Favorite Version of Each Turtle

[MikeandRaph87]

As the years have gone by many different versions of the Ninja Turtles have appeared. I have found that I like one version of a turtle in one version but like another turtle better in another version best. My favorite portrayal of Michelangelo comes from Townsend Coleman's brillaint rendition in the 1987 series and Rob Pauslen is equally brilliant as Raphael. Yet I have found I much perfer the Leonardo and Donatello of the 2003 cartoon. They have more interesting personalities in the 2003 cartoon while Michelangelo and Raphael are not as interesting to me as they are in the 1987 cartoon. For me its '87 Mike, '87 Raph, '03 Leo, and '03 Don. I like the other half of the TMNT in each version but think that one version got a turtle best and one version got another best. Do any of you not like all of the turtles portrayals in the same version best or a mix and match? Maybe one from the movies best, another turtle form the first cartoon best, another from the Mirage best, and yet another 2003 cartoon? So which is your favorite version of each of the four turtles?

[rufus]

Raph. Movie 1
Leo. Movie 1
Don. 2003
Mike. 87FW/movie 1

[TheCanadiandrome]

I gotta say the OT versions of each, and Movie 1 versions also

[Donnie]

Ah, this is kind of like a thread that I'm currently planning/writing!

My perfect TMNT are the Turtles of the first film. I think each Turtle was so well rounded, likable, and a fine mixture between the lighthearted and the serious.

Out of the cartoon versions, I much prefer the 2003 TMNT over the OT, most especially Michelangelo. He's not popular around these parts, but I'll defend 2k3 Mikey until the end! The END I tell you! I prefer him to the OT Mikey, not that I dislike OT Mike (but I'll be the first to say he was way too stoner-Cali-surfer-vibe) or the OT other Turtles...just think the 2003 was a far better adaption for the characters.

[Powder]

Ah, this is kind of like a thread that I'm currently planning/writing!


Don't get too excited, we've had this thread like 10 ten times already. :lol:


Leo- Films
Donny- OT/Mirage (A tie, I suppose.)
Mikey- Vol. 3 (Image comics)
Raph- OT

[Donnie]

Don't get too excited, we've had this thread like 10 ten times already. :lol:


Lol mine's not going to be a general post about all the Turtles, it's gonna be a specific-essay type post. :)

[Foot Soldier Clang]

I think the 87 turtles are perfect, so my perfect turtle team would be;

"Musketeer" Leonardo
"Green Defender" Raphael
Donatello's egotistical clone
& Michelangelo

There, that should make things interesting :tcool:

[Herald7]

Oh man...you know I find this difficult, I keep going back and forth between the films and the OT.

Leonardo: The films. He's responsible and eager without being too perfect or boring. His relationship with Raph is so touching. Don't get me wrong I do also like OT Leonardo, he's basically the kiddie version of that same character.

Raphael: OT. But again I find this very difficult. I mean Raphael in the 1st film is such an achievement of performer and puppetry and rarely gets its due credit. He's not just "Grr I'm angry," you really see him evolve as a character and grow closer to the others and it's beautiful. I can't say enough good things about him.

But again, for day to day Raphael, I will have to go with the OT. He's responsible for so much of the show's signature humor and it's intriguing how we never really learn why he's so sarcastic and bitter. I definitely noticed when his voice changed and it just wasn't the same.

Michelangelo: OT. I just have to say OT, he was my childhood crush, lol. They showed us "Cartoon All Stars to the Rescue" in school and I was so happy when Mikey showed up, it was like when your favorite actor makes a surprise cameo in a movie, lol.

But again I love Michelangelo's voice in the films and he's very funny. I was quoting the pizza delivery scene for years as a kid, lol.

Donatello:....Oh man this so hard, lol. I don't think I can choose with this one. Well correction, I can slightly choose. I do like 1st movie Don more than 2nd movie Don. I love how 1st movie Don is not just "the brainiac," but more the quirky, thoughtful one. To me this Donatello solves quadratic equations while listening to Bon Jovi and it really works, lol.

And yeah it's going to have to be a tie between him and OT Donatello. He has a lot of Raphael's wry humor and jaded outlook. When Raphael becomes "Mr. Nice Guy" I think it's Donatello that's most disgusted ("He's turned so sweet and bleech, lovable!" Lol). It makes them seem more like brothers when they have these little similarities. Plus OT Don has such a powerful "boy genius" gift that you wonder if he could ever be corrupted (Dark Turtle, best episode ever :D).

[Donnie]

To me this Donatello solves quadratic equations while listening to Bon Jovi and it really works, lol.


:lol: That is spot on!

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

"Musketeer" Leonardo


I love that episode.

[ssjup81]

This is difficult for me, but let's see what I can do.

Leonardo: This is a tough one for me. I'm tempted to say Mirage, mainly for his character development, but I'm going lean moreso towards his movie portrayal. He was nicely balanced there and it's nice to see him in action.

Donatello: OMG, now this is going to be extremely difficult. Not counting 2K3 or TNM, I like him in pretty much every medium that I've been exposed to. I like his portrayal in the Mirage comics and how he speaks his mind and stuff when the time calls for it, I liked his spiritual side that was explored in the Archie comics, I loved all of his flaws from the OT series, I liked him in movie 1 for how thoughtful he was, I liked his brainiac side in movie 2, and movie 3...well, that movie as a whole was a disaster, so I still pretend it never existed. For the 2k7 film, he was overlooked too much along with Mikey. So, if choosing...I think it'd be a tie between Archie and the OT series. Maybe moreso the OT series. I love Donny's flaws for it. He has a dark side (The Dark Turtle...best Donny episode ever!!!), an egotistical side, a stubborn side, and hates to admit that he needs help. I love that about him!

Raphael: I loved him in movie 1, I liked how he was a big softy in movie 3 (a role that should've been Mikey's, imo), and love his dry sense of humor in the OT series and his development in the Archie comics. If choosing, though, I'll go with the OT series. As someone else put it, for day-to-day stuff, OT Raph wins hands down. I loved his sarcastic humor. It was hilarious to me...of course the only ep I can think of where the jokes were terrible (since he was purposely telling jokes) was the ep where we meet Baxter's brother Barney (I think it was). Those jokes were horrible...oh wait, that was the point of the ep. He was telling bad jokes on purpose (never mind). Anywho, I still do hate the fact we never find out why his character was so sarcastic, short-patient, and somewhat bitter.

Michelangelo: This is a tough one too. I love him for the Mirage comics...but I like him for the OT and adore him for movie 1. I liked him for the OT series because he was fun and he had nunchucks! Yeah yeah, that's what I thought as a kid. I was one of the ones annoyed when he stopped using his nunchucks. lol I loved how he was a nice balance of serious and playful in the first film. Okay, so, if choosing, I'll go with movie 1.

[lethrhd]

Donnatello & mike = 87 toon
raph = 03 toon
leo = '90 movie
splinter= all versions!

As for the turtles; i think that don and mike were pretty well represented in the 87 toon (don= loved the impossible cartoon sci fi gadgets he'd create, mike= funny, younger than the rest, so his immaturity fits) but raph and leos personalities were way too comical in the old toon (obviously!) I love what they did with raph in the 2nd toon (as they mirrored the vol 1 comic book). But I gotta say leo really rocked in that first movie, he could relax when things were going great but when the **** hit the fan, he took charge, he was also the one who had the strongest spiritual connection with splinter.

And speaking of splinter I think he was pretty bad ass in all incarnations, even the '87 toon where they could have made him a joke.

[Herald7]

As someone else put it, for day-to-day stuff, OT Raph wins hands down.

Yup, that was me, glad you agree. :)

(The Dark Turtle...best Donny episode ever!!!)

Again, glad you agree. :)

Anywho, I still do hate the fact we never find out why his character was so sarcastic, short-patient, and somewhat bitter.

Like I said above, it's a very intriguing question. Though I honestly just think it was his way of standing out and being contrary and different since he didn't have the gifts the others had. Basically he keeps them honest. ;)

[Plasticplayhouse]

Leo: movie 1
Donnie: mirage
Mikey: movie 1
Raph: mirage/movie 1
Splinter: movie 1
Casey: mirage/movie 1
April: movie 1

Wow, I didn't realize that I liked the first movie characters so much.

[ryukenden]

Leo - 2K3
I would have to say he was developed quite well in this series and took leadership very seriously moreso than his other selves except Mirage.

Raph - Movie
The movie introduced me to Raph being the rebel.

Mike - OT
I grew up with OT Mikey and sad to say none of the others have the charm of OT Mikey.

Don - OT
Donny is a real tough one but I'm going to have to go with OT Don since like OT Mikey, I am most familiar with him.

[Avatar Yuffie]

Leo: I wish Leo didn't have such a long annoying BSOD jerk period that lasted a whole season in 2K3. He would have been my fave persona on the guy. So... movie 1.

Raph: Oh... I LIKE OT Raph. Yes, he's the drastically changed character from the rest, but I blame Rob Paulsen: he does make me laugh when he delivers the punchline. As for the "brooklyn rage" Raph persona, it's a tie between Movie 1/Archie comic version.

Mikey: OT Mikey. 2K3 Mike is annoying. Movies Mike didn't give a stronger characterization next to Leo and Raph (fortunately Don suffers this with him).

Don: Ugh, tough one. 2K3 Don is adorable, and he's the heart and glue of the team and everyone loves him (with the universe loves to torture him that made his woobieness more big). But I like how the other Turtles tease OT Don everytime his inventions screwed up. I dunno... there's something sibling like about Leo, Raph and Mike rolling their eyes when Don's being all weird. I also like the fact OT Don does have a dark side, doesn't like people and may have resentments he tries to never voice out.

[Donnie]

Mikey: OT Mikey. 2K3 Mike is annoying. Movies Mike didn't give a stronger characterization next to Leo and Raph (fortunately Don suffers this with him).


Strongly disagree. For reasons stated around the Drome and this thread. Your opinion is your opinion of course, and it seems like most people don't see 2k3 Mikey the way I do - I think he was great and the strongest character of the series. Movie 1 Mike was highly well rounded and characterized. But hey, to each his own!

[Herald7]

Don: Ugh, tough one.

Interesting how Donatello keeps being the hardest one to pin down! :tcool:

But I like how the other Turtles tease OT Don everytime his inventions screwed up. I dunno... there's something sibling like about Leo, Raph and Mike rolling their eyes when Don's being all weird. I also like the fact OT Don does have a dark side, doesn't like people and may have resentments he tries to never voice out.

Yeah plus I think if he had his way he'd be in his workshop 24/7 so the once and awhile the others have to force him to rejoin the living, lol.

I mean I can understand his frustration. If OT Don was human he'd be at MIT right now, being treated like a little child prodigy. Instead he has to live in the sewers helping his brothers out of every little situation, I mean, you'd be resentful too! ;)

[Jester]

For me:

Raphael: OT/Archie. Blame it all on one man's voice...I'm not obsessed, just impressed.

Donatello: 4Kids. It was this version that made him second favorite Turtle, and so I gotta give him my "Favorite Donnie" award...I also don't mind the Movie Don, especially SotO Don.

Leonardo: This is the tough one for me. Leo has never really been my most favorite Turtle. To "Stock leader character" for me. I guess Movie Leo or 4Kids Leo. Both were the Leader, but also had their moments of weakness and learning from it.

Michelangelo: Image...all the way Image. Where 4Kids Mikey bugged the ever loving crap out of me, Image Mikey has a heart and isn't a total duffus.

[Villain]

Before I answer I'll say that out of all things Turtles I have only seen most of the 80's series, the movies(just the 3 films, not TMNT or Turtles forever) the first 12 episodes of the 2003 series and all of what's out of the new IDW comic. I do plan on watching/reading most of the stuff I haven't yet down the line so my mind may well change.

Michelangelo - 80's series - Easy pick for me, he was my favourite turtle growing up. Loved his character and hasn't been bettered in the other incarnations I've seen/read.

Donatello - 2003 series - I'm prefering Don already in this one, despite what little I've seen.

Raphael - IDW Comic - This might be a surprise or seem weird considering there's only been 5 issues(plus 2 one shots) but truth is I didn't really take to Raph that much in the 80's series and I don't like him much in the 2003 series. But I love what they've done with him and his new origins in the new comic. It's like they've still kept him as sort of a loner but without the douchey attitude (I think due to the fact he was forced to be alone at first and then was happily re-united with his brothers) and he's still got that cool closeness with Casey Jones but without being annoying. I'm liking this new comic Raph alot.

Leonardo - Movie - Leo is an all-rounder for me, I've liked him in all incarnations but never enough to blow me away or be a big fan of his. Kind of don't love him but don't hate him either. I just chose the movie version so I'd have four different answers :P

[Jelly Bean]

mike= funny, younger than the rest, so his immaturity fits).

what version have you scene? I never got the vibe that he was youngest turtle or more immature in this version. He just seemed like a social butterfly.

[Hermano Dyvas]

I'll start with the easy ones:

Leonardo: Mirage. He's a leader and he doesn't take crap from Raph too well. (Return to New York: book one). I think he's the most developed Leo except maybe for the 4kids one. But this one is more badass so there.

Michelangelo: Think I'm gonna go with movie 1 Mikey, OT Mikey as a close second as in a weird way he's more serious then some of his counterparts.
Mirage Mikey is just all over the place, at first he was underdeveloped, then in some issues of tales v2 he acts like 2K3 Mikey but then acts more serious in the next comic.

Now these are harder for me to choose:

Donatello: I think IDW is taking Donnie into an interesting direction but it's too early to say if he'll be my favorite version. I've really liked Donatello in each version I've seen. If I gotta pick one I'll go with... OT Donnie. He was always my favorite as a kid so it's only nostalgia that puts him above the rest really.

Raphael: Also being taken in an interesting direction by IDW. But again it's too early to tell if he'll be my favorite version. Like Donatello I really like Raphael in pretty much each version I've seen. OT Raphael is awesome but I prefer a Raphael who's a bit more crude (pun intended). Gun to my head... Mirage Raphael.

[Mr._Mutant_Man]

I have a hard time choosing the 2003 cartoon versions, because I've only seen the first 10 episodes or so.

Leonardo: Mirage comics. The first movie comes close, but I like Leonardo getting attacked by the Foot better than Raphael. I think it gives more of a dire feeling when the TMNT leader is taken out.

Raphael: First movie. Raphael has most of the best scenes and dialogue in the movie. He's the angry loner of the group, without going too far like the Mirage comics did at times (almost busting Michelangelo's skull open with a wrench, that's really over the top and a little too psychotic for a character we're supposed to like).

Michelangelo: First movie. He's got the goofy, fun loving personality without going too over the top like the cartoon did at times. I think one of my favorite things about the first TMNT movie is that it balanced out all of the best elements of the Turtles: it had the more serious tone of the comics, but kept the fun elements of the cartoon.

Donatello: Original cartoon. I feel like Donatello gets the most chances to shine in the cartoon. In the first movie, he pretty much just seems like Michelangelo's buddy. In the cartoon, he stands out as the group nerd.

[Avatar Yuffie]

Interesting how Donatello keeps being the hardest one to pin down! :tcool:

Yeah plus I think if he had his way he'd be in his workshop 24/7 so the once and awhile the others have to force him to rejoin the living, lol.

I mean I can understand his frustration. If OT Don was human he'd be at MIT right now, being treated like a little child prodigy. Instead he has to live in the sewers helping his brothers out of every little situation, I mean, you'd be resentful too! ;)


Precisely.

TBF, 2K3 kiiiiinda tried the isolated/obsessedwithinventions Don in BTTS (with angst). But like what I felt towards what they did to Leo the show dragged this too long that it felt like an annoyance than an actual character development.

Oh, I dunno. Maybe because Don used to be my favorite Turtle in the 90's, and it somehow endured with his new incarnations is the reason am having a hard time to choose.

[pannoni1]

Leonardo: 2k3 series, with Mirage a close second. Really authoritative and really is a NINJA turtle, the chemistry between the action, story, and tone of the series is spot-on.

Donatello: Does video games count since he's the most effective generally, being the most powerful in terms of attack power? Otherwise I'll go with the OT as not only he seemed to solve the most problems, but also gave me some "educational" material growing up with the series.

Raphael: Movies, especially the first. Being the most used turtle, he really shows his temper well and always puts me on the edge of my seat.

Michelangelo: Tie between OT and Movies. Despite being a bit different, these Mikeys keep it fun to watch. The only reason the OT doesn't win outright is due to the switch to those grappling hooks.

[NameGoesHere1066]

Michelangelo: Tie between OT and Movies. Despite being a bit different, these Mikeys keep it fun to watch. The only reason the OT doesn't win outright is due to the switch to those grappling hooks.

I don't think that was his fault. ;)

Raphael: Mirage. Followed by 1990 movie and then 2k3

Leonardo: Mirage. followed by 2k3

Donatello: Mirage.

Michelangelo: Image/Mirage. He is an attention whore butt monkey in any other version, except maybe 1990 movie. Though The classic series Mike deserves an honorable mention since he is less horriable than some...

[Walkabout]

Its gotta be the original versions for me-even as a kid I was never into all the sport turtles etc etc, especially when they didnt have the right weapons or weapons at all.

The figures for the 1st movie are unreal, but I never saw them as a kid.