IDW's ambition with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise has been remarkable, especially in recent years. In 2024, they relaunched the flagship TMNT comic with writer Jason Aaron at the helm, introduced the sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and launched a unique crossover with TMNT x Naruto. As we move into 2025, the main TMNT series welcomes a new regular artist and shifts to a new status quo where the four Turtles are reunited but not exactly on amicable 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 narratives evolve over time, the overarching mission for the TMNT line, and the prospects of reconciliation among Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo.
The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
IDW's aggressive expansion of the TMNT universe includes multiple new series, with the flagship monthly series being a standout success. The launch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 sold around 300,000 copies, making it one of the top-selling comics of 2024. Jason Aaron shared with IGN that his vision for the series is deeply rooted in 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 marked the 40th anniversary of that series, which introduced the Turtles to the world. That was my first experience with those characters, before the films or cartoons. I wanted to recapture the grittiness and griminess of those original black and white books, with big double-page spreads and action scenes of the Turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."
Aaron further elaborated, "We aimed to capture that spirit while telling a new story that propels these characters forward. After 150 issues of the IDW series, the Turtles have grown and reached a turning point where they're heading in different directions. The challenge is how they come back together and reclaim their role as heroes to win this fight."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
5 Images
The success of TMNT #1 aligns with other major comic hits like Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, DC’s Absolute line, and Skybound’s Energon Universe, suggesting a strong audience demand for rebooted and streamlined franchise narratives. Aaron commented, "It certainly seems like there's a demand for comics that offer easy entry points into major franchises. I'm thrilled to have contributed to these successes, though my focus remains on crafting exciting stories."
"I sit down in my basement to write, trying to create stories that excite me. When I got the call about doing Turtles, I was excited for the opportunity and knew I could do something special. Working with an incredible array of artists in the first six issues made the process even more thrilling. This is a story for both long-time fans and newcomers to the Turtles' universe."
A TMNT Family Reunion
Aaron's TMNT run began with a unique setup. In issue #1, the Turtles are dispersed across the globe: Raphael in prison, Michelangelo a TV star in Japan, Leonardo a brooding monk, and Donatello facing dire circumstances. By the end of the initial storyline, the family reunites in New York City, though their reunion is fraught with tension.
"It was fun to write those first four issues, exploring each brother's situation around the world," Aaron noted. "But the real excitement comes from seeing them together, even if they're not happy about it. They're not reliving old times; they're clashing and struggling to fit together as they once did."
"In issue #6, when they return to New York, they find the city has changed, weaponized against them by a new villain from the Foot Clan. The Turtles are the most hated figures in the city, and they can barely stand each other. The challenge now is how they'll unite to overcome these odds."
Starting with issue #6, Juan Ferreyra takes over as the series' regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the narrative. Aaron expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "Using different artists for the first five issues made sense as we focused on individual Turtles and introduced our new villain. But with Juan starting in issue #6, it's a perfect fit as the main plot unfolds. His work, especially in issues #6 and #7, showcases his talent for drawing the Turtles in action, jumping through alleyways and across rooftops. He's truly making this book his own."
Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes
Combining two iconic franchises like TMNT and Naruto presents unique challenges, but Caleb Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have successfully navigated this crossover. The first two issues of TMNT x Naruto introduce a world where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist but are only just encountering each other. Goellner credits Prasetya for the Turtles' redesign, which integrates them seamlessly into the Naruto universe.
"I couldn't be happier with the redesigns," Goellner said. "I suggested using masks in the first issue, like in Naruto, but what they came back with was incredible. I hope these designs get made into toys; it's my wish to add them to my collection."
A key aspect of comic book crossovers is the interaction between characters. Goellner highlighted his favorite pairings in the early chapters, stating, "I aim to give every character a moment together. I especially enjoy Kakashi's interactions with anyone; as a dad, he's my viewpoint character in the Naruto world. I appreciate how he manages the kids, much like Splinter, though I relate more to Kakashi's internal struggles. All the character dynamics are fun, but I particularly enjoy Raphael and Sakura's interactions as the 'tanks' of their teams."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
5 Images
Goellner also teased upcoming developments as the two ninja clans converge in Big Apple Village, mentioning a major TMNT villain specifically requested by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto. "He had one request for this crossover: to include a certain villain and have the Naruto characters fight them. I'm excited to see how fans react; the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 was released 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.
