The fight is coming to their doorstep, and this time, the Turtles might not be able to hide.
IDW Publishing has unveiled action-packed preview of Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5, the hit comic series that continues the adventures of the fan-favorite animated series, Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which itself is set within the Mutant Mayhem universe!
A new story arc kicked off with Tales of the TMNT #4 with writer Andrew Joustra taking over the series. On top of being the writer of Tales of the TMNT, he’s a screenwriter and was the script coordinator for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023) and is currently the script supervisor on its highly anticipated 2027 sequel. He also wrote the TMNT short Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey!
Read the preview for Tales of the TMNT #5 below, courtesy of AIPT (II), with additional imagery courtesy of Get Your Comic On!
New tales of the TMNT based on the newest Ninja Turtles animated series!Fugitoid and the Turtles get a surprise visitor when Agent Lonae shows up on their doorstep. The E.P.F., Agent Blanque, Bishop, and Zog are closing in on our heroes. Will the boys hunker down to defend their home and their new robot friend or take the fight to the enemy? Find out in this issue featuring new original takes and designs on classic legacy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters.By debut comics writer Andrew Joustra (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey) and neon-punk comics artist Louie Joyce (Godzilla: Skate or Die, Haphaven, Past the Last Mountain).Tales of the TMNT #5Writer: Andrew JoustraArtist: Louie JoyceRelease Date: April 15, 2026
AIPT wants your questions for Andrew Joustra! Ask Andrew anything by filling out the survey at aiptcomics.com!
Update (4/12) - It's time to dig into the creative mind behind one of the franchise’s most intriguing recent additions: Fugitoid. From childhood fandom rooted in the ’87 cartoon and classic toys to shaping a brand-new take on the character, Andrew Joustra walks us through how a lifelong love of the Turtles turned into an opportunity to leave his own mark on the mythos. Joustra’s run on Tales of TMNT kicked off with issue #4, along with exceptional art by Louie Joyce.
Answering your fan questions on aiptcomics.com, we get insight into the characters he’s always wanted to write, the design choices behind Fugitoid’s updated look, and how deep the well of TMNT inspiration really goes.
But that’s just scratching the surface. This week’s answers also tease bigger questions about the world of Tales of the TMNT, including where characters like Bishop fit into the larger power structure, whether Fugitoid’s story is far from over, and which fan-favorite characters could appear next. There are even a few fun hypotheticals, from dream voice casting to who would win in a clash of machines. As always, it’s a mix of behind-the-scenes detail and forward-looking hints, with plenty for longtime fans to latch onto.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
carceralityTiffany asks: How did your love of Turtles start?
Andrew Joustra: I saw some of the ‘87 cartoon as a kid and had the 1990 movie on VHS, which I loved. My parents got me some of the toys for Christmas one year and I think that’s what really drew me in. Then, when the 2003 show came out, I got into it even more and started reading some of the old comics. It’s been a thing I’ve loved and gone back to throughout my life, so now getting to be a part of it is pretty incredible.
Polaris asks: Are there any characters you’ve always wanted to write?
AJ: In the world of TMNT, Fugitoid is quite honestly the one I wanted to write the most. He’s my favorite character from the franchise, so I’m still in awe that I got to help create a new version of him.
Outside of TMNT… so many. I have a handful of originals that I’m hoping I’ll get to write at some point. But just to name a few from other IP (in no particular order): the Power Rangers, Godzilla, Samus Aran, Terry McGinnis, Optimus Prime, and Geordi La Forge.
OtterFan asks: Is Bishop part of the EPF in the comic? If she is, is she higher than Blanque in the hierarchy or lower? Or are they on the same level? Why doesn’t she have the insignia? If she isn’t, why? She was recruited for the show.
AJ: Bishop is part of the E.P.F. at this point. I think Blanque might be a little higher in the chain of command, but they’re in different departments. Bishop is in research and development (not a field agent at this point), which is why she’s not wearing a tactical uniform. After Honeycutt destroyed his research, Bishop was brought in to try to piece together what was left to recreate his menta-wave helmet. She was eager to help because of its potential capability to control mutants telepathically.
Felestina asks: Really enjoying your take on the Fugitoid so far, so I can’t help but ask: Will we see the guy again after Fugitoid Frenzy is over? Perhaps more comics, or, better yet, a cameo in the next movie? (I know you can’t tease anything about the sequel yet, but still)
AJ: I don’t want to spoil anything, but I think it’s safe to say you’ll see him again in the comics. Beyond that, I’m not sure. I’d love to do more stories with him (whether it’s in this continuity or another one). I think a manga-inspired graphic novel would be a lot of fun. But that all depends on how much demand there is for more Fuguitoid stories, so if you want to see more, please pick up the comics!
Pickle asks: Does Fugitoid run on Windows, macOS, Linux, or an old IBM?
AJ: Haha – I think before Zayton’s consciousness was transferred, it would have been running on a proprietary operating system.
Mason Everstone asks: Do you think characters like Shini/Shinigami (from TMNT 2012 and just made her debut in TMNT IDW, Alopex, Tigerclaw, more of Scratch and/or Hobbs, Casey, Slash, Karai, Leatherhead, and/or etc.) might show up in the Tales of the TMNT comic?
AJ: You never know! It would be fun to see a lot of those characters in this world, so hopefully we can make it happen.
Blake! Asks: Having also written Chrome Alone, do you think Fugitoid & Chrome Dome could get along? If not, who’d win in a fight?
AJ: They would not get along at all, haha. Chrome Dome would view Fugitoid as some kind of lesser machine because of his human consciousness. Fugitoid would resent Chrome Dome for stealing other people’s ideas (and trying to kill his friends).
As for who would win in a fight… if you keep reading the Tales comic, you just might get an answer.
Feletina asks: Which TMNT villains (aside from already established ones) you’d like to reimagine in TOTTMNT?
AJ: I think Armaggon would be a fun one. Slash, Lord Dregg, and Granitor are also high on my list.
Genesis B. asks: Who are the Turtles’ favorite artists and singers? Like, I think they talked about Shakira when Mikey said -Yo quiero conocer a la que factura- in the Spanish dub, so it makes me curious haha. Thank you for reading this and goodbye :3
AJ: Great question! I’m not sure about all of them, but we know Donnie likes BTS from Mutant Mayhem. I would imagine he also likes The Pillows or Radwimps. At one point, we had him listening to the Evangelion theme in the movie (but that got cut at some point). I feel like Mikey is into all kinds of music and could absolutely see him vibing to Shakira.
MushroomGrenade asks: There are new characters in the comic! And Fugitoid! Just out of curiosity, if you can pick, who would you like to voice these characters?
AJ: Definitely Honeycutt/Fugitoid since I put a lot of myself in this version of the character and wrote his dialogue similar to how I talk.
Blake asks: Did you have any input in the design of Fugitoid? It being based predominantly on the original toy’s design is quite a unique decision compared to the other versions of him we’ve seen throughout Turtles’ history!
AJ: I did! That was one thing I was very insistent on, and thankfully IDW/Paramount indulged me. I love that original Playmates toy and wanted to use its color scheme and some of the more “homemade” looking aspects of it. Our design philosophy on the movies has always been to look at those classic toys for inspiration first, and I wanted to continue that into the comics.
I’m not a very good illustrator, but I did several mockups of what I had in mind and wrote up detailed notes that I sent to Rustam Hasanov, who was a character designer for the Tales TV series. He went off and did a handful of designs, and I sent notes back until we landed on the final one, which I was thrilled with.
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| Rustam Hasanov’s design. | Courtesy Paramount/IDW |
Otter Fan asks: What happened to Zayton’s family, and can I adopt him if they don’t want him?
AJ: Sadly, we didn’t have much time to explore Zayton’s family, but he will mention them briefly in issue #6! The E.P.F. covered up Zayton’s “death,” claiming it was an accident, so at the moment, they are under the impression that he’s gone for good.
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Update (5/6) - From AIPT:
Back in February, we asked TMNT fans to send in their questions for IDW Senior Group Editor Jake Thomas. Now, TMNT Tuesday has the answers, and they offer a revealing look at where the Turtles universe could be headed next.
From fan-favorite characters like Jennika to deeper cuts like the Mutanimals and even a tease tied to Venus de Milo, Thomas pulls back the curtain on what’s being discussed behind the scenes and what might be coming down the line. “We have her on our ‘idea board,’” he says of Jennika, making it clear she’s far from forgotten.
Let’s get into Jake’s answers [...]!
AdresGalindo Olarte: How did you guys come up with the “Saturday-Morning”-Last Ronin character in TMNT: Battle Nexus? I think it is super-cool, hope we can see more of it!
Jake Thomas: That planning process was before my time, but I believe it was born out of the room with IDW, Paramount, and the creators – people trying to think of what could be cool. Last Ronin Mikey already had a brief cameo in the Mr. Ogg backup, and I believe everyone really wanted to keep his appearances limited and meaningful. So from that, a cool character was created!
Mel: Hi! I’ve been a big fan of the TMNT IDW comics for a few years now, and the decade-long journey I’ve read through- so many characters I love and adore, especially Jennika. I’m bummed about Nightwatcher, but I’m looking forward to seeing her again. Will she be part of the main team and title in the future? She’s by far the best execution of the 5th turtle ever, and it would be a shame if the brothers just forgot about her.
JT: I love Jennika and was a huge fan of that Nightwatcher book even before I got this gig. I’ve recommended that book to so many people. We don’t have any concrete plans for Jennika currently, but we have her on our “idea board,” as she’s got a lot of fans here and we want to give her more awesome stories!
Mel: Your Favorite mutanimal? Any plans for them?
JT: That’s a really tough question! I’m a big fan of all the Mutanimals, so that’s one of those “depends on the day” questions, but on this day, let’s say…Mondo Gecko? I have some loose plans for the Mutanimals, especially Lindsey Baker…oof, is Lindsey Baker my favorite? I do love a creepy spider lady…
Mel: Loving the Godzilla crossover so far. Any other crossovers you’d love to see in the future?
JT: I’ve said in the past that I’m a big horror nerd, so I have dreams of cool horror crossovers, but that’s just me as a fan. Who knows who those Turtles are gonna mix it up with next?! (I mean, I know, but I’m not telling.)
Jim: Will the Hardcover TMNT IDW Complete COLLECTION volumes continue, and if so, would they continue with numbered volume 19 or get a “phase 2 volume 1” type relaunch?
JT: They definitely will! I’m such a huge fan of those collections; there’s nothing quite like them. Exactly what the next collection will look like, we’re still working through, but that line will definitely continue. In the meantime, we’ve got a GORGEOUS collection of the full Jason Aaron run coming in a deluxe edition, and compendiums of the full original IDW 150-issue run.
AND ALSO Amkhir asks: Is IDW going to continue the IDW Collection? Because those cover arts were so iconic and I wish we could see Hale or Ujigami on them!
JT: Most of this was answered to Jim above, but I just want to call out that, much like Jason’s getting the beautiful collection of his run, we’ll also be doing hardcover editions for Gene’s arcs as well.
Joe: Is IDW going to return Jennika to the main ongoing title as a regular fifth Turtle? My daughter and I would both love to see this happen sooner rather than later!
JT: Answered above!
Joe: Any chance of some timey-wimey shenanigans bringing Venus de Milo back?
JT: Venus de Milo fans may be getting a glimpse of her soon…
Joe: When will we see Old Hob again, especially after the surprising events of Battle Nexus #5?
JT: No explicit Old Hob plans currently, but as a big Mutanimals fan who loves a conflicted, morally gray, and ethically complicated leader, I am with you in wanting to see more Old Hob, just need the story to do it. (Man, I do really love Old Hob…is HE my favorite Mutanimal today…?)
Redtauruto: According to what happened in #15 and Casey’s mini-comic, will something “terrible and irreparable” happen between the Turtles and Casey?
JT: There may be some conflict with Casey and Clan Hamato brewing! Keep reading to find out!
Ninji: Will Jennika ever return to the main group? I understand the last few stories have been focusing on the boys’ brotherhood, but it feels empty without her.
JT: Answered above, but thrilled to see all this Jennika love!
Ninji: What’s next for the recently recovered Slash?
JT: We’ve actually got a nice place to highlight him and Ninjara in the upcoming CITY THAT NEVER DIES story! Keep your eyes peeled!
Ninji: Can we get one-shots for each of the Last Ronin II turtles to get a better handle on them as characters? Mirage and IDW’s one-shots for their first-gen turtles did wonders for this.
JT: No plans to currently do solo books with the new Turtles, but more Last Ronin business is brewing, and a healthy dose of Odyn, Uno, Moja, and Yi will be coming!
Fares: Would you consider putting Ninjara more in the spotlight after Battle Nexus?
JT: As mentioned above, Ninjara and Slash will both be getting a nice spotlight within THE CITY THAT NEVER DIES. Stay tuned!
Fares: What are Ninjara’s hobbies?
JT: I could see her doing Shodo, Japanese calligraphy. A nice way to be calm and concentrated.
Amkhir: Do you think we’re ever gonna see a continuation of the 40th-anniversary comic? (Especially 2012, since it had a cliffhanger)
JT: No plans for a continuation currently, but we’re obviously big fans of all iterations of the Turtles, so we’re all up for seeing more of them if the support is there.
And that’s a wrap on Jake’s answers. [...]
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Originally published: March 25, 2026.
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