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 the exciting *TMNT x Naruto* crossover. 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 about their respective projects. We explored the evolution of their narratives, IDW's overarching vision for the TMNT line, and the ever-elusive prospect of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo finding common ground.

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 principles. Aaron reveals a focus on revisiting the essence of the original Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird Mirage Studios comics.

“My guiding principle was looking back at the original Mirage Studios series,” Aaron explains. “Last year marked its 40th anniversary, and that original black and white book was my introduction to these characters. I wanted to recapture that grittiness, the double-page spreads, and the action-packed scenes of Turtles battling ninjas in grimy New York alleyways.”

He continues, “We aimed for that spirit, but also to tell a fresh story, moving the characters forward after 150 issues. We show them at a turning point, going in different directions, and grappling with how to reunite and become the heroes they need to be.”

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The success of *TMNT #1*, alongside titles like Marvel's Ultimate Universe, DC's Absolute line, and Skybound's Energon Universe, suggests a strong audience demand for reboots and streamlined franchises. Aaron reflects on this:

“After last year, it certainly seems so. I've been writing comics for 20 years, worked for many companies, but I don't overthink it. I focus on creating stories that excite me. When I got the call about the Turtles, I knew I could do something cool.”

He adds, “Working with incredible artists on the first six issues, we created a book that genuinely thrilled me. It's a story for longtime fans and newcomers alike, and 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 in a dire situation. The first storyline culminated in their reunion in New York City. Aaron discusses the satisfaction of bringing them back together, even amidst their strained relationships:

“The first four issues were fun, showing each brother in different situations. But the real fun begins with their reunion. They're not happy to see each other; they're rubbing each other the wrong way. None of them really want to be there.”

Aaron continues, “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 entities, and they can barely stand each other. How will they overcome these odds?”

Beyond the reunion, issue #6 marks Juan Ferreyra's arrival 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 issue #6 was perfect. He's doing incredible work; he was born to draw this kind of Turtle story. He's making the book his own.”

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya's *TMNT x Naruto* crossover successfully blends two iconic franchises. The first two issues introduce a shared universe where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan are only now meeting. Goellner credits Prasetya's redesigns for seamlessly integrating the Turtles into the Naruto universe.

“I couldn't be happier,” Goellner says. “I had minimal suggestions. The Turtles' redesigns are unreal. I hope they become toys!”

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

“My job is to ensure all characters have their moments. I love seeing Kakashi with anyone—as a dad, he's my viewpoint character. I also love Splinter, but Kakashi's internal face-palming is hilarious. I also like Raph and Sakura—the tanks of their respective teams.”

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Goellner teases upcoming events, focusing on a major TMNT villain specifically requested by Masashi Kishimoto:

“Kishimoto requested a specific villain for the crossover. I won't say who, but fans will be stoked. The vibe on the book is super positive, and I can't wait to see the reaction.”

*Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7* released on February 26th, and *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3* on March 26th. Also, 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 at an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.