Splinter

A mutated rat who became the wise sensei of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Splinter mastered ninjutsu and raised the four turtles after all were transformed by mysterious radioactive ooze in the sewers of New York City.

From the very first page of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 in 1984, Splinter was there — a founding figure of one of the most beloved franchises the Bronze Age ever produced, conjured into existence by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird in what would become one of indie comics' most legendary debut issues. Over four decades and 81 catalogued appearances, he has remained a constant, wise presence across Mirage's original run and beyond, sharing the page with icons like April O'Neil, Casey Jones, and the eternal rivalry between Shredder and Karai. With four key-issue appearances to his name and a story that stretches from scrappy black-and-white origins all the way to 2024, Splinter is living proof that some characters introduced in a single remarkable moment never stop earning their place in the mythology.