IDW's TMNT Reunites Brothers at IGN Fan Fest 2025

IDW has been nothing short of ambitious with its approach to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise in recent years. In 2024, they relaunched the flagship TMNT comic under writer Jason Aaron, launched the sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and introduced a ninja-heavy crossover with TMNT x Naruto. Moving into 2025, the main TMNT series introduces a new regular artist and a new status quo, with the four Turtles reunited but not exactly on friendly terms.

During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the opportunity to speak with Jason Aaron and Caleb Goellner, the writer of TMNT x Naruto, to discuss the future of their respective series. We explored how these stories evolve, the guiding vision for the TMNT line, and the prospects for reconciliation among Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo.

The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

IDW has launched several new TMNT series in a short time, including a flagship monthly series that sold around 300,000 copies, making it one of the top-selling comics of 2024. We asked Aaron about the mission statement guiding the TMNT line. He emphasized a return to the classic feel of the original 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, which introduced the Turtles. My first encounter with these characters was through that black and white book before the films or cartoons. I wanted to recapture the grittiness, the griminess, and the action-packed scenes of the Turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."

Aaron continued, "We aimed to capture that spirit while telling a new story that moves these characters forward after the previous 150 issues of the IDW series. We wanted to show how they've grown and reached a turning point, going in different directions, and figuring out how to reunite and reclaim their heroic roles to win the current battle."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

5 ImagesTMNT #1's success last year, alongside other major hits like Marvel's Ultimate Universe line, DC's Absolute line, and Skybound's Energon Universe, suggests a strong audience demand for reboots and streamlined narratives of major franchises. 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," Aaron said. "I've been writing for 20 years, including a lot for Marvel, but I still focus on creating stories that excite me. When I got the call to work on Turtles, I was thrilled and knew I could do something special. Working with an incredible array of artists over the first six issues made the book even more exciting. It's a story for both long-time fans and newcomers."

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's run on TMNT began with a unique status quo, with the Turtles scattered across the globe. By the end of the first storyline, they reunite in New York City, though not happily. We asked Aaron about the satisfaction of bringing the brothers back together.

"Those first four issues were fun to write, showcasing each brother in different global situations," Aaron said. "But the real fun starts when they're all together, seeing how they interact. At this point, they're not happy to see each other and are rubbing each other the wrong way. None of them want to be there, and the pieces don't fit like they used to. In issue #6, they return to a changed New York City, weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain. They're the most hated entities in the city, and they can't even stand each other. So, the challenge is how they'll come together to win this fight."

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

"It made sense to use different artists for the first five issues, focusing on each Turtle and our new villain, the District Attorney of New York City," Aaron said. "But having Juan come on with issue #6 was perfect as the main plot picks up. Despite following a group of artistic titans, Juan's work is incredible. He was born to draw the Turtles, capturing their essence as they navigate Manhattan's rooftops and alleyways. He's making the book his own in a significant way."

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

Combining TMNT and Naruto is no small feat, but Caleb Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have successfully done so in their crossover series. The first two issues 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 the Naruto universe.

"I couldn't be happier," Goellner told IGN. "I only had a few basic suggestions, like putting them in masks like in Naruto. What they came back with was unreal. I hope they get made into toys; it's my wish to add them to my collection."

In comic book crossovers, character interactions are key. We asked Goellner about his favorite pairings in the series.

"The job is to ensure all characters have moments together," Goellner said. "I really like seeing Kakashi with anyone; as a dad, he's my viewpoint character in the Naruto world. I'm curious how he manages all these kids. Splinter is great, but Kakashi's internal face-palming while keeping things professional is relatable. I like all the pairings, but I'm excited for more surprises as the fighting heats up in #3."

Goellner also 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 certain villain appear and for the Naruto characters to fight them," Goellner said. "I'm not revealing who, but I think everyone will be excited. The vibe on the book has been super positive, and I appreciate everyone joining this journey."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 hit stores on February 26, while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 releases on March 26. Be sure to check out IGN's exclusive preview of the final chapter of TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution.

As part of IGN Fan Fest 2025, we also got an early look at IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and a sneak peek of an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.