IDW has been exceptionally ambitious with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise in recent years. In 2024, they relaunched the flagship TMNT comic under the guidance of writer Jason Aaron, initiated the sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and launched an exciting ninja-centric crossover with TMNT x Naruto. Moving into 2025, the main TMNT series introduces a new regular artist and a fresh status quo, where the four Turtles reunite 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 narratives evolve over time, the overarching vision for the TMNT line, and the potential reconciliation of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo. Here's what we discovered.
The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
IDW has been prolific with new TMNT series, highlighted by the successful launch of the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, which sold approximately 300,000 copies and was among the top-selling comics of 2024. We sought to understand if there was a guiding vision for the TMNT line that Aaron was aiming to fulfill. Aaron's approach is rooted in revisiting 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, and that was my first experience with these characters. Before the films or the cartoons, it was the original black and white Mirage Studios book. I wanted to recapture some of the grittiness, the griminess, and the dynamic double-page action spreads of the Turtles battling ninjas in New York City alleyways."
Aaron further elaborated, "That's the spirit we're aiming for, but we're also telling a new story that propels these characters forward, reflecting on their growth over the past 150 issues of the IDW series. We explore how they've matured and reached a turning point in their lives, where they're diverging in different directions yet trying to reunite as the heroes they once were to face their current challenges."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
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The success of TMNT #1, alongside other major hits like Marvel's Ultimate Universe line, DC's Absolute line, and Skybound's Energon Universe, suggests a strong reader demand for rebooted and streamlined franchises. 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 long career in comics and writing for various companies, my focus remains on crafting stories that excite me. When I got the call to work on Turtles, I was thrilled and knew I could do something special."
He added, "Collaborating with an incredible array of artists over the first six issues was fantastic. As someone who grew up a Turtles fan and loves compelling comic book stories, this is a series that resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers alike."
A TMNT Family Reunion
Aaron's TMNT run began with a unique status quo, with the Turtles scattered globally. By the end of the first storyline, they reunite in New York City, though not happily. We asked Aaron about the satisfaction of bringing the brothers back together, even if tensions are high.
"The first four issues were thrilling to write, showcasing each brother in different global settings," Aaron explained. "But the real excitement comes when they're back together, observing how these characters interact. Currently, they're not thrilled to see each other; it's far from a happy reunion. They're clashing and struggling to fit together as they once did."
He continued, "By issue #6, as they return to New York, they face a city transformed and weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain. The Turtles are now the most despised beings in the city, including Mutant Town, and with their strained relationships, they must find a way to unite and overcome this formidable challenge."
Starting with issue #6, Juan Ferreyra becomes the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the series. Aaron expressed his enthusiasm for working with Ferreyra, noting, "It made sense to use different artists for the first five issues, focusing on each Turtle and introducing our new antagonist, the District Attorney of New York City. With Juan joining from issue #6, as the main plot develops, his work has been exceptional. He's truly made this book his own, capturing the essence of the Turtles navigating the gritty streets of Manhattan."
Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes
Combining TMNT with Naruto is no small feat, yet Caleb Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have successfully crafted a crossover series where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan inhabit the same world. Goellner praised Prasetya's redesigns, saying, "I couldn't be happier. I only offered a few suggestions, like adding masks in the first issue to fit the Naruto aesthetic. The result was beyond my expectations. I hope these designs become toys; I'd love to display them with my collection."
A key aspect of comic book crossovers is the interaction between characters. Goellner shared his favorite pairings, "My job is to ensure all characters have meaningful interactions. I particularly enjoy seeing Kakashi with anyone; as a dad, he resonates with me, managing the young ninja. Splinter's wisdom is also inspiring, but Kakashi's internal struggles and professionalism keep things moving. I like all the interactions, but Raph and Sakura stand out as they're both the heavy hitters of their teams. I'm excited for the upcoming issues as the conflict escalates."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
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Goellner teased upcoming developments as the ninja clans enter Big Apple Village, revealing a special request from Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto for a specific TMNT villain to appear. "He had one request for this crossover: a certain villain for the Naruto characters to battle. I'm keeping that under wraps, but I'm confident fans will be thrilled. The reception to the book has been overwhelmingly positive, and I'm excited to continue this journey with our readers."
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.
As part of 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.
