After a highly anticipated debut issue, Masters of the Universe/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles of Grayskull #2 is finally in stores. Will the adrenaline rush of meeting He-Man and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles last? yes. Does it maintain plot momentum? In a sense. Turtles of Graykull #1 had a seemingly straightforward plot in which the Turtles were taken to Graykull to stop an unholy alliance between Krang, Shredder, and Skeletor, but this issue has a strange twist. Best of all, time travel is added to the mix.
I’m not saying time travel is a bad element. I’ve read a lot of comics that take advantage of that. But it feels like Tim Seeley threw everything, down to the kitchen sink, into this comic. The impulse is great because this comic includes two series that cross different genres. However, I feel that the standard “crossing to another world” alone was enough to create a hook. Ironically, Seeley pulls this trick again in the final pages of Turtles of Grayskull #2. The end result will be fun to explore.
Seely deserves plenty of credit for exploring the unlikely dynamic between He-Man and the Turtles. They connect thanks to their youth and strange adventures, but most importantly their connection to their respective families. He-Man laments the fact that he has to hide his powers from his parents, while the Turtles’ conversation hints that they miss Splinter.
dark horse
Turtles of Grayskull #2 is also a very action-packed comic thanks to the work of Freddie E. Williams II. Williams didn’t let up for a second, starting with a two-page spread of He-Man and the Turtles facing off against the Triceratons. Again, this is a comic book feature featuring alien dinosaurs fighting mutated turtles using ninja weapons and magical barbarians. It’s everything you want in a comic, and Williams pulls it off. He then spices things up with a giant mechanical monster and the Triceraton being able to “cyberboost” himself to giant status…only to learn the hard way why He-Man is called the strongest man in the universe. .
I think it’s Andrew Dalhouse’s colors that really help make Williams’ art feel grand. The Turtles are not only different in their masks and weapons. The different shades of green also give it a unique look. Whenever Michelangelo or He-Man flashbacks, the art becomes sepia-toned. And the background is dotted with stars, reminding us that we are no longer on Earth. Andworld Design’s lettering is no different. It feels like a real sporting event as the announcer shouts out the names of He-Man and TMNT, depicted on their respective logos.
Turtles of Grayskull #2 may be a little overstuffed, but it more than makes up for it with great character dynamics and great art. I also want to check out the next issue, so that’s more than a plus.
Masters of the Universe/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles of Grayskull #2 throws a lot at readers.
Masters of the Universe/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles of Grayskull #2
Turtles of Grayskull #2 may be a little overstuffed, but it more than makes up for it with great character dynamics and great art. I also want to check out the next issue, so that’s more than a plus.
Seeley’s script shines when it comes to exploring the dynamic between He-Man and the TMNT.
Mr. Williams starts big and gets even bigger as the issue progresses.
Andrew Dalhouse’s colors depict a journey through space and make the Turtles feel even more unique.
Things get a little confusing because there’s an element of time travel.
