IDW's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Finally Gets the Brothers Back Together – IGN Fan Fest 2025

IDW's ambitious approach to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise continues to impress. 2024 saw the relaunch of the flagship TMNT comic under Jason Aaron, the sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and the exciting TMNT x Naruto crossover. Now, in 2025, the main TMNT series boasts a new regular artist and a revamped status quo. The Turtles are reunited, but their reunion is far from harmonious.

IGN Fan Fest 2025 provided an opportunity to speak with Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner about the future of their respective books. We delved into the evolution of these stories, IDW's overarching vision for the TMNT line, and the ever-elusive question: will Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo ever reconcile?

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mission Statement

IDW's recent flurry of TMNT series launches, including the highly successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (selling approximately 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024), prompted questions about their guiding vision. Aaron reveals a focus on returning to the roots of the franchise, drawing inspiration from the classic Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird Mirage Studios comics.

“My guiding principle was looking back at the original Mirage Studios series,” Aaron explains to IGN. “Last year marked the 40th anniversary, and that original black and white series was my first introduction to the characters. I wanted to recapture that grittiness, the double-page spreads, and the action-packed scenes of turtles battling ninjas in grimy New York City alleyways.”

He continues, “We aimed for that spirit, but also to tell a new story, moving the characters forward after 150 issues. We explore how they've grown, reached a turning point, and are now navigating different paths. The story explores how they’ll reunite and become the heroes they need to be to overcome this new challenge.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

The success of TMNT #1, alongside other reboots like Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, DC’s Absolute line, and Skybound’s Energon Universe, suggests a strong audience demand for fresh starts and streamlined franchises. Aaron reflects on this:

“After last year, it certainly seems that way. I’m happy to have been involved, but I still don't overthink it,” Aaron says. “I focus on creating stories that excite me. When I got the call about the Turtles, I was thrilled. I knew I could do something cool, working with incredible artists across the first six issues. The excitement translated to readers.”

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's TMNT run began with the Turtles scattered globally: Raphael imprisoned, Michelangelo a TV star in Japan, Leonardo a brooding monk, and Donatello in a precarious situation. The first storyline culminates in their reunion in New York City. Aaron discusses the satisfaction of bringing them back together, even amidst their strained relationships.

“The first four issues were fun, showcasing each brother in different global situations,” Aaron says. “But the real fun begins with their reunion. Things aren't great; they're rubbing each other the wrong way. None of them want to be there, the pieces don't fit like they used to.”

He adds, “In issue #6, they return to a changed New York City, weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain. They’re the most hated in the city, and they can barely stand each other. How will they overcome this?”

Beyond the reunion, issue #6 introduces Juan Ferreyra as the new regular artist, providing a consistent visual style. Aaron expresses his enthusiasm for Ferreyra's work:

“Using different artists for the first five issues made sense, focusing on individual Turtles and the villain. But having Juan join with issue #6 was perfect. He's incredible; anyone who sees issues #6 and #7 will agree he was born to draw this story. He’s making the book his own.”

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya’s TMNT x Naruto crossover presents a unique challenge—combining two iconic franchises. The first two issues introduce a shared universe where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan finally meet. Goellner praises Prasetya's redesigns of the Turtles, seamlessly integrating them into the Naruto universe.

“I couldn't be happier,” Goellner says. “I had minimal suggestions. The redesigns are unreal. I hope they become toys! I love seeing Kakashi with anyone; as a dad, he's my viewpoint character. I also love Splinter, but Kakashi's internal face-palming is hilarious.”

Goellner discusses favorite character pairings:

“My job is to ensure all characters have their moments. I like Kakashi with anyone. I love Splinter, too, but Kakashi’s managing all these kids is great. I also like Raph and Sakura; they bounce off each other well. I’m excited for more cool surprises as the fighting heats up in #3.”

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

Goellner teases future developments, focusing on a major TMNT villain specifically requested by Masashi Kishimoto:

“Kishimoto requested a specific villain for the crossover. I won’t say who, but everyone will be stoked. The vibe on the book is super positive, and I appreciate everyone joining us on this journey.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 was released on February 26th, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 on March 26th. Check out IGN’s exclusive preview of the final chapter of TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution, IDW's new Godzilla shared universe, and a sneak peek of an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.