TMNT Brothers Reunite: 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 the exciting *TMNT x Naruto* crossover. Now, in 2025, the main TMNT series boasts a new regular artist and a fresh status quo: the Turtles are reunited, but their reunion is far from harmonious.

IGN Fan Fest 2025 provided an opportunity to chat with Aaron and *TMNT x Naruto* writer Caleb Goellner about the future of their respective books. We explored the evolution of these stories, IDW's overarching vision for the TMNT line, and the ever-elusive prospect of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo rediscovering 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 guiding vision. Aaron reveals a focus on revisiting the classic grit and grime of the original Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird Mirage Studios comics.

"For me, the guiding principle was looking back at the original Mirage Studios series," Aaron explains. "Last year was the 40th anniversary, and that original black and white book was my first experience with these characters. I wanted to recapture that grittiness, the double-page spreads, the action—grimy turtles fighting ninjas in New York City alleyways."

He continues, "We aimed for that spirit, but also to tell a new story, moving these characters forward after 150 issues. They've grown, reached a turning point, heading in different directions. The story explores how they come back together 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 accessible entries into major franchises. Aaron reflects on this:

"After last year, it certainly seems that way. I've been doing this for 20 years, written for many companies, but I don't think about that. I just try to create stories that excite me. When I got the call about the Turtles, I was excited. I knew I could do something cool."

He adds, "Working with incredible artists on the first six issues, we created a book that excited me. It's a story for longtime fans and newcomers alike, and thankfully, that excitement seems to have resonated."

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. Aaron discusses the satisfaction of reuniting the brothers, even amidst their strained relationships:

"Those first four issues were fun, seeing each brother in different situations. But the real fun is when they're together, seeing how they interact. Things aren't great; they're not reliving old times. They're rubbing each other the wrong way."

Aaron adds, "None of them want to be there. The pieces don't fit like they used to. In issue #6, they return to a weaponized New York City, becoming the most hated entities. The odds are stacked against them, and they can't stand each other. How will they win this fight?"

Beyond the reunion, issue #6 introduces Juan Ferreyra as the new regular artist. Aaron expresses 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. But having Juan come on board with issue #6 was perfect. He's doing incredible work. Anyone who sees issues #6 and #7 will see he was born to draw this kind of Turtle story. He's making this book his own."

Merging the TMNT and Naruto Universes

Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya tackled the challenge of combining 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 the Turtles' redesign, seamlessly integrating them into the Naruto world.

"I couldn't be happier," Goellner says. "I had minimal suggestions. I can't take credit for the redesigns. They're unreal. I hope they become toys!"

The crossover's appeal lies in the character interactions. Goellner shares his favorite pairings:

"My job is to ensure all characters have a moment. I really like Kakashi with anyone—as a dad, he's my viewpoint character. I also love Splinter, but Kakashi's doing a lot of internal face-palming while keeping things moving. I'll cheat and say all of them."

Goellner continues, "I like Raph and Sakura, the tanks of their teams. I'm excited to see what happens when the fighting heats up in #3."

Goellner teases the arrival of the ninja clans in Big Apple Village, focusing on a major TMNT villain specifically requested by Masashi Kishimoto:

"He requested a specific villain for the Naruto characters to fight. I won't say who, but I think everyone will be stoked. The vibe on the book is super positive."

*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 the final chapter of *TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution*, IDW's new Godzilla shared universe, and a sneak peek of an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.