IDW's TMNT Reunites Brothers at IGN Fan Fest 2025

IDW has been incredibly ambitious with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise in recent years. In 2024, they relaunched the flagship TMNT comic with writer Jason Aaron at the helm, introduced the sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and launched a ninja-heavy crossover with TMNT x Naruto. Now, in 2025, the main TMNT series features a new regular artist and a new status quo. The four Turtles are back together, but their relationships are strained.

During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the opportunity to discuss with Jason Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner about the future of their respective series. We delved into how these stories evolve over time, the overarching mission statement for the TMNT line, and whether the Turtles will reconcile. Here's what we discovered.

The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

IDW has been prolific in launching new TMNT series, with their flagship monthly series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, becoming a massive hit, selling around 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024. We were eager to learn if IDW had a guiding vision for the TMNT line that Aaron was tasked with executing. He explained that his approach was 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 told IGN. “Last year marked the 40th anniversary of that series, and it was my first encounter with the Turtles. Before the films or the cartoons, it was that original black and white Mirage Studios book. I wanted to recapture the grittiness, the griminess, and the action-packed scenes of the Turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways.”

Aaron further elaborated, “That's the spirit we aimed for, but also to tell a story that feels new and moves these characters forward after the events of the previous 150 issues of the IDW series. We see how they've grown and reached a turning point, navigating four different paths and figuring out how to reunite as the heroes they need to be to win this fight.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

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TMNT #1 was a major success last year, alongside other notable releases like Marvel’s Ultimate Universe line, DC’s Absolute line, and Skybound’s Energon Universe. It appears there's a strong demand for comics that reboot or streamline major franchises, offering easy entry points for new readers. Aaron shared his thoughts on this trend.

“It certainly seems like it after last year, and I'm very happy to have been a part of a couple of those. Even after 20 years in the industry and writing for Marvel, I still focus on crafting stories that excite me. When I got the call to work on Turtles, I knew I could do something special,” Aaron said. “Working with a fantastic array of artists over the first six issues was incredible. As someone who grew up loving the Turtles and appreciates good comic book stories, I believe this series appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers.”

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's TMNT run began with a unique status quo. In the opening issue, the Turtles were scattered across the globe: Raph in prison, Mike a TV star in Japan, Leo a brooding monk, and Don in a dire situation. By the end of the first storyline, they reunite in New York City. We asked Aaron if he felt a sense of satisfaction in bringing the brothers back together, despite their initial reluctance.

“Those first four issues were fun to write, seeing each brother in different situations worldwide,” Aaron said. “But the real excitement comes when they're all together, observing how they interact. Currently, they're not happy to see each other and are far from nostalgic. They're clashing, and none of them want to be there. By issue #6, when they return to New York, the city itself has turned against them, thanks to a new Foot Clan villain. The Turtles are the most despised in the Five Boroughs, including Mutant Town, and they struggle to even tolerate each other. The challenge is how they'll unite to overcome this adversary.”

Starting with issue #6, Juan Ferreyra became the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the series. Aaron expressed his enthusiasm for working with Ferreyra.

“It made sense to use different artists for the first five issues, focusing on the individual Turtles and our new villain, the District Attorney of New York City. But having Juan come on board with issue #6 was perfect for the main plot. Despite following a group of artistic titans, Juan's work has been phenomenal. Anyone who sees issues #6 and #7 will see that he was born to draw the Turtles, capturing their essence as they navigate the gritty alleyways and rooftops of Manhattan. Juan is making this book his own in a significant way.”

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 achieved this with their crossover series. The first two issues of TMNT x Naruto introduce a world where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist, encountering each other for the first time. Goellner praised Prasetya's redesigns of the Turtles to fit seamlessly into the Naruto universe.

“I couldn't be happier,” Goellner told IGN. “I had minimal suggestions for the redesigns. I just said, ‘Put them in masks like in Naruto,’ and what they came back with was incredible. I hope these designs become toys; they'd look great on my shelf with my collection.”

One of the joys of comic book crossovers is seeing the characters interact and clash. We asked Goellner about his favorite character pairings in the early chapters of the series.

“My job is to ensure all characters have their moments throughout the book. I really enjoy seeing Kakashi with anyone, especially since becoming a dad; he's my viewpoint into the Naruto world. I relate to his challenges with managing the kids. Splinter, too, is a favorite, though I'm not as wise or strong. But Kakashi's internal face-palming while staying professional and keeping the team on track resonates with me. I'd say all the pairings are great,” Goellner said.

He added, “I sometimes forget what I've written, but it's always a pleasant surprise to revisit. Mikey's humor with the group is fun, and I like the dynamic between Raph and Sakura, both being the heavy hitters of their teams. I'm excited to see what happens next, especially as the fighting intensifies in issue #3.”

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

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

“He had one request for this crossover: to have a specific villain appear and for the Naruto characters to fight them. I'm not revealing who, but I think everyone will be thrilled. The feedback on the book 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 release on March 26. Don't miss IGN's exclusive preview of the final chapter of TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution.

Also, at 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.