Dan Schoening

Most licensed fiction takes one of two approaches to its stories: tales set before the main narrative, showing what characters were up to before their original story, or stories set after, showing the further adventures of the characters. IDW’s new Back to the Future series, subtitled “Untold Tales and Alternate Timelines” intends to do both (and more), telling tales set before, after, during and sideways to the events of the movies, as Bob Gale, co-writer of the three films, is joined by a series of writers and artists for a unique kind of anthology series.

Cross-overs have been a staple of the comic book business since before Superman met Bugs Bunny. For the publishers, the crossover is an easy way to sell books. For fans, it’s either a dream come true or an over hyped nightmare of biblical proportions. When a crossover works, it benefits the consumer to no end. IDW has had their fair share of success with their recent crossover series. From the over-top throwback Transformers Vs. GI Joe to the recently announced X-Files and Millennium, IDW is giving just what the fans want. This week, the company mashes together two of their more celebrated, and culturally loved properties, with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Ghostbusters #1.