IDW's approach to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise in recent years has been marked by bold and innovative storytelling, especially in 2024 with the relaunch of the flagship TMNT comic under writer Jason Aaron, the sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and a ninja-heavy crossover with TMNT x Naruto. As we move into 2025, the main TMNT series introduces a new regular artist and a new status quo where the four Turtles are reunited, albeit not on the best 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 narratives evolve, the overarching mission for the TMNT line, and the prospects for reconciliation among Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo.

The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

IDW's recent launch of multiple TMNT series, including the flagship monthly series, has been a significant success. The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 sold approximately 300,000 copies, placing it among the top-selling comics of 2024. Jason Aaron shared that his guiding vision for the series is to reconnect with the gritty essence of the original 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 was the 40th anniversary of that series, which introduced the Turtles. My first experience with these characters was through that original black and white Mirage Studios book. I wanted to recapture some of the grittiness, griminess, and the dynamic action scenes of the Turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."

Aaron's goal is to blend this nostalgic feel with a fresh narrative that propels the Turtles forward. "That's the spirit we were going for, but also to tell a story that felt new and took these characters to a new place after all they've been through in the previous 150 issues of the IDW series," he added. "We see them grown up, at a turning point, moving in different directions, and trying to figure out how to come back together and reclaim their heroism to win this fight."

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The success of TMNT #1 mirrors a broader trend in the comic industry, where reboots and streamlined narratives of major franchises are resonating with audiences. Aaron reflected on this trend, noting, "It certainly seems like it after last year, and I'm very happy to have been a part of a couple of those. I sit down to do my job here at my desk, in an empty basement by myself, and I'm just trying to make up stories that get me excited. When I got the call about doing Turtles, I was excited for that opportunity and realized I think I can do something kind of cool."

Aaron's enthusiasm for the project was further fueled by collaborating with a talented array of artists over the first six issues. "As someone who grew up a Turtles fan and loves good comic book stories, I think this is a story for you if you've loved The Turtles for 40 years, or if you've never heard of them until this moment in time," he said.

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's run began with the Turtles scattered across the globe, each in unique circumstances. By the end of the first storyline, they reunite in New York City, though not without tension. "Those first four issues were really fun to write when you're seeing each of the brothers in a different situation around the globe," Aaron said. "But the real fun is what happens once they are all together, seeing how those four characters bounce off each other. At this point in time in the book, things aren't great. They're not really happy to see each other, and they're not reliving old times. They're very much rubbing each other the wrong way."

The return to New York City in issue #6 introduces a new challenge: the city has been weaponized against them by a new villain from the Foot Clan. "The Turtles find themselves the most hated entities in the Five Boroughs, the Six Boroughs, including Mutant Town," Aaron explained. "So the odds are stacked against them in a huge way, and again, they can't even stand to be around each other. So how are they going to come together and win this fight?"

Starting with issue #6, Juan Ferreyra becomes the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the series. "Having Juan come on with issue #6 made sense when the main bulk of the plot picks up," Aaron said. "Juan, even though he was following this group of artistic titans on this book, is doing incredible work. I think anybody who sees issues #6 and #7 will realize this guy was born to draw the Turtles. He's really making this book his own in a huge way."

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

The crossover series TMNT x Naruto presents the challenge of blending two iconic franchises. Caleb Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya have crafted a world where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist, with their first encounter unfolding in the initial issues. Goellner praised Prasetya's work on redesigning the Turtles to fit seamlessly into the Naruto universe. "I couldn't be happier," Goellner said. "I only had a few basic little suggestions about how to do that. What they came back with was unreal. I hope they get made into toys."

The crossover's appeal lies in the dynamic interactions between characters from both universes. Goellner highlighted his favorite pairings, saying, "I really like seeing Kakashi with anyone because now that I'm a dad, Kakashi is my viewpoint character to the Naruto world. I'm like, 'How do you manage all these kids?' Splinter, I'm not as wise and strong and as good at fighting as Splinter, so I love him, too, but Kakashi is doing a lot of internal face-palming, but he's staying professional and keeping the trains moving for the youth. I'm going to cheat and just say all of them."

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Goellner also teased upcoming developments as the two ninja clans venture into Big Apple Village, centered around a major TMNT villain specifically requested by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto. "He had one request for this crossover. It was to have a certain villain appear and for the Naruto characters to fight that certain villain," Goellner revealed. "I'm not going to say who, but I think everybody's going to be pretty stoked. I know I am, and I can't wait to see how folks react because so far the vibe on the book's super positive, and I really appreciate everybody coming on this journey."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 hit stores on February 26, while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 releases on March 26. Be sure to check out 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.