IDW's ambitious Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) initiative continues to expand. Following the successful relaunch of the flagship TMNT comic (written by Jason Aaron) and the sequel to TMNT: The Last Ronin, and the TMNT x Naruto crossover in 2024, 2025 brings a new artist and a revamped status quo to the main TMNT series. The Turtles are reunited, but their relationships are strained.
IGN Fan Fest 2025 provided insights from Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner. The discussion covered the evolving narratives, the overarching TMNT vision, and the potential for the brothers' reconciliation.
The TMNT Mission Statement
IDW's numerous TMNT launches, including the highly successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (approximately 300,000 copies sold), prompted questions about their guiding principle. Aaron explained his focus on revisiting the classic Mirage Studios comics:
"My guiding principle was looking back at the original Mirage Studios series," Aaron stated. "I wanted to recapture the grittiness, the double-page spreads, and the action of the original black and white comics. We aimed for that spirit while telling a new story, showcasing the Turtles' growth after 150 issues, highlighting their divergence and their journey back to heroism."
The success of TMNT #1, alongside other rebooted franchises, suggests a strong audience demand for accessible entry points into established properties. Aaron credits his personal excitement for the project as a key factor in its success.
A TMNT Family Reunion
Aaron's initial storyline featured the Turtles scattered globally. Their eventual reunion in New York City, however, reveals fractured relationships. Aaron highlighted the dynamic of their interactions:
"The first four issues were fun, showing each brother in different situations," Aaron said. "But the real fun is their reunion. They're not happy to see each other; they clash. They don't want to be together. New York City itself has been weaponized against them by a Foot Clan villain. They're the most hated, and they can barely tolerate each other. How will they overcome this?"
The introduction of Juan Ferreyra as the regular artist from issue #6 onwards provides a more consistent visual style, perfectly suited to the gritty urban action.
Merging TMNT and Naruto Universes
Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya's TMNT x Naruto crossover successfully integrates the two franchises. Goellner praised Prasetya's redesigns, seamlessly blending the Turtles into the Naruto universe. He highlighted the fun of character interactions:
"I love seeing Kakashi with anyone," Goellner shared. "As a dad, I relate to his managing the younger characters. I also appreciate Splinter. But I really like Raph and Sakura; they're both strong characters."
Goellner teased a major TMNT villain, specifically requested by Masashi Kishimoto, for future issues.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 was released February 26th, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 on March 26th. IGN also offered previews of TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution, IDW's Godzilla shared universe, and an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.
