In this episode of TMNT Nerds, we dive headfirst into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin—the dark, emotional future of the Turtles we never knew we needed. We break down the story’s origins, its connection to early Eastman & Laird ideas, and why this book hits so hard for longtime fans. From the weight of loss and legacy to the brutal, grounded tone that sets it apart from traditional TMNT stories, we talk about what makes The Last Ronin such a standout moment in the franchise.

We also dig into the art, action, and character work, discuss how it recontextualizes everything we know about the Turtles, and debate where it ranks among the best TMNT stories ever told. Whether you’re a lifelong shellhead or just discovering this era of TMNT, this episode is a spoiler-filled, fan-driven conversation about grief, perseverance, and what it really means to be the last one standing. 🐢