IDW's TMNT Reunites Brothers at IGN Fan Fest 2025

IDW's approach to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise in recent years has been nothing short of ambitious. In 2024, they relaunched the flagship TMNT comic under the pen of acclaimed writer Jason Aaron, launched a sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and initiated a thrilling ninja crossover with TMNT x Naruto. As we step into 2025, the main TMNT series welcomes a new regular artist and introduces a fresh status quo, reuniting the four Turtles—Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo—in New York City. However, their reunion is far from harmonious.

During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the opportunity to delve into the future of these series with both Jason Aaron and Caleb Goellner, the writer behind TMNT x Naruto. Our discussions covered the evolution of their stories, the overarching mission for the TMNT line, and the potential for reconciliation among the Turtles.

The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

IDW's rapid expansion of the TMNT universe with multiple new series, including the flagship monthly comic, showcases their bold vision. The relaunch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 was a smashing success, selling approximately 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024. We sought to understand the guiding vision behind this surge, and Aaron's response was clear: a return to the essence of 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 the series that introduced the Turtles to the world, and it was my first encounter with these characters. Before the movies, cartoons, or any other adaptations, it was that original black and white Mirage Studios book that captured my imagination. I wanted to recapture the grittiness, the griminess, and the dynamic action scenes of those grimy turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."

Aaron further elaborated on his vision, "That's the spirit we're aiming for, but also to tell a story that feels fresh and moves these characters forward. After all they've been through in the previous 150 issues of the IDW series, we see how they've matured and reached a pivotal moment in their lives. They're heading in four different directions, trying to figure out how to reunite and become the heroes they once were, and need to be, to triumph in this new battle."

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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 demand for reboots and streamlined narratives in major franchises. These comics serve as accessible entry points for new and returning readers alike.

"It certainly seems like there's a demand for such books after last year," Aaron noted. "Having been in the industry for 20 years and written for numerous companies, including Marvel, I still focus on crafting stories that excite me. When I got the call to work on the Turtles, a job I never imagined would come my way, I knew I could do something special. Collaborating with an incredible array of artists over the first six issues, we created a book that truly ignited my passion. Whether you've been a fan for 40 years or are just discovering the Turtles, this story is for you."

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's run on TMNT began with a unique status quo. In the opening issue, the Turtles are spread across the globe: Raphael is imprisoned, Michelangelo is a TV star in Japan, Leonardo is a brooding monk, and Donatello faces his own struggles. It's only by the end of the first storyline that Aaron reunites the brothers in New York City, though their reunion is fraught with tension.

"Those first four issues were a blast to write, showcasing each brother in different global scenarios," Aaron explained. "But the real thrill comes when they're all together, seeing how they interact. At this stage in the book, things are tense; they're not thrilled to be reunited, and they're not reminiscing about old times. Instead, they're clashing, and none of them really want to be there. The pieces of their old dynamic don't fit anymore."

Aaron continued, "When they return to New York City in issue #6, they find the city itself has turned against them, thanks to a new villain from the Foot Clan. The Turtles are now the most despised figures in the Five Boroughs, including Mutant Town. Facing these stacked odds, and with their own strained relationships, the question becomes: how will they come together to win this fight?"

Alongside the Turtles' reunion, issue #6 marks the debut of Juan Ferreyra as the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the series. Aaron expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, "Using different artists for the first five issues made sense as we focused on individual Turtles and our new villain, the District Attorney of New York City. But having Juan start with issue #6, when the main plot kicks in, was a perfect fit. Despite following a lineup of artistic legends, Juan's work on the Turtles has been phenomenal. He's truly made the book his own, capturing the essence of the Turtles leaping through alleyways and across Manhattan rooftops."

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

Combining the iconic TMNT and Naruto franchises is no small feat, yet Caleb Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have achieved just that with their crossover series. The first two issues of TMNT x Naruto introduce a world where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist, though their first encounter is just beginning. Goellner credits Prasetya for the innovative redesigns that integrate the Turtles seamlessly into the Naruto universe.

"I couldn't be happier with the results," Goellner shared. "My input was minimal; I suggested masks in the first issue to fit the Naruto style, and what they came back with was incredible. I hope these designs get turned into toys—I'd love to add them to my collection."

In comic book crossovers, character interactions often steal the show, and TMNT x Naruto is no exception. When asked about his favorite character pairings, Goellner responded, "My job is to ensure all characters have their moments. I particularly enjoy 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 another favorite, though I'm not as wise or skilled as he is. Kakashi, with his internal face-palming, keeps things professional and moving for the youth. Honestly, I love all the pairings."

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Goellner added, "It's amusing; I write these stories and sometimes forget what I've done. It's always a pleasant surprise to revisit my work and think, 'I wrote that? That's pretty good.' I enjoy the humor Mikey brings to the group and the dynamic between Raph and Sakura—both the tanks of their teams. I'm excited to see the surprises unfold as the fighting intensifies in issue #3."

As the two ninja clans venture into Big Apple Village, Goellner teased a major TMNT villain's appearance, specifically requested by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto. "He had one request for this crossover: to include a certain villain and have the Naruto characters battle them. I won't spoil who it is, but I'm confident fans will be thrilled. The response to the book so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and I'm grateful for everyone joining us on this journey."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 hit stores on February 26, while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 is set to 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 offered an early look at IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and a sneak peek at an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.