While the masters of the multiverse." Long before the multiverse concept gained popularity in comic books, the brothers were already collaborating with characters from outside their own universe, dimension, or timeline.

The multiverse has been a central element of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles narrative, making even the most implausible crossovers seem natural for the "cowabunga" quartet. This theme has been present since the franchise's earliest days. For example, the dimension-hopping Triceratons made their debut in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #6 by Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, and Steve Lavigne. Naturally, some of these crossover stories are better than others, but they all promise the kind of fun one can only have 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

In this crossover of iconic franchises, after interrupting a meeting between Shredder and Krang with Skeletor, the Turtles and villains are inadvertently transported to Eternia by the black magic portal that facilitated the villains’ communications. Once there, the Turtles find allies in He-Man, while Shredder and Krang swiftly form an alliance with Skeletor. With battle lines set, the two forces go at each other in an all-out battle between good and evil.

What stands out about this crossover is the intrigue it generates in the combination of two very different franchises. However, fans of both franchises will love the abundance of action-packed battles and fight scenes that both series are known for. In addition, by bringing together three well-known villains for the first time, the series offers an interesting depiction of villainy. Ultimately, the story taps into the core elements that made both franchises enjoyable. In doing so, the series delivers a compelling tale of complementary heroes and villains that’s worth a read.

9 Creed / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

By Trent Kaniuga | Lightning Comics | 1996

This one-shot is undoubtedly the most unique TMNT crossover - and that's because it teams the brothers with Mark Farley, also known as Creed, the hero and champion of the Dream Dimension. But in the Turtles' reality, he is just a normal, geeky teenager. The story begins when the Turtles foil a bank robbery targeting Farley. However, things take a turn for the worse, and Leonardo, Raphael, and Farley - along with his frog companion, Cascan - find themselves transported to the Dream Dimension. Stranded, they must navigate their way back home while fighting an army of demons determined to prevent their escape.

While the story would have benefited from additional issues to explore interactions between the Turtles, Creed, and the Dream Dimension's connection to the real world, this one-shot remains exceptional. Notably, it's one of the most plausible crossovers, given that Farley and the Turtles inhabit the same New York neighborhood, and Farley's history of muggings makes their encounter likely. What's even more remarkable is the convergence of two cult heroes from that era under one narrative umbrella.

8 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

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

In the inaugural comic book crossover between these two iconic franchises, the Power Rangers arrive in New York City seeking the AWOL Green Ranger, Tommy Oliver. Upon discovering his alliance with the Shredder's Foot Clan, the Rangers intervene, hoping to persuade him to re their ranks. Meanwhile, the Ninja Turtles encounter the Green Ranger while battling the Foot Clan and recognize him as a formidable threat, rivaling Shredder. As both teams converge in pursuit of Tommy, tensions escalate before they realize their shared objectives.

When iconic heroes come together, fans can’t help but take notice. In this crossover, however, there’s more to appreciate than just the buzz and excitement. The story thoughtfully crafts a scenario where the Power Rangers and Ninja Turtles meet and team up under circumstances that feel natural to both franchises. It strikes the perfect balance, blending elements from each series to create a narrative that appeals to long-time fans while also inviting new ones into the fold. It’s important not to confuse this crossover with its 2022 sequel. While the sequel has its merits, it doesn’t quite capture the nostalgic charm of this original collaboration.

7 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles vs. Street Fighter

By Paul Allor and Ariel Medel | IDW Publishing | 2023

While it’s easy to imagine the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles being fans of the Street Fighter game series, it’s another thing entirely to see them face their favorite gaming icons in real life. That’s exactly what happens in this intriguing crossover, where the Turtles enter a martial arts competition that pits them against the legendary Street Fighter cast like Ryu and Chun Li. However, winning the competition becomes secondary when a mysterious force starts kidnapping participants, forcing the Turtles and Street Fighters to forces to uncover the truth.

Given that Street Fighter is fundamentally about proving who is the best fighter, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles thrive on their love of a good brawl, this series offers the ultimate stage for enjoying kumite at its most artistically visceral. The series features a mixed martial arts tournament with familiar pop cultire characters. The result is pure pugilistic poetry, brought to life with stunning artistry that any TMNT fan will undoubtedly appreciate. This crossover delivers exactly what fans crave: thrilling, action-packed clashes between iconic characters, all wrapped in a story that celebrates the essence of both franchises.

6 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles / Flaming Carrot

By Bob Burden and Jim Lawson | Mirage Studios | 1993

No crossover better showcases the breadth of characters the Ninja Turtles have met or the diversity of alternate universes explored over the years than the TMNT / Flaming Carrot miniseries. Although the Turtles and Flaming Carrot had previously crossed paths in The Flaming Carrot series, this marked their first standalone collaboration. In this crossover, the Flaming Carrot and Mystery Men forces with the Turtles and the U.S. government to investigate strange, green-flamed beings sighted in Central America. It's an old-style comic caper with the most bizarre groups of heroes fans will ever see.

The Flaming Carrot, while paying homage to the traditions of classic superhero comics, also serves as a sharp parody of the genre, infused with a touch of real-world social commentary. It challenges readers to suspend their disbelief even more than usual. Writer Bob Burden brings his signature irreverence to this crossover, and it works — arguably even better than usual from a storytelling perspective. Notably, taking the Turtles out of their usual sewers and shadows and integrating them into the broader hero community casts them in a fresh and intriguing light that fans are sure to find compelling.

5 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #8

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

The diversity of TMNT crossovers is perhaps best exemplified by Cerebus, the sometimes humorous, sometimes deeply serious aardvark who, in his own universe, rose from a hard-drinking warrior-thug to become both Prime Minister and Pope. In 1986's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #8, the Turtles team up with Cerebus after being transported to his dimension by Renet, the apprentice of Simultaneous, the Time Lord. Realizing her mistake, Renet enlists the help of Cerebus and the Turtles to set things right. This crossover masterfully blends the quirky and profound elements of Cerebus’s world with the action that TMNT fans love.

The hallmark of this crossover is its seamless integration of one of the most intriguing and influential comic book characters that many fans may not be familiar with: Cerebus. Despite the often complex and layered nature of Cerebus' story, this crossover presents it in a clear and accessible way, perfectly aligning with the Turtles' recurring themes of time-jumping and dimension-hopping subplots. Ultimately, this story stands on its own as a thoughtful and engaging adventure, whether you’re a fan of TMNT, Cerebus, or compelling crossover tales.

4 Batman / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

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

Among the various Batman / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossovers, James Tynion IV and Freddie Williams II's original series stands out as exceptional. The story begins with the Turtles and Shredder mysteriously being transported to Gotham City. As both sides attempt to find a way back home, their ongoing battles in this new setting inevitably attract Batman's attention. The narrative seamlessly integrates the lore of both series, crafting a captivating tale that balances darkness and humor. Furthermore, Williams' artwork expertly captures the tone, elevating the overall storytelling experience.

No other mainstream comic shares the aesthetic and vibe of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles quite like Batman. Both stories are set in dark, gritty urban environments, where the shadows play as much of a role as the characters themselves. Both feature heroes who thrive in the darkness, relying on martial arts and skill rather than superpowers to triumph in battle. This synergy makes Batman and the Turtles nearly perfect crossover partners. It’s no surprise, then, that Batman has teamed up with the Turtles more than with any other mainstream character.

3 Savage Dragon / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

By Erik Larsen and Michael Dooney | Mirage Studios | 1993

While the Turtles have made frequent appearances in Erik Larsen’s Savage Dragon and the Savage Dragon has occasionally appeared in TMNT, an “official” crossover didn’t happen until Michael Dooney and Erik Larsen’s Savage Dragon / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The story begins with Raphael making a solo trip to Chicago, aiming to take down the villain Complete Carnage. However, when Raphael is overwhelmed in his attempt to stop the villain, the Savage Dragon steps in to help. Even with their combined efforts, the battle proves too difficult - until Raphael’s brothers arrive just in time to turn the tide.

Building on the extensive interactions between the two series, this crossover stands out as one of the Turtles’ most complex in the best possible way. Rather than being a standalone story, the narrative continues within The Savage Dragon series, making it a true example of the classic “crossover” paradigm. The story skillfully fits within the canon of both franchises while also being engaging enough to add meaningful value to their respective narratives - undoubtedly a result of their prior interactions. It’s truly one of the standout superhero tales from independent publishers of that comic-book era.

2 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles / Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen

By Stan Sakai | IDW Publishing | 2023

One of the earliest TMNT crossovers took place with Stan Sakai's samurai warrior Usagi Yojimbo in the 1987 one-shot special, Turtle Soup #1. Since then, Usagi and the Turtles have teamed up many times. Their most notable collaboration, however, is the 2023 WhereWhen. Like previous crossovers, this story transports the Turtles to feudal Japan, where they reunite with Usagi. This time, the stakes are higher, as Usagi requires the Turtles' assistance to save Japan from the deadly threat posed by Dr. WhereWhen.

What truly sets this crossover apart from other meetings between the Turtles and the iconic warrior rabbit is its refreshing return to basics, particularly with the Turtles. Their appearance, vibe, and mannerisms closely reflect how they originally burst onto the scene in the mid-1980s: four skilled teenagers who love to show off, fight, and have fun. Additionally, the story benefits greatly from Sakai’s expertise in crafting compelling narratives that seamlessly blend elements of Japanese history with a world where key historical figures are anthropomorphic animals. Even readers who aren’t familiar with Yojimbo or TMNT will find this story enjoyable.

1 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto

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

In a groundbreaking crossover bridging the comic-manga divide, the Turtles cross over with the legendary Naruto franchise. This collaboration brings the brothers together with the equally talented young Team Seven trio, featuring Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. The story delivers a classic ninja-versus-ninja showdown as the two groups face off against the Foot Clan. Along the way, they encounter scenarios that challenge both teams in ways they’ve never experienced before. However, the real magic lies in the potential for incredible synergy - if the Turtles and Team Seven can overcome their differences and work together.

Unlike other crossovers, this one unites two groups deeply connected by their shared identity as “old-school ninjas” and their unwavering dedication to the growth and evolution of the shinobi way of life. Though their styles may differ, the Turtles and Team Seven are naturally positioned to understand each other’s combat approaches and to show interest in learning new techniques from one another. These connections not only enrich the story but also create opportunities for both teams to grow stronger, pushing each other - especially the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - to become better than ever before.