Splinter Returns To Launch A New Era For The ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’

Gene Luen Yang and Freddie E. Williams II‘s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #14 marks the start of a new chapter in the lives of everyone’s favourite Heroes in a Half-Shell and the startling return of Splinter, who — as revealed in TMNT #13 — has been posing as new villain Ujigami. Master Splinter has been presumed dead since TMNT (2011) #100. That’s quite the while.

Here’s Yang with more:

“Splinter’s return to IDW’s TMNT universe is huge — what an incredible way for Jason Aaron and Juan Ferreyra to end their run! Freddie and I wanted to make sure it was meaningful. I thought a lot about my own experience of fatherhood. My wife and I have four kids, and I’ve been tempted again and again to do everything in my power to make their lives as easy as possible, to keep them safe. But then … that’s not always what’s best for the kids, is it? Especially after they become teenagers. Great Turtles stories have always been about family, so Freddie and I are leaning into that. I can’t wait for fans to read what else we have in store! And it’s not just Splinter. There’s another character who will soon be making an appearance — their first in the IDW incarnation of TMNT!”

Group Editor Jake Thomas added:

“There is something undeniably powerful about the loss of a parent. When the Turtles lost Splinter — their master, their teacher, their father – back in TMNT(2011) #100, it changed the brothers and their world forever. When we discussed bringing Splinter back, we knew the family couldn’t just return to business as usual. The far-reaching story Gene and Freddie are just starting here is not about resetting the status quo, it is about questioning and examining the nature of family, fear, loss, love, and sacrifice, all through the incredible action, hijinks, heart, and humor that give these Turtles their power. Buckle up, this is going to be a wild ride.“

Here’s a first look at Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #14 and the covers to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #15 andTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #16: