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New TMNT Prequel: 'The First Ronin' Revealed
8 Oct
Summary
- A new prequel comic, 'TMNT: The First Ronin,' will release in March 2027.
- It features Stan Sakai and artist Soo Lee, with yokai resembling turtles.
- The story is set in 1600s Japan, focusing on a warrior's yōkai war.
In March 2027, comic book enthusiasts can anticipate the release of "TMNT: The First Ronin," a new prequel to the acclaimed "The Last Ronin" series. This upcoming comic, a collaboration between creator Stan Sakai and artist Soo Lee, aims to honor the success of its predecessor.
The narrative unfolds in 1600s Japan, centering on General Kameyama, a warrior facing overwhelming odds in a great war. He receives aid from four supernatural creatures resembling humanoid turtles, known as yōkai. This marks a significant departure from the mutant turtles of other installments, as Sakai describes them as "new variations of the Turtles, not mutants this time but yōkai."
Stan Sakai expressed his long-standing admiration for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, dating back to 1984, and his excitement for writing "The First Ronin." Artist Soo Lee shared her honor in contributing to the TMNT universe and her dream of working with Sakai. IDW CEO Davidi Jonas lauded the creative team for their work on expanding the "Last Ronin" legacy.
"The Last Ronin" series, which ran from 2020 to 2022, was noted for its darker tone and success, leading to further series, a novelization, and a planned video game. Previous plans for an R-rated live-action movie adaptation were canceled in 2025 when Paramount refocused on rebooting the broader TMNT franchise, inspired by the success of the "Sonic the Hedgehog" films.
