IDW has been incredibly ambitious with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise recently. 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 initiated 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 where the four Turtles are reunited, albeit not on the best terms.
During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the opportunity to interview both Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner to discuss the future of their series. We explored how these stories evolve, the overarching mission for the TMNT line, and the potential for the Turtles to reconcile. Here's what we discovered.
The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
IDW has been prolific in launching new TMNT series, 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. We asked Aaron about the guiding vision behind 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 shared with IGN. "Last year marked the 40th anniversary of that series, which introduced the Turtles to the world. My first experience with these characters was through that black and white Mirage Studios book, before the films or cartoons. I wanted to recapture the grittiness, the griminess, and the dynamic action scenes of those grimy turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."
Aaron further elaborated, "That's the spirit we aimed for, but we also wanted to tell a story that felt fresh and moved these characters forward after their previous 150 issues with IDW. We wanted to show how they've grown and reached a turning point, navigating their separate paths while figuring out how to reunite and reclaim their heroism to win this fight."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
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TMNT #1's success aligns with other major comic releases like Marvel's Ultimate Universe line, DC's Absolute line, and Skybound's Energon Universe, all of which have seen strong audience response to reboots and streamlined narratives. This trend suggests a demand for accessible entry points into beloved franchises.
"It certainly seems like there's a demand for these kinds of books after last year," Aaron noted. "I've been in the industry for 20 years, writing for various companies, including Marvel. But when I got the call to work on the Turtles, it was an unexpected opportunity that I was excited to explore. I knew we could do something special, especially with the incredible artists we collaborated with in the first six issues. As a lifelong Turtles fan and a lover of good comic book stories, this book is designed to appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers alike."
A TMNT Family Reunion
Aaron's run began with a unique status quo: the Turtles scattered across the globe. Raph was in prison, Mike was a TV star in Japan, Leo a brooding monk, and Don in dire straits. By the end of the first storyline, Aaron reunited them in New York City. We asked if he found satisfaction in bringing the brothers back together, even amidst their strained relationships.
"Writing those first four issues was really fun, seeing each brother in different global situations," Aaron explained. "But the real excitement came from seeing how they interact once reunited. At this point, they're not happy to see each other; they're not reminiscing about old times. They're clashing, and none of them want to be there. When they return to New York in issue #6, they find the city has changed, weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain. They're the most hated entities in the city, struggling to unite and overcome these odds."
With issue #6, Juan Ferreyra became the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the series. Aaron expressed his enthusiasm for working with Ferreyra and the impact of his art.
"Using different artists for the first five issues made sense as we focused on individual Turtles and our new villain," Aaron said. "But starting with issue #6, it was time for a more cohesive visual narrative. Juan's work has been phenomenal, perfectly capturing the essence of the Turtles navigating the gritty streets and rooftops of Manhattan. He's made the book his own in a significant way."
Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes
Combining TMNT and Naruto is no small feat, but Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have successfully crafted a crossover where the Turtles and Uzumaki Clan coexist. The first two issues introduce a world where these iconic franchises meet for the first time. Goellner credited Prasetya for the Turtles' redesign, which seamlessly integrates them into the Naruto universe.
"I couldn't be happier with the redesigns," Goellner told IGN. "I had minimal input—just suggested they wear masks like in Naruto. What they came back with was incredible. I hope these designs get turned into toys; they'd look great on my shelf."
The joy of crossovers often lies in character interactions, and we asked Goellner about his favorite pairings in the series so far.
"My job is to ensure all characters have moments together," Goellner said. "I love seeing Kakashi with anyone; he's my viewpoint character now that I'm a dad. He's managing all these kids, much like Splinter, though I'm not as wise or strong. Kakashi's internal face-palming while staying professional keeps the story moving. But honestly, I enjoy all the interactions."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
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Goellner added, "It's funny; I write this stuff and sometimes forget what I've done. But it's a pleasant surprise when I revisit it. I enjoy Mikey's humor and the dynamic between Raph and Sakura, both being the tanks of their teams. I'm excited for the upcoming issues as the fighting intensifies in #3."
As the story progresses into Big Apple Village, Goellner hinted at a major TMNT villain requested by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto.
"He had one specific request for this crossover," Goellner revealed. "It was to include a certain villain for the Naruto characters to fight. I won't spoil who it is, but I think fans will be thrilled. The response to the series has been overwhelmingly positive, and I'm grateful for everyone joining us on this journey."
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. Don't miss IGN's exclusive preview of the final chapter of TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution.
Additionally, as part of IGN Fan Fest 2025, we provided an early look at IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and a sneak peek at an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.
