The Radical Evolution Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

[@_The_Archive_]

Fun Fact: In the 1987 series, Townsend Coleman said the catch phrase "Cowabunga" was not scripted. He just blurted it out in an ad-lib and the studio liked it so much it became Michealangelo's catch phrase.

[@brandonscott5544]

GREAT NERDSTAGIC VIDEO EVOLUTIONS OF TMNT

[@ivanbutler5772]

And it's become a big staple to the Ninja Turtles to this very day

[@Reppintimefitness]

Boom

[@gob7029]

Fun fact he's actually a closeted gay man

[@prince.logan404]

That happened with Greg cipes with cowa bunga

[@TinyVA]

Fun fact about Rise's designs, they're all different species but mutated with Splinter's blood. The writers/character designers took each species traits and put it into the character's personalities Raphael is an Alligator Snapping Turtle. Hence why he's larger and keeps mentioning fear/victory stinks, and they used square shapes for his design Leonardo is a Red-Eared Slider, why he has the red and yellow markings on his skin, and why he's always unbalanced. He's triangle Donatello is a Soft Shell Turtle. He made a battle shell to protect himself from getting badly injured. He's a rectangle Michelangelo is a Box Shell Turtle. He's the one who hides in his shell mostly and is based off a circle to give him a fun personality

[@CarbyGuuGuu]

TMNT is a franchise that manages to stay fresh with each new incarnation. Be it comics, animation, film, or even video games. And I’m very excited about Mutant Mayhem.

[@saucymongoose7246]

That's because TMNT is a series that relies on not being the EXACT same thing every single time. It's because the creators endorse different writers who are big Turtle fans to develop new stories for them. Even back when the Turtles were at their peak, there were lots of guest writers and illustrators. That, in what I believe is the key to the Turtles' success and why most TMNT is genuinely of high quality.

[@DeltaAssaultGaming]

April isn’t black tho.

[@-zaz]

@@DeltaAssaultGamingOMG IT ACTUALLY DOESNT MATTER NO ONE CARES

[@davidgrimaldo2861]

@@DeltaAssaultGamingwell she was originally mixed in the comics and no one cared that they made her white for the 80’s cartoon so why are people mad now.

[@AskAir]

Nothing will ever match the beauty and edginess of the 2003 series for me!

[@pablocasas5906]

The 2003 was my first introduction to the Turtles, at least in animated from since played the beat em' up games prior to that

[@ando1123]

I was about to say something similar. 2003 had the best animation and character design. Storyline as well. I can find the episode but I remember there was a few episode that Donny went to some alternative future universe for while with really cool look weapons

[@pablocasas5906]

@@ando1123 I think that was an episode where Donatello befriended a comic artist that found a magical crystal that made his drawings come to life and he also drew a portal to a world where his drawings lived. I think that episode was an homage to Jack Kirby's work because the character in that episode was named Kirby

[@nicktechnubyte1184]

It's absolutely perfect!

[@khamla616]

2003 is the best

[@HamsterFactz]

I've genuinely never noticed how the Turtles are a franchise that actually gets better stylistically as time progresses. That may be why the bond is there for so many people, they really feel like a group of 4 teenagers who's personalities directly reflect their aesthetics as they both grow exponentially during that time in our lives. It feels like it's part of the character that they become more "themselves" every time we see them. Handled correctly of course

[@Dante_Fr]

TMNT 2012 will always have a special place in my heart ❤. It was my introduction to TMNT and I couldn't imagine my childhood without it. I also think Rise of the TMNT was pretty good. It was far from a perfect show but I enjoyed a lot of it. I loved Donnie in that interpretation

[@Chibi_Mercury]

lol my favorite rise turtle is leo

[@Therealones745]

Rise is Better than 2012 imo

[@Dante_Fr]

@@Therealones745Let's agree to disagree

[@milkiassamuel780]

No matter what changes the characters went through Im amazed how much of the integrity and heart of the characters still remain today and the franchise continues to grow, especially with the upcoming animated movie TMNT: Mutant Mayhem made by Seth Rogan which already looks bold in animation style and nostalgically heartfelt in the tone and vibe of the movie

[@Malacine]

The 2003 animated series introduced me to the franchise and is the incarnation I love the most. Especially its version of Shredder

[@williamwright5997]

You GOTS to love them 2003 turtles. Of all the TMNT incarnations, it had some of the most interesting stories, and probably the coolest version of the Shredder.

[@dwainsimmons3447]

And the greatest voice acting ever

[@ljirving3590]

The 2012 ninja turtles will forever be my favorite version of the ninja turtles

[@ashtonhendrick8985]

I lived in Haiti when I was 6 for 2 years because my parents were missionaries and the only tv show we had there was the entire TMNT cartoon series from 1987. I must have rewatched that show 100 times and every time it was just so good

[@305Independent]

The 2003 TMNT series was the best and nothing will ever top it

[@spinjitzumasterfalcon]

The 2012 series was my first exposure to the the TMNT franchise. It was dark, comedic, yet felt right. I love this series with all my heart and it inspired me to create my own story. But I love the Rise series so much. It's beautifully animated and absolutely hilarious. I can't wait for Mutant Mayhem.

[@PandaJohn71]

For me '87 animated series Turtles will always have a special place in my heart but I also enjoy the 90s film trilogy and 2000's series designs.

[@professorbaxtercarelessdre1075]

never watched the 2000's version but grew up with the og cartoon and movies and still think the first film holds up

[@uhohteetlez]

my first introduction to this franchise was the 2018 cartoon. i fell in love the character dynamics, the animation, and the amount of heart the show had. i love every iteration i've seen so far and im absolutely pumped for mutant mayhem !!

[@5Ci0N]

2018?? Dude... I wouldn't be telling people that.

[@uhohteetlez]

@@5Ci0N why

[@appleg.3218]

I would. My mind has been consumed by the 2018 iteration since August 2022. I have 1072 screenshots and 2804 pieces of fan art saved along with 630 fan and official tmnt related videos. My first iteration was 2003 but Rottmnt made me fall in love with the franchise. I am now rewatching everything I've already seen and eventually I want to read all the comics and watch all the movies. Tmnt 2018 is a good show in my opinion.

[@uhohteetlez]

@@appleg.3218 LMAO i've been in rise brain rot since december 2022!! the fandom is so fun and i love making fan art i need to get my hands on the IDW comics they look gorgeous !!

[@taytaylee9737]

Same here!!! It’s unbelievable the amount of hate Rise got (and still gets). I’m so happy that people are finally starting to appreciate it and to see how large the fandom has become because it is SO GOOD!

[@LobsterPuncher]

I couldnt get enough of the Turtles back in the early 90's. The action figures, the NES games, the posters... I was a TMNT fiend.

[@redred222]

it was 1988 when i first saw the show and toys and fell in love, it was my childhood the show and the toys and video games and the food, it was everywhere turtle mania was insane

[@professorbaxtercarelessdre1075]

same, i even ate the TMNT spaghetti and meatballs and turtle pies and anything else i could get my hands on basically owned quite a few toys and played most of the games, Donatello was always my favorite

[@BKDBrian2]

Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo have always been a part of my life, and the way I see it, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles can appeal to people of all ages, male or female, no matter which era they grew up in.

[@thedefinitionisthis]

I love seeing how the TMNT's designs have evolved over the years. Me personally, I definitely subscribe to the rule that characters should still be easily identifiable in silhouette and profile. I also think it's more visually interesting to have each of the Turtles' looks be unique to his personality; ie. different heights, different bodytypes, different gear, etc. 2012 is definitely my personal favorite visual and overall version of the Turtles, but every version holds a special place in my heart. Definitely looking forward to Mutant Mayhem. Taking a page from the 2012 series, I appreciate the new movie leaning more into the actual teen aspects of the Turtles, as well as contrasting each turtle design according to their respective character type.

[@marykirmo]

Well said. I am also looking forward to it for these reasons.

[@B.K.J]

The 2012 turtles are my personal favorite iteration and designs for these characters. I like how the Turtles don’t look the exact same like the 80’s series, but they all fit when placed together unlike say, Raph in “Rise.” I also love that their pupils disappear throughout the show, it’s so cool. Also, I know that they’re hard to distinguish from one another, but the early mirage turtles are some of the coolest looking designs for these characters.

[@AdamPFarnsworth]

Just like other comic book franchises, I like seeing the reimaginning of the Turtles throughout the years

[@NoahOlive]

As someone who remembers the 2012 show from his childhood, I am so incredibly hyped for Mutant Mayhem!

[@hustle_simmons]

I like that across generations everyone can have a version of the turtles they favor but the personalities of the 4 boys tends to stay consistent across all the mediums and versions of them. My favorite version may not be my kids favorite version and that's fine. Its actually pretty awesome honestly.

[@nicolaseasdale1394]

Animated Shows: TMNT 1987: Classically Enjoyable TMNT 2003: Masterpiece -- I ENJOYED S6 / S7 TMNT 2012: Masterpiece -- MY FAV VERSION OF THE CHARACTERS Rise Of The TMNT: Unique, Well-Done & Awesome Live Action Shows: TMNT The Next Mutation: I Understand The Criticism, But Love It -- for ALL of it's flaws. Animated Movies: TMNT 2007: Awesome, Only Love It More Over Time Rise Of The TMNT: The Movie -- Slapped HARD AF -- My Goodness 🔥 Live Action Movies: TMNT 1990: Classic -- Will ALWAYS Love It TMNT II: Secret Of The Ooze -- Super Enjoyable, Love It As Much As The First... tho I get the criticisms. TMNT III: I Enjoy It.. but yes, this is certainly the weakest TMNT movie EVER TMNT 2014: Love It.. Understand the Criticisms, but LOVE IT TMNT 2: Out Of The Shadows -- Love It MORE Than TMNT 2014 -- one of my FAV pieces of TMNT MEDIA. .... I think it's safe to say I'm more than hyped for TMNT: Mutant Mayhem 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 BOOYAKASHA -- COWABUNGA

[@richcantgame]

TMNT is my childhood, I was born in 2000 and watched the ‘03 and ‘87 series a lot. I had the DVDs growing up and multiple different games. Such a great series, wish we could get a Spider-Man PS4 style game

[@robertobuatti7226]

If they were to do another live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie hopefully it goes back to the designs of the 1990 movie, that movie really nailed the look of the Turtles with looking realistic, grim and believable, without the goofier designs of the sequels, remakes/reboots, that to me is the best version of the Turtles, Shredder and Splinter designs.

[@danielcraddock1870]

IDW comic series to me has been the superior experience, drawing inspiration from everything that came before, especially the original comic series and Archie series, but forging an entirely different and extremely complex narrative.

[@LordChipps420]

I started with the 80's turtles cartoon so that's always going to be my favourite. My daughters started with the 2012 turtles, and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked it, so that's close second. We're watching all the movies before going to watch the new one in a few weeks! We've also been working through the series, we've not seen 2013 yet though, looking forward to it after this though.

[@jyromaniac]

I know a lot of kids really love that 2012 version, but nothing can beat the 2003 iteration for me. And the theme song is LEGENDARY!

[@errix]

I haven't seen 03, but 2012 should not be underestimated. It is great.

[@jyromaniac]

@@errix I’ve seen it!! It’s definitely fantastic. Honestly Rise of TMNT was real close of beating out my love for 03 if anything. But I’ve loved most of the TMNT shows. They actually missed out on a couple in this video like TMNT back to the sewers

[@thedefinitionisthis]

I like the 2003 series fine... But God, I hated the theme song lol.

[@phillip_reynolds]

I’ve loved the 1987 version since I was a kid. Always have, always will.

[@marykirmo]

I think my favorite look is the 2023 version. It combines the grease pencil style of drawing with the depth of a 3D scene as well as retains a more comic book vibe.

[@Abdelrahman_Salama]

I think a lot of people don't actually know how popular the 1987 show was though, my dad who grew up as a teen in the 80s in egypt used to watch it dubbed in Arabic on tv and he was the one who introduced me to it. I am such a big fan of ninja turtles and I would watch all the shows and movies the same way he loved the show as a kid, TMNT is just an amazing series that I hope stays around forever.

[@GDSStudios]

2012 made big shake-ups by giving the turtles unique profiles (before the movie did it) and by making April O'Neil a teenager as well, and these changes seem to be becoming more permanent parts of the TMNT franchise. I grew up on the 2012 show and I appreciated the balance it struck between the tones of the 87 and 03 shows, so I'm glad to see it has left its own impact on future projects.

[@DeltaAssaultGaming]

April O’Neil isn’t black tho.

[@catapultato1733]

​@@DeltaAssaultGamingshe was originally mixed, so making her black is just as inaccurate as making her white.

[@avereynakama9854]

I didn't know there was a new Turtles in the making. I love how it looks and can't wait to see it. For me, I'm not sure if I like the 2012 iteration or the Rise of the TMNT more. I do like that they both have the turtles look and act like they're younger, thus justifying the name TEENAGE mutant ninja turtles. Regardless of how I feel about any iteration, I appreciate that there are so many interpretations on the turtles. After all, it's inherently an absurd idea. Why not have different people say, "No, no, no. I think they should look like THIS!"?

[@Alevice]

The video mentions their varying body builds on "Bays" TMNT, but that was already partially a feature on TMNT2012 and even the Out of the Shadows videogame. Itw as just much more drastic at that point. SHould be noted that "Bays" TMNT did provide new additions kept for the ROTMNT incarnation, mostly Raph's Bandana and DOnatelly more technologically complemented outfit, including binocular/googles. I Still appreciate a lot hpow each version feeds forward the latter ones.

[@christophergarrett7082]

The 2003 has my favorite look and is my favorite version

[@m1_garandmaster541]

For being a 90s kid growing up with the 80s turtles was the prime of the Era. As for changes I liked a few of the cartoon styles but would like to bring back the original design with a new take on how they look

[@marvelstarwarsfan8410]

For me it was 2012 series by Nickelodeon that introduced me to the franchise.

[@The_RedVIII]

As someone who grew up with the original cartoon, I am surprised to say that my favorite Turtles design is actually Rise of the TMNT. They all looked so unique. Besides, the animation is from another planet. It's amazing.

[@SpaceCase1701]

One thing I particularly liked about the designs of the Rise Turtles was that each one of them was made to be a different species of turtle, which fed into the distinctive design choices. But in general I like it when the character designers let the Turtles have varied body types, heights and mask styles, or even other gear they carry. For me it helps sell their different personalities better than them just being palette and weapon swaps of the same base design.

[@TheDrexLord]

I think the 2012 looks are best, but I also love the 1990s movie, and the 03 look, and I do like the 87 look, just not as much as the other 3. The next mutation look is the worst though

[@peterson_0152]

Rise of the tmnt got the most badass fight scenes imo.. turtles with naruto powers still hits hard 💥

[@totenbrunk]

Rise of the TMNT is amazing, I love the designs. It was the first rendition of the franchise I wanted to watch

[@Jordan-iw1ih]

Here's a little fun fact I remember reading about the origin of the Ninja Turtles: Supposedly the origin of the turtles was a nod (or diss) to the origin of Daredevil. The same accident and chemical that blinded Matt Murdock is supposedly the very same chemical that spilled into the sewer and mutated the turtles from that same incident. That was a cool little eater egg when I read it.

[@BigSteve1997]

Honestly all of the styles have something about them I can appreciate, and none of them look terrible to me, even the live action tv show ones.

[@Khalin15]

In my opinion.. the 2003 design with the 90s voice actors. But in my opinion, how they looks plays a huge role, but its the writing and feel of the story that makes which direction the Turtles awesome. All we want to see is Ninja fighting action and a great story behind it

[@-TheRealAnimeFan-]

2003 was my favorite I loved everything 4kids tv and I can't for the complete series DVD set coming out later thing month!

[@Zombiesnyder13]

Paramount should let TIM MILLER direct the next live-action TMNT reboot He understands CGI like none

[@crazylegsmurphy]

There have been so many designs for the TMNT, but all I've wanted since 86 has been a cartoon based on the original Mirage designs. No pizza, no cowabunga, just a gritty movie about actual ninja.

[@e-manr.486]

Tmnt 2012 has an epic overarching storyline, but i admit that while hesitant at first, when i have rise of the tmnt a chance, it had one of the best animated styles and story! Wish that version would have continued.

[@ThrawnaDelRey]

I grew up on the original movies and the 2003 series. I haven't been this excited for new Ninja Turtles since they announced the 2014 movie!

[@kboy1158]

The difference in mutant mayhem is that the turtles are voice by actual teenagers instead of an adult trying to do a teenager voice.

[@errix]

7:18 this wasn't the first time this was done. 2012 turtles did it just 2 years prior. Edit: 8:07 as well.

[@Jarino507]

Right. It feels like this video glossed over 2012 and reduced it to a "cutesy" kid show, not really touching on what else it brought to the table.

[@simmskeith94]

I don't really watch the animated ones but I would check them out every now an then an as different as they all our I always felt that every show never change the characters or the heart of what ninja turtles are even the more serious ones. They all capture who the ninja turtles really are.

[@Bjhorn279]

TMNT is one of those IPs like Scooby-Doo that I believe will never die, theres something for each generation and I love seeing thee diffrennt incarnations with each new design

[@allysonaham7190]

ROTTMNT was my first introduction to the TMNT universe so they will always be my favorite.

[@madhukarg8052]

Do whatever you want with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, we will love them, the franchise never dies and never will die , love to be the turtles fan - Turtle Power

[@OussaMeb]

💙 *Leonardo* 🧡 *Michael Angelo* ❤️ *Raphael* 💜 *Donatello* The most iconic artists from the age of the Renaissance 🎨

[@wahmaster]

Favorite look? Easily 2012! The best turtle designs for me are ones that make the turtles look similar to one another but have some slight differences to tell them better apart!

[@wannabkain4400]

The first 2 seasons of the 87 show was very good. 3rd season goes downhill and I don’t think it recovers. 03 was fantastic overall. 2012 is my favourite. I have only seen the rise movie but I enjoyed it and would like to see the series at some point.

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

Great walk down memory lane! 👍 Having read and owner of well over 100 of the comics, I disagree that the turtles were not easily distinguishable from each other early on. The personalities in the comics were pretty obvious. Ask anyone about the falling out Rafael had with Leonardo, and you'll see. 😀

[@jyromaniac]

You guys forgot to mention Back To The Sewers TMNT and also Turtles Forever!

[@CrownRock1]

You neglected to mention the Archie Comics run, the Image run, the IDW run, the weird anime that was a thing for bizarre reasons...

[@ther3aper561]

That first movie and 2nd tv show have always been my favorite forms of the turtles

[@johnrb0213]

The first 2 movies are my definitive turtles and I'd love sequels to that era...ignoring the 3rd....and going right back to those costumes

[@kareja316]

Turtles in time on arcade/snes is the one i spent the most time with as a kid

[@nogrecords]

87 cartoon & 92 Movie, in my opinion, ARE the true iterations of the TMNT. I would go to the theater 10 separate times, with my whole family, to see another live action version of the Secret of the Ooze Turtles. MAKE IT HAPPEN PEOPLE IN CHARGE!!!

[@mangaloveranix8412]

The Japanese versions of 2003 and 2012 TMNT shows had been broadcasted on TV Tokyo with alternative songs like Everybody. I love Everybody. The song breathtakingly lifts me up and brings me to stand by with tge people I care the most, including my family. No matter whatever brings us down, love will make us stand up. Everybody, everybody, don't be lonely... Let's change the world today! Here we go! Everybody from the JPN version of TMNT 2003 Season 3 opens up like this with these lyrics.

[@RoboticDragon]

The big thing that split Eastman and Laird was Laird selling off the rights for TMNT for millions and shorting Eastman. It was quite the stab in the back.

[@terrysyvertson9205]

also, rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles made each of the turtles a different species of turtle

[@GeekCulture101]

I'd stick close to the 90s movie design with modern technology enhancing what can be done. That was the best interation of them by far. While I've enjoyed all but rise of the tmnt the 90 movie still is the very best.

[@Dan-ch8kv]

It’s interesting hearing the impact of these characters on each generation. For me it was the 80s cartoon, but more importantly it was the 1st and 2nd movies I watched over and over as a kid. I was in my early adulthood when the 03 show came out so I mostly missed it. But I got to share the 2012 show with my kids and I loved it. Rise (except the movie) and the Bay films got a massive thumbs down from us, but I’ve got hope they’ll capture the magic of the original movie someday.

[@miked9594]

Turtles forever was the crossover we needed

[@kroshae]

Steven Spielberg did it best the 1st turtle movie they where dirty gritty and so real... We as kids then felt like the underground sewer was our home... I wanted to be a turtle after I watched that movie 💯

[@Juan.Padilla1998]

2012 will be the last good designs for the turtles. But seriously, stop giving Donatello glasses! Just because he's a genius doesn't mean he has to wear glasses

[@schwolmart]

My favorite franchise of all during my childhood

[@akilcharles3473]

Been an absolute TMNT fan since the late 90's and have love every version of the turtles since then to now (Yes that includes the Next Mutation 1 as well). I have a personal favorite in the Rise of TMNT & 2012 version but overall I love how there are different styles/versions of the TMNT. And besides the TV shows & movies (which btw you forgot to bring up the Batman vs the TMNT movie as well) there was small shorts that had come out around the 2012 series that had different animation of the turtles, a multiverse of TMNT if you will.

[@neilbarnwell]

At some point they were also known as the Teenage Mutant HERO Turtles. I think that was about making them sound more positive for little kids rather than the silent assassins the "ninja" moniker suggests. Perhaps this was only in the UK, though?

[@professorbaxtercarelessdre1075]

i heard this as well,, supposedly they changed it for other countries cause they thought the word ninja encouraged violence, same with michaelangelo not being allowed to use his nunchucks

[@kokoro7996]

I loved the 2012 show!

[@mrhumble2937]

I watched the first movie as a kid a thousand times.

[@wynonasbigbrowndragon6121]

The look of the characters can change but their personalities need to stay intact

[@professorbaxtercarelessdre1075]

i only ever watched the 80's cartoon and the og trilogy (also played many of the games), so i can't speak for the quality of the remaining versions but i can say i recently rewatched the og movie and it still holds up and remains my favorite version

[@blackmesacake5361]

I really hope the new movie is good and gives all new life to the characters, i hear were even getting a Last Ronin video game!

[@j.mieses8139]

1987 version was when I watched as a kid and loved. The 2012 is the Version I watched with my son when he was a kid and they one he loved. So those are my favorites

[@abdelali9279]

Didn't knew that the Michael Bay turtles movie made that much in the box office

[@ElwoodBRICKS]

I find it odd that Bay decided to give Raphael a do-rag and then literally EVERY VERSION SINCE, he has had the do-rag

[@TheBEARofHIGHWAY1]

Two weeks ago I found some original Ninja Turtles action figures at a thrift store for $3.99. It was a good day. Hello Mike, Leo and Don.

[@HarvestStore]

Great video.

[@genefactor007]

Although the 2003 design was my favorite look for the Turtles, the 2012 series was my all time favorite.

[@Nurdse_326]

The original 90s movie (the original) turtles were peak TMNT. 💚

[@chilolascuna3677]

Am I the only one here who liked the michael bay looks of the turtles?

[@blue_lancer_es]

I liked most of the design. But don a full fledged nerd was overkill.

[@hiimjustin8826]

Dang that last cartoon looked so good. I never saw it but that's awesome design

[@johnwilbur3050]

They're all beautiful

[@danter8558]

The 8th season of the original TMNT cartoon was in '94. The movie was out three years before that, after season 3 and before season 4.

[@mbphilipblack8993]

Can't say anything for the 1987 show but it handles the characters well and is of its time. But 2003 turtles had that darker tone more faithful to the original comics and aesthetically bring that to the TV. Love all of the turtles individually and they're the BEST to draw "1,2,3,4 turtles... chain reaction turtles... there living underground, They shredded shredder!" Come on can't get any better than that but wait... Love the utrom and kraang and splinter.

[@TayoEXE]

My favorite design is maybe from TMNT Turtles in Time, or the cool look they had in Tournament Fighters.

[@allysinlombard]

The 1990 movie was fantastic!

[@yasumedia9528]

Ranking the TMNT's best known adventures based on visuals, story, development, characters, and overall fun #1 2003 Cartoon #2 2012 Cartoon #3 1990 Film #4 2007 Film #5 1980s Cartoon #6 Rise of the TMNT #7 Rise of the TMNT the Movie #8 90s film sequels #9 Power Rangers crossover #10 The Next Mutation

[@Spicie95]

Michael Bay's versions of the turtles are freakin' creepy. And I don't like they way they are designed in either Rise of the TMNT (because their charm was always that they look so similar) or Mutant Mayhem (because their limbs are too skinny).

[@Mopsie]

2003 cartoon was peak

[@sasamichan]

TMNT is a ride and an example of every thing I say about DC., Marvel, Last Airbender, and Disney Live Action remakes about how changing your charters can and can not work . When we accept it and when we don't . Character changes have nothing to do with race or gender or age and every thing to do with "Do I recognize this character?" Donatello with a blue mask and Num-chuks and a short temper would just be wrong and completely unsusceptible. Where as changing a character's age, gender, build, fission, powers and skills can work as long as we can look at them and say "Yes this still works" For me Rise was a deal breaker over the fat lazy Splinter and over the Sci-fi almost magical weapons. but the rest of the changes I felt worked. and while it bugged me that April lost her channel 6 job to do any other occupation bugged me Ive come to accept basically every version of the character. Little changes like Splinter not being a mutated human or weather or not Shredder and Krang are the same person or two different people, if Baxter is a fly or a cyborg, they can all be distracting but eventually acceptable as these changes do work. Even a 5th turtle or a new human best friend who hulks out in to a beast some times or a child side-kick or a female turtle CAN work they just need the right audience. What appeals to child audiences and what appeals to teen or adult audiences can some time s be 3 different things. But I do get very attached to some things like the Turtles eat Pizza. The Technodome is a massive ball shaped super vehicle that is virtually unstoppable and looms like the final boss. Androids have brains in there stomachs, the turtles have an awesome van, Casey Jones is a sports themed punk. When you stray off of that too far its too much change. When we see changes to other shows it can bug us. They take away from the recognizability of the character and some times the change feels forced. Like a studio mandate rather then an artist's choice. When the change feels corporate rather then artistic its not welcomed. And especially not at the cost of some one else's representation. The more things happen eventually a change becomes "This again" and it feels like a targeted attack . Changes are most welcome when they effect every one equally. Some things just ARE and will ALWAYS be Splinter is a loving father and a master at his art. Yoda is short, green and wise, Mario is an Italian plumber from Brooklan, when you change too much of a character, when you put the Earth benders is a prison made of rock , when you make all your characters completely unlikable, when you make Batnan a slice of life, musical, high school drama you loose audiences