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

IDW's approach to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise has been exceptionally ambitious, particularly in recent years. In 2024, they relaunched the flagship TMNT comic with writer Jason Aaron at the helm, introduced a 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 not only introduces a new regular artist but also establishes a new status quo where the four Turtles are reunited, albeit on strained terms.

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

The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

IDW has been prolific in launching new TMNT series, with the flagship monthly series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, becoming a standout hit by selling approximately 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024. Jason Aaron shared insights into the guiding vision for the TMNT line, emphasizing a return to the roots of the classic Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird TMNT comics from the Mirage era.

"For me, on this book, the guiding principle was just looking back at that original series, the original Mirage Studios book," Aaron explained. "Last year marked the 40th anniversary of that series, and that was my first experience with those characters. Before the films or the cartoons, it was that original black and white Mirage Studios book. So I wanted to recapture some of the grittiness and griminess, the big double-page spreads and action scenes of grimy turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."

Aaron's vision extends beyond nostalgia, aiming to advance the characters' narrative after their extensive journey in the previous 150 issues of the IDW series. "That's the spirit we were going for, but also to tell a story that felt new and felt like it was taking these characters forward after all they'd been through," he added. "To see how they've grown up a bit 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 used to be, that they need to be to win this fight."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

5 ImagesTMNT #1's success mirrors other major hits like Marvel's Ultimate Universe line, DC's Absolute line, and Skybound's Energon Universe, suggesting a strong demand for comics that reboot and streamline major franchises. Aaron, reflecting on his role in this trend, expressed his excitement about working on TMNT.

"It certainly seems like it after last year, and I'm very happy to have been a part of a couple of those," Aaron said. "I sit down to do my job here at my desk, in an empty basement by myself, and I'm just trying to make up stories that get me excited. And I knew as soon as I got the call about doing Turtles, I was excited for that opportunity and realized I think I can do something kind of cool."

Aaron also praised the collaboration with a diverse group of artists over the first six issues, noting the excitement of working on a story that appeals to both long-time fans and newcomers.

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's run began with the Turtles scattered across the globe, each in unique circumstances. By the end of the first storyline, they reunite in New York City, but the reunion is far from harmonious. "Those first four issues were really fun to write when you're seeing each of the brothers in a different situation around the globe," Aaron remarked. "But the real fun is what happens once they are all together, seeing how those four characters bounce off each other."

The tension among the Turtles is palpable as they navigate their new reality in a New York City that's been weaponized against them by a new villain from the Foot Clan. "The Turtles find themselves the most hated entities in the Five Boroughs, the Six Boroughs, I guess, including Mutant Town. So the odds are stacked against them in a huge way, and again, they can't even stand to be around each other," Aaron elaborated.

Starting with issue #6, Juan Ferreyra steps in as the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the series. Aaron expressed his enthusiasm for Ferreyra's work, highlighting how his style perfectly complements the gritty, action-packed narrative.

"Again, it made sense to use different artists for those first five issues because we focused on the different Turtles, and then issue #5 focused on our new bad guy who's the District Attorney of New York City," Aaron said. "But having Juan come on with issue #6 made sense when the main bulk of the plot picks up. And Juan, even though he was following this group of titans on this book, artistic Titans, he's doing incredible work. I think anybody who sees issues #6 and #7 realized this guy was born to draw the Turtles."

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

The TMNT x Naruto crossover series, written by Caleb Goellner and illustrated by Hendry Prasetya, brings together two iconic franchises in a unique narrative. The first two issues introduce a world where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist but are only beginning to interact. Goellner praised Prasetya's redesigns of the Turtles, which seamlessly integrate them into the Naruto universe.

"I couldn't be happier," Goellner said. "I only had a few basic little suggestions about how to do that. I can't take any credit for the Turtles’ awesome redesigns. I was like, 'I don't know, put them in masks in the first issue, like in Naruto,' and what they came back with was unreal."

The crossover's charm lies in the interactions between the characters, and Goellner shared his favorite pairings. "The job for me is sort of to make sure all of the characters have a moment together through the course of the book, because you don't want to leave anybody hanging," he explained. "I really like seeing Kakashi with anyone because now that I'm a dad, Kakashi is my viewpoint character to the Naruto world."

As the series progresses into Big Apple Village, Goellner teased a major TMNT villain requested by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto. "He had one request for this crossover. It was to have a certain villain appear and for the Naruto characters to fight that certain villain," Goellner hinted. "I'm not going to say who, but I think everybody's going to be pretty stoked."

Upcoming Releases

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 was released on February 26, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 is set to hit stores on March 26. Additionally, IGN provided an exclusive preview of the final chapter of TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution.

As part of IGN Fan Fest 2025, we also got a glimpse of IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline, further highlighting IDW's commitment to delivering exciting and diverse content to fans.