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 with writer Jason Aaron at the helm, 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 features a new regular artist and a refreshed status quo. The four Turtles are reunited, albeit not on the best of terms.

During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the opportunity to interview both Jason Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner about the future of their respective series. We explored how their stories evolve over time, the mission statement for the TMNT line, and whether Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo will ever reconcile. Here's what we discovered.

The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

IDW has rolled out numerous TMNT series in a short period, with the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 becoming a hit by selling around 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024. We asked Jason Aaron about the guiding vision behind the TMNT line. He emphasized a return to the roots of the classic Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird TMNT comics from the Mirage days.

"For me, the guiding principle was looking back at that original series, the original Mirage Studios book," Aaron shared with IGN. "Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the series, which introduced the Turtles. My first experience with these characters was through that 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 the Turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."

Aaron continued, "We aimed to capture that spirit while telling a fresh story that moves these characters forward after their previous 150 issues with IDW. It's about seeing how they've matured and reached a turning point in their lives, heading in different directions but striving to reunite as the heroes they need to be to win their next battle."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

5 ImagesTMNT #1's success mirrors other top-selling comics like Marvel’s Ultimate Universe line, DC’s Absolute line, and Skybound’s Energon Universe. These series tap into a demand for reboots and streamlined narratives in major franchises, offering new entry points for readers.

"It seems there's a demand for such books after last year," Aaron noted. "Despite my 20-year career and extensive work with Marvel, my focus remains on crafting stories that excite me. When I got the call to work on Turtles, I was thrilled by the opportunity and knew I could do something special. Collaborating with a fantastic array of artists on the first six issues made the process even more enjoyable. As a lifelong Turtles fan and comic book enthusiast, I believe this story appeals to both long-time fans and newcomers alike."

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's run on TMNT begins with an unconventional setup. In issue #1, the Turtles are scattered globally: Raphael in prison, Michelangelo a TV star in Japan, Leonardo a brooding monk, and Donatello in dire straits. By the end of the first arc, Aaron reunites them in New York City, though their reunion is far from harmonious.

"Writing the first four issues was a blast, showcasing each Turtle in unique global settings," Aaron said. "The real excitement kicks in once they're reunited, seeing how they interact and clash. Currently, they're not thrilled to be back together; they're not reminiscing about old times but rather struggling to coexist."

Aaron added, "None of them want to be there, and the dynamics that once fit seamlessly no longer do. In issue #6, upon returning to New York, they find the city has changed, weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain. The Turtles are the most despised figures in the city, including Mutant Town. They must overcome their internal conflicts to face this monumental challenge."

Starting with issue #6, Juan Ferreyra joins as the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the series. Aaron is excited about this collaboration, praising Ferreyra's work.

"Using different artists for the first five issues made sense as we focused on each Turtle and introduced our new villain, the District Attorney of New York City," Aaron explained. "With Juan coming on board from issue #6, it aligns perfectly as the main plot unfolds. Despite following a lineup of artistic legends, Juan's work is phenomenal. He captures the essence of the Turtles navigating the gritty streets of Manhattan, truly making the series his own."

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

Combining TMNT with Naruto presents a unique challenge, which Caleb Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have tackled head-on in their crossover series. The first two issues introduce a world where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist, with their initial encounters sparking the storyline. Goellner credits Prasetya for the Turtles' redesigns, fitting them seamlessly into the Naruto universe.

"I couldn't be happier with the redesigns," Goellner told IGN. "I suggested they wear masks like in Naruto, but the final designs are incredible. I hope they become action figures—I'd love to add them to my collection."

In comic book crossovers, character interactions are key. Goellner enjoys the dynamic between various characters, especially Kakashi, who resonates with him as a father.

"The goal is to ensure every character gets a moment to shine," Goellner said. "I particularly enjoy Kakashi's interactions; he's my viewpoint into the Naruto world, managing the young ninja. Splinter is also great, but Kakashi's internal struggles and professionalism keep the story moving. I love all the character pairings, but Raph and Sakura's dynamic is especially fun—they're both the powerhouses of their teams."

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

5 ImagesGoellner is excited about the upcoming developments as the ninja clans converge on Big Apple Village, teasing a significant TMNT villain requested by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto.

"He had one request for this crossover—to include a specific villain for the Naruto characters to battle," Goellner revealed. "I'm not disclosing who, but fans will be thrilled. The response to the series has been overwhelmingly positive, and I'm eager to see how readers react to the upcoming twists in issue #3."

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

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