Who's older? Donatello or Raphael?

*Refractive Reflections* · 12-06-2012, 06:14 AM

(I want to apologize beforehand if this thread was already posted, but I tried searching for it and couldn't find a specific thread for it.)

I know there have been numerous threads about the age of the Turtles in general, but I was more curious about the birth order of the Turtles. We all know that Leonardo is the oldest and that Michelangelo is the youngest, or at that very least if some versions don't mention that, it seems to imply that.

Therefore it leaves Donatello and Raphael as the middle children, but between them...who's older? Was it ever resolved official by Eastman and Laird? What do you (as a fan) think yourself?

In my small opinion, I get the impression that Donatello was 2nd and Raphael was 3rd because some of Raphael's anger issues may reside in that he is constantly living under the shadow of his more older "accomplished" brothers. With Leonardo excelling in ninjutsu/leadership/athleticism and Donatello in science/academics, it makes it more difficult for Raphael to uniquely shine in his own right with his talents and abilities; thus making Raphael feel like he's being compared to them despite Splinter and the other Turtles not doing so. In fact, it seems like most versions of TMNT seem to focus (not always, but mostly) on Raphael's emotions rather than any unique combating skills (besides his strength and hot-temper) that make pivotal contributions to the Turtles' missions.

*Icebot* · 12-06-2012, 07:08 AM

I think I remember a Double Dare episode where Marc Summers was asking the question out of all 4 turtles, which one of them is the oldest? And then one of the players answered Donatello and the answer was correct.

*pannoni1* · 12-06-2012, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icebot

I think I remember a Double Dare episode where Marc Summers was asking the question out of all 4 turtles, which one of them is the oldest? And then one of the players answered Donatello and the answer was correct.

About the same, as both the 1988 Playmates figures and 1989 Arcade game profile lists them as 15. And that Double Dare question must have been made up since the same two sources list Leonardo as 16. They seem to be fraternal twins in a way(one fella has voiced both of 'em), since both have a witty quality (geeky vs. daring).

*BubblyShell22* · 12-06-2012, 09:22 AM

I honestly don't know. I'd like to think that maybe Raph is second oldest in some incarnations because of how close he is with Leo and how he feels that rivalry with him. But I think for the Nick incarnation, Don is the second oldest and Raph may be third.

*Slade* · 12-06-2012, 10:02 AM

I've always figured Raph was second oldest. That way one of the reasons for his rivalry with Leo is because he is just right under him. I remember in the TMNT Tournament Fighters game, everyone had a bio. It listed Leo as 16 or 17 and the other three as 15 or 16. I don't mind that all to much. Since Leo is always said to be oldest.

*Roseangelo* · 12-06-2012, 10:21 AM

According to Kevin Eastman Donatello is 2nd oldest.

*TurtleTitan97* · 12-06-2012, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BubblyShell22

But I think for the Nick incarnation, Don is the second oldest and Raph may be third.

The motion comics on Nick.com said that Raph was the second oldest.

*snake* · 11-18-2014, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurtleTitan97

The motion comics on Nick.com said that Raph was the second oldest.

Would Leo be the oldest then?

Linkage · 11-18-2014, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BubblyShell22

I honestly don't know. I'd like to think that maybe Raph is second oldest in some incarnations because of how close he is with Leo and how he feels that rivalry with him. But I think for the Nick incarnation, Don is the second oldest and Raph may be third.

This is the best post in the thread.

Tartaruhga Muhtante · 11-18-2014, 07:17 AM

Sorry but...it's make some difference? Leonardo is the Oldest brother and the others have the same age, I think . Level of Maturity is relative.

Gokhan · 12-06-2012, 09:44 PM

Easiest answer is no age has ever been given

*Storm Eagle* · 12-07-2012, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gokhan

Easiest answer is no age has ever been given

What do you mean? There have been sources that mention their ages. They've even been mentioned in this thread, and they all somehow put Leonardo first.

DonatelloNinja82 · 12-07-2012, 06:44 PM

I think of Raph as second oldest.

*Donatello19* · 12-07-2012, 09:07 PM

The only thing I know about their ages is that Mikey is the youngest (IMO)

Mellie · 09-01-2014, 09:56 PM

I always pictured Don as second oldest.

Leo
Don
Raph
Mikey

makes most sense to me.

*Shark_Blade* · 09-02-2014, 04:33 AM

2k12: Raph is older than Donnie. It won't make sense for a younger sibling to bully the elder. I would give em a good smacking.

OT:
Leo
Raph
Mike
Don

*TigerClaw* · 11-10-2014, 06:14 PM

I would have to go with Raphael, Hes the only one who has matured, And you see that in all incarnations of TMNT.

Chabrendeki · 11-11-2014, 12:10 AM

I'm for Don as second oldest.

*Xav* · 12-07-2012, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Storm Eagle

What do you mean? There have been sources that mention their ages. They've even been mentioned in this thread, and they all somehow put Leonardo first.

Actually the RPG books list Leonardo the same age as everyone else.

**Jester** · 12-07-2012, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xav

Actually the RPG books list Leonardo the same age as everyone else.

Yep, they're all 15. Splinter's listed as...are you sitting down?...25. Yep, far to old to take on Saki himself.

EDIT: April's 27, Casey's 22, Shredder's 34 and Baxter is 36, according to the RPG guide.

View Poll Results: Who's the older brother? Donatello or Raphael?
Donatello	25	35.21%
Raphael	34	47.89%
Undecided/Don't know	12	16.90%
Voters: 71. You may not vote on this poll

12-06-2012, 06:14 AM	#1
Refractive Reflections Mad Scientist $Refractive Reflections's Avatar$ Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 2,371	Who's older? Donatello or Raphael? (I want to apologize beforehand if this thread was already posted, but I tried searching for it and couldn't find a specific thread for it.) I know there have been numerous threads about the age of the Turtles in general, but I was more curious about the birth order of the Turtles. We all know that Leonardo is the oldest and that Michelangelo is the youngest, or at that very least if some versions don't mention that, it seems to imply that. Therefore it leaves Donatello and Raphael as the middle children, but between them...who's older? Was it ever resolved official by Eastman and Laird? What do you (as a fan) think yourself? In my small opinion, I get the impression that Donatello was 2nd and Raphael was 3rd because some of Raphael's anger issues may reside in that he is constantly living under the shadow of his more older "accomplished" brothers. With Leonardo excelling in ninjutsu/leadership/athleticism and Donatello in science/academics, it makes it more difficult for Raphael to uniquely shine in his own right with his talents and abilities; thus making Raphael feel like he's being compared to them despite Splinter and the other Turtles not doing so. In fact, it seems like most versions of TMNT seem to focus (not always, but mostly) on Raphael's emotions rather than any unique combating skills (besides his strength and hot-temper) that make pivotal contributions to the Turtles' missions. Last edited by Refractive Reflections; 12-06-2012 at 06:24 AM.
$Refractive Reflections is offline$

12-06-2012, 09:22 AM	#4
BubblyShell22 Leo-holic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 16,912	I honestly don't know. I'd like to think that maybe Raph is second oldest in some incarnations because of how close he is with Leo and how he feels that rivalry with him. But I think for the Nick incarnation, Don is the second oldest and Raph may be third. __________________ "A warrior who never fails, never learns."-The Ancient One. "Embrace your inner a**holiness."-Mr. Anderson.

12-06-2012, 10:02 AM	#5
Slade god status Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Louisiana Posts: 3,291	I've always figured Raph was second oldest. That way one of the reasons for his rivalry with Leo is because he is just right under him. I remember in the TMNT Tournament Fighters game, everyone had a bio. It listed Leo as 16 or 17 and the other three as 15 or 16. I don't mind that all to much. Since Leo is always said to be oldest. __________________ Do not concern yourself with what I've already done: rather tremble at the thought of what I am about to do. Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=48140

12-06-2012, 10:21 AM	#6
Roseangelo Emperor Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: California Posts: 9,120	According to Kevin Eastman Donatello is 2nd oldest. __________________ www.ninjapizza.net www.colorsbyrosemary.com

12-06-2012, 07:08 AM	#2
Icebot Foot Elite Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: East Coast, US Posts: 3,225	I think I remember a Double Dare episode where Marc Summers was asking the question out of all 4 turtles, which one of them is the oldest? And then one of the players answered Donatello and the answer was correct.

11-18-2014, 07:17 AM	#10
Tartaruhga Muhtante Foot Soldier Join Date: May 2014 Location: BRASIL Posts: 213	Sorry but...it's make some difference? Leonardo is the Oldest brother and the others have the same age, I think . Level of Maturity is relative.

12-06-2012, 09:44 PM	#11
Gokhan Hench Mutant Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: portsmouth, virginia Posts: 307	Easiest answer is no age has ever been given __________________ "We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools" - martin luther king jr "Never consider someone your priority, when they only consider you an option."

12-07-2012, 06:44 PM	#13
DonatelloNinja82 Mad Scientist Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,345	I think of Raph as second oldest. __________________ Michelangelo: Holy guacamole with hot sauce and jalapenos!

12-07-2012, 09:07 PM	#14
Donatello19 Merchandise Maniac Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: New York Posts: 5,919	The only thing I know about their ages is that Mikey is the youngest (IMO)

09-01-2014, 09:56 PM	#15
Mellie Foot Soldier Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 184	I always pictured Don as second oldest. Leo Don Raph Mikey makes most sense to me.

09-02-2014, 04:33 AM	#16
Shark_Blade Emperor Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 7,909	2k12: Raph is older than Donnie. It won't make sense for a younger sibling to bully the elder. I would give em a good smacking. OT: Leo Raph Mike Don

11-10-2014, 06:14 PM	#17
TigerClaw Mutant Tiger Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hialeah, Florida, USA Posts: 14,165	I would have to go with Raphael, Hes the only one who has matured, And you see that in all incarnations of TMNT. __________________ Follow me on my Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@tygerclaw305

11-11-2014, 12:10 AM	#18
Chabrendeki Hench Mutant Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Budapest, Hungary Posts: 265	I'm for Don as second oldest. __________________