There have been many iterations of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles over the past four decades. Most have remained fairly realistic, with death a concrete consequence when it occurs. However, the current TMNT series by IDW just resurrected a popular character in an unexpected way.
Written by Gene Luen Yang, with art by Freddie E. Williams II, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13 opens with the Turtle Boys in an unexpected place. Used to operating in secret, they are now beloved heroes in their hometown of New York City. However, their newfound popularity does little to help the TMNT in investigating the death of the Ghost Boys Triad leader Xiang Fei Tong.
The trail leads to the their old enemy, Baxter Stockman. The TMNT arrive at the same time the Ghost Boys show up seeking revenge, blaming Stockman for the death of their master. The three-way fight does not go well for the brothers, until the sudden arrival of a boar-faced Mutant who introduces himself as the Ujigami. This is a Japanese term for a protector spirit, literally translated as “clan deity,” who typically guards a particular home, shrine, or bloodline. This is ultimately revealed to be a clue as to their true identity.
Who is the Ujigami in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?
The final pages of the issue establish several startling things. First, that the Ujigami was responsible for killing Xiang Fei Tong. Second, that the Ujigami is Splinter, the father and mentor of the TMNT. He appears to take on the form of the Ujigami using a magical mask.
In the current IDW TMNT comics timeline, Splinter sacrificed his life force to resurrect Shredder. Ironically, this was to prevent the soul of his greatest enemy from being exploited by a greater evil. The current comics volume established that Splinter continued to watch over his sons as a ghost, though he could do little to protect them directly. Despite this, the brothers sensed their father’s spirit was trapped between worlds and performed a ritual they hoped would guide him to the afterlife. Instead, it brought him back to life, confused and disoriented, but still determined to protect his sons. It is unclear, however, why he feels the need to hide from his sons and how he acquired his mask.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
