IDW has been nothing short of ambitious with its recent ventures into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise. In 2024, they relaunched the flagship TMNT comic under writer Jason Aaron, initiated the sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and launched a ninja-themed crossover with TMNT x Naruto. Moving into 2025, the main TMNT series introduces a new regular artist and a fresh status quo. Although the four Turtles are reunited, their relationships are strained.

During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the opportunity to discuss with Jason Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner about the future of their series. We delved into how their stories evolve, the overarching mission for the TMNT line, and the possibility of reconciliation among Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo. Here's what we discovered.

The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

IDW has rapidly introduced several new TMNT series, with the flagship monthly series achieving significant success; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 sold approximately 300,000 copies, making it one of the top-selling comics of 2024. We asked Aaron about the guiding vision behind the TMNT line. He emphasized a return to the essence of the original 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 was my first introduction to the Turtles. Before the movies or cartoons, there was that original black and white Mirage Studios book. I wanted to recapture some of the grittiness and griminess, the large double-page spreads, and action scenes of the Turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."

Aaron further elaborated on his approach, "That's the spirit we're aiming for, but also to tell a new story that feels like it's moving these characters forward after all they've been through in the previous 150 issues of the IDW series. It's about seeing how they've grown and reached a turning point, heading in different directions, and figuring out how they can reunite to become the heroes they once were and need to be to win this fight."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

5 ImagesTMNT #1 joined the ranks of top-selling comics last year, alongside Marvel's Ultimate Universe line, DC's Absolute line, and Skybound's Energon Universe. This trend suggests a strong audience demand for comics that offer accessible entry points into major franchises.

"It certainly seems like it after last year, and I'm very happy to have been a part of a couple of those," Aaron noted. "Even after 20 years in the industry and writing extensively for Marvel, I still focus on creating stories that excite me. When I got the call to work on the Turtles, I knew I could do something special."

Aaron praised the collaboration with a variety of artists in the first six issues, "As someone who grew up a Turtles fan and loves good comic book stories, this is a story for anyone, whether you've followed the Turtles for 40 years or are just discovering them."

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's TMNT run began with the Turtles dispersed 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 initial storyline, Aaron reunites the family in New York City, though their reunion is fraught with tension.

"Those first four issues were really fun to write, seeing each brother in a different situation," Aaron explained. "But the real thrill comes when they're back together, observing how they interact. At this point in the story, they're not happy to see each other; they're clashing."

Aaron highlighted the challenges they face upon returning to New York, "The city has changed, weaponized against them by a new villain from the Foot Clan. The Turtles are the most despised entities in the city, and they struggle to unite against these odds."

Starting with issue #6, Juan Ferreyra becomes the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the series. Aaron expressed his enthusiasm, "It made sense to use different artists for the first five issues, but Juan's work on issues #6 and #7 has been phenomenal. He's truly making this book his own."

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

Combining TMNT with Naruto is no small feat, but writer Caleb Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have successfully crafted a crossover where the Turtles and Uzumaki Clan share a world, meeting for the first time. Goellner praised Prasetya's redesigns, "I only had a few suggestions. What they came back with was unreal. I hope these designs become toys someday."

Goellner enjoyed the character interactions, "I wanted to ensure all characters had moments together. I particularly like Kakashi with anyone, especially now that I'm a dad. He's my viewpoint character, managing the kids like Splinter does, but with a lot of internal face-palming."

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

5 ImagesGoellner also shared his excitement for upcoming developments, "I like the dynamic between Raphael and Sakura. As the series progresses into Big Apple Village, fans can expect a major TMNT villain, specifically requested by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto, to make an appearance."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 was released on February 26, while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 is scheduled for 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 previewed IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.