The Raphael Thread

**Jester** · 03-27-2011, 11:27 PM

So in the Turtle Duo thread someone asked why we don't just have a thread where we discuss each of the Turtles in each iteration. So here's a thread dedicated to Raph. Which Raph is your favorite Raph? Which Raph gets the most character growth? Which Raph makes you wanna pull youtr hair out?

For me, Rob Paulsen's take on Raphael is what made me a Raphael fan to this day. If it wasn't for his snarky, sarcastic delivery, I'm not sure if he'd be my favorite Turtle. When Raphael is voiced by anyone else, I'm quite disappointed. I have to admit, when I rewatched the European Vacation arc, I actually got to a point where I was okay with the non-Paulsen Raph, but I was happy when I got to season 4 proper, where he was back in full force.

*ssjup81* · 03-27-2011, 11:49 PM

Yes yes yes!! I think that's why I liked Raph so much as a kid! If it hadn't have been for Rob, I probably wouldn't have liked the character as much as I had. Rob was perfect for Raph's sarcastic, smart allecky remarks. I always liked that type of humor. I liked Raph so much, unlike everyone else who would go straight to Mikey for the old games, I'd pick Raph.

I can't say he's my favorite either since it depends on the actual medium. For instance, in Mirage, my fav is Donny followed by Mikey. In the Archie comic, ironically, once again, I'm liking Donny followed by Raph. For the OT series, it was always Raph and after him, Mikey. Revisiting the series, Donny is close to edging over Raph.

Anywho, of course I'll have to go with OT Raph as my favorite Raph and Archie Raph coming in second.

As for best development...I can't really say. The bias in me wants to say Archie because of Ninjara, but Mirage is really good with that too.

*Powder* · 03-28-2011, 12:25 AM

OT Raph rules, I find him somewhat obnoxious in mirage (& image, though I love his becoming the Shredder storyline & all that), somewhat obnoxious in 2k3, pretty cool in the first film, very likable in the second two, overdone in TMNT, OK in Next Mutation, just there in Archie, of no good use in the video games, & I have nothing to say of his new incarnation as it's not out yet.

So all in All, OT Raph is my favorite, I think he's given a lot of personality growth in the third film (I shouldn't have to explain, but if anyone needs me to feel free to ask) and I can't really be bothered with him in the comics. He's often too over the top.

**Jester** · 03-28-2011, 12:42 AM

I'm not sure if I give OT Raph too much credit, by having Raph be my favorite in most mediums. The others come off as just as one note to me. Leo's the defacto leader. Donnie (who I guess I could say is my favorite in the 4Kids series...maybe.) is the brain. Mikey (who I really like in the Mirage and by extension Image Comics) is the "party dude" for lack of a better term. Raph is the angry one, and when done right, that is through snark and wit and not straight up anger (which is Raph in all mediums aside from the OT). So I dunna. I like Raph, dispite his hugly different interpretations across the media.

Icegaze · 03-28-2011, 02:52 AM

1. CGI 07 Raph
2. 2k3 Raph
3. Mirage Raph

OT Raph was annoying. Movies 1 and 2 Raph was okay-ish, I guess. I don't know about the other versions of Raphael.

I'm just hoping that Nick's Raph will kick shell much like the CGI 07 Raph.

**Jester** · 03-28-2011, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icegaze

OT Raph was annoying.

Sacrilege!

Than again, to each their own.

Icegaze · 03-28-2011, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jester

Sacrilege!

Than again, to each their own.

lol Sorry.

I know you adore OT Raph but I really was never a fan of our red bandana-wearing turtle in the '87 show. And given the fact that I've completely outgrown the '87 show as a whole, OT Raph appears to me as less appealing then ever..

CGI 07 Raph was a real pleasant surprise for me and even had me questioning my so-ever long lasting loyalty to Leo.

*Donnie* · 03-28-2011, 11:06 AM

My opinion on Raph changes according to the medium. In the past I would have written him off as my least favorite, based purely on his anger and incapability to talk things out or think things through. But there's more to Raph than that.

What I like about Raphael is his vulnerability to the tensions of the world. He's a lot like Leo in that sense, although he'd probably never admit it. And let's face it, we can all relate to anger. When it takes you, sometimes you just can't stop it. So Raphael is easily identified with.

I think my favorite adaption of Raphael would be the Raph of the first movie. He's vulnerable, angry, and just a plain ol' badass. Second I would favor the 2k3 Raphy. Although I think his anger gets annoying in that series and is possibly overdone, his loyalty to his brothers and his ability to realize why he messed up in certain situations (even if it took a lone walk) makes him very attractive. I didn't mind Next Mutation Raph, either. Mirage Raph...hm...it depends on the issue.

He was likable in the OT series, but I never paid an extraordinary attention to him there, and it wasn't until "Turtles Forever" that I realized how much of a smart-aleck he actually was! I never thought of him as annoying in the OT.

*TheCanadiandrome* · 03-28-2011, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jester

Sacrilege!

Than again, to each their own.

yeah no kidding. OT Raphael pwns!

*PizzaPower* · 03-28-2011, 05:28 PM

i have to say it is the old toon raphael that i love the best.

*Redeemer* · 03-28-2011, 07:23 PM

I will have to say the first movie raph. But I did love the OT Raph as well

*plastroncafe* · 03-28-2011, 09:25 PM

Paulsen's Raph is certainly what got me into the Turtles in the first place, but much as I love him I've come to love the New York Brawler-version more.

Herald7 · 03-28-2011, 10:31 PM

First movie Raph was an amazing character and I think achievement all around. I never once thought "Wait, this a puppet." You really could feel his pain and his complicated friendship with Leonardo.

OT Raphael is also a wonderful character, contributing a lot of the show's humor and edge. I do wish they'd discussed more of why he was so cynical about life, I think it would have been interesting, lol.

I find it quite humorous that the creators thought they could switch voices and the kiddies wouldn't notice. I could always tell when Raphael was different. Kids are young, not stupid!

*ssjup81* · 03-29-2011, 12:59 AM

Hm, yes, I adore OT Raph. His character is crude and cynical, only it's toned down a lot compared to his other incarnations. I wish they would've expanded on that. In the ep where he became all nice, I wish they could've mentioned why he was so grumpy. The implication from the ep is that he has a nasty attitude in general.

So, just going by the OT series here, does Raph just like throwing his Sai?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qar3oBnz9_8
Seems out of all of the characters, his weapon was thrown the most...and I just wanted an excuse to post that clip. lol

Let's see, what else can I say about OT Raph. Going back to the series, I wish they would've done more character development with him. He was a smart alleck, he seemed to dislike supernatural stuff (why?), out of the four, he came across as the most reluctant to want to fight (why?), he was cynical (why?), etc. At least with the other incarnations of his character, you can understand why he was the way that he was, but for the OT series, it didn't seem to get into it or even remotely hint around to it.

AcidBurn30 · 03-29-2011, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jester

So in the Turtle Duo thread someone asked why we don't just have a thread where we discuss each of the Turtles in each iteration. So here's a thread dedicated to Raph. Which Raph is your favorite Raph? Which Raph gets the most character growth? Which Raph makes you wanna pull youtr hair out?

For me, Rob Paulsen's take on Raphael is what made me a Raphael fan to this day. If it wasn't for his snarky, sarcastic delivery, I'm not sure if he'd be my favorite Turtle. When Raphael is voiced by anyone else, I'm quite disappointed. I have to admit, when I rewatched the European Vacation arc, I actually got to a point where I was okay with the non-Paulsen Raph, but I was happy when I got to season 4 proper, where he was back in full force.

wow i can not just pick one. i like comic raph because how smart ass he is and insaine. But i also grew up with 80's toon raph because of his smart ass and funny jokes. But 2k3 is the same as the comic book. But just angery and smart ass..hmmm i'll go with 2k3 because you get to it better.

*Powder* · 03-29-2011, 01:21 AM

What.

What.

Herald7 · 03-29-2011, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssjup81

Let's see, what else can I say about OT Raph. Going back to the series, I wish they would've done more character development with him. he was cynical (why?), etc.

Now this is just my own personal analysis, lol, but here's one way to look at it. Some people tell jokes and make smart ass remarks in order to get the attention they feel they are lacking. Now Leonardo has the classic leader personality, Donatello's a freakin genius and Michaelangelo, well he's got enough personality for all four of them, lol. Then there's Raphael, he's not a scientist, the leadership role is already taken and one party dude in the group is more than enough. Where does he fit? He's basically the group's #2. Great, but never quite #1. A very insecure place to be in and you would probably start to get rather annoyed at life too. And historically, an easy way to get yourself noticed is to be rude.

RskimB · 03-29-2011, 10:30 PM

Raphael has always been my favorite turtle. Even though he changes moreso than any of the other tmnt I always find myself rooting for him the most. Even if its just for stupid childhood reasons like he has sais and wears red.

The first movie's iteration is usually what I picture when I see Raph the portrayal is just so vivid.

I liked the OT characterization a lot and wish Raph's cynicism and snarkiness would come back in modern versions of Raphael.

I cant even remember Next Mutation.

Image Raph is a bit much. Mirage Raph I like a bit more but he's still rough around the edges.

Although i like 07 and 2k3 Raph I think the focus on his anger gets overblown at times.

cryan · 03-30-2011, 06:13 PM

In the OT Raph was the Han Solo of the group.Very cynical and sarcastic.I love characters like that.Rob Paulsen's delivery was classic.

rufus · 03-30-2011, 08:10 PM

The First movies Raph is my favorite iteration of the character. I always loved the scene where he is silently overlooking the city after the fight between leo and the others. Nothing is said in the scene but just his facial and body language that he gives off, pretty much sums up his character. a bit angry at the world that he wont really be able to walk on in broad daylight and how he and his brothers are the only of thier kind. at least thats what i got from the scene. My other favorite with him is when the turtles come back to thier home only to find it ransacked and thier father figure missing. Then the camera does the pan around raph as he lets off a primal scream clutching his sais.
The OT Raph is my second favorite tied with the mirage raph.
didnt really care to much for the 07 flick and havnt seen to much of the 2003 series.
and its been to long since i have read the image vol 3.

03-28-2011, 12:42 AM	#4
Jester Rat-faced Dude-guy Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 26,298	I'm not sure if I give OT Raph too much credit, by having Raph be my favorite in most mediums. The others come off as just as one note to me. Leo's the defacto leader. Donnie (who I guess I could say is my favorite in the 4Kids series...maybe.) is the brain. Mikey (who I really like in the Mirage and by extension Image Comics) is the "party dude" for lack of a better term. Raph is the angry one, and when done right, that is through snark and wit and not straight up anger (which is Raph in all mediums aside from the OT). So I dunna. I like Raph, dispite his hugly different interpretations across the media. __________________ "Clearly, you're Ninja Turtling incorrectly." - Leo656

03-28-2011, 02:52 AM	#5
Icegaze Hench Mutant Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 283	1. CGI 07 Raph 2. 2k3 Raph 3. Mirage Raph OT Raph was annoying. Movies 1 and 2 Raph was okay-ish, I guess. I don't know about the other versions of Raphael. I'm just hoping that Nick's Raph will kick shell much like the CGI 07 Raph. __________________

03-28-2011, 11:06 AM	#8
Donnie Something from the Past Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New York Posts: 3,256	My opinion on Raph changes according to the medium. In the past I would have written him off as my least favorite, based purely on his anger and incapability to talk things out or think things through. But there's more to Raph than that. What I like about Raphael is his vulnerability to the tensions of the world. He's a lot like Leo in that sense, although he'd probably never admit it. And let's face it, we can all relate to anger. When it takes you, sometimes you just can't stop it. So Raphael is easily identified with. I think my favorite adaption of Raphael would be the Raph of the first movie. He's vulnerable, angry, and just a plain ol' badass. Second I would favor the 2k3 Raphy. Although I think his anger gets annoying in that series and is possibly overdone, his loyalty to his brothers and his ability to realize why he messed up in certain situations (even if it took a lone walk) makes him very attractive. I didn't mind Next Mutation Raph, either. Mirage Raph...hm...it depends on the issue. He was likable in the OT series, but I never paid an extraordinary attention to him there, and it wasn't until "Turtles Forever" that I realized how much of a smart-aleck he actually was! I never thought of him as annoying in the OT. Last edited by Donnie; 01-04-2012 at 09:34 AM.

03-28-2011, 05:28 PM	#10
PizzaPower Foot Elite Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Pizza Parlor Posts: 3,200	i have to say it is the old toon raphael that i love the best. __________________ https://www.twitch.tv/turtlepizzapower

03-28-2011, 07:23 PM	#11
Redeemer Technodrome Technician Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: third earth Posts: 4,737	I will have to say the first movie raph. But I did love the OT Raph as well __________________ GT:Reedeamer *THE TECHNODROME REDESIGN 2015* http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=51594

03-27-2011, 11:27 PM	#1
Jester Rat-faced Dude-guy Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 26,298	The Raphael Thread So in the Turtle Duo thread someone asked why we don't just have a thread where we discuss each of the Turtles in each iteration. So here's a thread dedicated to Raph. Which Raph is your favorite Raph? Which Raph gets the most character growth? Which Raph makes you wanna pull youtr hair out? For me, Rob Paulsen's take on Raphael is what made me a Raphael fan to this day. If it wasn't for his snarky, sarcastic delivery, I'm not sure if he'd be my favorite Turtle. When Raphael is voiced by anyone else, I'm quite disappointed. I have to admit, when I rewatched the European Vacation arc, I actually got to a point where I was okay with the non-Paulsen Raph, but I was happy when I got to season 4 proper, where he was back in full force. __________________ "Clearly, you're Ninja Turtling incorrectly." - Leo656

03-27-2011, 11:49 PM	#2
ssjup81 Foot Elite Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Central Virginia (Back in the US) Posts: 4,734	Yes yes yes!! I think that's why I liked Raph so much as a kid! If it hadn't have been for Rob, I probably wouldn't have liked the character as much as I had. Rob was perfect for Raph's sarcastic, smart allecky remarks. I always liked that type of humor. I liked Raph so much, unlike everyone else who would go straight to Mikey for the old games, I'd pick Raph. I can't say he's my favorite either since it depends on the actual medium. For instance, in Mirage, my fav is Donny followed by Mikey. In the Archie comic, ironically, once again, I'm liking Donny followed by Raph. For the OT series, it was always Raph and after him, Mikey. Revisiting the series, Donny is close to edging over Raph. Anywho, of course I'll have to go with OT Raph as my favorite Raph and Archie Raph coming in second. As for best development...I can't really say. The bias in me wants to say Archie because of Ninjara, but Mirage is really good with that too.

03-28-2011, 12:25 AM	#3
Powder 40 Years of TMNT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Shell-Ri-La Posts: 26,945	OT Raph rules, I find him somewhat obnoxious in mirage (& image, though I love his becoming the Shredder storyline & all that), somewhat obnoxious in 2k3, pretty cool in the first film, very likable in the second two, overdone in TMNT, OK in Next Mutation, just there in Archie, of no good use in the video games, & I have nothing to say of his new incarnation as it's not out yet. So all in All, OT Raph is my favorite, I think he's given a lot of personality growth in the third film (I shouldn't have to explain, but if anyone needs me to feel free to ask) and I can't really be bothered with him in the comics. He's often too over the top.

03-28-2011, 10:31 PM	#13
Herald7 Hench Mutant Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 286	First movie Raph was an amazing character and I think achievement all around. I never once thought "Wait, this a puppet." You really could feel his pain and his complicated friendship with Leonardo. OT Raphael is also a wonderful character, contributing a lot of the show's humor and edge. I do wish they'd discussed more of why he was so cynical about life, I think it would have been interesting, lol. I find it quite humorous that the creators thought they could switch voices and the kiddies wouldn't notice. I could always tell when Raphael was different. Kids are young, not stupid!

03-29-2011, 12:59 AM	#14
ssjup81 Foot Elite Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Central Virginia (Back in the US) Posts: 4,734	Hm, yes, I adore OT Raph. His character is crude and cynical, only it's toned down a lot compared to his other incarnations. I wish they would've expanded on that. In the ep where he became all nice, I wish they could've mentioned why he was so grumpy. The implication from the ep is that he has a nasty attitude in general. So, just going by the OT series here, does Raph just like throwing his Sai? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qar3oBnz9_8 Seems out of all of the characters, his weapon was thrown the most...and I just wanted an excuse to post that clip. lol Let's see, what else can I say about OT Raph. Going back to the series, I wish they would've done more character development with him. He was a smart alleck, he seemed to dislike supernatural stuff (why?), out of the four, he came across as the most reluctant to want to fight (why?), he was cynical (why?), etc. At least with the other incarnations of his character, you can understand why he was the way that he was, but for the OT series, it didn't seem to get into it or even remotely hint around to it.

03-29-2011, 01:21 AM	#16
Powder 40 Years of TMNT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Shell-Ri-La Posts: 26,945	What. What.

03-29-2011, 10:30 PM	#18
RskimB Hench Mutant Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: west coast Posts: 302	Raphael has always been my favorite turtle. Even though he changes moreso than any of the other tmnt I always find myself rooting for him the most. Even if its just for stupid childhood reasons like he has sais and wears red. The first movie's iteration is usually what I picture when I see Raph the portrayal is just so vivid. I liked the OT characterization a lot and wish Raph's cynicism and snarkiness would come back in modern versions of Raphael. I cant even remember Next Mutation. Image Raph is a bit much. Mirage Raph I like a bit more but he's still rough around the edges. Although i like 07 and 2k3 Raph I think the focus on his anger gets overblown at times. __________________ leswrite.com

03-30-2011, 06:13 PM	#19
cryan Stone Warrior Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Athens,AL Posts: 743	In the OT Raph was the Han Solo of the group.Very cynical and sarcastic.I love characters like that.Rob Paulsen's delivery was classic.

03-30-2011, 08:10 PM	#20
rufus Stone Warrior Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Lawrenceville,Georgia Posts: 780	The First movies Raph is my favorite iteration of the character. I always loved the scene where he is silently overlooking the city after the fight between leo and the others. Nothing is said in the scene but just his facial and body language that he gives off, pretty much sums up his character. a bit angry at the world that he wont really be able to walk on in broad daylight and how he and his brothers are the only of thier kind. at least thats what i got from the scene. My other favorite with him is when the turtles come back to thier home only to find it ransacked and thier father figure missing. Then the camera does the pan around raph as he lets off a primal scream clutching his sais. The OT Raph is my second favorite tied with the mirage raph. didnt really care to much for the 07 flick and havnt seen to much of the 2003 series. and its been to long since i have read the image vol 3. __________________ http://www.youtube.com/user/edgartooms ^TMNT Stopmotions.