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Splinter
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Creation & Design

Splinter was created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird as a mentor figure for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, embodying wisdom and martial arts expertise.

Early Years

Originally a human named Hamato Yoshi, he was transformed into a mutant rat after exposure to mutagen. He trained the Turtles in ninjutsu after they were also mutated.

Character Development

Over the years, Splinter has evolved from a mere mentor to a complex character with deep emotional ties to the Turtles, often facing moral dilemmas and the consequences of his past.

Cultural Reception

Splinter has been well-received as a beloved character in the TMNT franchise, praised for his wisdom and depth.

Character Details

Real Name:
Hamato Yoshi
First Appearance:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1
Aliases:
Master Splinter, Sensei
Species:
Mutant rat
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Foot Clan (former)
Abilities:
Martial arts mastery, Ninjutsu, Enhanced agility
Equipment:
Bo staff
Weight:
150lbs
Height:
5' 3"
Eye Color:
brown
Hair Color:
gray

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1
Mirage ⋅ 1984
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1
 
Low
$1.2k
Mid
$3k
High
$15k

Key Facts

1st team appearance and origin of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Donatello, Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo

1st appearance of Splinter, the Turtles' mentor

1st appearance and death of the Shredder

First printing: 3,000 copies

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[February 2022 - Paramount+ to develop three spin-off villain features]

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #9
Mirage ⋅ 1986
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #9
 
Low
$3
Mid
$9
High
$30

Key Facts

1st cover appearance of Splinter

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3
2nd Print ⋅ Mirage ⋅ 1988
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3
 
Low
$4
Mid
$12
High
$45

Key Facts

Variant second printing cover art by Peter Laird

Includes an additional back-up story

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5
Variant ⋅ IDW ⋅ 2011
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5
 
Low
$3
Mid
$9
High
$35

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Dan Duncan

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #59
IDW ⋅ 2016
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #59
 
Low
$1
Mid
$5
High
$15

Key Facts

Death of Splinter

1st cover appearance of Jennika

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