IDW's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Finally Gets the Brothers Back Together – 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-heavy 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 reunion is far from harmonious.

IGN Fan Fest 2025 provided an opportunity to speak with Aaron and *TMNT x Naruto* writer Caleb Goellner about their respective projects. We delved into the evolution of their stories, IDW's overall TMNT vision, and the ever-elusive prospect of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo rekindling their brotherhood.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mission Statement

IDW's recent flurry of TMNT releases, including the highly successful *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1* (selling approximately 300,000 copies and ranking among the top-selling comics of 2024), prompted questions about their overarching vision. Aaron reveals a focus on revisiting the classic Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird Mirage Studios era.

“My guiding principle was looking back at the original Mirage Studios series,” Aaron explained to IGN. “Last year marked its 40th anniversary, and that original black and white comic was my introduction to these characters. I wanted to recapture that grittiness, the double-page spreads, the action—grimy turtles battling ninjas in New York City alleys.”

He continued, “We aimed for that spirit, but also to tell a new story, moving the 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.”

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 audience demand for fresh starts in established franchises. Aaron shared his perspective:

“After last year, it certainly seems that way. I’ve been writing comics for 20 years, worked for many companies, but I don't overthink it. I focus on creating stories that excite me. When I got the call about the Turtles, I was thrilled. I knew I could do something cool.”

He added, “Working with amazing artists on the first six issues created a book that truly excited me. It’s a story for longtime fans and newcomers alike, and thankfully, that excitement seems to have resonated.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's TMNT 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 culminated in their return to New York City. We asked Aaron about the satisfaction of reuniting the brothers, even if their reunion is strained.

“The first four issues were fun, showing each brother in different situations,” Aaron said. “I enjoyed depicting their troubles and what brought them back together. The real fun begins with their reunion; seeing their interactions. Things aren't great; they're not reliving old times; they're clashing.”

He added, “None of them want to be there. In issue #6, back in NYC, they find the city weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain. They're the most hated in the Five Boroughs (Six, including 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 marks Juan Ferreyra's arrival as the regular artist. Aaron expressed his enthusiasm for Ferreyra's consistent visual style.

“Using different artists for the first five issues made sense, focusing on individual Turtles and the villain in issue #5,” Aaron explained. “But Juan's arrival in issue #6 was perfect for the main plot. He's doing incredible work. Anyone who sees issues #6 and #7 will see he was born to draw this kind of Turtle story.”

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya tackled the challenge of merging TMNT and Naruto. The first two issues of *TMNT x Naruto* introduce a shared universe where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan finally meet. Goellner credits Prasetya for seamlessly integrating the Turtles into the Naruto universe.

“I couldn't be happier,” Goellner told IGN. “I had minimal suggestions. The Turtles' redesigns are unreal. I hope they become toys!”

A key aspect of the crossover is the character interactions. We asked Goellner about his favorite pairings.

“My job is to ensure all characters have their moments,” Goellner said. “I love Kakashi with anyone; as a dad, he's my viewpoint character. I also love Splinter, but Kakashi's internal face-palming is hilarious. I’ll cheat and say all of them.”

He added, “It's funny; I write it and forget. I like Mikey's humor and Raph and Sakura's dynamic. I'm excited for more surprises as the fighting intensifies in #3.”

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

Goellner teased a major TMNT villain, specifically requested by Masashi Kishimoto, appearing in the crossover’s Big Apple Village arc.

“He requested a specific villain for the Naruto characters to fight,” Goellner said. “I won't say who, but it'll be awesome. The book's vibe is super positive, and I appreciate everyone joining us.”

*Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7* released February 26th, and *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3* on March 26th. Check out IGN’s exclusive preview of *TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution’s* final chapter, IDW's new Godzilla shared universe, and a sneak peek of an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline (all part of IGN Fan Fest 2025).