10 Biggest WTF TMNT Moments

As a rule, mentors of comic heroes either die tragically, or live forever as a wise guardian that said hero can go to when they're in times of crisis. Splinter appeared to be in the latter category, as despite having had his life threatened seemingly every other comic issue.

However, the hundredth issue of the newest TMNT run changes all of this. In a suitably badass sacrifice, Splinter gives his life in order to kill a dragon threatening the city, which ultimately requires him to give his life in order to bring back a reformed Shredder from the dead, as his dead body was being used as a conduit to summon and sustain said dragon.

That said, upon his death Splinter is reunited with his beloved wife, so at least it's a happy ending in some regards.