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

IDW's ambitious Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) initiative continues to expand. 2024 saw the relaunch of the flagship TMNT comic under Jason Aaron, the sequel to the best-selling TMNT: The Last Ronin, and a TMNT x Naruto crossover. Now, in 2025, the main TMNT series boasts a new artist and a fractured status quo: the Turtles are reunited, but far from amicable.

IGN Fan Fest 2025 featured interviews with Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner, revealing future plans. The discussion covered the series' evolution, its overarching vision, and the Turtles' potential reconciliation.

The TMNT Mission Statement

IDW's numerous TMNT launches, including the highly successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (approximately 300,000 copies sold), prompted questions about their overall strategy. Aaron explained his approach: a return to the gritty essence of the original Mirage Studios comics. He aimed to recapture the raw energy and impactful visuals of the classic black-and-white series, while simultaneously propelling the characters forward, exploring their growth and the challenges of reuniting after their individual journeys.

The success of TMNT #1, alongside other reboots like Marvel's Ultimate Universe and DC's Absolute lines, suggests a strong audience demand for fresh starts and streamlined narratives in established franchises. Aaron attributes the success to focusing on creating compelling stories, rather than market trends.

A TMNT Family Reunion

Aaron's initial storyline dispersed the Turtles globally. The reunion in New York City, however, is far from harmonious. Their relationships are strained, and they face a city weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain. Their reconciliation and victory are far from guaranteed.

The arrival of Juan Ferreyra as the regular artist for issue #6 marks a significant shift. His art style is perfectly suited to the series' gritty, action-packed nature, creating a cohesive visual identity.

Merging TMNT and Naruto

Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya's TMNT x Naruto crossover seamlessly blends the two universes. The Turtles' redesigns, primarily Prasetya's work, successfully integrate them into the Naruto world. Goellner highlights the dynamic interactions between characters, particularly appreciating Kakashi's mentorship role and the interplay between Raphael and Sakura. A key plot point involves a major TMNT villain specifically chosen by Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, promising an exciting confrontation.

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