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

IDW's ambitious Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) expansion continues in 2025 with fresh creative directions. Following a successful 2024 that saw the relaunch of the flagship TMNT comic (under Jason Aaron), the sequel to TMNT: The Last Ronin, and the TMNT x Naruto crossover, the main TMNT series now features a new artist and a fractured team dynamic. The Turtles are reunited, but their relationships are strained.

IGN Fan Fest 2025 provided insights from Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner. Discussions covered the series' evolution, its overarching vision, and the potential for the Turtles' reconciliation.

A Return to Roots

IDW's new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 was a phenomenal success, selling approximately 300,000 copies and ranking among 2024's top-selling comics. Aaron's guiding principle was a return to the gritty, raw style of the original Mirage Studios comics, aiming to recapture the essence of Eastman and Laird's creation. He sought to present a fresh narrative, building upon the previous 150 issues while exploring the Turtles' growth and eventual reunion amidst a pivotal moment in their lives.

The success of TMNT #1, alongside other franchise reboots like Marvel's Ultimate Universe and DC's Absolute line, suggests a significant audience demand for accessible entries into established universes. Aaron attributes the positive reception to a focus on creating engaging stories, regardless of broader market trends.

A Turtle Family Divided

Aaron's initial storyline featured the Turtles scattered globally: Raphael imprisoned, Michelangelo a Japanese TV star, Leonardo a contemplative monk, and Donatello in a precarious situation. Their eventual reunion in New York City, however, reveals a far from idyllic situation. The city has been weaponized against them by a Foot Clan villain, making the Turtles pariahs. Their strained relationships further complicate their struggle for survival.

The introduction of Juan Ferreyra as the regular artist for issue #6 onwards provides a consistent visual style, perfectly complementing the narrative shift. Ferreyra's art is lauded as a perfect fit for the series' gritty urban setting.

Blending TMNT and Naruto

Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya's TMNT x Naruto crossover seamlessly integrates the two universes. The initial issues depict a shared world where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan are only now meeting. Prasetya's redesigns of the Turtles are praised for their seamless integration into the Naruto aesthetic.

The crossover's appeal lies in the character interactions. Goellner highlights the dynamics between Kakashi and the younger characters, mirroring a parental role, and the compelling contrast between Raphael and Sakura. A major TMNT villain, specifically requested by Masashi Kishimoto, will be a key element in future chapters.

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