IDW has been incredibly 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 features a new regular artist and a fresh status quo, with the four Turtles reunited but not on the best of terms.
During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the opportunity to discuss the future of these series with Jason Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner. We explored how these stories evolve, the overarching mission for the TMNT line, and the potential 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 period, including their flagship monthly series. The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 was a massive success, 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 classic 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 explained. "Last year was the 40th anniversary of that series, and that was my first experience with those characters. Before the films or the cartoons, it was that original black and white Mirage Studios book. So I wanted to recapture some of the grittiness and griminess, the big double-page spreads and action scenes of grimy turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."
Aaron aims to blend this classic spirit with a new narrative that propels the characters forward, reflecting their growth and the challenges they face as they try to reunite and reclaim their heroism.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
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TMNT #1's success aligns with a trend of audiences embracing reboots and streamlined narratives in major franchises, as seen with Marvel’s Ultimate Universe line, DC’s Absolute line, and Skybound’s Energon Universe. Aaron acknowledges this demand for accessible entry points into beloved properties.
"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 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. When I got the call about doing Turtles, I was excited for that opportunity and realized I think I can do something kind of cool."
Aaron's enthusiasm for the project is evident, especially with the collaboration with a talented array of artists over the first six issues, making the series a thrilling experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.
A TMNT Family Reunion
Aaron's run began with the Turtles scattered across the globe, each in unique situations. By the end of the first storyline, they reunite in New York City, though not without tension. Aaron finds joy in exploring the dynamics of the brothers as they navigate their strained relationships.
"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 introduces a new villain from the Foot Clan, who has weaponized the city against the Turtles, making them the most hated entities in the boroughs. This backdrop sets the stage for the Turtles to overcome their differences and unite against a common enemy.
Starting with issue #6, Juan Ferreyra becomes the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the series. Aaron is thrilled with Ferreyra's work, which he feels perfectly captures the essence of the Turtles' adventures in New York.
"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
Combining TMNT and Naruto is no small feat, but Caleb Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have successfully created a universe where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist. Goellner credits Prasetya for the Turtles' redesigns, which seamlessly integrate them 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."
The crossover series also highlights the fun of character interactions, with Goellner enjoying the dynamics between the heroes. He particularly appreciates Kakashi's role as a viewpoint character, reflecting his own experiences as a parent.
"The job for me is sort of 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?’"
Goellner also teased upcoming developments as the two ninja clans enter Big Apple Village, centered around a major TMNT villain requested by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto.
"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 x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 hit stores on February 26, while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 releases on March 26. Additionally, IGN provided 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.
