CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy
04-03-2015, 08:07 PM
Across the different incarnations of the TMNT, different Turtles have been written brilliantly and some have been written... well, not so brilliantly. For each of the four Turtles, which is your favorite version?
Leonardo: Mirage (Volume 1)
I'm torn between Volume 1 and Volume 2. Volume 2 shows Leo trying to find a place in life now that the family has split up and he has no one to lead. But for me, Volume 1 is even more powerful with the amazing "City at War" story arc where Leonardo is the one to question the cycle of violence between the Oroku and Hamato clans, and how the Turtles' lives have been dictated by the Foot Clan and the Shredder since their mutation. For me, that's when he shines brightest as a leader. Plus he decapitates the Shredder in a totally badass fight! :twink:
Raphael: Image (Volume 3)
The easiest decision of the four for me. No other series (with the possible exception of Archie) shows Raph moving beyond his anger and angst, learning from his past and maturing. He's still a hardass with an attitude, but he has made alliances with his old enemies, the Foot Clan, and even becomes their leader. Taking on the mantle of the Shredder, he forces a truce between the Foot and the mob and then begins to reshape the Foot Clan's legacy, hoping to help them move on from their own angry past. All that and he gains a frenemy in Oroku Pimiko, daughter of the Shredder. Hands down, best version of Raphael ever.
Donatello: IDW
I had to think about this one a little bit. I really like Donny's portrayal in Volume 4, what with Baxter Stockman's fate and working with the Utroms. And I like his portrayal in Volume 1, especially "Shades of Gray". But IDW takes the cake, as it allows Donny to take on new depth of character by being a fervent skeptic regarding spirituality and reincarnation. His antagonism with Leo in the early issues, his frustration with Splinter's dismissal of Krang and the Technodrome, and his friendship with Harold are all new elements we've never seen before and yet feel so natural to his character. Plus his heroic sacrifice at the hands of Bebop and Rocksteady, to atone for a future where he gave up and watched his brothers die... powerful stuff! :tcry:
Michelangelo: Image (Volume 3)
For Mikey, it was a close tie between Volume 3 and Mirage Volume 4. Both volumes show Mikey pursuing a romantic relationship and wanting a somewhat normal life, but Volume 3 also gives the most attention to the Turtle's aspirations to become a writer. A writer myself, this has a special place in my heart. Also, Raph's relationship with Shadow has never interested me as much as Mikey's relationship with Shadow as a little girl. Babysitting her, rescuing her from her grandfather, and just all around pursuing a "normal" life. Plus, Mikey's pet kitty Klunk is still around!
Leonardo: Mirage (Volume 1)
I'm torn between Volume 1 and Volume 2. Volume 2 shows Leo trying to find a place in life now that the family has split up and he has no one to lead. But for me, Volume 1 is even more powerful with the amazing "City at War" story arc where Leonardo is the one to question the cycle of violence between the Oroku and Hamato clans, and how the Turtles' lives have been dictated by the Foot Clan and the Shredder since their mutation. For me, that's when he shines brightest as a leader. Plus he decapitates the Shredder in a totally badass fight! :twink:
Raphael: Image (Volume 3)
The easiest decision of the four for me. No other series (with the possible exception of Archie) shows Raph moving beyond his anger and angst, learning from his past and maturing. He's still a hardass with an attitude, but he has made alliances with his old enemies, the Foot Clan, and even becomes their leader. Taking on the mantle of the Shredder, he forces a truce between the Foot and the mob and then begins to reshape the Foot Clan's legacy, hoping to help them move on from their own angry past. All that and he gains a frenemy in Oroku Pimiko, daughter of the Shredder. Hands down, best version of Raphael ever.
Donatello: IDW
I had to think about this one a little bit. I really like Donny's portrayal in Volume 4, what with Baxter Stockman's fate and working with the Utroms. And I like his portrayal in Volume 1, especially "Shades of Gray". But IDW takes the cake, as it allows Donny to take on new depth of character by being a fervent skeptic regarding spirituality and reincarnation. His antagonism with Leo in the early issues, his frustration with Splinter's dismissal of Krang and the Technodrome, and his friendship with Harold are all new elements we've never seen before and yet feel so natural to his character. Plus his heroic sacrifice at the hands of Bebop and Rocksteady, to atone for a future where he gave up and watched his brothers die... powerful stuff! :tcry:
Michelangelo: Image (Volume 3)
For Mikey, it was a close tie between Volume 3 and Mirage Volume 4. Both volumes show Mikey pursuing a romantic relationship and wanting a somewhat normal life, but Volume 3 also gives the most attention to the Turtle's aspirations to become a writer. A writer myself, this has a special place in my heart. Also, Raph's relationship with Shadow has never interested me as much as Mikey's relationship with Shadow as a little girl. Babysitting her, rescuing her from her grandfather, and just all around pursuing a "normal" life. Plus, Mikey's pet kitty Klunk is still around!