IDW's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Finally Gets the Brothers Back Together – IGN Fan Fest 2025

IDW's ambitious approach to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise continues to impress. 2024 saw the relaunch of the flagship TMNT comic under Jason Aaron, the sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and a ninja-heavy crossover: TMNT x Naruto. Now, in 2025, the main TMNT series boasts a new regular artist and a revamped status quo. The Turtles are reunited, but their reunion is far from harmonious.

IGN Fan Fest 2025 provided an opportunity to speak with Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner, delving into the future of their respective books. We explored the evolving narratives, IDW's overall TMNT vision, and the ever-present question: will Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo ever reconcile?

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mission Statement

IDW's recent flurry of TMNT series launches, including the flagship monthly title, has been a resounding success. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 sold approximately 300,000 copies, ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024. We inquired about IDW's guiding vision for the TMNT line, a vision Aaron sought to embody. His answer: a return to the gritty essence of the original Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird Mirage Studios comics.

“My guiding principle was revisiting the original Mirage Studios series,” Aaron explained to IGN. “Last year marked the 40th anniversary, and that original black and white series was my introduction to these characters. Before the films or cartoons, it was that raw, gritty experience. I aimed to recapture that grittiness, the double-page spreads, the action—the Turtles battling ninjas in grimy New York City alleyways.”

He continued, “That was the spirit, but also to tell a new story, moving these characters forward after 150 issues. They've grown, reached a turning point, diverging in different directions. The story explores how they reunite and become the heroes they need to be to overcome this fight.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

5 Images

TMNT #1's success, alongside other reboots like Marvel's Ultimate Universe, DC's Absolute line, and Skybound's Energon Universe, suggests a strong audience demand for fresh starts in established franchises. Aaron commented on this trend:

“Last year certainly indicated that, and I'm happy to have been involved. I've been writing comics for 20 years, worked for many companies, but I don't overthink it. I sit down, in my basement, and create stories that excite me. When I got the call about the Turtles, I was thrilled. I knew I could do something cool.”

He added, “Working with incredible artists on the first six issues, we created a book that truly excited me. It's a story for longtime fans and newcomers alike. Thankfully, that excitement resonated with others.”

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's TMNT run began with the Turtles scattered globally. Raph was imprisoned, Mikey a TV star in Japan, Leo a brooding monk, and Don… well, Don was in the worst shape. The first storyline culminated in their return to New York City. We asked Aaron about the satisfaction of reuniting the brothers (even if they’d rather be elsewhere).

“The first four issues were fun, seeing each brother in different global situations,” Aaron said. “I enjoyed exploring their predicaments and what brought them back together. The real fun begins with their reunion, seeing their interactions. Things aren't great; they're not reliving old times; they're clashing.”

Aaron continued, “None of them want to be there; things don't fit like they used to. In issue #6, they return to a changed New York City, weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain. They're the most hated in the Five Boroughs (or Six, including Mutant Town). The odds are stacked against them, and they can barely stand each other. How will they overcome this?”

Beyond the reunion, issue #6 introduced Juan Ferreyra as the new regular artist, providing a consistent visual style. Aaron expressed his enthusiasm for working with Ferreyra:

“Using different artists for the first five issues made sense, focusing on individual Turtles and the villain. But Juan's arrival in issue #6 was perfect for the main plot. Even following artistic titans, Juan's work is incredible. He's born to draw the Turtles, this kind of story. His work is killer. He's making the book his own.”

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya tackled the challenge of combining TMNT and Naruto. The first two issues of TMNT x Naruto introduce a shared universe, with the Turtles and Uzumaki Clan meeting for the first time. Goellner praised Prasetya's redesigns, seamlessly integrating the Turtles into the Naruto universe.

“I couldn't be happier,” Goellner told IGN. “My suggestions were minimal. I can't take credit for the redesigns. I suggested masks in the first issue, and what they delivered was unreal. I hope they become toys!”

The crossover's appeal lies in the character interactions. Goellner shared his favorite pairings:

“My job is to ensure all characters have moments. I love Kakashi with anyone; as a dad, he’s my viewpoint character. Splinter is great too, but Kakashi's internal face-palming is hilarious. I also like Raph and Sakura; they bounce off each other well.”

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

5 Images

Goellner teased the series' direction as the clans arrive in Big Apple Village, focusing on a specific TMNT villain requested by Masashi Kishimoto:

“He requested a specific villain for the Naruto characters to fight. I won't say who, but everyone will be stoked. The book's vibe is super positive, and I appreciate everyone joining this journey.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 released February 26th, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 on March 26th. Check out IGN's exclusive preview of the final chapter of TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution, IDW's new Godzilla shared universe, and a sneak peek of an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.