The Leonardo Thread

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Originally Posted by Ulisa

OT: This is probably my favorite version of Leonardo, as weird as that may sound because he has often been called the boring one. However, even as a kid, I loved this version. He is very noble, honorable and yet he is not nearly as serious as other versions, knowing how to be light-hearted, though he sometimes needs reminders. He loves to do what's right, regardless of the response. I can't recall the exact episode but I believe during the Red Sky era, he says something along the lines of "I'm not going to stop doing what's right just because it isn't popular." I really liked Leonardo's interactions with the other turtles in this series, mainly because it seemed to slip into many different roles: leader, protector, friend, brother, and at times, even seemed to border on parent. Splinter was much more 'teacher' than father in this series so it seemed like, at times, that Leonardo took over that role which is an interesting dynamic. One of my favorite interactions of this always involves Michelangelo. Michelangelo tells Leonardo to 'chew me out later' and at one point, when Michelangelo is more focused on a video game than the situation at hand, Leonardo responds with "Michelangelo if you don't stop playing that stupid game, I'm going to shut it off with my katana." I don't know why I love those scenes so much but it seems like a different take than most other versions.

Either way, no matter the version, Leonardo is definitely a brother I'd love to have behind me

Ulisa

Did Splinter ever call the turtles his sons in the 1987 show?

But I like "Leoanrdo Lightens Up" (cool episode, with skateboarding Splinter and Maestro G. Kleff).

[ryukenden]

Leo is the type of Turtle that would look out for his brothers as he feels responsible for them. Even though he tends to be bossy or a perfectionist in several of his incarnations. But in the heat of battle, it would be wise to follow his lead as it would keep you alive. In some of the reviled incarnations, if Leo isn't serious, then there is no hope for that particular part of the franchise to survive.

[Ulisa]

Originally Posted by Original TMNT Cartoon Fan

Did Splinter ever call the turtles his sons in the 1987 show?

You know, I think he did, once or twice but it was a pretty rare thing. I need to watch my DVDs again, cause I could swear I do hear "my sons" or 'my son' once or twice

[Red-eyed Jaguar]

As far as I know, he called Donatello his Son in "Donatello's Duplicate" and Leonardo in "Leonardo Lighten's up"..perhaps in "Leonardo is missing" too..not sure about that one.

[Shredded]

I actually remember him calling them. "My sons." in "The old Switcheroo." while he was stuck in Shredders body... an odd time to do it when it's so rare that he does it.
But oh well.

[Donnie]

Originally Posted by Original TMNT Cartoon Fan

Did Splinter ever call the turtles his sons in the 1987 show?

But I like "Leoanrdo Lightens Up" (cool episode, with skateboarding Splinter and Maestro G. Kleff).

I looooove "Leonardo Lightens Up"...it was the only Turtles solo VHS I owned. It still cracks me up to this day.

"With that old fuddy duddy Splinter gone, we don't have to worry about any stupid ninja practice!"

[TheSmartOne]

You guys actually convinced me to go through the OT episodes XD I haven't gotten super far yet, but in 11 episodes, Splinter's only called them all "My Sons' once- Which is a far cry from 2k3 version where Splinter would say it at least once an episode. Also, I kind of noticed something weird. At one point, when Donnie and Raph were fighting the Shredder, Donnie says something along the lines of "If that thing hurts our buddies, you're going to regret it!" (This is one of the OT episodes. Mikey and Leo were fighting this dragon created by some jewel Shredder put on his helmet). Though they're all obviously close, there seems to be more of a "buddy/friend' kind of vibe to the OT turtles then a brother one. But I just started the series and this thing goes on for ten seasons, so we'll see what happens xD

On the topic of Leo, he's easily my second favourite for the simple reason that as the oldest child, I can relate to the kind of backtalk that goes on when you find yourself in a position of authority your younger sibs clearly don't think you deserve He's awesome and bringing out his geek side was a really nice touch in the nick series. You can see a distinct difference between Leo trying to emulate Captain Ryan (It all sounds forced, ridiculously dorky, and makes everyone groan), and Leo being Leo (He suddenly because assured and focused and every bit the leader his is in all previous iterations).

One thing I kind of miss is 2K3 Leo's habit of only fighting with one sword for the beginning of most fights. It was subtle, but a really nice touch. The minute Leo went for dual wielding, you knew things just got serious.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Originally Posted by Donnie

I looooove "Leonardo Lightens Up"...it was the only Turtles solo VHS I owned. It still cracks me up to this day.

"With that old fuddy duddy Splinter gone, we don't have to worry about any stupid ninja practice!"

I hated the solo adventures as a kid, because it was no Shredder and Krang. Now, I like them so much. Cool opportunities to create new stories with new guys and girls, both good and bad.

[Klunk1234]

He was never been my favorite turtles, until I saw the 2k3 series. In this one, I learned how to love Leo a lot. He's loyal, a good leader, protective of his siblings at the point, he will sacrifice his own life for them.

And I love his name, Leonardo. If I would had a son, I would of like to choose this name for him. But that is a topic that I don't want to talk about.

[Leofan26]

I had no idea we had a Leo thread, he's been my favorite turtle since the 80s one, love every version

I love every thing about the guy

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

Leo, now that a tough one.

I don't know which incarnation i prefer the most out of all of them.

I suppose the OT is my least favorite Leo. He just doesn't seem that interesting and a bit one-dimensional.

The ones i do like are the Movie-1 Leo, 2k3 Leo, 2k7 Leo and 2k12 Leo.

I've always found Leo to be the most interesting overall out of all the turtles. The fact that he has to cope with the responsibilities of being a leader, and also being responsible for what happens to the turtles, or any other person for that matter.

[blindturtle02]

Hmm, I wanna say my favorite version is 2k3 but still not sure. This Leo was quite the perfectionist but the only reason he trained so diligently was to protect his family. He never sought to be the best of the best due to a competitive streak. This versions determination always reminds me of a young Bruce Wane we see in a flashback in Batman TAS. His sensei spoke of how driven his young pupil was. That's pretty similar to the way I picture Leo here. He won't rest until he has this or that kata at 110 percent efficiency. Raph often calls Leo a teacher's pet, but Leo's doing all of this because he's mature enough to put his family's needs before his own. He's not driven by competition or glory, he's driven by the loyalty and love he has for his brothers and father. I really admire this incarnation. The Ultimate Ninja episode was one of my favs because we see Leo relaxing and catching a flick with his family. I get the sense that it's not something he does all that much but then we don't really see any day in the life types of episodes. So he very well could do this more often unbeknownst to us.

2012 Leo is certainly less serious. But I like him as well. He still takes his training very seriously, but he loves spending time with his bros. I like this guy quite a bit because not only does he know how to work hard, but he knows how to have a good time as well. He's a pretty balanced guy here and I'm looking forward to seeing more Leocentric episodes as the series progresses. Oh, and it's good to see that he has a hobby outside of training in this series. His Space Heroes fixation is rather cute. Just another example of Leo training hard but still knowing how to kick back and be an average teen.

The OT Leo is cool to me because he's OT Leo. He was the first Leo incarnation I was introduced to. I remember loving the fact that he came with not one katana but two when I got him for my seventh bday as a kid. I'd never gotten to see the turtles in tactile representation before receiving the 4 of them of course, so I was enamored with all those cool ninja weapons and such. I still remember thinking they all looked a little puffy though lol. But anywho, this incarnation is kickin as well. He sort of reminds me of the 2012 Leo because he also knows how to work hard as well as play hard.

[Technogeek29]

Leo ranks number 3 in terms of Favorite turtle.

OT: I found OT Leonardo rather charming, he reminded me of Superman sometimes. I best decribed him as a "Overzealous Boyscout" which I would find rather funny at times. I also liked that he was rather serious compared to the other Turtles when at times I find the others antics a bit much. Despite his good nature and the feel of always doing whats right he seem to get carried away rather easily or too asorbed and what he did. Such as love, books, training and catching the villian of the show.

2K3: While i'l admit a lot less fun, he did carry many qualites over from his OT counterpart. Both have a strict code of honor and are easily discouraged when a plan or situation isn't to their liking. I like that Leo wasn't played up as the straight men cranked to 12 in this version as he was the only other Turtle besides Mikey to ever crack a joke during a tense situation. He had a servere superioty complex as well, when even the smallest of failures weighed far to heavily on his mind and would set him and a terrbile mood.

Movie: A good balance between the responsible and child like vunerable Leo. He was all smiles and jokes the begining of the movie until Splinter went missing. Afterwards his demeanor never shifted back to his childlike persona until movie 2 , which I love alot. Despite his serious shift changed, he still was as lost as the others depending heavily on April to provide information on the foot. Deafeated and heavily regreatting fighting with Raph when he saw him injured. I have to imagined he spent just about every waking moment in that room and probaly not eating all that well either. These Reasons alone make him my favorite Leo of the bunch.

[Warhorse]

Anyone remember getting the toys from the 80's toon era? I always remembered that they had stats on the back of the packages, and they had Leo listed at 17 years while the others were 15. I wonder why, anyone know?

But yeah, Leo is probably leaning towards as my second favorite. I personally liked the 2k3 toon where it showcases his complicated relationship with Karai (the fanfiction from that is some of the best I have ever read) I just wished they let him loosen up a bit. In the 1990 movie, while he was regal around Splinter, they also showed that he had no problem swearing and hanging loose with his brothers either. His stiffness in some mediums might be why some think he is boring. Until he unsheathes his sword, then he becomes an absolute badass.

[SonicKnuckles18]

Leonardo has always been my favorite turtle. When I first started watching, it was because he was the leader, and blue is my favorite color. XD Now, I like him because of how deep a character he is, and what good morals he has. Like in 2K3 series, during the city at war arc. He was the only one who wanted to take responsibility for what was happening to everyone, and not even Master Splinter would support him. He's always thinking about what's best for everyone, and he always tries to do what's right. Sure he can be a little too serious sometimes, but every so often that seriousness disappears, and you can see what a fun guy he is. One things for sure, I never once thought he was boring.

[ranger_scout]

Leonardo has always been my favorite turtle. When I first started watching, it was because he was the leader, and blue is my favorite color. XD Now, I like him because of how deep a character he is, and what good morals he has.

Those are my reasons as well. Even though Cam Clarke was a little annoyed while recording the 1987 series that he couldn't cut loose and be very funny, he certainly did what Rennee Jacobs (April) thought he other three did, which was putting their heart and soul into the parts. Snakes Alive! was my favorite episode of his and the lesson of conquering your fears by facing them helped me in life.

[ssjup81]

Well, it's finally happened. Since coming to watch the 2k12 series I can actually say I favor Leo! Seriously, I'm loving him for this series and I am favoring him second after Donny, but then that depends on my mood. Sometimes it's Donny, sometimes Leo.

I like the fact that he is a bit nerdy and at times childish, but can be mature. I loved how into Space Heroes he was too. I dunno, I'm just glad he's not coming across as only "the leader".

[rickwj324]

Leo has always been my favorite. I think out of all the turtles I see a bit of myself in him and relate to him a little more (but I also share some of Raph's anger..haha). With the Nick show it's almost hard for me to say I have a favorite though as I feel that all 4 turtles have been fleshed out really well and I love all 4 of them almost equally.

@ssjup81: I'm in Central VA as well! Howdy neighbor!

[ssjup81]

Originally Posted by rickwj324

Leo has always been my favorite. I think out of all the turtles I see a bit of myself in him and relate to him a little more (but I also share some of Raph's anger..haha). With the Nick show it's almost hard for me to say I have a favorite though as I feel that all 4 turtles have been fleshed out really well and I love all 4 of them almost equally.

@ssjup81: I'm in Central VA as well! Howdy neighbor!

Howdy! I'm not currently there now but I am from there.

[MsMarvelDuckie]

Originally Posted by blindturtle02

Hmm, I wanna say my favorite version is 2k3 but still not sure. This Leo was quite the perfectionist but the only reason he trained so diligently was to protect his family. He never sought to be the best of the best due to a competitive streak. This versions determination always reminds me of a young Bruce Wane we see in a flashback in Batman TAS. His sensei spoke of how driven his young pupil was. That's pretty similar to the way I picture Leo here. He won't rest until he has this or that kata at 110 percent efficiency. Raph often calls Leo a teacher's pet, but Leo's doing all of this because he's mature enough to put his family's needs before his own. He's not driven by competition or glory, he's driven by the loyalty and love he has for his brothers and father. I really admire this incarnation. The Ultimate Ninja episode was one of my favs because we see Leo relaxing and catching a flick with his family. I get the sense that it's not something he does all that much but then we don't really see any day in the life types of episodes. So he very well could do this more often unbeknownst to us.

2012 Leo is certainly less serious. But I like him as well. He still takes his training very seriously, but he loves spending time with his bros. I like this guy quite a bit because not only does he know how to work hard, but he knows how to have a good time as well. He's a pretty balanced guy here and I'm looking forward to seeing more Leocentric episodes as the series progresses. Oh, and it's good to see that he has a hobby outside of training in this series. His Space Heroes fixation is rather cute. Just another example of Leo training hard but still knowing how to kick back and be an average teen.

The OT Leo is cool to me because he's OT Leo. He was the first Leo incarnation I was introduced to. I remember loving the fact that he came with not one katana but two when I got him for my seventh bday as a kid. I'd never gotten to see the turtles in tactile representation before receiving the 4 of them of course, so I was enamored with all those cool ninja weapons and such. I still remember thinking they all looked a little puffy though lol. But anywho, this incarnation is kickin as well. He sort of reminds me of the 2012 Leo because he also knows how to work hard as well as play hard.

Originally Posted by Technogeek29

Leo ranks number 3 in terms of Favorite turtle.

OT: I found OT Leonardo rather charming, he reminded me of Superman sometimes. I best decribed him as a "Overzealous Boyscout" which I would find rather funny at times. I also liked that he was rather serious compared to the other Turtles when at times I find the others antics a bit much. Despite his good nature and the feel of always doing whats right he seem to get carried away rather easily or too asorbed and what he did. Such as love, books, training and catching the villian of the show.

2K3: While i'l admit a lot less fun, he did carry many qualites over from his OT counterpart. Both have a strict code of honor and are easily discouraged when a plan or situation isn't to their liking. I like that Leo wasn't played up as the straight men cranked to 12 in this version as he was the only other Turtle besides Mikey to ever crack a joke during a tense situation. He had a servere superioty complex as well, when even the smallest of failures weighed far to heavily on his mind and would set him and a terrbile mood.

Movie: A good balance between the responsible and child like vunerable Leo. He was all smiles and jokes the begining of the movie until Splinter went missing. Afterwards his demeanor never shifted back to his childlike persona until movie 2 , which I love alot. Despite his serious shift changed, he still was as lost as the others depending heavily on April to provide information on the foot. Deafeated and heavily regreatting fighting with Raph when he saw him injured. I have to imagined he spent just about every waking moment in that room and probaly not eating all that well either. These Reasons alone make him my favorite Leo of the bunch.

Hey, I love you guys' thoughts on Leo, and I agree with most of them. Although he's never been my favorite, I LOVED Cam's voice in the OT, and I also really enjoy his personality in Nick. (That will ALWAYS be Mikey for me- except for the Nick one- that's Donny, oddly enough.) Possibly he is my second fave in that version, even over Mikey. I like that he's less uptight and more laid-back in that version than in most others, although for me, Leo will always be more like his movie version at his most balanced- I like him best in TMNT III, where he still knew how to cut loose at times, but was just as much a teen as the others.