'Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Mashup Characters Debut for 'Crisis in a Half Shell'
The Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover trilogy from James Tynion IV and Freddie E. [...]
Batman and Splinter
Okay. I promised you a bunch of art from BATMAN/TMNT III today, and @Freddieart & I are going to deliver!
Let me just say I couldn’t be more excited to return to New Gotham City and revisit the incredible adventures of BATMAN, and his faithful butler. #BTMNT3 pic.twitter.com/oJo3asgNm0
— James Tynion IV (@JamesTheFourth) April 12, 2019
First up are Batman and Splinter. Batman's costume has been redesigned to look more at home in a ninja-heavy universe.
Splinter is mashed up with Batman's butler, Alfred. That's a heck of a mustache.
The Laughing Man and the Smile Clan
I couldn’t agree more! I’m thrilled to draw them as they do battle against the terrifying LAUGHING MAN, and his vile SMILE CLAN #BTMNT3 pic.twitter.com/n3M1usaA1u
— Freddie Williams II (@Freddieart) April 12, 2019
The villains are merging together as well. Batman's archenemy, the Joker, combines with the Turtles' nemesis, Shredder, to become the laughing man.
The Laughing Man leads the Smile Clan, this universe's version of the Foot Clan. The Smile Clan soldiers all wear the Laughing Man's smiles on their faces.
Clayface
And how could I forget the SMILE CLAN’s strongest enforcer, CLAYFACE?! @DCComics @IDWPublishing #BTMNT3 pic.twitter.com/l6VTvaixix
— James Tynion IV (@JamesTheFourth) April 12, 2019
The Smile Clan has more than just soldiers at its disposal. Here's one of its deadliest enforcers, Clayface. Fans will notice that Clayface here is taking the shape of Turtles villain Rocksteady.
Leonardo
Or Batman’s greatest ally, LEONARDO! @DCComics @IDWPublishing #BTMNT3 pic.twitter.com/lR9UoDphFy
— Freddie Williams II (@Freddieart) April 12, 2019
And now for the Turtles themselves. Leonardo, the team leader, is redesigned to resemble Nightwing, Batman's first ward and first Robin.
Raphael
See, my favorite member of the Bat-Family has always been RAPHAEL @DCComics @IDWPublishing #BTMNT3 pic.twitter.com/ixr8p5pp1T
— James Tynion IV (@JamesTheFourth) April 12, 2019
The always hot-headed Raphael is merged with the equally hot-headed Jason Todd, the former Robin who is now known as the Red Hood.
Killer Croc
And when it comes to the Smile Clan, I’ve always loved KILLER CROC @DCComics @IDWPublishing #BTMNT3 pic.twitter.com/Yo5tKLE4Km
— Freddie Williams II (@Freddieart) April 12, 2019
Another Batman villain appears. Killer Croc has taken on the style of Rocksteady's partner, Bebop.
Deadshot
I think the deadliest member of the Smile Clan has to be DEADSHOT @DCComics @IDWPublishing #BTMNT3 pic.twitter.com/8vzIl49hHt
— James Tynion IV (@JamesTheFourth) April 12, 2019
Like Batman, Deadshot isn't merged with specific Turtles character. Instead, his costume design has been altered to better fit the ninja aesthetic.
Donatello
And I like a Bat-Family member who’s good with machines, like DONATELLO! @DCComics @IDWPublishing #BTMNT3 pic.twitter.com/0m8xYn5m6M
— Freddie Williams II (@Freddieart) April 12, 2019
Back to the Turtles, here's Donatello. Williams's page notes that he's merged with Red Hoot, but we're thinking he means Red Robin. Tim Drake is a much better match for Donnie as they both have a gift for technology.
Michelangelo
But I think deep down, the Bat-Family pizza dude everyone loves the best is MICHELANGELO! @DCComics @IDWPublishing #BTMNT3 pic.twitter.com/N8dvpfrINw
— James Tynion IV (@JamesTheFourth) April 12, 2019
And rounding out the Turtles is Michelangelo. As the youngest of the brothers, he's merged with the youngest Robin, Damian Wayne.
Harley Quinn
And really, how could you NOT choose The Laughing Man’s real number two, HARLEY QUINN? @DCComics @IDWPublishing #BTMNT3 pic.twitter.com/YN8A6FmQTz
— Freddie Williams II (@Freddieart) April 12, 2019
Harley Quinn joins the fun. Here she's merged with Shredder's granddaughter, Karai, to become the Laughing Man's second in command.
Krang
Starting on May 1st, in BATMAN/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES III #1, our heroes mythologies will be twisted together in the horrific machinations of KRANG’S MULTIVERSE! @DCComics @IDWPublishing #BTMNT3 pic.twitter.com/xYrnOTS4Gw
— James Tynion IV (@JamesTheFourth) April 12, 2019
When chaos stretches across the DC Comics multiverse, often the Anti-Monitor is involved. Here, Krang is that Anti-Monitor.
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III #3 Cover
And here is the cover to Issue #3, in stores this July! Colors by @JeremyColwell @DCComics @IDWPublishing #BTMNT3 pic.twitter.com/hsAncQXzyc
— Freddie Williams II (@Freddieart) April 12, 2019
And here's the cover to Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III #3, featuring Krang, Batman, and the Turtles.