Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time #3 Review

Is there any worth in this temporal escapade? Read on to find out.

The official description from IDW:

The Turtles hit the high seas when they are dropped in the middle of a pirate battle! Little do they know that the true leader of the pirates is an enemy they are all too familiar with. Getting out of the time period alive will all depend on the quick wits of the Turtles’ captain… Michelangelo?!

I’m going to freely admit that there’s nothing I love more than modern icons being sent through time. It’s great seeing how they react to the different periods, and it’s made even more interesting as they change with it. We see an impact from technology or personality quirks and this latest outing for the heroes in a half-shell is no different. It may be a heavy helping of nonsense, let’s be honest, but that’s doesn’t take away the big grin that’s covering my face.

Erik Burham pens the script and there’s no doubt in my mind that these four brothers are in the hands of a capable scribe. Right from the first page the comic book drips with fun and as soon as these buccaneers meet our favored mean green fighting machines the shenanigans simply roll out with ease. With a slight amount of depth and a whimsical spirit this literary jaunt explores history while embracing the core premise featured in this franchise off shoot.

Beyond the written word we’re treated with expert renditions handed in by Ben Bates. The talent captures the nuances of these icons while keeping their personalities discernible. A rather soft and simple color palette, that at times employs negative space, echoes the might of the illustrator. And that right there is why this outing is gifted with a truly dynamic array of panels that are bound to please even the most critical fan.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time #3 is what it needs to be and a bit more. It entertains its audience and doesn’t cheapen the franchise, so by all means pick this up and have a ball. Recommended.