IDW's ambitious Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise expansion continues in 2025. Following the successful relaunch of the flagship TMNT comic under Jason Aaron in 2024, and the launch of TMNT: The Last Ronin sequel and TMNT x Naruto crossover, the main TMNT series now features a new artist and a revised status quo. The Turtles are reunited, but their relationships are strained.
IGN Fan Fest 2025 provided insights from Aaron and TMNT x Naruto writer Caleb Goellner. Aaron's approach prioritizes a return to the grit and grime of the original Mirage Studios comics, aiming for a fresh yet classic feel. The series' success, selling around 300,000 copies of issue #1, reflects a potential audience demand for rebooted or streamlined franchises. Aaron emphasizes his focus on creating exciting stories, regardless of broader market trends.
The initial storyline saw the Turtles scattered globally, each facing unique challenges. Their eventual reunion in New York City, however, reveals a fractured dynamic and a city weaponized against them. The arrival of Juan Ferreyra as the regular artist from issue #6 onwards provides a consistent visual style, perfectly complementing the evolving narrative.
TMNT x Naruto, meanwhile, seamlessly blends the two universes. Goellner credits artist Hendry Prasetya's redesigns for the Turtles' successful integration into the Naruto world. The crossover highlights character interactions, with Goellner particularly enjoying the dynamics between Kakashi and the younger characters, and Raph and Sakura. A major TMNT villain, specifically chosen by Masashi Kishimoto, will feature prominently in future issues.
TMNT #7 launched February 26th, TMNT x Naruto #3 on March 26th. IGN also previewed the final chapter of TMNT: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution, IDW's new Godzilla universe, and an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog storyline.
