Ranking the 10 Best TMNT Crossovers: From Naruto to Batman

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, often affectionately dubbed the “heroes in a half-shell,”can equally be regarded as the “masters of the multiverse.”Their adventures have transcended the traditional boundaries of comic books, allowing them to interact with characters from varying universes, dimensions, and timelines, well before the multiverse concept became commonplace.

The idea of a multiverse has always played a significant role in the TMNT narrative, creating a sense of magical realism that renders even the most unexpected crossovers delightful. From their inception, such cross-dimensional escapades were evident, as seen with the introduction of dimension-traveling Triceratons in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #6, crafted by the talented team of Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, and Steve Lavigne. While the quality of these crossover stories may vary, they consistently deliver the unique brand of enjoyment associated with the Turtles.

10 Masters of the Universe / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles of Grayskull

By Tim Seeley and Freddie E. Williams II | Dark Horse Comics | 2024

This thrilling crossover features the Turtles inadvertently interrupting a meeting between Shredder, Krang, and Skeletor, only to be whisked away to the mystical land of Eternia by the very portal that facilitated the villains’ communication. Here, He-Man becomes an unexpected ally, while Skeletor joins forces with Shredder and Krang, leading to an epic clash of good versus evil.

The unique aspect of this crossover lies in the juxtaposition of two vastly different franchises, captivating fans with its blend of explosive action and iconic characters. Additionally, witnessing three notorious villains unite for the first time offers a fascinating exploration of villainy. Ultimately, this narrative encapsulates the essence of both franchises, delivering a riveting tale that fans will find hard to resist.

9 Creed / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

By Trent Kaniuga | Lightning Comics | 1996

This one-shot entry stands out remarkably, as it brings the Turtles together with Mark Farley, also known as Creed, the champion of the Dream Dimension. In their narrative, Farley is just your average, geeky teenager. The action kicks off when the Turtles thwart a bank heist at Farley’s expense and subsequently become embroiled in a thrilling adventure that transports them to the Dream Dimension, accompanied by Farley and his ally, Cascan.

Though the story could have benefitted from further exploration of character dynamics, it captures a compelling premise, particularly given Farley’s relatable background in New York City, making the encounter likely. The collaboration between two cult heroes from this period creates an intriguing narrative that deserves attention.

8 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

By Ryan Parrott and Simone Di Meo | Boom! Studios & IDW Publishing | 2019

The inaugural comic crossover between these beloved franchises reveals the Power Rangers arriving in New York City in search of the Green Ranger, Tommy Oliver, who has allied with the Foot Clan. Realizing the formidable threat he poses, both the Rangers and the Ninja Turtles unite to confront him, culminating in a riveting showdown that reflects their shared goals.

What makes this crossover noteworthy is its seamless integration of character motivations, creating a natural synergy that resonates with fans familiar with both series. It strikes a remarkable tonal balance, intertwining elements from each franchise and inviting both long-time followers and newcomers to enjoy the adventure. Unlike its 2022 sequel, which boasts its own charms, this original collaboration captures the nostalgic essence that fans cherish.

7 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles vs. Street Fighter

By Paul Allor and Ariel Medel | IDW Publishing | 2023

Imagining the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as fans of the Street Fighter series is one thing; seeing them engage with their gaming heroes is another. This fascinating crossover places the Turtles into a martial arts tournament where they confront legendary characters from Street Fighter, including Ryu and Chun Li. The stakes rise when kidnappings of tournament participants threaten the competition, forcing the Turtles to join forces with the Street Fighters.

Fusing the adrenaline of martial arts with the beloved lore of both franchises, this series crafts a gripping storyline filled with dynamic battles and breathtaking visuals that will be a feast for fans. It encapsulates the action-packed essence fans crave while ingeniously celebrating the strengths of both beloved franchises.

6 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles / Flaming Carrot

By Bob Burden and Jim Lawson | Mirage Studios | 1993

This standout miniseries illustrates the expansive universe of characters that the TMNT have encountered, merging the whimsy of the Flaming Carrot with the Ninja Turtles. Although they previously crossed over in The Flaming Carrot series, this was their first dedicated collaboration, where the duo teams up to investigate mysterious green-flamed beings in Central America, alongside the U.S. government and MMA heroes.

Injecting humor into the mix, the Flaming Carrot serves as a parody of classic superhero tropes while offering social commentary. Its unique narrative style takes the Turtles from their familiar settings into a broader superhero context, showcasing their versatility and widening their appeal among comic book aficionados.

5 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #8

Guest-Starring Cerebus | By Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, and David Sim | Mirage Studios | 1986

The rich tapestry of TMNT crossovers is further highlighted by their adventure with Cerebus, a unique character who oscillates between humor and profundity. In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #8, the Turtles find themselves in Cerebus’s universe, facilitated by Renet, the apprentice of Simultaneous, the Time Lord. Their quest to rectify Renet’s blunder showcases a fusion of imaginative storytelling and action across timelines.

Significantly, this crossover showcases Cerebus, an influential character often overlooked by mainstream audiences. By presenting his complex narrative in an accessible way, the story resonates with both TMNT fans and newcomers, emphasizing themes of time travel and dimensional exploration while delivering a uniquely engaging experience.

4 Batman / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

By James Tynion IV and Freddie Williams II | DC Comics & IDW Publishing | 2015

Among multiple crossovers between Batman and the Turtles, the series penned by James Tynion IV and Freddie Williams II stands singular in its execution. The narrative thrusts the Turtles and Shredder into Gotham City, drawing Batman into their escalating clash. This effectively creates an engaging crossover that intertwines classic TMNT themes within a darker, more serious framework.

These two unique worlds share a common urban environment characterized by gritty settings and shadowy figures, making them a natural pairing. Heroes who rely on martial prowess rather than supernatural abilities make Batman and the Turtles a fitting duo for collaboration, leading to a series of captivating story arcs that delight fans across both fandoms.

3 Savage Dragon / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

By Erik Larsen and Michael Dooney | Mirage Studios | 1993

The collaboration between the Ninja Turtles and the Savage Dragon has evolved gradually, culminating in the official crossover by Michael Dooney and Erik Larsen. The plot centers around Raphael as he navigates through Chicago in pursuit of the villain, Complete Carnage. Upon facing overwhelming odds, he teams up with the Savage Dragon, and together with his brothers, they rally against the villain.

This crossover exemplifies a well-crafted narrative that enhances the history between the two series. It weaves together established characters and plotlines, immersing fans in a rich tapestry of interconnected stories that elevate the lore of both franchises, a true testament to the capabilities of independent comic publishing.

2 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles / Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen

By Stan Sakai | IDW Publishing | 2023

The foundational crossover between the TMNT and Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo took place back in 1987, leading to numerous collaborations over the years. The most recent entry, WhereWhen, offers a fresh adventure as the Turtles find themselves transported to feudal Japan to aid Usagi against the wicked Dr. WhereWhen’s threats to the realm.

This narrative revitalizes the characters, bringing them back to their original essence as dynamic teenagers eager for action, while cleverly integrating Japanese history with imaginative storytelling. Sakai’s masterful writing offers mature themes that can be appreciated by all, regardless of familiarity with either series.

1 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto

By Caleb Goellner and Hendry Prasetya | Viz Media & IDW Publishing | 2024

Breaking new ground, this epic crossover merges the realms of comic books and manga, pitting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles alongside the legendary Team Seven from Naruto, featuring Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. The storyline revolves around a fierce confrontation with the Foot Clan, emphasizing teamwork and growth as both groups face formidable challenges.

This collaboration showcases the shared philosophies of the Turtles and Team Seven, who are united in their identities as ninjas, creating a unique bond that enriches the narrative. The potential for synergy is immense, and this crossover not only promises excitement but also highlights the importance of mutual support and growth among the characters.

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