"IDW's TMNT Reunites Brothers at IGN Fan Fest 2025"

IDW has been incredibly ambitious with its approach to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise in recent years. In 2024, they relaunched the flagship TMNT comic under the guidance of writer Jason Aaron, launched the sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and introduced a ninja-heavy crossover with TMNT x Naruto. Moving into 2025, the main TMNT series welcomes a new regular artist and a fresh status quo. The four Turtles are reunited, but their relationships are strained, setting the stage for compelling narratives.

During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the opportunity to discuss the future of these series with Jason Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner. We explored how these stories evolve, the overarching mission for the TMNT line, and the potential for reconciliation among Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo.

The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

IDW has launched several new TMNT series in a short period, including the flagship monthly series. The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 was a massive success, selling around 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024. We asked Jason Aaron about the guiding vision for the TMNT line, and he emphasized a return to the classic Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird TMNT comics from the Mirage days.

"For me, on this book, the guiding principle was just looking back at that original series, the original Mirage Studios book," Aaron shared with IGN. "Last year marked the 40th anniversary of that series, which introduced the Turtles. My first experience with these characters was through that original black and white Mirage Studios book, before the films or cartoons. I wanted to recapture the grittiness, the griminess, and the dynamic action scenes of those early days, with the Turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."

Aaron further explained, "We aimed to maintain that spirit while telling a new story that moves these characters forward. After the events of the previous 150 issues of the IDW series, we see the Turtles grown up and at a turning point, heading in different directions. The challenge is to bring them back together to become the heroes they need to be to win this fight."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

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The success of TMNT #1, alongside other major hits like Marvel’s Ultimate Universe line, DC’s Absolute line, and Skybound’s Energon Universe, suggests a strong audience demand for reboots and streamlined narratives of major franchises. Aaron reflected on this trend, saying, "It certainly seems like it after last year, and I'm very happy to have been a part of a couple of those. I've been writing for 20 years, across various companies, but I still focus on crafting stories that excite me. When I got the call to work on Turtles, I knew I could do something special."

Aaron highlighted the collaboration with a talented array of artists over the first six issues, stating, "As someone who grew up a Turtles fan and loves good comic book stories, this is a story for both long-time fans and newcomers. The excitement we felt seems to have resonated with readers."

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's TMNT run began with a unique status quo, with the Turtles scattered across the globe. Raphael in prison, Michelangelo a TV star in Japan, Leonardo a brooding monk, and Donatello in dire straits. By the end of the first storyline, the family reunites in New York City, though not without tension.

"Those first four issues were fun to write, showcasing each brother in different global situations," Aaron said. "The real excitement comes when they're back together, seeing how they interact. At this point, they're not happy to see each other; they're rubbing each other the wrong way. None of them want to be there, and the pieces don't fit like they used to."

With issue #6, the Turtles return to a changed New York City, weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain. "The city has turned against them, making them the most hated entities in the Five Boroughs, including Mutant Town. The odds are stacked against them, and they can barely stand each other. How will they come together to win this fight?"

Starting with issue #6, Juan Ferreyra becomes the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the series. Aaron expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "It made sense to use different artists for the first five issues, focusing on each Turtle and our new villain. But having Juan come on with issue #6, as the main plot picks up, was perfect. His work, even following artistic titans, is incredible. He was born to draw the Turtles, capturing their essence as they navigate Manhattan's rooftops and alleyways."

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

Combining TMNT and Naruto is no small feat, but Caleb Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have successfully crafted a crossover where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist. Goellner praised Prasetya's redesigns, saying, "I couldn't be happier. I only had basic suggestions, like putting them in masks like in Naruto. What they came back with was unreal. I hope they get made into toys; it's my wish to add them to my collection."

The crossover's charm lies in the interactions between characters. Goellner shared his favorite pairings, "I like seeing Kakashi with anyone. As a dad, he's my viewpoint character in the Naruto world. I'm curious how he manages all these kids. Splinter is great, but Kakashi's internal face-palming while keeping things professional is relatable. I enjoy all the pairings, but Raph and Sakura are fun, both being the tanks of their teams."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

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Goellner teased upcoming developments as the ninja clans enter Big Apple Village, revealing a specific request from Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto. "He wanted a certain TMNT villain to appear and for the Naruto characters to fight them. I'm excited to see how fans react; the feedback so far has been positive, and I appreciate everyone joining this journey."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 hit stores on February 26, while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 releases on March 26. Don't miss IGN's exclusive preview of the final chapter of TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution.

As part of IGN Fan Fest 2025, we also got an early look at IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and a sneak peek of an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.