Fero PeColors: Sofie DodgsonLetters: Rus WootonCover: Fero PeEditors: Chase Marotz and Jonathan ManningPublisher: IDW Publishing/Dark Horse Comics

Ratings:

Story: 4.4 StarsArtwork: 3.8 StarsCover Artwork: 3.9 StarsDialogue: 4.0 StarsMechanics: 4.1 StarsEditing: 4.2 Stars

About the Book:

Dustin, Donatello, Max, and Raphael have the opportunity to free Eleven from Baxter Stockman’s clutches in a mind game to open a gate to the upside down. Realizing that every word he speaks may be his last, Stockman tries to rationalize why he did what he did. In the subways Michaelangelo, Will, Lucas, Leonardo, and Mike have come to the realization that the passengers on the subway were taken into the Upside Down. They go on a rescue mission where they learn that Demogorgons are not the only creatures from another dimension that they have to fear.

Reader’s Notes:

Three issues into this title Chittock is still hitting on all cylinders. I liked how we got to see a different side of Baxter Stockman. He’s not just a power hungry lunatic. Everything he’s done was to answer questions in the name of science. Were his actions misguided? Absolutely. When you think about it though, much worse things have been done in the name of science.

I also appreciate how we get to see more of Will’s personality in this title. On the television show he was missing, possessed, just wanting to play D and D, or merely along for the ride. We never really got to know him. Even in the other Stranger Things comic titles he’s not particularly vocal. Seeing him decide to do something that had to be absolutely terrifying, but doing it because he knows how to survive the experience makes me respect him.

I liked the artwork on this cover. We get lots of action in this melee as the kids and Raphael give it their all. The hybrid demodog/mousers are very eye-catching. It’s an outstanding hook for anyone that hasn’t been following the series.

The artwork on the interior pages is excellent. We get great panels for the action sequences. When things take a serious turn with Baxter and Will’s revelations the facial expressions are terrific. As great as they were, my personal favorite was seeing the Utrom. I’m hoping that’s a sign of things to come.

As a geek on a budget I believe Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Stranger Things is one of the best crossovers that we’ve had that didn’t come from the same toy manufacturer. Chittock has given us a great adventure with some laughs while finding creative ways to throw in some exciting plot twists.