IDW's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Finally Gets the Brothers Back Together – IGN Fan Fest 2025

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 fresh status quo: the Turtles are reunited, but their relationships are far from harmonious.

IGN Fan Fest 2025 provided an opportunity to speak with Aaron and *TMNT x Naruto* writer Caleb Goellner, delving into the future of their respective books. We explored the evolution of these narratives, IDW's overarching vision for the TMNT line, and the ever-elusive question: will Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo ever reconcile?

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 guiding vision. Aaron explains their approach: a return to the gritty essence of the original Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird Mirage Studios comics.

“The guiding principle for this book was looking back at the original Mirage Studios series,” Aaron shared with IGN. “Last year marked the 40th anniversary, and my first experience with the Turtles was that original black and white book. I wanted to recapture that grittiness, the double-page spreads, the action—grimy Turtles battling ninjas in New York City alleyways.”

He continued, “We aimed for that spirit, but also to tell a new story, moving these characters forward after 150 issues. It's a turning point; they're heading in different directions, needing to find their way back together to be the heroes they need to be.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

5 Images

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 on this:

“After last year, it certainly seems so. I've been writing comics for 20 years, worked for many companies, but I don't focus on that. I sit down and create stories that excite me. When I got the call about the Turtles, I was thrilled. I knew I could do something cool.”

He adds, “Working with amazing artists on the first six issues, we created 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 a bad place. The first storyline culminated in their reunion in New York City. Aaron discusses the satisfaction of bringing them back together, even amidst their strained relationships:

“Those first four issues were fun, seeing each brother in different situations. But the real fun is their interactions once reunited. Things aren't great; they're rubbing each other the wrong way. None of them really want to be there.”

Aaron continues, “By issue #6, back in New York City, they find the city weaponized against them by a Foot Clan villain. They're the most hated in the Five Boroughs (or Six, including Mutant Town). The odds are stacked against them, and they can barely stand each other. How will they overcome this?”

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 Juan's arrival in issue #6 was perfect. He's doing incredible work; anyone who's seen issues #6 and #7 knows he was born to draw this kind of Turtle story. He's making this book his own.”

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya tackled the challenge of merging TMNT and Naruto. The first two issues of *TMNT x Naruto* introduce a shared universe where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan are just beginning to meet. Goellner credits Prasetya's redesigns for seamlessly integrating the Turtles into the Naruto universe.

“I couldn't be happier,” Goellner told IGN. “I had minimal suggestions. I can't take credit for the awesome redesigns. I hope they get made into toys!”

The crossover's appeal lies in the character interactions. Goellner shares his favorite pairings:

“My job is to ensure all characters have moments together. I love seeing Kakashi with anyone—as a dad, he's my viewpoint character. I also love Splinter, but Kakashi’s internal face-palming is great. I like Raph and Sakura; they bounce off each other well.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

5 Images

Goellner teases the series' direction as the ninja clans reach Big Apple Village, focusing on a major TMNT villain specifically requested by Masashi Kishimoto:

“He requested a specific villain for the Naruto characters to fight. I won't say who, but I think 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.