IDW's approach to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has been marked by ambition and innovation, particularly in 2024. They relaunched the flagship TMNT comic under the guidance of writer Jason Aaron, launched the sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and introduced a ninja-heavy crossover with TMNT x Naruto. Now, in 2025, the main TMNT series has welcomed a new regular artist and a new status quo, with the four Turtles back together, albeit not on the friendliest of terms.
During IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the opportunity to delve into the future of these series with Jason Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner. We explored how these stories evolve, the mission statement guiding the TMNT line, and the potential for reconciliation among Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo.
The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
IDW's recent surge in TMNT series, including the flagship monthly, has been remarkable. The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 sold approximately 300,000 copies, making it one of the top-selling comics of 2024. Jason Aaron shared that his guiding vision for the series is rooted in the classic Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird TMNT comics from the Mirage days.
"For me, the guiding principle was looking back at that original series, the original Mirage Studios book," Aaron explained. "Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the series, and that was my first experience with these characters. Before the films or cartoons, it was that original black and white book. I wanted to recapture some of the grittiness and the big action scenes of turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."
Aaron aims to blend this nostalgic essence with fresh storytelling that reflects the Turtles' growth over the previous 150 issues of the IDW series. "We're telling a story that feels new, taking these characters forward as they've grown up and reached a turning point in their lives," he added. "They're going in different directions, trying to figure out how to come back together and be the heroes they need to be."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
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TMNT #1's success aligns with a broader trend of audiences embracing reboots and streamlined narratives in major franchises, as seen with Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, DC’s Absolute line, and Skybound’s Energon Universe. Aaron, reflecting on his role in these successes, emphasized his focus on crafting exciting stories.
"I sit down to do my job in my basement, trying to make up stories that excite me," Aaron said. "When I got the call about doing Turtles, I was thrilled and knew I could do something cool. Working with an incredible array of artists over the first six issues, we created a book that I'm really excited about, whether you've been a Turtles fan for 40 years or are just discovering them."
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 not without tension. "It was fun to see each brother in different situations around the world," Aaron noted. "But the real fun starts when they're back together, seeing how they interact. Right now, they're not happy to see each other; they're rubbing each other the wrong way."
The return to New York introduces a new villain from the Foot Clan, weaponizing the city against the Turtles. "New York has changed, and the Turtles are the most hated entities in the city," Aaron explained. "They can't even stand to be around each other, so how will they come together to win this fight?"
Starting with issue #6, Juan Ferreyra became the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the series. "Having Juan come on made sense as the main plot picks up," Aaron said. "His work is incredible, perfectly suited for this kind of Turtle story, jumping through alleyways and across rooftops."
Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes
Combining TMNT and Naruto is no small feat, but Caleb Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have successfully crafted a crossover where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist. Goellner praised Prasetya's redesigns of the Turtles, fitting them seamlessly into the Naruto universe.
"I couldn't be happier with the redesigns," Goellner said. "I suggested putting them in masks like in Naruto, and what they came back with was unreal. I hope they get made into toys."
The crossover's charm lies in the interactions between characters from both worlds. Goellner enjoys seeing Kakashi manage the young heroes, likening it to his own experiences as a father. "I like seeing Kakashi with anyone," he said. "He's keeping the trains moving for the youth. I also enjoy the dynamic between Raph and Sakura, both being the tanks of their teams."
As the series progresses into Big Apple Village, Goellner teased a major TMNT villain requested by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto. "He had one request for this crossover, to have a certain villain appear," Goellner hinted. "I think everyone will be stoked, and I can't wait to see the reactions."
Upcoming Releases
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 hit stores on February 26, while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 is set for release 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.
