The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles constantly face tough challenges from their enemies, so fans hoped for Splinter’s return to even the odds. However, Splinter didn’t come back as the hero they expected—he’s now focused on fixing the future as the dangerous Ujigami. As seen in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #15, this change has brought out surprising depth and complexity in the Turtles themselves.
Gene Luen Yang, the writer of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, has surprised readers with the way he’s handled Splinter’s return, and issue #15 delivers another exciting twist. Yang quickly reveals Splinter’s true identity to the other Turtles, which unexpectedly makes the main conflict even more compelling. This reveal doesn’t feel forced – it flows naturally with the story and sets the stage for the next big surprise.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
| PROS | CONS |
| Reveals Splinter’s Secret At The Perfect Time | Missing April Being In The Mix |
| The Turtles Look Amazing, But Splinter’s Scenes Steal The Show | Would Have Loved More Time With Shen |
| The Debate Amongst The Turtles Is The Heart Of The Story | Jellybeans On Pizza Looks Disgusting |
What really struck me about that reveal is how brilliantly Yang uses it to set up what looks like the main story arc going forward. It’s not just a shocking twist for the sake of it; the final page is a great hook, but it’s backed up by real substance. Knowing what Splinter was up to while he was… elsewhere, gives the whole thing emotional weight. It makes you feel for him, and suddenly everything clicks – you understand why the Turtles are so divided and what’s driving each of them.
The most compelling moments in this issue are when the Turtles talk amongst themselves about what Splinter did, and it’s fascinating to see how each of them feels about it. There are some unexpected viewpoints, particularly from Michelangelo and Raphael, who take very different sides compared to Leonardo and Donatello. Their conversation was so engaging that I could have happily read it for much longer.
The artwork by Freddie E. Williams II and Andrew Dalhouse is a major highlight. They seamlessly transition between different moods and character portrayals – from a tough Raphael with an eyepatch to a thoughtful Splinter, and then deliver dynamic, colorful action when the villain, Shinigami, appears. Fans of Shinigami from the animated series will be thrilled with how prominently she’s featured.
The conversations between the brothers feel authentic, but much of that emotion actually comes across through their expressive faces. Still, the Turtles are always great to watch, though the scenes featuring Splinter and Ujigami are truly outstanding. One panel in particular, near the end, is so visually striking it would make a perfect poster for any Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan.
While I was hoping to see April O’Neal make an appearance, I understand Casey was the main focus of this story, so it makes sense she wasn’t included. I also found one part of Splinter’s conversation with Shen a little unconvincing, specifically how Shen reacted when Splinter asked about protecting their sons. I would have liked to spend a bit more time exploring Yomi-No-Kuni with Shen, but there’s still opportunity for that later on.
The latest issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, #15, is another fantastic addition to an already excellent comic series. It cleverly surprises readers and explores new ideas, making it enjoyable for both dedicated fans and those just discovering the Turtles.
- Published By: IDW Publishing
- Written By: Gene Luen Yang
- Art By: Freddie E. Williams II
- Colors By: Andrew Dalhouse
- Letters By: Shawn Lee
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #15 is in comic stores now.
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2026-02-11 18:43