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

IDW's ambitious Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) initiative continues to expand. Following the successful relaunch of the flagship TMNT comic by Jason Aaron in 2024, the sequel to TMNT: The Last Ronin, and the TMNT x Naruto crossover, 2025 brings a new artist and storyline to the main TMNT series. The Turtles are reunited, but their relationships are strained.

IGN Fan Fest 2025 featured interviews with Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner, revealing insights into the future of their respective titles.

The TMNT Mission Statement

IDW's new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, selling approximately 300,000 copies and ranking among 2024's top-selling comics, reflects a broader strategy. Aaron's guiding principle was to recapture the grit and grime of the original Mirage Studios comics, while simultaneously propelling the characters forward after 150 issues of prior storylines. The narrative focuses on the Turtles' growth, their divergence, and their eventual reunion to confront a significant threat.

Aaron highlights the appeal of reboots and streamlined franchises, suggesting a market demand for easily accessible entry points for established properties. He emphasizes his personal excitement for the project and the collaborative effort with a team of artists.

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's initial storyline showcased the Turtles scattered globally: Raphael imprisoned, Michelangelo a Japanese TV star, Leonardo a monk, and Donatello in a precarious situation. Their eventual reunion in New York City, however, reveals a fractured dynamic. The city itself has been weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain, further complicating their already strained relationships. The challenge lies in their ability to overcome their personal conflicts and unite against this formidable foe.

The arrival of Juan Ferreyra as the regular artist for issue #6 onwards provides a consistent visual style, perfectly complementing the narrative. Ferreyra's artistic style is deemed ideal for depicting the Turtles' action-packed adventures in the urban landscape.

Merging TMNT and Naruto Universes

Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya's TMNT x Naruto crossover successfully blends two iconic franchises. The initial issues establish a shared universe where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan's paths finally intersect. Goellner credits Prasetya's inventive redesigns of the Turtles, seamlessly integrating them into the Naruto aesthetic.

The crossover's appeal lies in the interactions between the characters. Goellner highlights the dynamics between Kakashi and the younger characters, and the contrasting personalities of Raphael and Sakura. A major TMNT villain, specifically chosen by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto, will feature prominently in the upcoming issues.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 launched February 26th, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 on March 26th. IGN also provided previews of the final chapter of TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution, IDW's new Godzilla shared universe, and an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.