TMNT X Stranger Things Brings Best Of Both Worlds In New Crossover - Exclusive Interview

Contains spoilers for "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Stranger Things" #1

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the kids from "Stranger Things" are set to star in a new crossover from IDW Publishing, showing how the two '80s-inspired teams work surprisingly well with one another when attacks from Demogorgons in the New York City subway bring the heroes together. In "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Stranger Things" #1 from IDW Publishing, the youngsters from Hawkins, Indiana, find themselves lost in the subway system in the Big Apple. The group quickly learns they're being tracked down by Demogorgons, forcing the arrival of the sewer-dwelling Turtles, who bring their unique weapons to the fight against the mysterious creatures who have emerged.

We spoke with writer Cameron Chittock and artist Fero Pe about bringing the stories of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and "Stranger Things" together, what makes them the perfect franchises for a crossover, and what readers can expect from the series going forward. Check out our conversation below!

How did this project come to be? What makes "Stranger Things" and "TMNT" the perfect crossover?

Cameron Chittock: There's a long list of commonalities between the two, but both of these properties masterfully blend genre with genuine heart. I think that's why they resonate with fans so deeply and why they make so much sense together. 

Fero Pe: That's what makes them perfect, although at first, it seems like an unlikely union. They both have the ability to deal with the unknown and strange in a way that works and is very entertaining.

Why was it important to bring the Mirage version of the Turtles into this story? The timeline fits nicely.

Pe: Although at first I thought of the version of the first film because it is live-action, comparing the dates with my editors, it seemed more logical to go with the Mirage version.

Chittock: Given how intertwined "Stranger Things" is with '80s pop culture, it almost made too much sense to use the Mirage era as our inspiration for the Turtles. They have a bit of a grittier aesthetic too, which fits with the horror elements of the Upside Down. I adore [Kevin] Eastman and [Peter] Laird's original run of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," so I couldn't pass up a chance to pay homage to their work.

What were some of your favorite interactions to write/draw? 

Pe: I love the double pages with fights that Cameron has put in each issue. I love these pages so much.

Chittock: It shows! Fero knocks those spreads out every time. When I first saw what he did for the one coming in Issue #2, I literally gasped. I love finding the little character moments. The Hawkins kids meeting Splinter might be my favorite from the first issue.

We've seen some big players in the TMNT universe appear in Issue #1, such as Baxter Stockman and Master Splinter — can we expect more big characters to show up? What about on the "Stranger Things" side of things?

Pe: There are definitely more strange beings to appear from each world.

Chittock: All I'll say is that the cliffhanger in Issue #3 has been in my head since the beginning, and I can't wait for people to see it.

Did you have stricter guidelines on what you could do with this story? 

Chittock: The "Stranger Things" and "Turtles" teams have been incredibly supportive. All the feedback, especially early on as I got settled into writing the characters for the first time, was really helpful. 

Pe: I have loved the freedom when working with the characters of ["Stranger Things"] without having to get so attached to the exact resemblance to the actors and more to their most important characteristics. I feel that I can give them more expressiveness.

Would you like to see more "Stranger Things"/"TMNT" crossovers? Who would you like to see cross over?

Chittock: I can't help but have all sorts of ideas for taking the Turtles to Indiana. As many characters as we get in this series, some of my favorites from both properties had to stay on the sidelines, so I'd love the chance to do more. 

Pe: I would definitely like the Turtles to take a road trip to Hawkins. I would love most the anticipated crossover of "Daredevil" with "TMNT."

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Stranger Things" #2 will continue with Raphael and Donatello working together to save Eleven from the TMNT villain Baxter Stockman. While that happens, Dustin, Will, Lucas, Leonardo, and Michelangelo will get to the bottom of what's causing the Demogorgons to break free in the subway system. Check out the covers for the issue by Fero Pe, Jorge Corona, and Adam Gorham, with the accompanying text for the issue teasing the adventures ahead.

IDW Publishing

IDW Publishing

IDW Publishing

"Escape from TCRI! With Eleven in the grasp of Baxter Stockman, it's up to Raphael and Donatello to devise a plan to bust her out before her powers can be used by the evil genius. Meanwhile, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Will, Lucas, and Dustin brave the depths of the NYC subway system, getting closer to a portal to the Upside Down that's been unleashing Demogorgons into the tunnels. And what they'll find on the other side is something not even NYC has seen before."

The crossover continues when "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Stranger Things" #2 by Cameron Chittock, Fero Pe, Sofie Dodgson, and Rus Wooton arrives in comic book stores and online retailers on August 23, 2023.

This interview has been edited for clarity.