IDW's TMNT Reunites Brothers at IGN Fan Fest 2025

IDW has been exceptionally ambitious with its approach to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, particularly in 2024. The year saw the relaunch of the flagship TMNT comic under the pen of writer Jason Aaron, the launch of the sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and a thrilling ninja-heavy crossover with TMNT x Naruto. As we move into 2025, the main TMNT series introduces a new regular artist and a refreshed status quo, with the four Turtles reunited but far from harmonious.

During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the opportunity to delve into the future of these series with Jason Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner. We explored how these narratives evolve, the overarching mission statement for the TMNT line, and the prospects of reconciliation among Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo.

The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

IDW has been prolific in launching new TMNT series, with the flagship monthly series seeing a successful relaunch with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, which sold around 300,000 copies and became one of the top-selling comics of 2024. Jason Aaron shared his vision for the series, emphasizing a return to the gritty essence of the original 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 was my first encounter with these characters. Before the films or cartoons, it was that original black and white Mirage Studios book. I aimed to recapture its grittiness and the action-packed scenes of the Turtles battling ninjas in New York City’s alleyways.”

Aaron further elaborated, “We wanted to maintain that spirit while also telling a fresh story that progresses these characters. After their experiences in the previous 150 issues of the IDW series, they’ve grown and reached a turning point, heading in different directions but needing to reunite to face new challenges as the heroes they once were.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

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The success of TMNT #1 aligns with a trend of audience interest in rebooted and streamlined major franchises, as seen with Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, DC’s Absolute line, and Skybound’s Energon Universe. Aaron reflected on this trend, saying, “It certainly seems like there’s a demand for books that offer easy jumping-on points for these big properties. I’m thrilled to be part of this movement, creating stories that excite me and resonate with fans, whether they’re long-time followers or new to the Turtles.”

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron’s TMNT run began with the Turtles dispersed across the globe—Raph in prison, Mike as a TV star in Japan, Leo as a monk, and Don in dire straits. The storyline culminates with their reunion in New York City, a city that has transformed into a hostile environment against them.

“It was fun to explore each brother’s situation in those first issues,” Aaron noted. “But the real excitement comes when they’re all back together, navigating their strained relationships. They’re not happy to be reunited, and the city has been weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain, making their situation even more challenging.”

A significant change from issue #6 onwards is the addition of Juan Ferreyra as the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the series. “Juan’s work is incredible, perfectly suited for this gritty Turtle story,” Aaron praised. “He’s making the book his own, capturing the essence of the Turtles’ adventures through New York’s alleyways and rooftops.”

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

Combining TMNT and Naruto into a cohesive universe is no small feat, but Caleb Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have achieved this in their crossover series. The first two issues introduce a world where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist, with their initial encounters sparking intriguing dynamics.

“I’m thrilled with how the Turtles have been redesigned to fit the Naruto universe,” Goellner shared with IGN. “Hendry did an amazing job, and I hope these designs become toys so I can add them to my collection.”

Goellner highlighted the fun of character interactions in the crossover, particularly enjoying Kakashi’s role as a mentor figure, akin to his own experiences as a father. “I like seeing Kakashi with anyone. He’s managing these kids while keeping his cool, much like Splinter, but with a more internal struggle.”

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

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Goellner also teased upcoming developments as the ninja clans head to Big Apple Village, revealing a special request from Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto for a specific TMNT villain to appear. “It’s going to be exciting to see how fans react to this crossover, especially with the positive feedback we’ve received so far.”

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.

Additionally, as part of IGN Fan Fest 2025, we provided early looks at IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.