IDW Reunites TMNT Brothers at IGN Fan Fest 2025

IDW has been pushing the boundaries with its Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise, showcasing a series of ambitious projects in recent years. 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 thrilling crossover with TMNT x Naruto. As we move into 2025, the main TMNT series welcomes a new regular artist and a fresh status quo. Although the four Turtles are reunited, their relationships are strained, setting the stage for intriguing new developments.

During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the opportunity to discuss the future of these titles with Jason Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner. We delved into how their stories evolve, the overarching mission for the TMNT line, and the potential reconciliation of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo. Here's a glimpse into their insights.

The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

IDW's recent launch of multiple TMNT series, including the flagship monthly, has been a whirlwind of activity. The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 was a smashing success, selling around 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024. We were eager to understand if there was a guiding vision for the TMNT line that Aaron was aiming to fulfill. He shared that his goal was 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 explained to IGN. “Last year marked the 40th anniversary of that series, which introduced the Turtles, and that was my first encounter with these characters. Before the movies or the cartoons, it was that original black and white Mirage Studios book. I wanted to recapture the grittiness, the griminess, and the dynamic double-page action scenes of those grimy turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways.”

Aaron further elaborated on his approach, “That's the spirit we aimed for, but we also wanted to tell a story that feels new and propels these characters forward after the events of the previous 150 issues of the IDW series. It's about seeing how they've matured and reached a turning point in their lives, where they're heading in different directions and trying to figure out how to come back together to become the heroes they need to be to win this fight.”

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The success of TMNT #1, alongside other hits like Marvel’s Ultimate Universe line, DC’s Absolute line, and Skybound’s Energon Universe, points to a trend where audiences are eager for reboots and streamlined narratives of major franchises. We asked Aaron about the demand for such accessible entry points into these iconic properties.

“It certainly seems like it after last year, and I'm thrilled to have contributed to a few of those successes,” Aaron said. “Despite my 20-year career and extensive work with Marvel and other comic companies, I focus on crafting stories that excite me. When I got the call to work on Turtles, a job I never imagined would come my way, I was eager to seize the opportunity and create something unique.”

Aaron highlighted the collaborative effort with a talented roster of artists over the first six issues, “I knew we were making a book that truly excited me. As a lifelong Turtles fan and a lover of good comic book stories, this is a narrative that appeals to both long-time fans and newcomers alike. The excitement has clearly resonated with readers.”

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron’s TMNT run began with a unique status quo: the four Turtles were dispersed across the globe. Raph was in prison, Mike starred in Japan, Leo was a contemplative monk, and Don faced his own struggles. By the end of the initial storyline, Aaron reunites the brothers in New York City, their traditional battleground. We asked if bringing them back together, despite their current discord, brought Aaron a sense of fulfillment.

“Those first four issues were a joy to write, showcasing each brother in different global settings,” Aaron noted. “It was fun to explore their individual predicaments and what draws them back together. The real excitement begins when they reunite, and we see how they interact. At this point, their reunion is fraught with tension; they're not happy to see each other and aren't reminiscing about old times. They're at odds, and none of them want to be there.”

Aaron added, “In issue #6, when they return to New York City, they find the city has transformed and is now weaponized against them by a new villain from the Foot Clan. The Turtles are the most despised figures in the city, including Mutant Town. With the odds stacked against them and their inability to coexist peacefully, the challenge lies in how they will unite to overcome this threat.”

Alongside the Turtles' reunion, issue #6 marks the debut of Juan Ferreyra as the new regular artist on the series. Aaron expressed his enthusiasm for working with Ferreyra and the consistency his art brings to the narrative.

“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. “Starting with issue #6, Juan’s involvement aligns with the main plot's progression. Despite following a series of artistic titans, Juan's work has been phenomenal. Anyone who sees issues #6 and #7 will agree that he was born to draw the Turtles, capturing their essence as they navigate the gritty alleyways and rooftops of Manhattan. His contribution has truly made the book his own.”

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

Blending the iconic TMNT and Naruto franchises is no small feat, but Caleb Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have successfully crafted a captivating crossover with TMNT x Naruto. The series introduces a world where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist, with their first encounter sparking the narrative. Goellner praised Prasetya's role in redesigning the Turtles to fit seamlessly into the Naruto universe.

“I couldn't be happier with the redesigns,” Goellner shared with IGN. “I only offered a few suggestions, like incorporating masks reminiscent of Naruto. What they returned with was beyond my expectations. I hope these designs become toys because they're phenomenal, and I'd love to add them to my collection.”

A key aspect of comic book crossovers is the interaction between characters, and we asked Goellner about his favorite pairings in the early issues of TMNT x Naruto.

“My job is to ensure every character has a moment to shine,” Goellner said. “I particularly enjoy seeing Kakashi interact with anyone, especially now that I'm a dad; he's my perspective into the Naruto world. I relate to his challenges in managing the youth. Splinter is another favorite, though I'm not as wise or skilled as he is. Kakashi, however, is the epitome of professionalism amidst chaos. I'm a fan of all the interactions, really.”

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

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Goellner also highlighted the humor and dynamics in the series, “It's amusing to see Mikey bring levity to the group, and I enjoy the dynamic between Raph and Sakura, both being the tough ones of their teams. I'm excited for what's coming, especially as the conflict escalates in issue #3.”

As the narrative progresses towards Big Apple Village, Goellner teased a major TMNT villain's involvement, specifically requested by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto.

“Masashi Kishimoto had one request for this crossover: the inclusion of a certain villain for the Naruto characters to battle,” Goellner revealed. “I won't spoil who it is, but I'm confident fans will be thrilled. The feedback on the book has been incredibly positive so far, and I'm grateful for everyone joining us on this journey.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 hit stores 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, as part of 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.