IDW Publishing has run out of stock for the anticipated hardcover collection of the gritty “End of Story” turtle saga, but the 600+ page compendium can still be secured elsewhere.
The appetite for a darker, more mature take on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles shows no sign of slowing down. IDW Publishing has listed the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin Box Set as “Sold Out” on their direct-to-consumer store. However, for fans worried they have missed the boat, stock currently remains available via third-party retailers such as Amazon.
The sell-out status at the publisher level speaks to the franchise’s sheer momentum. What began as a “final story” concept from the notes of Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird has evolved into a massive sub-brand, with IDW reporting that over 2 million TMNT comics were sold in 2024 alone.
The Complete Ronin Saga
This new box set is designed as a comprehensive entry point, bringing together the three core pillars of “Roninverse” into a single package. It includes the original The Last Ronin graphic novel, which chronicles the final mission of the lone surviving turtle in a totalitarian future New York, along with the prequel series Lost Years and the sequel, Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution.
The collection features the writing talents of Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, and Tom Waltz, with the distinctive, high-contrast artwork of Esau Escorza and Isaac Escorza.
The visuals, as seen in the preview pages, lean heavily into a noir-inspired aesthetic that distances itself from the colourful Saturday morning cartoon vibe of the 1987 animated series. The box set itself mirrors this tone, sporting a minimalist black design with striking red and white accents, clearly positioning it as a collector’s item for the adult demographic.
Why the Sudden Rush?
The surge in demand comes at a turbulent time for the property’s adaptations. While the comic book side of the franchise is thriving, The Last Ronin was the second best-selling adult graphic novel of 2024; the news regarding live-action adaptations has been mixed.
With recent industry reports suggesting a pivot by Paramount away from R-rated interpretations for the big screen, the printed page remains the primary home for fans seeking the “gritty future” version of the Turtles. This box set may be viewed by many as the definitive way to own that narrative arc now that a direct film adaptation faces uncertainty.
For those looking to secure the collection before the holiday rush, the box set is currently listed as available on Amazon US.
