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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 chat with Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner, delving into the future of their respective books. We explored the evolving narratives, IDW's overarching vision for the TMNT line, and the long-awaited reconciliation (or lack thereof) between Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mission Statement
IDW's rapid expansion of the TMNT universe, including a successful relaunched flagship series selling approximately 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024, begs the question: what's the guiding principle? 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 the 40th anniversary, and that original black and white comic was my first experience with these characters. I wanted to recapture that grittiness, the double-page spreads, the action scenes of gritty turtles battling ninjas in New York City alleyways."
He continues, "We aimed for that spirit, but also to tell a new story, moving these characters forward after 150 issues. They've grown, reached a turning point, diverging 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
The success of TMNT #1, alongside other reboots like Marvel's Ultimate Universe, DC's Absolute line, and Skybound's Energon Universe, suggests a strong demand for accessible entries into established franchises. Aaron reflects on this:
"After last year, it certainly seems that way. I'm happy to have been part of it, but I don't overthink it. I sit down and create stories that excite me. When I got the call about the Turtles, I was thrilled. I knew I could do something cool. Working with incredible artists on those first six issues, we created a book that excited me—a story for longtime fans and newcomers alike."
A TMNT Family Reunion
Aaron's run began with the Turtles scattered globally. Raph was imprisoned, Mikey a TV star in Japan, Leo a brooding monk, and Don…well, Don was in the worst shape. The first storyline culminates in their return to New York City. Aaron discusses the satisfaction of reuniting the brothers, even amidst their strained relationships:
"Those first four issues, seeing each brother in different situations, were fun to write. But the real fun begins when they're together, seeing their interactions. Things aren't great; they're not reliving old times. They're rubbing each other the wrong way. None of them really want to be there. In issue #6, they return to a weaponized New York City, becoming the most hated entities. The odds are stacked against them, and they can't stand each other. How will they overcome this?"
Beyond the reunion, issue #6 introduces Juan Ferreyra as the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style. Aaron expresses his enthusiasm for Ferreyra's work:
"Using different artists for the first five issues made sense, focusing on individual Turtles and the villain. But having Juan start with issue #6, when the main plot thickens, was perfect. He's doing incredible work. He was born to draw this kind of Turtle story. Even following artistic legends, he's making this book his own."
Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes
Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya tackled the challenge of merging TMNT and Naruto. The first two issues introduce a shared universe where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan finally meet. Goellner credits Prasetya for the Turtles' redesigns, seamlessly integrating them into the Naruto universe.
"I couldn't be happier," Goellner says. "I had minimal suggestions. I can't take credit for the awesome redesigns. I hoped they'd be made into 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 like Raph and Sakura, the tanks of their respective teams. I'm excited to see how things unfold."
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
Goellner teases the series' direction as the ninja clans arrive in Big Apple Village, focusing on a specific TMNT villain requested by Masashi Kishimoto:
"He requested a specific villain for the Naruto characters to fight. I won't say who, but I think 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.
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