IDW has been ambitiously expanding the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise with a series of new launches and creative endeavors. In 2024, the company relaunched the flagship TMNT comic with writer Jason Aaron at the helm, introduced a sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and initiated a ninja-heavy crossover with TMNT x Naruto. As we move into 2025, the main TMNT series welcomes a new regular artist and a refreshed status quo, with the four Turtles reuniting in New York City, albeit under strained circumstances.
During IGN Fan Fest 2025, IGN had the opportunity to discuss the future of these series with Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner. Key questions included how the stories would evolve, the overarching mission for the TMNT line, and the possibility of the Turtles reconciling their differences.
The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
IDW's recent launches, including the flagship TMNT monthly series, have been met with significant success, with TMNT #1 selling around 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024. Jason Aaron shared that his guiding vision for the series is to reconnect with 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. "Last year marked the 40th anniversary of that series, and that was my first experience with these characters. Before the films or cartoons, it was that original black and white Mirage Studios book. I wanted to recapture some of the grittiness and the big double-page spreads and action scenes of those grimy turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."
Aaron's goal is to blend this classic feel with a fresh narrative that reflects the Turtles' growth and current challenges, aiming to bring them back together as the heroes they need to be.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
5 Images
Last year's success with TMNT #1, alongside other major comic launches, indicates a strong demand for reboots and streamlined narratives in major franchises. Aaron reflected on this trend, noting his excitement and focus on crafting compelling stories.
"I sit down to do my job here at my desk, in an empty basement by myself, and I'm just trying to make up stories that get me excited," Aaron said. "I knew as soon as I got the call about doing Turtles, I was excited for that opportunity and realized I think I can do something kind of cool."
A TMNT Family Reunion
Aaron's run began with the Turtles scattered across the globe, each in unique circumstances. By the end of the first storyline, they reunite in New York City, facing new challenges and tensions among themselves.
"Those first four issues were really fun to write when you're seeing each of the brothers in a different situation around the globe," Aaron said. "But the real fun is what happens once they are all together, seeing how those four characters bounce off each other. At this point in time in the book, things aren't great. They're not really happy to see each other, and they're not reliving old times. They're very much rubbing each other the wrong way."
The return to New York City in issue #6 introduces a new regular artist, Juan Ferreyra, whose work Aaron praised for its fit with the series' direction.
"Having Juan come on with issue #6 made sense when the main bulk of the plot picks up," Aaron said. "Juan's work on this has been absolutely killer. So I think even though he's following all those legends, he's really making this book his own in a huge way."
Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes
The TMNT x Naruto crossover series, penned by Caleb Goellner and illustrated by Hendry Prasetya, brings together these iconic franchises in a shared universe. Goellner credits Prasetya for seamlessly integrating the Turtles into the Naruto world.
"I couldn't be happier," Goellner said. "I only had a few basic little suggestions about how to do that. I can't take any credit for the Turtles' awesome redesigns. I was like, 'I don't know, put them in masks in the first issue, like in Naruto,' and what they came back with was unreal."
Goellner also highlighted the fun of character interactions in the crossover, with a particular fondness for seeing Kakashi navigate the dynamics of both teams.
"The job for me is to make sure all of the characters have a moment together through the course of the book," Goellner said. "I really like seeing Kakashi with anyone because now that I'm a dad, Kakashi is my viewpoint character to the Naruto world. I'm like, 'How do you manage all these kids?'"
As the series progresses, Goellner teased a significant TMNT villain's involvement, requested specifically by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto, promising an exciting development for fans.
"He had one request for this crossover. It was to have a certain villain appear and for the Naruto characters to fight that certain villain," Goellner said. "I'm not going to say who, but I think everybody's going to be pretty stoked."
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. Additionally, IGN offered an 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.
