April thread deleted, trying again

[TommyT]

So, maybe I needed a more direct approach, asking this in a less offensive way.

Does it matter to you, if April is drawn/portrayed with sex appeal, or is that something that isn’t appropriate in 2019?

Would like this to be a a flame free discussion. Honest answers appreciated.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

I'm not saying that I want porn, but I would prefer any design of April to be reasonably attractive.

[TommyT]

I'm not saying that I want porn, but I would prefer any design of April to be reasonably attractive.

When you google her, porn is almost exclusively what shows up.
So, my first post was trying to understand if she is a sexy symbol for hard core fans (here) or if that’s more of a general audience thing.

I’m thinking the attempt to get a rating on her perceived attractiveness crossed the line. I wasn’t sure how to pose the question given what is deemed attractive is hard to define, and also, the sheer number of April’s out there.

[CyberCubed]

The way IDW has drawn her is perfect. She looks reasonably attractive without going overboard with it, and she looks like a regular girl. She doesn't have any "fanservice" shots making it look like she's used for sex appeal, and she's written as any other character in the book.

IDW has treated its female characters really well. Angel is another character they could have used for fanservice scenes but she doesn't have any either from what I can recall.

[TommyT]

The way IDW has drawn her is perfect. She looks reasonably attractive without going overboard with it, and she looks like a regular girl. She doesn't have any "fanservice" shots making it look like she's used for sex appeal, and she's written as any other character in the book.

IDW has treated its female characters really well. Angel is another character they could have used for fanservice scenes but she doesn't have any either from what I can recall.

Fanservice? Is fan service code for sexy? I thought fan service meant being true to source, not sex appeal.

[hypered1]

Fanservice? Is fan service code for sexy? I thought fan service meant being true to source, not sex appeal.

The term fanservice is derived from fictional characters, usually anime or manga, being put in situations or outfits that could be deemed sexual or erotic and serve no other purposes to whatever the overall story may be.

[TommyT]

The term fanservice is derived from fictional characters, usually anime or manga, being put in situations or outfits that could be deemed sexual or erotic and serve no other purposes to whatever the overall story may be.

Oh really? I’ve heard it used in relation to the Marvel films, where it seemed to indicate just giving the fans what they want. But fan service, that means like, fan SERVICE. Like sexual service?

[hypered1]

Oh really? I’ve heard it used in relation to the Marvel films, where it seemed to indicate just giving the fans what they want. But fan service, that means like, fan SERVICE. Like sexual service?

In a broader sense it can mean anything that could be added to please the supposed audience (cool mecha, big explosions, battle scenes or to a lesser extent in-jokes, easter eggs or subtle (or not-so-subtle) references to earlier versions/ iterations of the work in question, but the origins come from the anime and manga of the 1980's when it started becoming way more popular in the west.
To be fair you could count things like cheerleaders at a basketball game as one form of fan service (skimpy/ enticing outfits) and fan-favourite characters returning to series after long hiatus as another form (for long term fans for example). Both are used to appeal to different kinds of audiences.

[TommyT]

In a broader sense it can mean anything that could be added to please the supposed audience (cool mecha, big explosions, battle scenes or to a lesser extent in-jokes, easter eggs or subtle (or not-so-subtle) references to earlier versions/ iterations of the work in question, but the origins come from the anime and manga of the 1980's when it started becoming way more popular in the west.
To be fair you could count things like cheerleaders at a basketball game as one form of fan service (skimpy/ enticing outfits) and fan-favourite characters returning to series after long hiatus as another form (for long term fans for example). Both are used to appeal to different kinds of audiences.


Okay, that was my understanding of it, the broader sense.
Still, April in the OT was conventionally attractive, in the Barron film called a babe, Donnie has a crush in 2012 etc.

But is April not just a Plain Jane? Somebody who is a friend to the turtles? Or should she be more, is there a sexual side that is a must?
For my two cents, 2k3 April, had a very masculine look and feel, not sexy in anyway, and as a result, I found her far less interesting.

[TommyT]

Honestly, I'm okay with her being sexualized, but to a limit. Now that I think on it, yes, IDW is great with handling this.

TL;DR: I don't care for labor, it's not a make or break thing for me, but I'm also not against it in moderation, because I do understand that sometimes sex is necessary for sales.


Very resrpectful response. Can I ask what makes you uncomfortable, and what is too sexy? I mentioned before that the new Neca figure looks very, unattractive, to the point of being almost ugly, and I’m thinking that was done on purpose.

IDW April isn’t what you might consider traditionally sexy, she’s very average (not that average isn’t sexy to some people) and that’s what I’m wondering, are people happier with a more plain looking female lead now, compared with the more buxom babes of the 80’s.

[Ninjinister]

Eh yo these guys jack off to comic books!

[TommyT]

Eh yo these guys jack off to comic books!

What, you don’t?

[ChosenOne]

Eh yo these guys jack off to comic books!

Only to Crossed.














Why's everyone staring at me and slowly backing away all of a sudden?

(It's a joke, obviously... :lol:)

[TommyT]

Only to Crossed.

Why's everyone staring at me and slowly backing away all of a sudden?



We’re not backing away. We’re getting closer.

[ChosenOne]

We’re not backing away. We’re getting closer.

That's even worse. And what's with the weird laughter and that rash on your face all of a sudden? :o

[TommyT]

That's even worse. And what's with the weird laughter and that rash on your face all of a sudden? :o

You’ll find out soon enough!

[vicsavage]

When you google her, porn is almost exclusively what shows up.

I mean that's going to happen when a porn actress decides to use that name for herself.

[TommyT]

I mean that's going to happen when a porn actress decides to use that name for herself.

Yeah, but The Hentai outnumbers the normal three to one.
Specifically the 80’s version and the 2012 version. All other versions have been forgotten or ignored

[TommyT]

I'm not singling out women, and saying ALL women need to be attarctive in media, but rather that attractiveness is a character trait. Take Gambit, for instance. He's handsome, and that factors into his character. If he was ugly, he wouldn't be who he is, because he wouldn't get away with half the things he does if not for his looks and charm. Same can be said for Don Draiper, of Mad men, or an extreme personality like Jared Leto.

I mean, attractiveness is a huge part of who someone is, in how the world treats them, and in social cred. I'd also question if April would be an on-air reporter in the 80's if she were not attractive. If we look at her as a researcher/scientist, then her physical looks could almost work against her, given the trope that pretty means stupid, and so might actually have/be a negative.

No, not everyone needs to be attractive, but for some characters, its just part of who they are, and it matters. For some females in comics, it plays a role, but for others, it's not central to who they are, and therefore my question. Does it matter for April?

[clockstomper]

While I get that they don't want things to get distracting, I think there can be such a thing as over-correction. I don't think everyone should be drawn as androgynous just because people are insecure that Superman's more masculine than them. That's life, some people are more attractive than you. Plus a lot of it is insincere, manufactured outrage for attention.

[Chet]

I think in the official products April has never been sexualized much at all, unless you count the cleavage in the '87 cartoon version. It's not like she's in a swimsuit or anything skin-tight.

[TommyT]

While I get that they don't want things to get distracting, I think there can be such a thing as over-correction. I don't think everyone should be drawn as androgynous just because people are insecure that Superman's more masculine than them. That's life, some people are more attractive than you. Plus a lot of it is insincere, manufactured outrage for attention.

We're on the same page. I'm not sure when this whole "ugly is beautiful" trend began, maybe around 2011? The show girls did a lot to try and push that narrative.

I think in the official products April has never been sexualized much at all, unless you count the cleavage in the '87 cartoon version. It's not like she's in a swimsuit or anything skin-tight.

Her rule 34 situation suggests she is one of the most sexualized cartoons, maybe of all time, next to Cheetara and Raven from Teen titans.


Well, they made some fixes to this figure, not crazy. Baby steps I suppose?
https://i.imgur.com/lYmDiwB.png

new one on the right.

[oldmanwinters]

https://i.imgur.com/lYmDiwB.png

new one on the right.

Your other right.

[spookycookies]

Your other right.

Yeah that threw me for a loop, the new face has the larger eyes and smile correct?

[TommyT]

Your other right.

You know, you're right? I guess I don't.

Yeah that threw me for a loop, the new face has the larger eyes and smile correct?

Yeah, but looking at it again, they are the same sculpt, just changed the paint? Like they just had her smile? so, this is literally men telling women they need to smile more?

[clockstomper]

You know, you're right? I guess I don't.



Yeah, but looking at it again, they are the same sculpt, just changed the paint? Like they just had her smile? so, this is literally men telling women they need to smile more?

The new paint makes it look more show accurate, all the characters in 1987 show looked happy. It was a comedy. Old one wasn't neutral, looked more like she just ate something sour.

[snake]

April should be thick as hell and have a sizable chest.

[TommyT]

April should be thick as hell and have a sizable chest.

Thick? lol, why? April's been a lot of things, but chubby a'int one.

[Candy Kappa]

Thick? lol, why? April's been a lot of things, but chubby a'int one.

That's not what he meant my dude.

[neatoman]

Any of these working for you?

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/3uG2zoQVl2cdi3FBSQUfC9NqacSvL9HhSeLy3sUq9uCLVdpgkG 1Q9lXWC6hKM35fNcAwGJcsKuuX=s1600
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/tmnt/images/5/5d/April_finds_splinter.png/revision/latest?cb=20190724035847
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/tmnt/images/2/26/20190311_085205.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20190311125235

[Leo656]

You weren't asking me, but Yes. :lol:

[TommyT]

That's not what he meant my dude.

Then I’m lost. I don’t get it.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

Then I’m lost. I don’t get it.

Thick means a very sexy and curvy woman.

[TommyT]

Need examples of how thick is actually applied. Fat and thick seem to be interchangeable, depending on what one deems as sexy. April isn’t thick, unless you’re thinking of Sophie Campbell’s take.

[pferreira]

I'm not aware of any iterations of April on screen being too sexualised. The FW April had a good figure but this has over the years been exaggerated by fans to be sexual. I obviously don't want an ugly looking April but then April doesn't need to wear skimpy clothes or keep letting us know how hot she is all the time. It's both distracting and having it thrown down out throats makes it cynical.

[TommyT]

I'm not aware of any iterations of April on screen being too sexualised. The FW April had a good figure but this has over the years been exaggerated by fans to be sexual. I obviously don't want an ugly looking April but then April doesn't need to wear skimpy clothes or keep letting us know how hot she is all the time. It's both distracting and having it thrown down out throats makes it cynical.

So she's more of a big sister character for you? Not attractive, just kind of there?

[snake]

Need examples of how thick is actually applied. Fat and thick seem to be interchangeable, depending on what one deems as sexy. April isn’t thick, unless you’re thinking of Sophie Campbell’s take.

You ever see The Incredibles? Elastigirl is pretty thick. I don’t think anyone would call those proportions fat. I just don’t think April should be a featureless stick.

[TommyT]

You ever see The Incredibles? Elastigirl is pretty thick. I don’t think anyone would call those proportions fat. I just don’t think April should be a featureless stick.

Oh! So, thick means giant ass? Childbearing hips?
I’m starting to feel old.

[hypered1]

Oh! So, thick means giant ass? Childbearing hips?
I’m starting to feel old.

I think you might be better off going to Urban Dictionary for your answers to be honest.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

I think you might be better off going to Urban Dictionary for your answers to be honest.

Urban Dictionary will tell you so much more than you ever wanted to know. :tlol:

[hypered1]

Urban Dictionary will tell you so much more than you ever wanted to know. :tlol:
Sometimes an innocent mind like TommyT's needs to be opened up to the real world.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Sometimes an innocent mind like TommyT's needs to opened up to the real world.

An innocent mind? On this forum?

Sheer impossibility.

[TommyT]

Sometimes an innocent mind like TommyT's needs to be opened up to the real world.

Thic (https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Thic)

So it’s considered a fat ass, or thic is short for authentic, meaning great?

[Igglet]

It's actually spelled thicc.

I knew I'd have to get involved in this eventually.

[Musashi]

Apart from the obvious literal uses, I've only ever heard of thick being used to mean unintelligent. I think all Aprils have been intelligent, haven't they, although a couple of them have been slightly naïve in their recklessness.

[sdp]

April needs to be more sexualized, I'm sure most would agree when they aren't trying to get +1 progressive points on internet comment sections.


https://thumbs.gfycat.com/EarlyComfortableGonolek-size_restricted.gif
https://d9nvuahg4xykp.cloudfront.net/-8472713300182971150/-7034807509502650592.jpg
2014 did it right

[TommyT]

April needs to be more sexualized, I'm sure most would agree when they aren't trying to get +1 progressive points on internet comment sections.


https://thumbs.gfycat.com/EarlyComfortableGonolek-size_restricted.gif
https://d9nvuahg4xykp.cloudfront.net/-8472713300182971150/-7034807509502650592.jpg
2014 did it right

Yeah, I figured the responses were mostly cagey, men have been shamed into silence.

[Igglet]

Okay, I really didn't want to get involved in this but these are some pretty bad takes. I'm fine with some fan service as long as it makes sense and it's not in there for the sole purpose of giving dudes something to look at, as the latter alone tells me the show/movie/comic/whatever doesn't have much confidence in what they're doing. April being sexualized would be both. Not to mention the fact that, Jesus Christ guys, it's a kids property. I know a lot of you want to go back to the Mirage days, but until that actually happens, let's tone it down, alright?

[Candy Kappa]

Just have the next iteration of TMNT yoink the designs of Fujiko Mine from Lupin III like the FW show did, and you got your desired sexy April.

[Coola Yagami]

Idk, we haven't ever seen a particularly ugly April. I always considered she should be at least somewhat attractive, even as an average everyday look since obviously that's one of the things that catches Casey's eye. Even in the 2K3 where the women were given toned down figures and at times broad shoulders (even Tenet fell into this), April wasn't what I would call ugly.

[TommyT]

Just have the next iteration of TMNT yoink the designs of Fujiko Mine from Lupin III like the FW show did, and you got your desired sexy April.

Fujiko was a bit too aware of her sexual charms. I think April being oblivious is part of the appeal.

Designs could pull from Holly Would, or for a more contemporary look
7-S7bgkqd3E

[pferreira]

So she's more of a big sister character for you? Not attractive, just kind of there?She was attractive but not overtly because of course it was aimed at kids. I was okay with that. I never saw a romance between her and the TMNT, more as you say a big sister. It's really the fan art over the years that has exaggerated FW April and made her more sexualised.

2014 did it rightYea that was stupid. :lol:

Thic (https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Thic)

So it’s considered a fat ass, or thic is short for authentic, meaning great?I feels sorry for the day when proper English disappears and all we're left with is text speak and Urban Dictionary language. I mean WTF?! :roll:

[TommyT]

I long for the day that April is cosplayed well. Often it's the larger ladies getting in her jumpsuit.