Matthew Rosenberg is the next writer of IDW’s flagship Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, and we recently sat down with him to discuss what readers can expect when he takes over in early 2027. It’s his first interview about the series, which launches in January.
Rosenberg shares how he landed the job, why he’s returning the series to its street-level roots, his love of the original Mirage comics, and how New York City itself will become a major character in the story. Below are highlights from our conversation.
For the complete interview, along with the rest of our discussion, be sure to check out the latest episode of the AIPT Comics Podcast.
Oh, and want to ask Rosenberg a question about his TMNT take over? Fill out the survey below!
AIPT: Congratulations on landing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. How did it happen?
MR: My former Punisher editor, Jake Thomas, moved to IDW and called me almost immediately. I actually turned it down because I was too busy. A few months later, Gene Luen Yang had to step away from the book, Jake called again, and this time I couldn’t say no. When someone offers you Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, you say yes.
AIPT: What kind of TMNT story do you want to tell?
MR: I kept coming back to the original Mirage comics. The Turtles always felt outmatched and were fighting for their lives. That’s the energy I want. It’s a street-level story and a love letter to New York City, with real neighborhoods, subway lines, and locations woven throughout.
AIPT: Gene Luen Yang’s run ends on some huge ideas. How does that shape your direction?
MR: Gene went cosmic with the afterlife and gods, so I wanted to bring things back down to the streets. At the same time, his finale opens the door for characters from across TMNT history to return. Our approach is basically “no idea is off the table.” We’re pulling inspiration from the comics, cartoons, movies, and more.
AIPT: What can you tease about the threat facing the Turtles?
MR: They’re being hunted by a massive lineup of villains that will test every skill they have. The premise is simple: the Turtles need to cross New York City before they’re taken down. It’s a fight for survival from beginning to end.
AIPT: Why was Juann Cabal the right artist?
MR: I wanted someone who could make every fight compelling even without dialogue and who could draw creatures as well as people. Juan can do all of that. Every artist has their own version of the Turtles, and I think his designs are going to become iconic.
AIPT: What from the Mirage era has stayed with you all these years?
MR: The books balanced humor with genuinely brutal action. They’re funny because the concept is funny, but they never pulled punches. That’s the balance I’m chasing: fun banter and family dynamics mixed with hard-hitting action. There are even a few moments coming up that surprised IDW when I pitched them because they were so intense.
AIPT: How do you keep all four Turtles distinct?
MR: They all fight, so the differences come from their personalities. Leo’s leadership, Raph’s anger, Donnie’s problem-solving, and Mikey’s optimism all shape how they approach every situation. At its heart, TMNT is half action comic and half family drama.
AIPT: Where does TMNT rank for you personally?
MR: Before Spawn and TMNT came along, I’d decided to focus almost entirely on creator-owned work. The only licensed books I still dreamed about were Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and G.I. Joe. TMNT has always been one of my favorite comics and one of the great independent success stories in the medium.
AIPT: What do you hope readers say after the first story arc?
MR: I hope they feel like it belongs alongside the great TMNT stories that came before it. I’m stepping into some huge shoes, and I just want to do right by the characters, the creators, and the fans.
This is an edited version of the conversation. Listen to the full chat on the AIPT Comics podcast!
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