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, delving into the future of their respective books. We explored the evolution of these narratives, IDW's overarching vision for the TMNT line, and the ever-elusive prospect of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo finding common ground.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mission Statement
IDW's recent flurry of TMNT series launches, including the flagship monthly title, has been remarkable. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1's success, selling approximately 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024, is a testament to this. We questioned IDW's guiding vision for the TMNT line, and Aaron revealed a focus on revisiting the classic Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird Mirage Studios comics.
“My guiding principle was looking back at the original Mirage Studios series,” Aaron shared with IGN. “Last year marked the 40th anniversary, and that original black and white book was my introduction to these characters. I wanted to recapture that grittiness, the double-page spreads, the action—grimy turtles battling ninjas in New York City alleyways.”
He continued, “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 heading in different directions, needing to find their way back together to become the heroes they need to be.”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
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TMNT #1's success, alongside other reboots like Marvel's Ultimate Universe, DC's Absolute line, and Skybound's Energon Universe, suggests a strong audience demand for streamlined, accessible entries into major franchises. Aaron reflects on this:
“After last year, it certainly seems that way. I’ve worked for many companies, but I focus on creating stories that excite me. When I got the call about the Turtles, I was thrilled. Working with incredible artists on those first six issues, we created something I was truly passionate about. It's a story for longtime fans and newcomers alike.”
A TMNT Family Reunion
Aaron's TMNT run began with an unusual setup: the Turtles scattered globally. Raph was imprisoned, Mikey a TV star in Japan, Leo a brooding monk, and Don… well, Don was in the worst shape. The first storyline culminated in their reunion in New York City. We asked Aaron about the satisfaction of bringing them back together, even amidst their strained relationships.
“Those first four issues, seeing each brother in different situations, were fun to write,” Aaron said. “But the real fun is their interactions once reunited. Things aren't great; they're rubbing each other the wrong way. None of them want to be there. In issue #6, they return to a New York City weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain. They're the most hated, and they can barely stand each other. How will they overcome this?”
Beyond the reunion, issue #6 introduced Juan Ferreyra as the new regular artist, providing a consistent visual style. Aaron expressed his enthusiasm for Ferreyra's work:
“Using different artists for the first five issues made sense, focusing on individual Turtles and the villain. But Juan's arrival in issue #6 was perfect. He’s doing incredible work; he was born to draw this kind of Turtle story. He's making the 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 of TMNT x Naruto introduce a shared universe where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan are only now meeting. Goellner credits Prasetya for the Turtles' redesigns, seamlessly integrating them into the Naruto universe.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Goellner told IGN. “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.”
The crossover's appeal lies in the character interactions. Goellner shared his favorite pairings:
“My job is to ensure all characters have moments. I like Kakashi with anyone. I love Raph and Sakura—the tanks of their respective teams. I’m excited for what’s to come, especially when the fighting heats up in #3.”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
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Goellner teased the series' direction as the ninja clans arrive in Big Apple Village, focusing on a major TMNT villain specifically requested by Masashi Kishimoto:
“He requested a specific villain for the Naruto characters to fight. I won't say who, but it'll be exciting. The response to the book has been incredibly positive.”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 released February 26th, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 on 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.
