Most popular Turtle
 

So here's a thought for y'all:

Which Turtle do you think is the all-time most-popular?

I'm not referring to who the most popular Turtle at the Technodrome is (I know that topic has been done to death, although I can't remember who was the most popular and can't be bothered to look back).

But anyway, there's a certain demographic that comes to this board, and I'm wondering what you guys think: out of all the kids who love the NT, and all the adults who loved the OT, and all the adults who loved the old comics, and everyone else, who do you think is the most popular Turtle, ever?

I know this isn't a very scientific way to get the answer ... you'd have to poll the whole TMNT-aware world, but I just want to know people's opinions on the matter. For example, my favourite Turtle is Michelangelo (hence the avatar) but I don't know if I would say he's the most popular ever. I'd have to think on it.

I'm pretty sure the most popular is Benvenuto, followed by Venus.

:roll: It's kind of hard to have any sort of worthwhile discussion on these boards, nowadays ...

All right, if you don't like my joke answer, my real answer is Raph; because he's the one that seems to have the most fan girls.

[/serious answer]

I think most popular ever goes to Mikey. He was certainly my favorite as a kid, and I think there's something to be said for being both the joker of the group and the one with, arguably, the most natural ability. He is the Battle Nexus champ after all.

Naw, it's nothing against your joke answer in particular ... I've just noticed that lately on the boards it's not long before any attempt at discussion derails into jokes or commentary, and it just kind of depresses me because no one seems to care. Although honestly, I know this isn't the most original idea for a discussion.

But I did actually smile at your Benvenuto/Venus comment, I just got touchy because it was the first and only reply.

Trying to figure out who to vote for ...

And yeah, Raphael has the most fangirls, but I think the adult fan base of the TMNT is quite small, and I meant overall, ever, the most popular Ninja Turtle. And I think there were many, many more people who formed an opinion on their favourite Ninja Turtle from the cartoons (kids who like/liked the TMNT in the cartoon medium and none other) and then never took it beyond that. In other words, I think that relatively few people still like the TMNT in adulthood compared to the amount of kid fans there are, and I'm not sure if Raph would be the most popular with millions of kids.

I always thought it was Michelangelo.

He's my favorite, anyway, so that's double the reason.

As for me being popular, no comment. I've already been down that road with other members in the past who couldn't take a joke.

I'd say it's Mikey in the original series, Raph in the first movie, Don in the second movie, and Leo in every other TMNT universe. So ultimately I'd say Leo.

You know what's funny? In the videogames, I always pick Leo first, then Mike, Don, and finally Raph.

That's always been my official order for them in every aspect.

I'd say Mike, too. Kids really loved him because he was the "funny" one. And lots of people my age still like him because they remember liking him as a kid. He may not be tops among most fan fans, but among the much larger set of casual fans/fans as kids, I'd say he would win hands down.

But I'd put Raph at a close second. An overwhelming number of the 13+ set either identify with him or appreciate the complexity of his character. And I know a friend of mine has loved Raph since she saw the 1990 movie as a kid - he's pretty much the coolest Turtle in the film and she can't have been the only one to react that way, either.

Donatello has some casual fans from back in the day on his side, and still a decent number nowadays among more hardcore fans. Also, I'd say his horde of fangirls is second only to Raph's.

Leonardo's fans seems to be the fewest, as he was pretty bossy and one-dimensional in the old 'toon and original movie (not to mention the awful comebacks). People who choose Leo as their favorite have usually either read the comic or seen the 2k3 'toon (or heck, even the 2007 movie, which my friend who hates Leonardo said was his least annoying incarnation, in her opinion). They are fans because they see past the "teacher's pet" and appreciate that he is only trying to improve himself and protect his family, not boss them around and set himself up to be better than them. (Not like he's immune to pride entirely - definitely he can be a jerk sometimes. But the reason he does everything is not to be "better" - it's just that sometimes he feels like the others aren't pulling their weight, especially Raph)

(hence it's obvious I personally lean a little toward Leo... though honestly I kinda go through stages of who is my favorite anyway. Lately it's been Raph, as I dressed up like him for Halloween.)


EDIT: But while I'd say Leo is the least popular overall, I'd agree that among people who have become fans since the 2k3 'toon started, Leo may be on top. After all, this most recent incarnation really made sure that his motivations for doing what he does were clear... heck, he suffered for a whole season from failing to meet his own expectations.

ahh come on guys you all know raph is *the* man...

:P

Raphael hands down. He is th most human and relatable turtle and has all these layers to him. He's rebell, the badass and most people look up and admire those types. He's also the most hard core and delvers when it comes to grit and violence. Why do you think Wolverine from the X-Men is so popular? When I think vintage hard core nija turtles I think Raphael.

I agree with this. alot of people just don't "get" Leo. What I find cool about his character is that you eighther like him or you hate him. He's that kind of deminsional character.

I always thought it was the costume.

When you notice that, you're welcome to inform a mod or admin, and we can split the thread for you.

It's Raphael the Main man is the best

Back when the OT was playing on TV with new seasons every year, my guess would have been Michelangelo.

Nowadays, that would be a tougher call. In the Drome, Raphael is very popular. And he's Kevin's favorite. On the other hand, Donatello is Peter's favorite and the newest season is all about him.

I would have expected Leonardo to be much more popular since he's the leader and wears blue. But Boy Scouts are not all that popular I guess.

without a doubt michelangelo. i like donatello the best, but most people who watched the cartoon as a kid, or just have a vague idea like the party dude.

That's the biggest and longest running problem with Leo because he's not originally like that.
In the Mirage comics, Leo is far from being a boy scout. I'd say he's more like Batman, only without the hesitation to kill.

Anyway, you make a good point. Leo only had as many fans as he did in the old days because he has those shining qualities... He's the leader, the one with swords, and the one who wears blue. I think if it wasn't for those aspects, he'd have alot fewer fans because oldschool Leo's personality was definetly lacking. The writers used his authoritive rank to define him while the other turtles had real personality.

blasphemy! Leonardo rocks in every version! Mirage Leo is as you have stated the coolest version of him ( BTW linkening him to Batman ois a great comparsen) but that could be said of all the turtles, but OT Leonardo was cool too. As far as animated versions go NT Leonardo is my favorite but I don't get all the hate for OT Leo. Sometimes I think I'm the only one who actually likes OT Leo. :( **huggles OT Leo plushie**

I want to see a show of hands here, who likes OT Leo?