TMNT Poised for Revival: Reversing One of Its Most Controversial Decisions Yet

Warning: Spoilers for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4! The latest developments in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles narrative may be setting the stage to reverse one of its most contentious plots: the death of Master Splinter. While viewers of the beloved cartoons and films may find this assertion exaggerated, those familiar with the comics understand just how harrowing the stories can be—particularly the decision to kill off Splinter, a move that left many fans feeling betrayed.

In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4, created by the talented team of Jason Aaron, Chris Burnham, Brian Reber, and Shawn Lee, there are compelling indications that Splinter may make a comeback. This hint comes through the fragmented monologues of a distressed Donatello. His character, reimagined as quite the badass, has succumbed to madness, leading him to erratic conclusions that suggest the return of their fallen mentor.

Comic book panels: Donatello tells his brothers that Splinter is still alive in reference to a dead rat on his shoulder

Hints of Splinter’s Return in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Donatello’s Misguided Belief in Splinter’s Return

In the prior volume published by IDW, Splinter’s demise occurred in issue #100, where he heroically sacrificed himself to save the world and restore Shredder’s humanity. Following this defining moment, the Turtles each ventured on their own paths of turmoil. While Raphael found himself imprisoned, Michelangelo reveled in newfound fame, and Leonardo grappled with the consequences of a life taken, it seems that Donatello’s struggles are particularly severe.

Notably, Splinter’s death in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles#100 was crafted by a notable roster that included Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, Tom Waltz, and others.

While I certainly don’t wish to undermine the torment experienced by each Turtle, the narrative illuminates that Donatello has unwillingly landed in a mutant fight club. His battle with distress spiraled into severe mental health issues long before this current arc, as he began to experiment with magic, which adversely affected his condition.

Origins of Donatello’s Peculiar Rat Companion

Could This Rat Really Be Splinter?

Comic book panel: Splinter's dead body surrounded by the TMNT and their allies

Donatello’s choice to embrace magic over science has, paradoxically, enhanced his abilities but led to severe physical and mental deterioration. His struggle is highlighted when he confuses an ordinary rat for his beloved master, believing that this creature is a sign from Splinter indicating a new direction for him. This encounter ultimately guides him toward a grim reality involving a truck filled with captive animal-mutant hybrids, leading to his own capture and participation in the mutant fight pits.

Even after the rat suffers a grim fate at the hands of the Foot Clan, Donatello clings to the notion that it embodies Master Splinter’s spirit.

Is Splinter’s True Return on the Horizon?

Contemplating the Nature of Donatello’s Rat

It seems unlikely that Splinter has been reincarnated into the random rat accompanying Donatello, yet in the realm of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, one can hardly dismiss any possibility entirely. The lore is already steeped in elements of transformation, with the origin story revealing that Master Splinter and his sons were once human before experiencing radical changes due to radioactive ooze. The idea of Hamato being resurrected as another rat might not be entirely implausible.

That said, if we take the agony of this scenario at face value, it may simply reflect Donatello’s descent into madness as he clings to a deceased rat, leaving open the prospect that this bizarre moment serves as a dark prelude to Splinter’s eventual return. While it’s possible that the rat has no actual connection to Splinter, the narrative could still pave the way for a genuine resurrection.

Given Jason Aaron’s longstanding admiration for the darker aspects of the TMNT saga, it would be unsurprising if he sought to craft a storyline that reintroduces Splinter to the series. In the superhero genre, death rarely remains permanent, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles narrative could certainly follow suit.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4 is now available from IDW Publishing.

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