IDW's ambitious approach to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise continues to evolve, with significant developments in 2024 and beyond. The year saw the flagship TMNT comic relaunch under the guidance of writer Jason Aaron, alongside the sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and a unique crossover event with TMNT x Naruto. Moving into 2025, the main TMNT series introduces a new regular artist and a fresh status quo, where the four Turtles, Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo, are reunited but struggling to reconcile their differences.
At IGN Fan Fest 2025, we had the opportunity to delve into the future of these series with Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner. Our discussions focused on the growth of these narratives, the overarching vision for the TMNT line, and the prospects of the Turtles mending their fractured relationships.
The Mission Statement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
IDW's rapid expansion of the TMNT universe, including the launch of their flagship monthly series, has been met with significant success. The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 sold around 300,000 copies, placing it among the top-selling comics of 2024. Aaron's mission for the series is to reconnect with the gritty essence of the original Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird TMNT comics from the Mirage days.
"For me, on this book, the guiding principle was just looking back at that original series, the original Mirage Studios book," Aaron shared with IGN. He aims to recapture the raw energy and action of those early black and white comics, while also pushing the characters forward after their extensive journey through the IDW series. This involves exploring their growth and the challenges they face as they try to reunite and reclaim their heroism in the face of new threats.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
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The success of TMNT #1 aligns with a trend where audiences are drawn to reboots and streamlined narratives of major franchises, as seen with Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, DC’s Absolute line, and Skybound’s Energon Universe. Aaron acknowledges this demand for accessible entry points into these iconic properties, expressing his excitement in contributing to this phenomenon with his work on TMNT.
Aaron's tenure with the TMNT series began with a unique status quo, with the Turtles scattered across the globe. The first arc of his run culminated in their reunion in New York City, setting the stage for their ongoing struggles to coexist. The introduction of Juan Ferreyra as the new regular artist from issue #6 onwards has brought a consistent visual style that complements the gritty urban setting and dynamic action sequences of Aaron's narrative.
A TMNT Family Reunion
The initial issues of Aaron's run explored the individual paths of the Turtles before their eventual reunion. The tension and friction among the brothers upon reuniting add depth to their character dynamics and set up the central conflict of the series. The backdrop of a transformed New York City, now weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain, further complicates their journey towards reconciliation and heroism.
The partnership with Ferreyra has been a highlight for Aaron, praising the artist's ability to bring the Turtles' world to life in a way that resonates with the series' original spirit.
Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes
The TMNT x Naruto crossover series presents an intriguing blend of two iconic franchises, crafted by Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya. The series introduces a shared universe where the Turtles and the Uzumaki Clan meet for the first time, with Prasetya's redesigns seamlessly integrating the Turtles into the Naruto world. Goellner's enthusiasm for the project is evident, particularly in his appreciation for the creative synergy between the teams.
Character interactions are a key element of the crossover, with Goellner enjoying the dynamics between characters like Kakashi and the youthful ninjas, as well as the humorous exchanges involving Michelangelo. As the series progresses, readers can look forward to more thrilling confrontations, especially with the introduction of a major TMNT villain requested by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 - Exclusive Preview Gallery
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As the narrative unfolds, the Turtles and Naruto characters navigate the challenges of Big Apple Village, setting the stage for an epic showdown. Fans can anticipate the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 on February 26 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #3 on March 26. Additionally, IGN offers an exclusive preview of the final chapter of TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution.
IGN Fan Fest 2025 also provided early insights into IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline, showcasing the diverse and exciting projects on the horizon.
