IDW has been ambitiously expanding its Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise in recent years. In 2024, they relaunched the flagship TMNT comic with writer Jason Aaron at the helm, 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 sees a new regular artist and a significant shift in the status quo, with the four Turtles reuniting in New York City, albeit under strained circumstances.
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 narratives evolve over time, the overarching mission for the TMNT line, and whether the Turtles can mend their fractured relationships.
The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
IDW's recent surge in TMNT releases, including the highly successful new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, which sold around 300,000 copies and ranked among the top-selling comics of 2024, prompted us to inquire about the guiding vision for the franchise. Jason Aaron emphasized a return to the roots of 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 marked the 40th anniversary of that series, and that was my first experience with these characters. Before the films or the cartoons, it was that original black and white Mirage Studios book. I wanted to recapture some of the grittiness and griminess, along with the big double-page spreads and action scenes of grimy turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."
Aaron further elaborated on the narrative direction, aiming to tell a story that feels fresh while advancing the characters who have evolved over the course of IDW's previous 150 issues. "It's about seeing how they've grown up a bit and reached a turning point in their lives where they're going in four different directions and trying to figure out how they come back together to be the heroes they need to be to win this fight."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
5 Images
The success of TMNT #1, alongside other major comic successes like Marvel's Ultimate Universe line, DC's Absolute line, and Skybound's Energon Universe, suggests a strong demand for reboots and streamlined narratives for major franchises. Aaron reflected 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. I just 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 expressed his excitement for the TMNT project, highlighting his collaboration with a talented array of artists over the first six issues. "As someone who grew up a Turtles fan and as someone who just loves good comic book stories, I think this is a story for you if you've loved The Turtles for 40 years or if you've never heard of them until this moment in time."
A TMNT Family Reunion
Aaron's run began with the Turtles scattered across the globe, each in unique situations: Raph in prison, Mike as a TV star in Japan, Leo as a brooding monk, and Don in dire straits. By the end of the initial storyline, they reunite in New York City, though not on the best terms. Aaron shared his satisfaction in bringing the brothers back together, "Those first four issues were really fun to write when you're seeing each of the brothers in a different situation around the globe. But the real fun is what happens once they are all together, seeing how those four characters bounce off each other."
Despite their reunion, the Turtles face new challenges as New York City has been weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain. "The Turtles find themselves the most hated entities in the Five Boroughs, the Six Boroughs, including Mutant Town. So the odds are stacked against them in a huge way, and again, they can't even stand to be around each other."
Starting with issue #6, Juan Ferreyra becomes the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the series. Aaron praised Ferreyra's work, "Even though he was following this group of artistic titans on this book, he's doing incredible work. I think anybody who sees issues #6 and #7 realized this guy was born to draw the Turtles."
Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes
The TMNT x Naruto crossover series blends two iconic franchises, with the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexisting in the same world. Caleb Goellner credited artist Hendry Prasetya for the Turtles' redesigns, "I couldn't be happier. I only had a few basic little suggestions about how to do that. What they came back with was unreal."
Goellner enjoys the character interactions in the crossover, particularly appreciating Kakashi's role as a viewpoint character. "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?'"
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
5 Images
Goellner highlighted the dynamics between characters like Raph and Sakura, "I like the way they bounce off each other, both kind of like the tanks of the teams." He also teased an upcoming plot involving 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."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 hit stores on February 26, while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 releases on March 26. Don't miss IGN's exclusive preview of the final chapter of TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution. Also, stay tuned for more from IGN Fan Fest 2025, including early looks at IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.
