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-fueled 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 brotherhood is fractured.
IGN Fan Fest 2025 provided an opportunity to chat with Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner about their respective projects. We delved into the evolution of their stories, IDW's overarching vision for the TMNT line, and the ever-elusive question: will Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo ever reconcile?
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mission Statement
IDW's recent flurry of TMNT releases, including the highly successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (selling approximately 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024), prompted questions about their guiding vision. Aaron explains that the focus is a return to the grit and grime of the original Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird Mirage Studios comics.
"For this book, the guiding principle was looking back at the original Mirage Studios series," Aaron told IGN. "Last year marked the 40th anniversary, and that original black and white comic was my first experience with these characters. I wanted to recapture that grittiness, the double-page spreads, the action—grimy turtles battling ninjas in New York City alleyways."
He continues, "We aimed for that spirit, but also a fresh story. It takes the characters forward after 150 issues, showing them grown, at a turning point, heading in different directions, and needing to find their way back together to win this fight."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
TMNT #1's success, alongside other reboots like Marvel's Ultimate Universe, DC's Absolute line, and Skybound's Energon Universe, suggests a demand for accessible entries into major franchises. Aaron reflects:
"After last year, it certainly seems so. I'm happy to have been part of it, but I don't really think about that. I sit at my desk and make up stories that excite me. When I got the call about Turtles, I was excited. I realized I could do something cool."
He adds, "I worked with incredible artists on the first six issues. We made a book that excited me—a story for longtime fans and newcomers alike. That excitement seems to have resonated."
A TMNT Family Reunion
Aaron's run began with the Turtles scattered. Raphael was imprisoned, Michelangelo a TV star in Japan, Leonardo a brooding monk, and Donatello… less fortunate. The first storyline culminates in their reunion in New York City. Aaron discusses the satisfaction (and challenges) of bringing them back together:
"Those first four issues were fun, seeing each brother in a different situation. But the real fun is when they're together, seeing how they interact. Things aren't great. They're not reliving old times; they're rubbing each other the wrong way."
Aaron continues, "None of them want to be there. 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 (Six, including Mutant Town). The odds are stacked against them, and they can't stand each other. How will they win this fight?"
Beyond the reunion, issue #6 introduces Juan Ferreyra as the regular artist. Aaron expresses his enthusiasm for Ferreyra's consistent visual style:
"Using different artists for the first five issues made sense, focusing on individual Turtles and the villain. But Juan's arrival in #6 was perfect for the main plot. He's doing incredible work. He was born to draw this kind of Turtle story. Even following artistic legends, he's making this book his own."
Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes
Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya tackled the challenge of merging TMNT and Naruto. The first two issues introduce a universe where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist, only now meeting. Goellner credits Prasetya's redesigns for seamlessly integrating the Turtles into the Naruto universe.
"I couldn't be happier," Goellner told IGN. "I had a few suggestions, but I can't take credit for the amazing redesigns. I hope they get made into toys!"
The appeal of the crossover lies in the character interactions. Goellner shares his favorite pairings:
"My job is to ensure all characters have their moments. I like Kakashi with anyone—as a dad, he's my viewpoint character. I also love Splinter, but Kakashi's internal face-palming is great. I also like Raph and Sakura—the tanks of their teams."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
Goellner teases upcoming events, centering on a major TMNT villain specifically requested by Masashi Kishimoto:
"He requested a specific villain for the Naruto characters to fight. I won't say who, but I think everyone will be stoked. The vibe on the book is super positive."
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.
