TMNT Brothers Reunite at 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 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 speak with Aaron and *TMNT x Naruto* writer Caleb Goellner about the future of their respective books. We delved into the evolution of these stories, IDW's overarching vision for the TMNT line, and the ever-elusive prospect of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo reuniting.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mission Statement

IDW's recent flurry of TMNT series launches, including the successful relaunched monthly series, begs the question: what's the guiding principle? *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles* #1's impressive 300,000-copy sales, ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024, highlight the franchise's enduring appeal. Aaron reveals that the inspiration lies in the original Mirage Studios comics:

“My guiding principle was looking back at the original Mirage Studios series,” Aaron explains. “Last year marked the 40th anniversary, and that original black and white book 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, moving these characters forward after 150 issues. They’ve grown, reached a turning point, heading in different directions. The story explores how they reunite and become the heroes they need to be.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

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The success of *TMNT* #1, 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’ve been doing this for 20 years, worked for many companies, but I focus on creating stories that excite me. When I got the call about the Turtles, I knew I could do something cool. Working with incredible artists on the first six issues, we created a book that thrilled me—a story for longtime fans and newcomers alike.”

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's *TMNT* run began with the Turtles scattered globally: Raphael imprisoned, Michelangelo a TV star in Japan, Leonardo a brooding monk, and Donatello in a precarious situation. Their reunion in New York City is a pivotal moment. Aaron discusses the satisfaction of bringing the brothers back together, even amidst their strained relationships:

“Those first four issues, seeing each brother in different situations, were fun to write. But the real fun is their interactions once reunited. Things aren't great; they're rubbing each other the wrong way. None of them want to be there. In issue #6, they return to a weaponized New York City, becoming the city's most hated, even in Mutant Town. The odds are stacked against them, and they can barely stand each other. How will they overcome this?”

Beyond the reunion, issue #6 introduces Juan Ferreyra as the new regular artist, providing a consistent visual style. Aaron praises Ferreyra's work:

“Using different artists for the first five issues made sense, focusing on individual Turtles and the villain. But having Juan on board from #6, when the main plot thickens, was perfect. He's incredible. Anyone who sees issues #6 and #7 knows 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 tackled the challenge of merging TMNT and Naruto. The *TMNT x Naruto* crossover introduces a shared universe where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan meet for the first time. Goellner credits Prasetya's redesigns of the Turtles:

“I couldn't be happier. I had minimal suggestions. I can't take credit for the amazing redesigns. 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 moments together. 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 like Raph and Sakura—the tanks of their respective teams. I'm excited to see what happens when the fighting heats up in #3.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

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Goellner teases the arrival of the ninja clans in Big Apple Village, focusing on a major TMNT villain requested by Masashi Kishimoto:

“He requested a specific villain for the Naruto characters to fight. I won't say who, but everyone will be stoked. The vibe on the book is super positive.”

*Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles* #7 released on 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.