Last week saw the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13, the first issue of the new creative team of writer Gene Luen Yang and Freddie E. Williams II. To say that IDW Publishing was hyping the book was no exaggeration. And for good reason. After teasing the debut of an all-new foe named Ujigami, the final page of TMNT #13 revealed a most shocking twist about Ujigami’s true identity.
Spoilers for TMNT #13
That’s right, lethal new villain Ujigami is actually the recently resurrected father of the TMNT, Master Splinter! Via IGN , writer Gene Luen Yang and editor Jake Thomas discussed more about this new development.
“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.“
Though Christmas is next week, IDW is giving fans an early gift with preview pages of TMNT #14 on sale January 14th in addition to covers for upcoming issues.
Having been fortunate to get early access to TMNT #14, without spoiling anything, I can guarantee this is yet another another issue that will have hardcore TMNT fans talking. In an interview in the back of TMNT #13, Yang teased fans to expect a familiar supporting character to appear in the book. I wouldn’t be surprised if TMNT #14 is in high demand so readers should definitely pre-order the series at a comic shop near them.
