When IDW Publishing and Dark Horse announced their TMNT x Stranger Things crossover, fans on both sides were understandably ecstatic. The 1980s was a golden era for pop culture icons, and one of the biggest was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Now, one of the most popular series on Netflix is Stranger Things…based in the 1980s.

What makes the TMNT x Stranger Things crossover work so well is the fact that both sets of characters are teenagers. We see the Turtles as the awkward, pizza-loving, and martial-arts practicing teens that they were in their earliest comic book appearances. Meanwhile, Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Will, Max, and Lucas all have their quirks and insecurities but are full of tenacity, determination, and courage. This gives both sets of characters a lot in common, which makes their teaming up believable and exciting.

Another aspect that we love is the attention to detail and nostalgia. The series is set in the 1980s, the same time period when the Turtles were first introduced to the world. This means we get to see the Turtles as they looked in their early comic book appearances, complete with same colored headbands that were later changed when the TV series premiered. The attention to detail in the book is impressive and adds to the overall enjoyment of the crossover.

One of the biggest draws of both Stranger Things and TMNT is the monster fighting. Whether it’s the Upside Down creatures in Stranger Things or the goons in TMNT, both groups of characters are always ready for a fight. So when the Turtles and the gang from Hawkins team up, fans get to see some epic battles that are sure to get the adrenaline pumping. Plus, with both groups being so resourceful and creative, they come up with some unexpected solutions to the challenges they face.

The writing and artwork in TMNT x Stranger Things are top notch. Cameron Chittock does a great job with the dialogue and capturing the personalities of both sets of characters. Meanwhile, Fero Pe‘s artwork is dynamic and exciting, with a style that’s reminiscent of the early TMNT comics. The crossover is a true collaboration between IDW Publishing and Dark Horse, and the effort that went into it is undeniably impressive.

The TMNT x Stranger Things crossover is a match made in 1980s heaven. With both sets of characters being teenagers this collaboration is seamless and exciting. The attention to detail and nostalgia add to the overall enjoyment of the crossover, while the writing and artwork are top notch. The TMNT and the gang from Hawkins teaming up is a dream come true for fans of both franchises, and we can’t wait to see what other adventures they’ll have together in the future.

TMNT x Stranger Things #1 hit shelves at local comic shops on July 12, 2023.