TMNT Brothers Reunite in IDW's 2025 Comic - IGN Fan Fest

IDW has been ambitiously expanding its Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise, with significant moves in 2024 including a relaunch of the flagship TMNT comic led by writer Jason Aaron, a sequel to the best-selling "TMNT: The Last Ronin," and a ninja-heavy crossover with "TMNT x Naruto." Moving into 2025, the main TMNT series introduces a new regular artist and a fresh 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 stories evolve, the overarching vision for the TMNT line, and the potential reconciliation of the iconic brothers—Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo.

The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

IDW's recent launches, including the flagship monthly series, have been met with success, notably with "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1" selling around 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024. Jason Aaron shared that his guiding principle for the series is to reconnect with the gritty essence of the original Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird TMNT comics from the Mirage Studios 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, which was my first encounter 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 its grittiness, griminess, and the big double-page spreads of action scenes featuring grimy turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."

Aaron's vision also includes evolving the characters, reflecting on their growth and the challenges they face as they attempt to reunite and reclaim their roles as heroes.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

5 ImagesReflecting on the success of "TMNT #1" and other major comic reboots, Aaron noted the audience's appetite for streamlined and accessible entries into established franchises.

"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."

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's run began with the Turtles scattered globally, each facing unique challenges. By the end of the first storyline, they reunite in New York City, though tensions run high.

"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 shared. "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 reunion in New York City is complicated further by a new villain from the Foot Clan who has weaponized the city against them, making their mission to come together and fight even more daunting.

Starting with issue #6, Juan Ferreyra joined as the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the series. Aaron praised Ferreyra's work, noting his ability to capture the essence of the Turtles' adventures in the city.

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

The crossover series "TMNT x Naruto" presents a unique challenge, blending the worlds of the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan. Writer Caleb Goellner praised artist Hendry Prasetya's redesigns of the Turtles, making them fit seamlessly into the Naruto universe.

"I couldn't be happier," Goellner said. "I only had a few basic 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 enjoyed the character interactions in the crossover, particularly appreciating the dynamics between Kakashi and the young heroes, as well as the pairing of Raphael and Sakura.

"The job for me is to make sure all of the characters have a moment together through the course of the book," Goellner explained. "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 ImagesGoellner teased upcoming developments in the series, hinting at a major TMNT villain's involvement, specifically 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 revealed. "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, while "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."

During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we also got an early look at IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and a sneak peek at an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.