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, featuring a revitalized main series and exciting crossovers. This article summarizes interviews with writers Jason Aaron (main TMNT series) and Caleb Goellner (TMNT x Naruto) at IGN Fan Fest 2025.

A Return to Gritty Roots

The relaunched TMNT series, a massive success selling approximately 300,000 copies and ranking among 2024's top-selling comics, aims to recapture the essence of the original Mirage Studios comics. Aaron emphasizes a return to the "grittiness and griminess," large-scale action sequences, and the classic dynamic of the Turtles battling ninjas in New York City. The story also progresses the characters' arcs, exploring their individual journeys and eventual reunion, albeit a strained one. The new status quo finds the Turtles back together but deeply fractured, facing a city weaponized against them by a formidable Foot Clan villain.

Aaron attributes the series' success to a resurgence of interest in reboots and streamlined franchises, offering accessible entry points for new and longtime fans. He emphasizes focusing on creating compelling stories rather than market trends. The introduction of Juan Ferreyra as the regular artist from issue #6 brings a consistent visual style, perfectly capturing the series' tone.

A Fractured Family

The initial storyline saw the Turtles scattered globally, each facing unique challenges. While Aaron enjoyed exploring their individual predicaments, he highlights the renewed focus on their interactions once reunited in New York City. Their reunion is far from harmonious; the brothers are at odds, and the city itself is against them. This sets the stage for a challenging fight where their unity is crucial for survival.

TMNT x Naruto: A Ninja Fusion

Goellner and artist Hendry Prasetya's TMNT x Naruto crossover seamlessly blends the two universes. Prasetya's redesigns of the Turtles seamlessly integrate them into the Naruto world. Goellner praises Prasetya's work, expressing hope for future merchandise. He highlights the enjoyable character interactions, particularly Kakashi's role as a parental figure and the dynamic between Raphael and Sakura. A major plot point involves a specific TMNT villain chosen by Masashi Kishimoto himself, promising an exciting confrontation.

TMNT #7 launched February 26th, TMNT x Naruto #3 on March 26th, and a preview of the final chapter of TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution is also available. The article also mentions previews of IDW's new Godzilla shared universe and an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.