Characters you are surprised are still being used - Page 2

DigificWriter · 11-26-2014, 06:09 AM

I hadn't really thought about it before now, but, archetypally, April's role really ISN'T all that unique to her character and COULD be given to anyone because being the Turtles' most prominent human ally isn't and never has been a facet of her individual characterization. It's her archetypal function in the narrative, but doesn't define who she is as a character.

I think the reason she's been used in every single iteration of the property is because she's perceived to be central to the narrative in her archetypal role, when that role could actually be filled by anybody.

*CyberCubed* · 11-26-2014, 06:54 AM

April is one of the most memorable and important characters to the franchise.

If April is ever replaced by some new female people will call fowl and it will never work

*snake* · 11-26-2014, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DigificWriter

I hadn't really thought about it before now, but, archetypally, April's role really ISN'T all that unique to her character and COULD be given to anyone because being the Turtles' most prominent human ally isn't and never has been a facet of her individual characterization. It's her archetypal function in the narrative, but doesn't define who she is as a character.

I think the reason she's been used in every single iteration of the property is because she's perceived to be central to the narrative in her archetypal role, when that role could actually be filled by anybody.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberCubed

April is one of the most memorable and important characters to the franchise.

If April is ever replaced by some new female people will call fowl and it will never work

What Digificwriter is trying to say is that April is a character with no character other then, "She's a grill".

DigificWriter · 11-26-2014, 08:46 AM

^ Actually, what I was trying to say is that the general assumption that April being the Turtles' primary human ally has to be a constant feature of the property isn't accurate. She could be included without that being a central facet of her involvement.

*Jephael* · 11-26-2014, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberCubed

April is one of the most memorable and important characters to the franchise.

If April is ever replaced by some new female people will call fowl and it will never work

That's kinda the reason Next Mutation didn't work out. Venus was basically meant to be April's replacement because at the time Kevin Eastman wanted to drop April from the mythos.

*miru* · 11-26-2014, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neatoman

Well in fairness there is some variation in human buddies, like with Carter or Cody. But I get what you're saying, stuff like this tends to create new main characters with each new incarnation, Headmasters is the only TF series to continue with the humans from an earlier series and there's like 20 TF cartoons.

When it comes to April I tend to think like this, ever read Spider-Man? Ever noticed how the Lee/Ditko/Romita characters always stick no matter how little reason they have to stick around? Noticed how most characters created after that era tend to disappear with the leave of their creators?

That's why April sticks around, she's like the Betty Brant of TMNT.

I also notice that with Godzilla. Serizawa finally came back after 60 years in the 2014 movie. Miki Saegusa is in practically every Heisei film. The other major human allies/enemies tend to disappear after one film. Nick Tatulopolous was in the animated series, however.

*neatoman* · 11-26-2014, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miru

I also notice that with Godzilla. Serizawa finally came back after 60 years in the 2014 movie. Miki Saegusa is in practically every Heisei film. The other major human allies/enemies tend to disappear after one film. Nick Tatulopolous was in the animated series, however.

Hush, we need to pretend Matthew Broderick does not exist, we shall not acknowledge him...

*MsMarvelDuckie* · 11-26-2014, 01:59 PM

But if we did that, it would mean not acknowledging The Producers, Project X (I'm talking about the 80's movie, not that dumb Hangover-style flick a few years ago), Ladyhawke, and other great Broderick films. sorry, I really like him- even if that Godzilla movie was a bit of a disappointment. The blame wasn't on HIM, though, it was on that cheesy giant iguana they CALLED Godzilla. And the script. Someone must've been reading Jurassic Park 2 when they wrote that.

*MikeandRaph87* · 11-26-2014, 02:59 PM

Casey Jones appears too often. I like seeing him pop up twice a season or two issues a year in a comic. Making him used sparingly makes him more effective and cooler of a character.

Hun, to me was nothing more than a street punk who got lucky. Other characters in 2003 cartoon stand out to me moreso than he does and I never thought he had much character to play with.

Purple Dragons are just a random gang. Just because that was the name of the gang as the first issue starts the turtles run across doesn't mean it has to reoccur. I guess it shows I don't think much of a street punk. Just a one punch ko and move on to the super villain.

*Prowler* · 11-26-2014, 04:23 PM

Honestly... I'm surprised that the TMNT are still around and going strong after all these years. In the late 90s, I'd never believe it if you had told me that two series, two movies and 2 comic series(one was cancelled pretty early, but still...) would see the light of the day in the upcoming century. I'd just think that the TMNT were some trendy franchise that peaked for about 2 years and just went away as quickly, forever remaining a nostalgia thing with a cult following. Yea... I had to be the one to say this.

Now, onto the thread subject.

Never in my wildest dreams have I ever imagined that they'd bring a minor character(if you could even call him that) from the FW series such as Pete the Pigeon back. If Pete comes back, ANYONE can.

I was also surprised when I heard that Vernon was going to be in the Michael Bay film... but since it was gonna be more OT influenced and with April being a reporter and all, I guess I shouldn't have been very surprised about it. Burne turning into a black woman named Bernette and played by Whoopi Goldberg was a much bigger surprise to me.

*CyberCubed* · 11-26-2014, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeandRaph87

Hun, to me was nothing more than a street punk who got lucky. Other characters in 2003 cartoon stand out to me moreso than he does and I never thought he had much character to play with.

Purple Dragons are just a random gang. Just because that was the name of the gang as the first issue starts the turtles run across doesn't mean it has to reoccur. I guess it shows I don't think much of a street punk. Just a one punch ko and move on to the super villain.

Considering Hun was difficult for the Turtles to take down and gave them a good fight almost every time, I don't see how he's "just as street punk."

~~Leo656~~ · 11-26-2014, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberCubed

If April is ever replaced by some new female people will call fowl and it will never work

...Like they'll call her a duck? Really?

And I'm sure Tatsu not being used in anything but the movies has nothing to do with the actor's likeness. It's just a name, they could create an entirely new character and call him "Tatsu" if they wanted to, they just haven't. It's probably just more to do with each creative team that's come along wanting to keep away from the movie's universe for the most part. I promise that the actor's likeness has Zero to do with it. I'd like to see the character eventually be used somewhere, though.

For me, it'd be easier to make a list of "Characters I'm Surprised Are NOT Being Used Anymore". There's been a ton of good characters in various TMNT lore that only show up in one version, or only make a few appearances and never show up again. Conversely, I'm not at all surprised that after 30+ years and a dozen iterations, a ton of even semi-obscure characters have been revamped. With any franchise that's been around this long, you eventually go back to the well. It never surprises me to see anyone show up, I'm always more surprised who doesn't.

*pennydreadful* · 11-26-2014, 09:21 PM

CC speaks the truth. I have seen the future - if April is replaced, the poultry will not respond favorably.

*snake* · 11-26-2014, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo656

...Like they'll call her a duck? Really?

And I'm sure Tatsu not being used in anything but the movies has nothing to do with the actor's likeness. It's just a name, they could create an entirely new character and call him "Tatsu" if they wanted to, they just haven't. It's probably just more to do with each creative team that's come along wanting to keep away from the movie's universe for the most part. I promise that the actor's likeness has Zero to do with it. I'd like to see the character eventually be used somewhere, though.

For me, it'd be easier to make a list of "Characters I'm Surprised Are NOT Being Used Anymore". There's been a ton of good characters in various TMNT lore that only show up in one version, or only make a few appearances and never show up again. Conversely, I'm not at all surprised that after 30+ years and a dozen iterations, a ton of even semi-obscure characters have been revamped. With any franchise that's been around this long, you eventually go back to the well. It never surprises me to see anyone show up, I'm always more surprised who doesn't.

I'm suprised Scale Tail has never shown up outside of the old toyline. The guy is a freakin' snake bounty hunter!

*CyberCubed* · 11-26-2014, 09:24 PM

Besides the mispelling, let's just say the females need a token chick. Its for them after all. Girls need a female character to let them know "this show is OK for me to watch." I bet all the people who don't really like April will be complaining even more if she's completely gone and there's no female presence in the show at all.

And before anyone asks, some of this is satire.

~~Leo656~~ · 11-26-2014, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pennydreadful

CC speaks the truth. I have seen the future - if April is replaced, the poultry will not respond favorably.

http://33.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me...ho1_r3_250.gif

((^^ And to think, I never pegged Lindsay as a spitter...

))

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberCubed

And before anyone asks, some of this is satire.

ALL of you is satire.

*Luckyday* · 11-26-2014, 09:33 PM

How different would it feel to not have April in the show at all? Or maybe downgraded to a minor one time character like Mona Lisa?

Warboss74 · 11-26-2014, 11:40 PM

Wasn't it confirmed that Tatsu was supposed to appear in the Gang War arc that was never finished because of the sale?

*CyberCubed* · 11-27-2014, 12:48 AM

Well Mutagen Man went from a one-episode appearance back in 1991 to returning in the Nick show nearly 22 years later.

**Jester** · 11-27-2014, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberCubed

Well Mutagen Man went from a one-episode appearance back in 1991 to returning in the Nick show nearly 22 years later.

To be fair he was a toy and has a freakin' awesome design.

I agree that Pigeon Pete still throws me. The movies use of Vernon is also kinda painful.

11-26-2014, 01:59 PM	#28
MsMarvelDuckie I Married a Duck! Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: The bowels of Hell, Texas(otherwise known as Decatur) Posts: 8,773	But if we did that, it would mean not acknowledging The Producers, Project X (I'm talking about the 80's movie, not that dumb Hangover-style flick a few years ago), Ladyhawke, and other great Broderick films. sorry, I really like him- even if that Godzilla movie was a bit of a disappointment. The blame wasn't on HIM, though, it was on that cheesy giant iguana they CALLED Godzilla. And the script. Someone must've been reading Jurassic Park 2 when they wrote that. __________________ "You IDIOTS! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -from "Spaceballs" "Where Science ends, magic begins." -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491 My various stories and fan-fics are now here- https://m.fanfiction.net/u/4770494/#end

11-26-2014, 02:59 PM	#29
MikeandRaph87 Jedi Master Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: JLA Satellite Headquarters Posts: 11,186	Casey Jones appears too often. I like seeing him pop up twice a season or two issues a year in a comic. Making him used sparingly makes him more effective and cooler of a character. Hun, to me was nothing more than a street punk who got lucky. Other characters in 2003 cartoon stand out to me moreso than he does and I never thought he had much character to play with. Purple Dragons are just a random gang. Just because that was the name of the gang as the first issue starts the turtles run across doesn't mean it has to reoccur. I guess it shows I don't think much of a street punk. Just a one punch ko and move on to the super villain. __________________ Michelangelo: This looks like a job for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Raphael: Sheesh, Mikey this ain't a cartoon!

11-26-2014, 09:21 PM	#33
pennydreadful trash Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Australia Posts: 4,546	CC speaks the truth. I have seen the future - if April is replaced, the poultry will not respond favorably. __________________ Creator of the Technodrome After Dark Discussion Group. PM for an invite (must be over 18 - no exceptions).

11-26-2014, 06:09 AM	#21
DigificWriter Random Punk Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 37	I hadn't really thought about it before now, but, archetypally, April's role really ISN'T all that unique to her character and COULD be given to anyone because being the Turtles' most prominent human ally isn't and never has been a facet of her individual characterization. It's her archetypal function in the narrative, but doesn't define who she is as a character. I think the reason she's been used in every single iteration of the property is because she's perceived to be central to the narrative in her archetypal role, when that role could actually be filled by anybody.

11-26-2014, 06:54 AM	#22
CyberCubed Overlord Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 43,715	April is one of the most memorable and important characters to the franchise. If April is ever replaced by some new female people will call fowl and it will never work

11-26-2014, 08:46 AM	#24
DigificWriter Random Punk Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 37	^ Actually, what I was trying to say is that the general assumption that April being the Turtles' primary human ally has to be a constant feature of the property isn't accurate. She could be included without that being a central facet of her involvement.

11-26-2014, 04:23 PM	#30
Prowler Emperor Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,940	Honestly... I'm surprised that the TMNT are still around and going strong after all these years. In the late 90s, I'd never believe it if you had told me that two series, two movies and 2 comic series(one was cancelled pretty early, but still...) would see the light of the day in the upcoming century. I'd just think that the TMNT were some trendy franchise that peaked for about 2 years and just went away as quickly, forever remaining a nostalgia thing with a cult following. Yea... I had to be the one to say this. Now, onto the thread subject. Never in my wildest dreams have I ever imagined that they'd bring a minor character(if you could even call him that) from the FW series such as Pete the Pigeon back. If Pete comes back, ANYONE can. I was also surprised when I heard that Vernon was going to be in the Michael Bay film... but since it was gonna be more OT influenced and with April being a reporter and all, I guess I shouldn't have been very surprised about it. Burne turning into a black woman named Bernette and played by Whoopi Goldberg was a much bigger surprise to me.

11-26-2014, 09:24 PM	#35
CyberCubed Overlord Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 43,715	Besides the mispelling, let's just say the females need a token chick. Its for them after all. Girls need a female character to let them know "this show is OK for me to watch." I bet all the people who don't really like April will be complaining even more if she's completely gone and there's no female presence in the show at all. And before anyone asks, some of this is satire.

11-26-2014, 11:40 PM	#38
Warboss74 Foot Soldier Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 230	Wasn't it confirmed that Tatsu was supposed to appear in the Gang War arc that was never finished because of the sale?

11-27-2014, 12:48 AM	#39
CyberCubed Overlord Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 43,715	Well Mutagen Man went from a one-episode appearance back in 1991 to returning in the Nick show nearly 22 years later.