IDW Publishing recently unveiled its ambitious plans for the **Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles** franchise during the San Diego Comic-Con 2025. In an exclusive revelation by IGN, IDW announced its forthcoming major TMNT event comic titled **TMNT: Battle Nexus**.
If the title resonates with fans, it’s no coincidence. The **Battle Nexus** has been a recurring theme in various adaptations of the TMNT comics and animated series. This multidimensional battleground connects numerous worlds within the TMNT multiverse, serving as the stage for tournaments that determine the mightiest warrior across realities.
**TMNT: Battle Nexus** will be a five-issue limited series, with each installment crafted by a distinct creative team while contributing to a cohesive narrative. The talented roster of writers includes Tom Waltz, Paul Allor, Sophie Campbell, Caleb Goellner, and Erik Burnham, accompanied by artists such as the Escorza brothers, Ben Bishop, Vitor Cafaggi, Omar Francia, and Hendry Prasetya.
One of the most exciting aspects of **Battle Nexus** is the much-anticipated return of the original **Shredder** from **Kevin Eastman** and **Peter Laird**’s acclaimed **Mirage Comics** run. He will be depicted in the iconic black-and-white style, joined by notable characters including **Metalhead** from the 2012 animated series, **Slash** from the IDW universe, and **Ninjara**, who makes her debut in IDW. These formidable villains have been specifically chosen to challenge the Turtles in this high-stakes tournament.
“There are many moments and events in TMNT lore that I call ‘touchstones’ — traditional happenings like the family visiting the old farm in Northampton to regroup and regenerate,” Waltz mentioned. “Competing in the Battle Nexus is among those touchstones. Our editorial team at IDW and **Paramount** has developed an innovative twist on the **Battle Nexus** that I believe will astonish both longtime and new fans. I couldn’t be prouder to contribute to this unified and exhilarating narrative!”
Allor expressed his enthusiasm as well: “When IDW invited me to participate in this project, I was thrilled. Upon seeing the complete list of artists and writers involved, my excitement only grew! This team is incredibly talented, having contributed immensely to IDW’s rich **TMNT** continuity over the years. We’re uniting to create a heartfelt, action-packed, and wildly over-the-top story that celebrates everything that makes our heroes in a half-shell so beloved. Fans are going to adore it!”
Burnham added, “Some of my fondest memories as a comic reader revolve around chaotic, action-filled weekly events. I am delighted to report that creating these types of stories is just as enjoyable as reading them! It has been an honor to help guide this series and a joy to contribute my chapter. I cannot wait for the next installment!”
Goellner chimed in, “It’s **Battle Nexus**, baby! This event is a labor of love spearheaded by an extraordinary group of individuals I am proud to collaborate with. If fans experience even half the joy we have working on this, IDW has a spectacular roller coaster combined with a bouncy house and a rave in store. Let’s go!”
Cafaggi shared his personal excitement: “Reading the **Battle Nexus** storyline transported me back to feeling like an eight-year-old, thrilled after getting my hands on a new edition of **Secret Wars**! As a die-hard TMNT enthusiast, I feel privileged to have previewed this storyline and am even more excited to contribute as an artist. This will undoubtedly be a memorable project for me!”
Bishop expressed his eagerness as well: “I can’t emphasize enough how much I anticipate putting my favorite turtle, **Leonardo**, into battle against one of the most iconic iterations of the Shredder. The real highlight, though, is collaborating with my **LAST RONIN** – TURTLE KILLING teammates, the Escorza brothers, Tom Waltz, and **Luis Antonio Delgado**. There will be blood!”
Earlier this week, **The Hollywood Reporter** highlighted significant changes on the horizon for IDW’s flagship **TMNT** comic series. Current creators **Jason Aaron** and **Juan Ferreyra** will conclude their tenure with issue #12, making way for a new creative team and status quo in December’s **Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13**, featuring **Gene Luen Yang** (*American Born Chinese*) and **Freddie E. Williams II** (*Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles*).
**TMNT: Battle Nexus #1** is set to launch on November 12, 2025, with a final order cutoff of October 6. Comic enthusiasts can preorder a copy at their local comic shop.
For additional information on TMNT, discover how to read IDW’s TMNT comics in 2025. You can also catch up on everything announced at SDCC 2025 thus far.
Based on reporting by Jesse Schedeen. Read the full story at IGN.