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 feel 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

5 ImagesTMNT #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 attributes this to a demand for accessible entry points into these beloved properties.

"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," Aaron said. "I knew as soon as 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, and he credits the collaboration with a talented roster of artists for the first six issues as a key factor in the series' success.

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 tensions remain 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 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 Turtles face a new challenge in New York, where the city has been weaponized against them by a new villain from the Foot Clan. This backdrop sets the stage for their struggle to reunite and overcome their differences.

Starting with issue #6, Juan Ferreyra becomes 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 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

The TMNT x Naruto crossover series, written by Caleb Goellner and illustrated by Hendry Prasetya, introduces a world where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist. Goellner credits Prasetya for the Turtles' redesigns, which seamlessly integrate them into the Naruto universe.

"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 interactions between characters from both franchises. Goellner enjoys seeing how the personalities clash and evolve, particularly appreciating the dynamics between Kakashi and the younger characters.

"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, including a major TMNT villain requested by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto, which will add an exciting twist to the series.

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

5 ImagesTeenage 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. 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.