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The Last Ronin

The Last Ronin is a five-issue comic book miniseries set in an alternate future of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Last Ronin is a five-issue comic book miniseries set in an alternate future of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. Published by IDW Publishing from October 2020 to April 2022, it follows the last surviving Turtle as he seeks revenge in a devastated New York City.

Publication

*The Last Ronin* was released as a five-issue miniseries by IDW Publishing between October 2020 and April 2022. It was collected after serial publication and became one of the publisher’s notable TMNT releases.

Premise

The story is set in a dystopian future where New York City is controlled by the Foot Clan. One Turtle survives and returns to complete a final revenge mission against the family of the Shredder.

Creation

The project originated from a story outline developed by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird in 1987. Eastman later revised it with Tom Waltz, and the finished series used multiple artists across its issues.

Reception and legacy

The series received strong critical and commercial response, with particular praise for its darker storytelling and art direction. Its success led to follow-up works in the same setting, including *Lost Years* and *Re-Evolution*.

Key facts

  • It is an alternate-universe TMNT story, separate from the main IDW continuity.
  • The plot centers on the last surviving Turtle and his mission to avenge his brothers.
  • The miniseries was written by Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz, from a story conceived by Eastman and Peter Laird.
  • Artwork was contributed by Esau and Isaac Escorza, Ben Bishop, and Eastman.
  • The series was widely praised for its darker tone and visual style.
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Canadian context

The series is available to Canadian comic readers through major English-language comic and book retail channels, but it has no uniquely Canadian setting or production connection in the available sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is *The Last Ronin*?
It is a five-issue Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic miniseries set in an alternate future.
Who published *The Last Ronin*?
IDW Publishing released the series.
Who wrote *The Last Ronin*?
Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz wrote the miniseries, based on a story by Eastman and Peter Laird.
What is the story about?
It follows the last surviving Turtle as he tries to avenge his brothers in a ruined future New York City.
Is it part of the main TMNT continuity?
No. It is set in its own alternate continuity, often called the 'Roninverse'.
Did *The Last Ronin* have sequels or related stories?
Yes. It was followed by *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin - Lost Years* and *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles:_The_Last_Ronin
    Supports: Publication format, dates, creators, alternate continuity, premise, sequel information, and reception.
  2. Popverse — https://www.thepopverse.com/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-tmnt-last-ronin-comic-re-evolution-lost-years
    Supports: Alternate-future premise, Foot Clan control of New York, sequel context, and franchise significance.
  3. Comic Book Resources — https://www.cbr.com/idw-tnmt-last-ronin-hardcover-comic-review/
    Supports: Premise, creators, art credits, and setting details.