TMNT Antagonists - Personal History or Out of Their League?

*Cipher* · 08-19-2014, 05:35 PM

Was rereading bits of various TMNT series recently and it struck me that, as far as their arch-villains go, we tend to get one of two archetypes, both of which I enjoy for different reasons:

One is the "Shredder" archetype: a figure deeply rooted in the Turtles' or Splinter's past that makes for a low-key feud and can help provide a thematic cornerstone to the Turtles' conflict. I know for many fans this is a key part of the story. Most often this spot is occupied by various incarnations' Shredders, but occasionally others have found a place here as well: Karai in 4Kids, Pimiko and her associates in Image, etc. It might tie into save-the-world-level plots, but it doesn't have to.

The other recurring archetype, though, and one I like almost as much, is a larger-scale villain for whom the Turtles should be a blip on the radar, but who end up being a constant source of antagonism. I like this because it allows these accidental and low-key Turtles to butt heads with villains who've presumably run roughshod over countless enemies before, only to be derailed at the end of the line by the Turtles. It's often also accompanied by a descent into a singular obsession with destroying them, even at the expense of their original plans. See: Dregg, Ch'rell (who fits both this archetype and the one above), the demon Shredder in 4Kids, possibly IDW Krang, and more. (Arguably other versions of Krang, Maligna, Sh'Okanabo, uh, maybe even Dragon Lord ... if you want.)

Honestly, I like series including a bit of both, but what's your take? When looking for a Turtles villain, which approach works better for you?

08-19-2014, 05:35 PM	#1
Cipher Foot Elite Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 3,454	TMNT Antagonists - Personal History or Out of Their League? Was rereading bits of various TMNT series recently and it struck me that, as far as their arch-villains go, we tend to get one of two archetypes, both of which I enjoy for different reasons: One is the "Shredder" archetype: a figure deeply rooted in the Turtles' or Splinter's past that makes for a low-key feud and can help provide a thematic cornerstone to the Turtles' conflict. I know for many fans this is a key part of the story. Most often this spot is occupied by various incarnations' Shredders, but occasionally others have found a place here as well: Karai in 4Kids, Pimiko and her associates in Image, etc. It might tie into save-the-world-level plots, but it doesn't have to. The other recurring archetype, though, and one I like almost as much, is a larger-scale villain for whom the Turtles should be a blip on the radar, but who end up being a constant source of antagonism. I like this because it allows these accidental and low-key Turtles to butt heads with villains who've presumably run roughshod over countless enemies before, only to be derailed at the end of the line by the Turtles. It's often also accompanied by a descent into a singular obsession with destroying them, even at the expense of their original plans. See: Dregg, Ch'rell (who fits both this archetype and the one above), the demon Shredder in 4Kids, possibly IDW Krang, and more. (Arguably other versions of Krang, Maligna, Sh'Okanabo, uh, maybe even Dragon Lord ... if you want.) Honestly, I like series including a bit of both, but what's your take? When looking for a Turtles villain, which approach works better for you?