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 a revitalized main series and exciting crossovers. This year sees a new regular artist and a fresh status quo for the core TMNT title, with the Turtles reunited but far from harmonious.

IGN Fan Fest 2025 provided insights from writer Jason Aaron (main TMNT series) and Caleb Goellner (TMNT x Naruto). Their discussions revealed the creative vision behind the franchise's resurgence and the upcoming storylines.

Reimagining the TMNT Legacy

IDW's relaunched TMNT comic, a massive success selling approximately 300,000 copies and ranking among 2024's top-selling comics, aimed to recapture the gritty essence of the original Mirage Studios series. Aaron sought to evoke the raw energy and iconic imagery of the original black-and-white comics, while simultaneously propelling the characters forward after 150 issues of prior storylines. The narrative focuses on the Turtles' individual journeys and their eventual, albeit strained, reunion.

The success of the relaunch, alongside other franchise reboots, suggests a strong audience demand for fresh, accessible entries into established universes. Aaron emphasizes his focus on crafting compelling stories, driven by personal excitement rather than market trends.

A Fractured Family

The initial TMNT storyline showcased the Turtles scattered across the globe, each facing unique challenges. The reunion in New York City, however, reveals a fractured family dynamic, with the city itself weaponized against them by a new Foot Clan villain. This sets the stage for a challenging fight against overwhelming odds, further complicated by the Turtles' internal conflicts.

The introduction of Juan Ferreyra as the regular artist starting with issue #6 provides a consistent visual style, perfectly complementing the evolving narrative. Ferreyra's art is praised for its dynamic energy and perfect fit for the gritty urban setting.

Blending Worlds: TMNT x Naruto

The TMNT x Naruto crossover, penned by Goellner and illustrated by Hendry Prasetya, seamlessly blends the two universes. Prasetya's redesigns of the Turtles are lauded for their integration into the Naruto aesthetic. The crossover highlights the personalities of both teams, with Goellner particularly enjoying the interactions between Kakashi and Splinter, and the dynamic between Raphael and Sakura.

A major TMNT villain, specifically chosen by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto, will be a central antagonist in the crossover's later chapters, promising exciting confrontations.

TMNT #7 launched February 26th, with TMNT x Naruto #3 following on March 26th. IGN also offered exclusive previews of the final chapter of TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution, IDW's new Godzilla shared universe, and an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline. The images below showcase preview art from the mentioned issues.