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

IDW has been ambitiously expanding the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise, with significant developments in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, IDW relaunched the flagship TMNT comic with Jason Aaron as the writer, launched the sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and introduced a crossover with Naruto titled TMNT x Naruto. Moving into 2025, the main TMNT series features a new regular artist and a fresh status quo, with the four Turtles—Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo—reuniting in New York City, though not on the best of terms.

During IGN Fan Fest 2025, IGN had the opportunity to discuss the future of these series with Jason Aaron and Caleb Goellner, the writer of TMNT x Naruto. The conversation delved into the evolution of their stories, the overarching mission for the TMNT line, and the potential for reconciliation among the Turtles.

The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

IDW has been prolific with new TMNT series, including the highly successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, which sold approximately 300,000 copies and ranked among the top-selling comics of 2024. Jason Aaron emphasized that his guiding principle for the series is to reconnect with the classic Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird TMNT comics from the Mirage days. He aims to recapture the grittiness and action-packed essence of the original black and white series while pushing the characters forward after the events of the previous 150 issues of the IDW series.

Aaron's vision is to explore how the Turtles have grown and reached a turning point in their lives, navigating their individual paths and striving to reunite as the heroes they once were to face new challenges.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

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The success of TMNT #1 reflects a broader trend of audiences favoring reboots and streamlined narratives for major franchises, as seen with other top sellers like Marvel’s Ultimate Universe line, DC’s Absolute line, and Skybound’s Energon Universe. Aaron expressed his excitement about being part of this trend, focusing on crafting stories that resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers.

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's run begins with the Turtles scattered across the globe, each facing unique challenges. By the end of the first storyline, they reunite in New York City, only to find themselves at odds with one another. The city has changed, weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain, making their reunion fraught with tension and conflict.

Starting with issue #6, Juan Ferreyra becomes the new regular artist, bringing a consistent visual style to the series. Aaron praised Ferreyra's work, noting his ability to capture the essence of the Turtles' urban adventures.

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

The TMNT x Naruto crossover, penned by Caleb Goellner and illustrated by Hendry Prasetya, introduces a world where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan coexist. Goellner highlighted Prasetya's role in redesigning the Turtles to fit seamlessly into the Naruto universe.

Goellner enjoyed the dynamic interactions between characters, particularly appreciating the perspective of Kakashi as a mentor figure, akin to Splinter. He also teased upcoming developments, including a major TMNT villain requested by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto, set to appear in the Big Apple Village arc.

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

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 was released on February 26, and TMNT x Naruto #3 is scheduled for March 26. IGN also provided an exclusive preview of the final chapter of TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution. Additionally, IGN Fan Fest 2025 offered a glimpse into IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.