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 chat with Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner about the future of their respective books. We explored the evolution of these stories, IDW's overall TMNT vision, and the ever-elusive prospect of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo mending their fractured relationships.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mission Statement
IDW's recent flurry of TMNT releases, including the successful relaunched monthly series, begs the question: what's the overarching vision? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1's impressive 300,000-copy sales, ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024, highlight the franchise's enduring appeal. Aaron reveals that the guiding principle is a return to the grit and grime of the original Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird Mirage Studios comics.
“My guiding principle was looking back at the original Mirage Studios series,” Aaron explains. “Last year marked the 40th anniversary, and that original black and white book was my first experience with these characters. I wanted to recapture that grittiness, those double-page spreads, and the action of turtles battling ninjas in New York City alleyways.”
He continues, “We aimed for that spirit, but also to tell a new story, moving these characters forward after 150 issues. It's a turning point; they're going in different directions, trying to figure out how to reunite and become the heroes they need to be.”
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 demand for fresh starts. Aaron reflects on this, stating, “I just try to make up stories that excite me. When I got the call about the Turtles, I was excited. I knew I could do something cool, and working with incredible artists on the first six issues made it even better. It’s a story for longtime fans and newcomers alike.”
A TMNT Family Reunion
Aaron's run began with the Turtles scattered globally. Raph was imprisoned, Mikey a TV star in Japan, Leo a brooding monk, and Don…well, Don was in a bad place. The first storyline culminated in their return to New York City. Aaron expresses satisfaction in bringing them back together, even amidst their strained relationships.
“The first four issues were fun, showing each brother in different situations,” Aaron says. “But the real fun is seeing them interact once reunited. Things aren't great; they're rubbing each other the wrong way. None of them want to be there, and New York City has changed, weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain. They're hated, and they can barely stand each other. How will they win this fight?”
Beyond the reunion, issue #6 marks Juan Ferreyra's arrival as the regular artist. Aaron praises Ferreyra's work, stating, “Having Juan come on with issue #6 made sense. He's doing incredible work; he was born to draw this kind of Turtle story. He's making this book his own.”
Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes
Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya tackled the monumental task of combining TMNT and Naruto. The first two issues introduce a shared universe where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan finally meet. Goellner credits Prasetya's redesigns of the Turtles, making them seamlessly fit into the Naruto world.
“I couldn't be happier,” Goellner says. “I had minimal suggestions. The Turtles' redesigns are unreal. I hope they become toys!”
The crossover's appeal lies in the character interactions. Goellner shares his favorite pairings: “Kakashi with anyone (he's my viewpoint character now that I'm a dad!), and Splinter. I also like Raph and Sakura; they bounce off each other well.”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
Goellner teases future developments, hinting at a major TMNT villain specifically requested by Masashi Kishimoto: “He requested a certain villain for the Naruto characters to fight. I won't say who, but everyone will be stoked.”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 launched February 26th, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 releases March 26th. Also, 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.
