IDW's TMNT Reunites Brothers at IGN Fan Fest 2025

IDW has been incredibly ambitious with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise recently. In 2024, they relaunched the flagship TMNT comic under the guidance of writer Jason Aaron, launched a sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and introduced a ninja-centric crossover with TMNT x Naruto. Moving into 2025, the main TMNT series has a new regular artist and a fresh status quo. The four Turtles are reunited, though their relationships are strained.

During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the opportunity to discuss with both Jason Aaron and Caleb Goellner, the writer of TMNT x Naruto, about the future of their projects. We delved into the evolution of these stories, the overarching mission for the TMNT line, and the possibility of the Turtles reconciling. Here's what we discovered.

The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

IDW has launched several new TMNT series in a short period, including the flagship monthly series. The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 was a massive success, selling approximately 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024. We were eager to understand if IDW had a guiding vision or mission statement for the TMNT line that Aaron was aiming to fulfill. According to Aaron, the goal is to reconnect with the essence 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 told IGN. “Last year marked the 40th anniversary of that series, which introduced the Turtles. That was my first encounter with these characters, before the movies or cartoons. It was that original black and white Mirage Studios book. So I wanted to recapture some of the grittiness, the griminess, and the action-packed scenes of turtles battling ninjas in New York City alleyways.”

Aaron further explained, “We aimed to maintain that spirit while also telling a new story that advances the characters. After 150 issues of the IDW series, we wanted to show how they've matured and reached a turning point, going in different directions but trying to reunite as the heroes they need to be to win their next battle.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

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As mentioned, TMNT #1 was a top-seller last year, alongside other major hits like Marvel’s Ultimate Universe line, DC’s Absolute line, and Skybound’s Energon Universe. This trend suggests a strong demand for reboots and streamlined franchises. Aaron shared his thoughts on this phenomenon:

“It certainly seems like there's a demand after last year, and I'm thrilled to have been part of it. Despite my 20 years in the industry and writing for Marvel, I approach each project with the same passion. When I got the call about the Turtles, I was excited and knew I could do something special. Working with a talented lineup of artists on the first six issues made the book even more exciting for me as a lifelong Turtles fan and comic book enthusiast. This story is designed to appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers.”

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's TMNT series began with an unconventional status quo. In issue #1, the Turtles are dispersed across the globe: Raph in prison, Mike as a TV star in Japan, Leo as a brooding monk, and Don in a dire situation. By the end of the first arc, Aaron reunites them in New York City. We asked if he felt a sense of accomplishment in bringing the brothers back together, despite their strained relationships.

“Writing those first four issues was fun, exploring each brother's unique situation around the world,” Aaron said. “But the real excitement comes when they're reunited, and you see how they interact. At this stage, they're not happy to see each other and aren't reminiscing about old times. They're clashing and struggling to fit together like before. By issue #6, back in New York City, they face a new challenge: the city itself has turned against them, weaponized by a new Foot Clan villain. They're the most despised figures in the city, and yet they must find a way to unite and overcome this adversity.”

Another significant change starting with issue #6 is the introduction of Juan Ferreyra as the new regular artist. Aaron expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration and the consistent visual style it brings.

“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,” Aaron explained. “But having Juan come on board with issue #6 was perfect for the main plot. Despite following a group of artistic legends, Juan's work is phenomenal. Anyone who sees issues #6 and #7 will see that he was born to draw the Turtles, capturing the essence of their adventures in New York's alleyways and rooftops. He's making the book truly his own.”

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

Combining two iconic franchises like TMNT and Naruto is no small feat, but Caleb Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have done 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 they're only now meeting. Goellner credits Prasetya for the Turtles' redesign, which seamlessly integrates them into the Naruto universe.

“I couldn't be happier with the redesigns,” Goellner told IGN. “I only made a few suggestions, like putting them in masks like in Naruto, but what they came back with was incredible. I hope these designs get turned into toys. That's my wish, though I have no say in it.”

As with many comic crossovers, part of the appeal of TMNT x Naruto is the dynamic between characters. We asked Goellner about his favorite character pairings in the early chapters.

“My job is to ensure every character has a moment with each other throughout the book,” Goellner said. “I particularly enjoy seeing Kakashi with anyone. As a dad, I relate to him as my viewpoint character in the Naruto world. He's managing all these kids, much like Splinter, but with a lot of internal face-palming while keeping things professional. I love all the interactions, though. Mikey's humor, Raph and Sakura's dynamic as the tanks of their teams—it's all exciting. I'm eager for the fighting to escalate in issue #3.”

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

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Goellner also teased what fans can expect as the two ninja clans converge in Big Apple Village, hinting at a major TMNT villain requested by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto.

“He had one request for this crossover: to include a specific villain for the Naruto characters to fight,” Goellner revealed. “I'm keeping that a surprise, but I'm confident fans will be excited. 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 was released on February 26, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 is set to hit stores on 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 got an early look at IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and a sneak peek at an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.