Warning: Mild spoilers for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x NarutoThe worlds of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and naruto finally collide, as IDW Publishing brings together these beloved ninja franchises for the crossover of the year. Screen Rant spoke with writer Caleb Goellner about what fans of both series can expect. Screen Rant is pleased to feature Goellner’s answers to the crossover’s most burning questions, as well as an exclusive first look at the highly anticipated second issue.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #1 – written by Caleb Goellner, with art by Hendry Prasetya – takes place in a unique hybrid of both franchises’ universes, uniting the two iconic casts of ninjas against a common threat: the Foot Clan.
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TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES x NARUTO #2 (2025) |
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Release date: |
January 15, 2025 |
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Writer: |
Caleb Goellner |
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Artist: |
Hendry Prasetya |
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Colorist: |
Raúl Angulo |
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Poster: |
Ed Dukeshire |
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Cover artist: |
Jorge Jiménez |
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Variant cover artists: |
Hendry Prasetya, John Amor, Jahnoy Lindsay |
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When Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi are tasked with escorting reporter April O’Neil and the mutation research she is protecting back to her home in Big Apple Village, they don’t expect to be attacked by the Foot Clan. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arrive just in time to defeat the Foot’s ambush, but despite their common enemy, the two teams have a lot to learn about each other if they want to get along! As the Turtles introduce Team 7 to their lives in Big Apple Village, the Foot Clan sees another opportunity to steal the slime’s secrets for themselves… |
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The fan-favorite characters don’t get along at first, resulting in an all-out brawl between Naruto’s powerful jutsu and the TMNT’s unparalleled teamwork. However, ultimately, Naruto’s Team 7 and the TMNT must overcome their differences to protect April O’Neil and the secrets she has discovered.
Exclusive: Screen Rant Interviews ‘Ninja Turtles X Naruto’ Author Caleb Goellner on the Highly Anticipated Crossover
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (of 4) available now from IDW Publishing
Screen Rant: How did you choose the time period in Naruto for the series to take place (after Team 7 meets Orochi, but before Sasuke leaves Konoha)?
Caleb Goellner: “There are a few reasons why the book happens when this happens, but mostly this loose point in time is the most recognizable to longtime fans of either series and, hopefully, the most accessible to newcomers. I should I can say that I would be happy if this book introduced someone to TMNT or Naruto for the first time, or helped them delve deeper.
SR: The artistic style, the covers by Jorge Jimenez and the art by Hendry Prasetya seem like an incredible choice for this combination of universes: can you talk about this balance between traditional manga and modern American comic styles?
CG: “It’s an honor to work on a book with Jorge on the covers and Hendry Prasetya on the interiors. I may be as much a fan of them as I am of TMNT and Naruto. I know there was a desire from the partners in Japan to see new art styles applied to the characters by Masashi Kishimoto, and the artistic, colorful, and lettering talent in this book really bridged the gap with jutsu-level skill. I know people will love seeing the passion everyone puts on the page.
SR: Any chance of the Foot Clan working with any notable Naruto villains in the future? Foot and Akatsuki may have a lot in common! (Which, if Shredder was supposed to be like Madara… the TMNT is NOT ready.)
CG: “Nothing would make me happier than to see this book lead to more cool stories, whatever they may be. So I hope fans have a lot of fun with this series. The editors really pay attention to performance, so submit your clone of the shadows to buy an extra one or two copies!”
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It promises “sincere emotions” from iconic characters from both franchises
SR: What are our chances of seeing Master Splinter in Sage mode? The Turtles’ masks alone make us think about seeing everything imaginable, so you can’t blame us.
CG: “I can’t spoil anything, but I love the spirit of this chakra-rich issue.”
SR: We were all impressed with how these two franchises fit together perfectly in just this first installment. Was there a specific story or idea for this crossover that made these pieces fit into your side of things?
CG: “Thank you! I’m a big Shonen person, so my mind switches from jokes about facial flaws to featuring groups of characters everyone loves in the most difficult poses possible. Basically, my motivation was to organize a series of events where Team 7 and the TMNT looks so cool and expresses such heartfelt emotions that it brings tears to your eyes. And let me tell you, Hendry BRINGS IT on every page.”
SR: Anything on your bucket list now that this crossover has become a reality? The latest Ronin Mikey, for example, seems like an incredible parallel to Naruto and Sasuke during the Shippuden series.
CG: “Anything is possible if this series hits Sage Mode numbers. Personally, I’d like Rock Lee to meet Casey Jones at some point… Okay, now I have to draw this myself just to post on Instagram…”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #2 will be available January 15, 2025 from IDW Publishing.