IDW has been remarkably ambitious with its approach to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise recently. In 2024, they relaunched the flagship TMNT comic under the stewardship of writer Jason Aaron, launched a sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and initiated a thrilling crossover with TMNT x Naruto. Moving into 2025, the main TMNT series introduces a new regular artist and a fresh status quo. The four Turtles are reunited, yet their relationships are strained, setting the stage for intriguing narrative developments.
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 delved into how these stories evolve, the overarching vision for the TMNT line, and whether the iconic brothers—Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo—can mend their fractured bonds. Here's what we discovered.
The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
IDW has introduced several new TMNT series in a short timeframe, including their flagship monthly series. The launch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 was a resounding success, selling approximately 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024. We asked Jason Aaron about the guiding vision or mission statement for the TMNT line. He emphasized a return to the essence of the original Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird TMNT comics from the Mirage era.
“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. My first encounter with these characters was through that original black and white Mirage Studios book, before the films or the cartoons. 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 further explained, “That's the spirit we were aiming for, but also to tell a story that feels new and moves these characters forward. After everything they've been through in the previous 150 issues of the IDW series, we see them growing up and reaching a turning point where they're heading in different directions, trying to figure out how to come back together and be the heroes they need to be to win this fight.”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
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TMNT #1's success aligns with other major hits like Marvel's Ultimate Universe line, DC's Absolute line, and Skybound's Energon Universe. These comics appeal to audiences by rebooting and streamlining major franchises, providing easy entry points for new readers. Jason Aaron reflected on this trend, saying, “It certainly seems like it after last year, and I'm very happy to have been a part of a couple of those. Despite my 20 years in the industry and writing for Marvel and other companies, my focus is always on creating stories that excite me. When I got the call to work on Turtles, I knew I could do something special.”
Aaron continued, “Working with a stellar lineup of artists in the first six issues was incredible. As someone who grew up a Turtles fan and loves good comic book stories, this book is for both long-time fans and newcomers.”
A TMNT Family Reunion
Aaron's TMNT run began with a unique status quo: the four Turtles were scattered across the globe. Raphael was in prison, Michelangelo was a TV star in Japan, Leonardo was a brooding monk, and Donatello faced his own challenges. By the end of the first storyline, Aaron reunited the family in New York City. We asked if bringing the brothers back together, despite their tensions, was satisfying for him.
“Those first four issues were fun to write, showcasing each brother in a different situation worldwide,” Aaron said. “The real excitement begins when they're all together, seeing how their dynamics play out. At this point, they're not thrilled to see each other and aren't reliving old times; they're clashing. None of them want to be there, and the pieces don't fit like they used to. In issue #6, back in New York City, the city itself has changed, weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain. The Turtles are the most hated entities in the city, and with their internal strife, they face immense challenges in coming together to win this fight.”
A significant change starting with issue #6 is the appointment of Juan Ferreyra as the new regular artist. Aaron expressed his excitement about working with Ferreyra and maintaining a consistent visual style. “Using different artists for the first five issues made sense as we focused on the individual Turtles and introduced our new villain, the District Attorney of New York City. But having Juan join with issue #6 was perfect as the main plot kicks in. Despite following artistic titans, Juan's work is incredible. Anyone who sees issues #6 and #7 will realize he was born to draw the Turtles, capturing their gritty urban adventures. He's making the book his own in a significant way.”
Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes
Combining TMNT and Naruto is no small feat, yet Caleb Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have successfully crafted a crossover series. The first two issues of TMNT x Naruto introduce a universe where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist, encountering each other for the first time. Goellner praised Prasetya's redesigns, saying, “I couldn't be happier. I only provided a few basic suggestions, like having the Turtles wear masks in the first issue. What they came back with was unreal. I hope these designs become toys, just so I can add them to my collection.”
In comic book crossovers, the fun often lies in character interactions. When asked about his favorite pairings in the series, Goellner responded, “My job is to ensure all characters have moments together. I really enjoy seeing Kakashi with anyone, especially now that I'm a dad. Kakashi is my viewpoint into the Naruto world—how does he manage all these kids? Splinter is another favorite, but Kakashi's internal face-palming while staying professional keeps things moving. I like Raph and Sakura, both being the tanks of their teams. I'm excited for the surprises as the fighting intensifies in #3.”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
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Goellner also teased what fans can expect as the ninja clans enter Big Apple Village, mentioning a major TMNT villain requested by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto. “He had one request for this crossover: to have a certain villain appear and for the Naruto characters to fight that villain. I'm not revealing who, but I think everyone will be excited. I can't wait to see the reactions because the feedback so far has been incredibly positive.”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 hit stores on February 26, while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 is set to release on March 26. Don't miss IGN's 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.
