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 brotherhood is fractured.
IGN Fan Fest 2025 provided an opportunity to speak with Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner about the future of their respective books. We delved into the evolution of their narratives, IDW's overall TMNT vision, and the ever-elusive reconciliation of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mission Statement
IDW's recent flurry of TMNT releases, including the highly successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (selling approximately 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024), prompted questions about their overarching vision. Aaron explains their guiding principle: a return to the grit and grime of the original Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird Mirage Studios comics.
"For this book, the guiding principle was looking back at the original Mirage Studios series," Aaron told IGN. "Last year was the 40th anniversary, and that original black and white book was my first experience with these characters. I wanted to recapture that grittiness, the double-page spreads, the action scenes of turtles fighting ninjas in New York alleyways."
He continues, "We aimed for that spirit, but also to tell a new story, moving these characters forward after 150 issues. They've grown, reached a turning point, heading in different directions. The story explores how they 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 audience demand for streamlined, accessible entries into major franchises. Aaron reflects:
"After last year, it certainly seems so. I've been doing this for 20 years, written for many companies, but I don't think about that. I sit down, in my basement, and make up stories that excite me. When I got the call about Turtles, I was excited. I knew I could do something cool."
He adds, "I worked with incredible artists on the first six issues. We made a book that excited me—a story for longtime fans and newcomers alike. That excitement seems to have resonated."
A TMNT Family Reunion
Aaron's TMNT 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 the worst shape. The first storyline culminated in their return to New York City. Aaron discusses the satisfaction of reuniting them (even if they're not exactly thrilled to be together):
"Those first four issues were fun, seeing each brother in different situations. But the real fun is when they're together, seeing how they interact. Things aren't great; they're rubbing each other the wrong way."
Aaron continues, "None of them want to be there; the pieces don't fit. In issue #6, they return to a weaponized New York City, becoming the most hated entities. The odds are stacked against them, and they can't stand each other. How will they win this fight?"
Beyond the reunion, issue #6 introduces Juan Ferreyra as the new regular artist, providing a consistent visual style. Aaron expresses his enthusiasm for Ferreyra's work:
"Using different artists for the first five issues made sense, focusing on individual Turtles and the villain. But having Juan come on with issue #6 was perfect. He's incredible. Anyone who sees issues #6 and #7 will see he was born to draw Turtles. He's making this book his own."
Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes
Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya's TMNT x Naruto crossover introduces a shared universe where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan finally meet. Goellner credits Prasetya's redesigns for seamlessly integrating the Turtles into the Naruto universe:
"I couldn't be happier. I had a few suggestions, but I can't take credit for the redesigns. They're unreal. I hope they become toys!"
The crossover's appeal lies in the character interactions. Goellner shares his favorite pairings:
"My job is to give every character a moment. I love Kakashi with anyone—as a dad, he's my viewpoint character. I also love Splinter, but Kakashi's doing a lot of internal face-palming while keeping things moving. I also like Raph and Sakura—the tanks of their respective teams."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
Goellner teases the upcoming arrival of both ninja clans in Big Apple Village, focusing on a specific TMNT villain requested by Masashi Kishimoto:
"He requested a specific villain for the Naruto characters to fight. I won't say who, but everyone will be stoked. The vibe on the book is super positive."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 released February 26th, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 releases March 26th. 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.
