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 writer Jason Aaron, launched the sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and introduced a ninja-heavy crossover with TMNT x Naruto. As we move into 2025, the main TMNT series has a new regular artist and a new status quo, with the four Turtles reuniting in New York City, albeit not on the best of terms.
During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the opportunity to discuss the future of these series with Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner. We explored how these stories evolve over time, the mission statement for the TMNT line, and whether the Turtles will ever mend their strained relationships.
The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
IDW's recent launch of multiple TMNT series, including the flagship monthly series, showcases their commitment to the franchise. 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. Aaron's guiding vision for the series is to reconnect with 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 explained to IGN. "Last year marked the 40th anniversary of that series, and that was my first experience with these characters. Before the films or cartoons, it was that original black and white Mirage Studios book. I wanted to recapture some of the grittiness and griminess, and the big double-page spreads and action scenes of grimy turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."
Aaron further elaborated, "That's the spirit we were going for, but also to tell a story that feels new and takes these characters forward after everything they've been through in the previous 150 issues of the IDW series. We're seeing how they've grown up and reached a turning point in their lives, where they're going in four different directions and trying to figure out how to come back together and be the heroes they need to be to win this fight."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
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TMNT #1's success aligns with a broader trend where audiences crave comics that reboot and streamline major franchises. Aaron noted, "It certainly seems like there's a demand for books that offer easy jumping-on points for these big properties. I'm happy to have been a part of that, even after 20 years in the industry. I sit down at my desk in an empty basement, trying to create stories that excite me. When I got the call about doing Turtles, I was thrilled and knew I could do something cool."
Aaron worked with a variety of artists for the first six issues, but the arrival of Juan Ferreyra as the new regular artist starting with issue #6 brings a consistent visual style to the series. "Juan's work has been absolutely killer," Aaron said. "He was born to draw the Turtles and this kind of story, jumping through alleyways and running across Manhattan rooftops."
A TMNT Family Reunion
Aaron's run began with the Turtles scattered across the globe, each in a unique situation. By the end of the first storyline, they reunite in New York City, though not happily. "Those first four issues were fun to write, seeing each brother in different situations," Aaron said. "But the real fun starts when they're all together, seeing how they interact. At this point, things aren't great; they're not happy to see each other and are very much at odds."
The city itself has changed, weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain. "The Turtles are the most hated entities in the Five Boroughs, including Mutant Town," Aaron added. "They can't stand to be around each other, yet they must come together to win this fight."
Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes
Combining TMNT and Naruto is no small feat, but Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have pulled it off successfully. The first two issues introduce a world where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist but are only now encountering each other. Goellner praised Prasetya's redesigns, saying, "I couldn't be happier. I had a few basic suggestions, but what they came back with was unreal. I hope they get made into toys."
Goellner enjoys the character interactions in the crossover, noting, "I really like seeing Kakashi with anyone. As a dad, Kakashi is my viewpoint character to the Naruto world. I'm also fond of Splinter, but Kakashi is doing a lot of internal face-palming while keeping things moving for the youth."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
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Goellner also highlighted some favorite character pairings, like Raph and Sakura, and teased what's to come as the two ninja clans enter Big Apple Village. Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto specifically requested a certain TMNT villain for the crossover, promising exciting developments in future issues.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 was released on February 26, while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 is set for 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.
