"Honestly can't wait" - Naruto x TMNT collab fanart of Sasuke and Raphael is the perfect primer for both fandoms

Modified Jul 20, 2024 07:30 GMT

Naruto x TMNT collab sends the fandom into a frenzy (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The Naruto series concluded in 2017, finally putting the curtain on one of the most influential Big Three anime to come out in the last two decades. While the plot and actual impact of the series are still regularly debated in the anime community, the fact remains that this franchise hasn't seen a unanimously enjoyed media release related to it.

The recently announced Naruto x TMNT (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) collaboration has not only managed to revitalize the Naruto fandom but also served as anticipation for the TMNT fandom. This is because the concept of anime characters directly appearing in comic books hasn't been fully explored yet.

Disclaimer: This article contains minor spoilers for the Naruto series.

Naruto x TMNT collab reignites passion for both of the fandoms

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The recent Naruto x TMNT collaboration has left a deep impression on fans. Fans from both sides of the fandom have expressed their excitement due to the announcements. However, many have also noted that this might be another effect of both series not having received any new additions recently.

Jorge Jiminez had done the original promotional cover art for the collaboration. Over the years, fans have also shared TNMT-inspired art that depicts the interactions between Naruto and one of the four turtles in TNMT.

One such piece of art has gained a lot of attention. It shows Sasuke talking to Raphael and showing him the place where the entire Uchiha clan was murdered, to which Raphael simply says, "Cowabummer." Many fans have also claimed that this art style would suit the collaboration comic very much. The fan art was inspired by a TMNT x Batman crossover comic where Batman shows Raphael the alley where he became an orphan.

Fan reaction to the fanart

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Both sides of the fandom are hyped, with many expressing how the wait couldn't be longer since the comic is coming out in October. The actual details of the comic and its possible storyline are not yet known, but fans have expressed that this collaboration wasn't what they expected but what they needed.

Many other fans have also expressed how exciting the idea of Masashi Kishimoto's character coming to the streets of New York is. A few fans also mentioned the absurdity of the fan art and how it fits the Ninja Turtles' overall vibe to say something like "Cowabummer" while being briefed about the slaughter of Sasuke's clan.

"Lmao this is hilarious because the Ninja Turtles would absolutely say some dumb*ss sh*t like this after a serious moment," one fan mentioned.

"Interactions like these might just be regular in the crossover series," one fan wrote.

Naruto and Sasuke as shown in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Another fan mentioned how the entire scene in the fan art would've been rather sad and amusing if it were Michelangelo instead of Raphael. This was about the "Last Ronin" comic book that explored Michelangelo's storyline.

"This would have been both sad and amusing if that was Mikey instead of Raphael. If you know you know," another fan said.

"I’m gonna enjoy the crossover," another fan wrote.

The actual details of the comic book crossover haven't yet been revealed; only the release window of October is currently known. The art style of the cover art suggests that the crossover will be a lighthearted comic centered around comedy.