PRESS RELEASE
The new era of the best-selling TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (TMNT) comic book series from IDW Publishing kicked off a brand new storyline with a jaw-dropping twist that has left fans stunned.
From the all-star creative team of Gene Luen Yang and Freddie E. Williams II, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #13– which received more than 100k orders and is now available in comic shops – reveals that the mysterious and lethal new villain Ujigami is actually the recently resurrected father of the TMNT, Master Splinter!
“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,” commented Yang. “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!”
“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,” added Group Editor Jake Thomas. “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 an early look at the action-packed opening sequence from TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #14, on sale January 14, and covers teasing what’s to come in the story.
