What is the purpose of the TMNT's bandanas?

[trexmaster]

Yes, they make the Turtles look more "ninja" to our eyes, but why would Splinter want to emphasize their ninja-ness with bandanas (and as I recall, ninja did not wear bandanas like the TMNT, or even the cliched all-black suit for that matter)?

This question is all the more confusing if we're talking about the Mirage comics, in which the Turtles all wore red bandanas.

[Spitfire]

I'm pretty sure the bandannas were part of the spoof they were doing. The TMNT was supposed to be a spoof but it grew into something so much bigger then that. Plus they desgined it when they were high on their couch in college so what do you expect?

[tmntman]

Yes, they make the Turtles look more "ninja" to our eyes, but why would Splinter want to emphasize their ninja-ness with bandanas (and as I recall, ninja did not wear bandanas like the TMNT, or even the cliched all-black suit for that matter)?

This question is all the more confusing if we're talking about the Mirage comics, in which the Turtles all wore red bandanas.

They live in a sewer for god's sake. Would you want to get that in your eyes? :D

[Sewer Bull]

Bandanas don't protect eyes:|

[Ryona]

The masks are probably a symbol for their little clan. Shredder has his Foot symbol, which he and his ninja wear, so the TMNT have masks which are their symbol. The "symbols" represent respect and honor for their clan.

[Buslady]

I wondered as well, because they actually block their peripheral vision!!

[Ryona]

I love your sig, Buslady! So cute. ^_^

[tmntman]

Bandanas don't protect eyes:|


That depends on the design. If there is a lens covering the eye it would. And that would also explain why some of the designs have no pupils visible.

[OA]

I wouldn't look into it that much...i mean these guys were created in the 80's...bandanas were all the rage...and besides since the turtles were originally just a spoof, whats funnier: a bunch of turtles standing on two legs acting like ninjas OR a bunch of turtles standingon two legs acting like ninjas wearing bandanas??

[heretic888]

Sorry to burst everyone's bubble here....

But the reason the TMNT wear their bandanas (in whatever version) is because the original napkin doodle drawn by Kevin Eastman had a bandana-wearing turtle on it:

http://www.ninjaturtles.com/origin/origin.htm

Laterz.

[Ryona]

Well, of course, Heretic. Just about every long-time TMNT fan knows that. But we're talking about in the TMNT world. Why would they wear them.
At least I'm pretty sure that's what the thread starter ment.


Ciao. :P

[LUCKFF]

Maybe Its Their Sense Of Style? No Matter Where I Go, I Almost Always Have To Have A Cap On And Something Around Both My Wrists. Its My Style And I Have To Show It Off Everyday. The Guys Probably Take Pride In Their Matching Bandannas And Weapon Wrappings. I Play Basketball And The Better I Think I Look In My Gear The More Confident I Perform. Its A Mental Thing. Looking Fly While I Fly. Of Course I'm Only Speaking For The New Toon Turtles. I Know That If I Were A Ninja, I'd Want To Look Cool, And That Coolness Would Serve Me As A Confidence Booster.

[XERO]

It's more of a symbol of belonging and pride to me.

[Masked Ninja]

Well, there we have it. :twink:

[heretic888]

I Know That If I Were A Ninja, I'd Want To Look Cool, And That Coolness Would Serve Me As A Confidence Booster.

Then you'd make a pretty ineffective ninja. :lol:

Laterz.

[Tetsu Deinonychus]

Well, it's not like they're really any less conspicuous (sp?) without the bandanas. They're humanoid turtles!