What Made the 2012 TMNT So Great | Series Retrospective (Part 1)

[@misterdewott8766]

As someone who was HEAVILY inspired by the show to become an artist. I owe this show soooo much in terms of my love of character design and art direction.

[@ThiccFurryBoi34]

In 3d art or 2d cause it’s mostly 3d or do you mean when they only do the 2d shots for the intro

[@misterdewott8766]

@@ThiccFurryBoi34 2D art for me lol. The grisly mutant designs satisfied my 11 year old brain hahaha

[@mysterycupofjoe2670]

All the TMNT are cool. Some villains for 2012 were a miss for me. But overall good.

[@shauncollinson4393]

Do you have a instagram where you share some of your art.

[@Foxy-Mask_Menace]

I'm currently rewatching the entire series. It brings back great childhood memories :)

[@xanderg.1070]

I honestly prefer the idea of having April O’Neil and Casey Jones to be the same age as the turtles because I think it helps builds up their friendship a lot more

[@trevorrawlins6025]

​@InevitableOption-ic2vxcreepy? How so?

[@Uraloserfr]

@@trevorrawlins6025The multiple down bad moments and comments he makes towards April through the show when she is clearly uninterested. They have almost no chemistry. It comes off to me as “awkward nerdy teen Meets pretty girl” troupe without the charm or charisma. I specifically remember an episode in season one where he is literally thirsting over her through metalhead on a rooftop. It’s really uncomfortable

[@rewriter3981]

definitely as much as the whole aunt figure concept can work it'd much more natural to build a relationship and dynamic if April & Casey are the same age

[@richardogette7753]

I would make more sense for April and Casey to be the same age as the Turtles since having adults as friends seems kind of weird compared to other teens

[@trevorrawlins6025]

@Uraloserfr fair enough, but I think that's kinda the point they were going for. Donny has never been in love before. it's not like April was completely disgusted by donny btw, they were really close friends. My only criticism is i just wish it went somewhere, whether it led to a rejection or not

[@DanGamingFan2406]

The 2012 series was my introduction to the franchise and is still one of my favorite incarnations. The character designs are great, the action scenes are well paced and animated, the comedy lands most of the time, and I still believe it has the best version of Spinter period. I can't wait for you see the rest of the series.

[@watershipup7101]

Very much agreed

[@matthewreynoso6904]

@@watershipup7101I second that!

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

Dead on about the best master splinter

[@trickshot_katebishop7612]

Same it was my first introduction and is my favorite version.

[@simosan22]

i third that@@matthewreynoso6904

[@geardog24]

1. The story was a perfect combination of comedy, action, and drama. 2. All the characters were well developed instead of being one dimensional. 3. The animation and designs are well made without the need to be overly realistic.

[@mcurran6505]

4. 2012 Shredder is pretty much the definitive version.

[@kidgoku3763]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@mcurran6505I agree either 2012 or 1990 sherrder are the definitive versions for me

[@djpegao]

5. 2012 Splinter is THE Splinter all others will have to be measured, he was a goddamn force of nature whenever he fought

[@Theokal3]

@@mcurran6505 Respectfully disagree. He was great, but I still think 2003 Shredder is better. ...2012 *Splinter* on the other hand, definitely is the best to date, despite some tough competition.

[@Theokal3]

@@djpegaoNot to mention he has a good balance of being a hilarious yet still credible as a father/mentor figure.

[@jessetorres8738]

The 2012 TMNT series is my favorite incarnation of the turtles because it blends the comedy with the horror elements of the franchise very well, which is surprising given it was made by Nickelodeon.

[@jaretco6423]

If they did it with Avatar: The Last Airbender, I'm sure TMNT 2012 could too.

[@nellewoodruff6337]

​@jaretco6423 It's very 50/50 with Nick. Sometimes they'll give you this and Avatar, other times they'll give you the adventures of kid danger

[@paulgilbert5278]

Don’t get no worse than that

[@nonexistent2335]

@@nellewoodruff6337 fr they messed up kid danger with the reboot lol

[@nellewoodruff6337]

@@nonexistent2335 I'm talking even worse than that. I'm talking about the really low quality cartoon version they made for no reason

[@Numbuh_W.]

Fun little obscure fact: This version of Mikey was once confirmed to have ADHD. Which explains some of his more goofy traits he has throughout the series

[@leithaziz2716]

As someone on the spectrum, I can totally see it. Honestly one of the more positive representations I've seen in media.

[@Rubywing4]

That's probably the main reason why Mikey is my favorite turtle, coz he feels relatable to us with ADHD (and autism, for me at least).

[@darkhorsedouglas4789]

yeah it's because of one of the shorts that was introducing each turtle before the pilot aired. For Mikey's short Master Splinter basically gives the textbook definition of adhd without saying the term. And the writers have confirmed that they intentionally wrote Mikey having ADHD traits through out the whole series. As someone with ADHD it's easy to see which moments were their attempts to include Mikey's adhd. Unfortunately this show is from the 2010's. So the main traits Mikey has is lack of focus, lack of brain to words filter, and lack of volume control. All things folks with adhd have! They are just usually used to artificially increase stakes during missions. (Mikey cutting a random wire instead of waiting for donnie to tell him which wire to remove for example) It just feels at times like the Turtles know Mikey will forget something and instead of building a safety net they get mad at him when he forgets. Which is just a reflection of how ADHD was treated and viewed back then verses now. Back then it was, "just work harder to not have any adhd symptoms". If you "tried" harder maybe you would remember the important thing. Which isn't how it works. ADHD brains without reminder aids will forget things and the Turtles leaving Mikey high and dry without any reminders makes them come off as unsympathetic of Mikey's struggles. Healthier support methods are being used now in the adhd community. But those methods weren't mainstream knowledge yet when 2012 came out. So while Mikey is great rep of an unmedicated kid with ADHD. The other turtles are not good rep when reacting to or working with an adhd family member. which is a shame.

[@Rubywing4]

@@darkhorsedouglas4789 Yeah, and their moments of getting mad at him for causing messes or forgetting stuff is not always comical either. There are times where Mikey actually gets sad and hurt when the others don't take him seriously or scold him for being himself and not helping him, one time where he even decided to run away! Though I do like how protective his brothers are of him, like if any of them gets in trouble they're just like "Oh no!", but if Mikey gets in trouble they're like "YOU WILL PAY WITH YOUR LIFE!", like even though they find him annoying they still love him and will do anything to save him, and Raph is usually the first one to note/yell when Mikey is in danger, despite being the one who picks on Mikey the most. As for ADHD treatment, I think actually in Japan, disorders like ADHD and autism are pretty ignored/seen as a weakness/people may be told they are "dishonering their family" by doing what their disorder makes them do, and since Splinter is from Japan, it's possible that he believes Mikey just needs discipline to stop acting out, but of course getting the meds is a bit tricky when everyone in the family are mutants. That's just my thought though.

[@darkhorsedouglas4789]

@@Rubywing4 yeah the turtle bros all clearly love each other. Which I think is what causes the moments where they get annoyed or ignore Mikeys opinions to stick out to me. I do usually headcannon away the lack of support as being because of Asian habits when treating mental disorders. But there are ways of treating adhd that Splinter could have focused in on with Mikey. Mindset and thought process training that should already be a part of combat training. Mikey just needed it adjusted and focused on more in his lessons. Behavioral therapy is the nonmedicated treatment of some adhd symptoms. Back in the 2010s a lot of it was mindset based. So things Splinter could have worked on with Mikey without spelling out it's to help with his adhd symptoms. While now it also focuses on environment adjustments aka living aids. (Whiteboards, things having "spots", launch pads, routine/reminder timers.) I'd never expect a kids show to touch the medicated debate especially in a modern semi sci-fi setting. But the writers just focused on the symptoms and not solutions the rest of the family could have offered. Which just feels like an oversight when half of the life lessons were "work together" and combat lessons were "adjust to your teammates strengths". Adaptability should have included adjusting for the possibility Mikey forgot something but it never did. They just act surprised or annoyed that it happened again. Instead of coming up with a plan to prevent it from happening next time. I apparently have way too many thoughts about Mikey and the treatment of his adhd by the show. Sorry

[@scottschiff327]

Honestly this show was one of the few things that was worth watching on Nick in the early 2010s.

[@shanecorcoran2542]

Yeah a lot of the early 2010s Nick cartoons I like purely because of nostalgia, but this show is too good man

[@iraford5788]

Also legend of Korra.

[@Unnecesary_Grik]

@@iraford5788 nah the original is way better, Korra ruin it because female = strong era came

[@MarvelsScreamSimp]

​@@Unnecesary_Grik Casual sexism still being a thing in 2024 is terrifying

[@Armadillonn]

​@@MarvelsScreamSimpits not sexism

[@potatohildy]

The fact that this and Ninjago were on tv during the same era, man what a great time to be a ninja fan

[@mjrmalfunction]

Facts, I was telling someone about my favorite childhood shows and it dawned on me that this ran concurrently with Ninjago and god I feel so lucky in retrospect

[@chheinrich8486]

Ninja mever quit😎🥷

[@nunouno001]

Aside from the pure pain that was the April x Donatello storyline, this show is easily by far one of the best iterations of the turtles. Glad to see it get a retrospective along with the 2003 series.

[@qiralyncassette]

Don't forget about the weird karai x Leo incest

[@forcecaptainoverlordsuprem2964]

​@@qiralyncassettenah man Karai x Leo was peak

[@StillUseless1939]

@@qiralyncassette It's not like they're biologically related my man

[@qiralyncassette]

@@StillUseless1939 adoptive siblings are real siblings

[@StillUseless1939]

@@qiralyncassette Yeah, but not biologically.

[@carbodude5414]

I was honestly surprised that, despite the more comedic tone and conventionally "cuter" designs, the show gradually grew darker and featured more horror-themed episodes

[@madisonlynn2419]

2012 TMNT is probably the show I tell people to watch the most because, above all else, it’s a show created BY fans, FOR the fans. Ciro Nieli understood what made this franchise unique and fun, how to craft an incredible story, how to blend the dark elements with the lighter side to balance the tone of the show. And through it all, it remained true to the characters and never betrayed the core elements of what makes this series so great: it was a love letter to every version before it. I’m probably a little biased because this show also inspired me a ton to stay true to my craft and continue storytelling through art, but no matter what, this show is always going to be special to me. TMNT has gotten me through a lot, and I have nothing but great respect for everyone involved with it! 😊 Edit; OH MY GOD I DIDN’T THINK THIS WOULD GET SO MANY LIKES 😂😂😂😂 THANK YOU!!! Cowabunga!! 💚💚

[@Dinosaurianationazation]

The art style outside of the Turtles themselves, gives me the creeps tbh.

[@contra7631]

​@@DinosaurianationazationMaybe because most of the time the turtles are roaming around in midnight.They did very good lighting.

[@leithaziz2716]

Shoutouts to having my favorite iteration of Splinter as well.

[@heavydonkeykong5190]

I've only seen the first few episodes and a few others out of context. Not out of lack of interest, I was just watching them by circumstance and the start of the Season definitely had me intrigued.

[@Theokal3]

It's pretty damn good yeah, though personally I still prefer the 2003 show. 2012 turtles has... some flaws that bother me. And no, it's not the lightier tone.

[@AvatarAidan]

Love the 2012 series so much, one of my favorite shows. Glad you enjoyed the first season.

[@andrewmanchiraju8005]

2012 was my gateway into TMNT and also my gateway into more seralized shows in general (not just cartoons but TV shows as a whole). This show has a special place in my heart so I’m glad your reviewing it as is love to see your thoughts on the series.

[@guess_who_9824]

Glad to see someone that claims the 2003 series as their favorite, and still check out the 2012 series and enjoying it for what it is. I’ve seen so many 03 diehards go out of their way to hate on the series without giving it a chance. I appreciate you very much for it and I look forward for the future parts of this retrospective.

[@Farm_charm_sanctuary]

I grew up with 2003 as well. Then spent my teen years watching 2012. And as much as I love 2003 because of nostalgia, I admit 2012 was honestly a gem.

[@paulgilbert5278]

It’s reverse for me.

[@ScarlettTheGoat-s8s]

​@@paulgilbert5278goofy

[@lasigasjeanmae4367]

I hope he does a rottmnt retrospective in the future

[@joeslickback]

BOOYAKASHA Mikey: Sounds weird when he says it. Raph: Sounds weird when you say it.

[@pilotmemes]

Sean Astin is such a wholesome sweet human being. Seems so very genuinely kind.

[@matthewreynoso6904]

2003 TMNT got me into Ninja Turtles (kinda sorta) 2012 TMNT Really got me into Ninja Turtles!

[@kingbash6466]

Same

[@antoniomerette8393]

I’m terms of the Karai storyline, while we do get closure to it in Season 4, it makes it annoying with it being dragged out in 2&3. First she learns the truth and tries to get revenge, but is imprisoned. Then she gets mutated into a snake monster and disappears besides saving Splinter from one of the many fake out deaths. Then in Season 3, Shredder kidnaps her and uses a mind control device to have her do his bidding while also acting like the way she was in Season 1, but then when they fake out a death for her, she loses the mind control device and has free will again. Season 4 then has her take control of the foot clan after the Triceriton scuffle and returns the clan back to its more honorable routes. It is nice to end like that, but god does it drag on

[@lesterwilliamsjr649]

It's always interesting hearing actors like Rob Paulsen and realizing that they use there natural voice for so many characters. Sometims it's easy to assume that VAs change there voice for a role.

[@TheTrueSpottedStripe]

I'm really glad more people liked this show, my dad hates that I like simply because they aren't "his Turtles" for the longest time I thought I was crazy for liking it.

[@BBfan06]

Maybe because your dad likes the classic TMNT from 1987

[@charactersin-depth3472]

I was in my college years when this series debuted. Watching this new Turtles show made me feel like a kid again and that's always a blessing.

[@calvinmatthews1527]

As someone who watched the entire series when it came out, I will say: you're in for a treat sir J.

[@Bron275G]

By far my favorite iteration of the Turtles. I know most people prefer the 2003 series for a number of reasons, but I find myself enjoying this one way more. I love the designs for these Turtles because they actually fit well with their personalities, and I agree with you on how they were drawn so well. The voice acting is perfect, it has the best version of Master Splinter in my opinion, it's got good story arcs, the characterization, dynamics and plenty of heartfelt moments. I'm excited to hear more of your thoughts on this series moving forward! Loved your retrospective on the 2003 series, and I hope this one will be just as good!

[@Theokal3]

Do they? I know I do but from what I collected, the 2012 version has a pretty massive number of fans.

[@Bron275G]

​​​@@Theokal3 I'm aware that 2012 has a massive number of fans (I'm one of them, of course) but I only said that because I hear a lot of people say they like 2003 better, and I respect what J said about it near the end of the video.

[@SpectacleSpark]

I'm someone who enjoys the 2003 and 2012 version (although I do agree, I prefer this version way more), but I still find some charms on the 2003 version my favorite because it's darker, and the characters are more serious

[@juliacats5204]

​@@Theokal3 i can't deny that show has fans, such as myself, but when it comes to discussion about versions, all I see is hate for 2012. Mostly from 2003 fans. As someone who knows what I'm talking about, I can easily differentiate some justified and fair and corrected criticism from numerous nonsense, heavily subjective hate

[@cancertourmaline6798]

2001 TMNT was my childhood, but the 2012 was my reintroduction to the TMNT as an adult. It's so much fun to watch these episodes over and over again!

[@paulgilbert5278]

2001 TMNT was just a pilot

[@gundambassexe31]

I loved the 2012 TMNT as it was like a mix of the 1987 version with nods and smalls references to the 2003 in the season 3 and proper crossover with the 80s getting back the original cast and didn't treat them like dummies in the turtles forever movie. But it was a phenomenal new era entry

[@mbphilipblack8993]

TMNT 2012 was my 1st introduction to the series. I knew about 03 but i didn't watch it my older brother did. I grew up with 2012, so I'm always going to have a slight bias towards it. I LOVE this version of the TMNT hands down it's still my favourite. I will always belove this series as it embodies and takes everything great about it's predecessors and balances it brilliantly. The 2012 turtles themselves are to me the most teen like and dynamic they have multiple layers to their personalities which make the cast and their interactions memorable. making the theme of brotherhood shine the brightest. The whole theme tune is solid and I love the rap and remember it fondly probably word for word and the quick rapid breakdown of each turtles flows so well. Haven't forgeten the instrumental version either. The jazz just adds so much character and life to the opening giving a orchestral cinematic vibe. I truly like every character both main and side. And the animation of 3D CG with tye 2D anime esqe stuff works extremely well, in it's 1st season it was choppy at times but S2-5 were smooth, the choreographey and action sequences are really good, the flow of battle progresses and the turtles have some Great takedowns. Some of my family used to think S3 was too Violent LMAO and it kinda was but as the show aged so did the audience so they could go into such themes and action.

[@noahgreen8279]

A love this show and it will forever be my favorite show of all time. It’s cool bc I haven’t seen the “OG” shows, but I grew up with this. It’s cool to see other people’s perspectives of the TMNT shows, with everyone having their own introduction to the show

[@Harrymation-productions]

I’m really excited for this retrospective. This was the turtles show that I grew up with, and watched it all the way to the end. It’s also home to my favorite take on Mikey.

[@NinjaPieceLOL]

I love this show's Donatello. It's so funny when he complains and yells at people. Like when everyone is questioning Leatherhead about why he gets angry, Donnie instead asks why Leatherhead keeps grabbing his face. The line is something like, "Why? Why do you keep grabbing my face? What's wrong with my face?!?!" It makes him more than the smart one. It makes him the funny one. People will say that Mickey is the funny one, but he's the stupid one. I never thought he was funny. Donnie is hilarious in this!

[@genemelendez8157]

Kinda unrelated, but can I just say, 2012 was a weird time to be a Nickelodeon fan. TMNT 2012 and Legend of Korea were the only good cartoons on the channel, leaving the live action shows like iCarly and Victorious to do a lot of the heavy lifting

[@bobmclovinelectricboogaloo]

I didn't grow up with this show and yet it's one of my favorites.

[@SkywardEmerald]

this show was my childhood and DAMN it was good, i had some figures and i remember a leonardo with boxing gloves vividly

[@GreenNova4444]

This show was everything to me. Spent the entirety of my teenage years watching it, loved every second of it. For anyone (like you, J) who hasn't seen the entirety of the show, I can assure you: after Season 1, it continues going up from here. Season 3 (and to some extent, 4) get off to a bit of a rocky start, but recover admirably and stick the landing. And while Season 5 is its own can of worms, the positives about the 2012 TMNT series significantly outweigh any issues that may or may not exist. The voicework, animation, story, everything about this series reminds me why I'm still a Turtles fan to this day.

[@Blackwolfninja89]

Everything about this show was awesome. Casting, designs, story sagas and continuity and how they're structured. Especially all the references to past tmnt versions and other pop culture.

[@spinjitzumasterfalcon]

This series was the start of so many things in my life. This show was my first introduction to comic books, my passion for animation, and my very first show that I could proudly call my first favorite show. This series was a huge part of my childhood and I love it so much

[@senabecool7232]

Ahh, the 2012 TMNT was one of my favorite shows growing up, loved how it blended the serious and dark (quite literally) of the Mirage Comics and 2003 show with the lighthearted comical side of the 1987 cartoon

[@PixelaGames2000]

Fun fact, the voice actor of the rat king in this iteration of TMNT…also voices Ratchet in transformers Prime. I just felt like mentioning it because when I first started watching TFP I was like “Hmm, ratchets voice sounds familiar….” And then I looked up the voice actor and found out he was the voice of the rat king from the 2012 TMNT series, so yeah pretty cool huh. Anyway I’m excited to see you cover more of this show, the 2012 TMNT was my first TMNT show, (I sadly didn’t grow up with it, I watched it during the pandemic.) and so I’m excited to see someone who’s never seen it, cover it…..(also if you’re interested I’d highly recommend transformers prime it is such a great show)

[@donniesquid4935]

Another fun fact the shredder shares TFP bulkhead’s voice actor at least i think they do because they almost sound the same

[@jaydenriley3236]

Let’s go finally someone who talks of about tmnt 2012 thank you it was my childhood show

[@MegaManNeo]

I really enjoyed the OG cartoon series and got turned off how the 2003 version looked and things changed. The 2012 version really is my favorite variant so far because I love the dynamic and GCI.

[@lesterwilliamsjr649]

After seeing Mutant Mayhem there is somthing I've realized about the turtles. Has anyone notice in most version of the TMNT the turtles are fine with being outcast that can't walk freely among humans and have to live in secret. I actually prefer the turtles living in secret instead of desiring to live normal human lives. The reason for this it's more realistic for the franchise to say that the turtles are ok with not being able to be normal. It's a message that reflects the fact that in real life there are outcast that can't fit into a regular human soecity that learn accept the way things are instead fixating on what they don't have. Although I like Mutant Mayhem and I like Out of the Shadows I think giving the turtles the desire to want to live normal human lives instead of living in hiding is the most clichie thing a writer could do with the turtles. Also I did not like the ending of MM or Out of the Shadows where it basically says after saving the day once the turtles have won over the public and can now walk freely in human society since its so unrealistic but I understand the stories needed a happy ending.

[@Emily12471]

It makes for a better movie goal than a series goal, likely because it seems fairly simple

[@adoroselatte]

I called it the “other dimension TMNT” since TMNT has different counterparts of themselves.

[@Kusanagikaiser999]

FINAAALLYYYY thanks. yes I was one of the people waiting for this, loved your 2003 retrospective and I really wanted one for the 2012, I absolutely love this show, despite been one of the kids who grow up in the middle of the original Turtlemania in 87 to 92 or 93, this incarnation of the TMNT remains now my favorite of them all, 2012 is like a combination of every TMNT that came before, put in a bottle full of awesomeness, great video on season 2, hardly can't wait for season 2 and 3 (in my opinion the peek of this amazing show.

[@xdecatron2985]

My brother and I grew up on the 87 series. I enjoyed the 03 series, but not to the extent you did. My brother summed the 2012 series up well when he said, “It isn’t exactly like the 80’s turtles, but it’s exactly how I remember the 80’s turtles feeling.”

[@jiazji]

I am someone who is massively influenced by the 2012 version of the turtles, the way I draw expressions the way i handle humor the way i animate certain movements it mainly comes from this show. It's been under the radar for ages but i'm so so glad that it's finally getting some good attention nowadays especially since this is coming from somebody who's watched this show since the first season was fresh

[@d4red3v1l8]

The 2012 version inspired me to write, i’m obsessed with it. I watch it every. single. day. And even though I know everything that happened in the episodes it still gives me chills, it still shocks me, it still makes me cry. I love it so much and i’m glad it exists.

[@MikhailSamunin]

14:44 2003 turtles have very distinctive faces especially in seasons 4 and 5 when the quality of the show's animation reached its pick.

[@AQuuRious]

This show has been by far the most influential of my childhood. I enjoyed watching them so much. Thanks for the nostalgia kick!

[@midnightfox3157]

I love the 2012 tmnt series it was so good for many reasons definitely my fav

[@vincehill4224]

Man I’m glad to hear you gave the show a second chance, as a fan that has grown up with the og cartoon and the many variations that have followed, TMNT 2012 is definitely one of my favorites

[@Art-Addict9]

This show was a major part of my childhood, but I can’t wait to hear your opinions on the s2 midpoint special and season finale

[@shanecorcoran2542]

Vengeance is Mine and The Invasion might be my favorite episodes of the show, I remember the former came out on my birthday and watched it like 3 times that day. Given how interested I was in the karai arc and how J seems to be too, I can’t wait to hear what he thinks of it

[@lennyzagara4600]

BOUT TIME YOU’RE DOING THIS I’m serious the 2k3 and 2k12 TMNT are my all time favorites and seeing you do retrospectives on them really makes me smile 2k12 TMNT is really something that hits for me and I love it a lot it and Rise TMNT (The TMNT after 2k12) really helped me from an artist perspective and I can’t wait for someday to create my own TMNT comic book with elements of all TMNT that I love combined I can’t wait to see what’s next dude COWABUNGA

[@seguramlk]

That was a LEGENDARY series my dude. Thanks for reviewing it. My favorite so far

[@petertilton7004]

A few things to point out are: 1. before becoming Dog Pound he was Chris Bradford, a loyal follower of Shredder who's also a martial arts celebrity akin to Chuck Norris. He's even modeled after Norris, down to when... well, I'll save that for part 4 hopefully based on Season 4. 2. Fishface was once a punk from Brazil named Xever, who was adopted by Shredder. Just thought I'd give out pre-evolved human forma and names. 3. Some of my favorite episodes are the Baxter Stockman intro episode, his return, the one where Donnie built Metalhead, the one where Donnie built the vehicle of the series, the Shellraiser. The one where the turles had to adapt without their weapons, and the best of them all, the one where Raph had to face a techno-organic mutated cockroach. 4. Later seasons used in universe cartoons to foreshadow the plot. This season was based on Star Trek the Animated Series. Though, and I know Leo will fight me on this, Captain Ryan is a worse leader than James Kirk.

[@Urmapleleaf]

It was dark, well designed in 3D, splendid comedy and bit anime style blendered... It warped the audience with curiosity but also with life lessons

[@rprfl4mezyt964]

One thing i really really love about this show is the change of setting different arcs take place like the forest arc or the space arc and it actually shows them learn to adapt to there surroundings instead of instantly being able to i also love how they are skilled with other weapons not just there regular weapons and how donatello and Michelangelo have blades and there different outfits throughout the series are so cool

[@CreativeStoryteller35]

This show was my childhood. I absolutely love it. It will always have a special place in my heart.

[@kitkatgmr]

I remember watching the 2012 series when I was younger. Being my first introduction to the series, I was blown away.

[@joelngo9849]

As someone who grew up with a series (Darn it I feel old) and loved it and I’m glad to see at you like it as well

[@katarinakivimaa]

i am so glad to see "part 1" in the title!! I'm excited to see this through

[@Jacobcoleyray]

Of there’s anything I like is how the show brings back so many characters we remember from the original series. Leatherhead, Honeycutt, Renett, and Zog

[@PepRock01]

My 4 year old twins were introduced to this a few months ago and my daughter absolutely loves it. Her brother likes the more recent series too but she calls this one the "Real" turtles. Growing up with the original series I couldn't help but chuckle. Knowing the inspiration for this one does make sense as to why I rather enjoy it with them.

[@viliamsneakman1508]

One of the best Nickelodeon shows next to Avatar Also fun fact: 2012 Shredder and Chairman Drek from Ratchet and Clank 2002 share the same voice actor ( Kevin Michael Richardson ) and Dogpound and Baron Praxis from Jak 2 also share the same voice actor ( Clancy Brown )

[@adorerofsw5735]

tmnt 2012 was both light heart at times but was dark when it was needed

[@werewolf4925]

This was the show that made me get invested in the TMNT, so I'm glad you are covering it

[@LWalsh0]

This series is spectacular. So many great new things and Easter eggs to all tmnt and pop culture.

[@thatonedabifan]

I saw ads for this on Nick as a kid. By the time the episode "The Gauntlet" had come out, I watched that episode and that was my first experience with the show... and I adored it. I remember watching ads to wait for new episodes and I managed to get my whole family to watch the season 1 finale with me.

[@troo_6656]

I have to really admire you for giving this a shot despite never finishing the show before that is some dedication

[@oliverorchard6774]

One of the things I always liked about this iteration is how much it called back to the 1987 series, which was very cool to see in a more modern take.

[@riceman5641]

As someone who grew up in the 2000s this show was a massive part of my childhood

[@jillli245]

The 2012 version was my introduction to the turtles. After that I watched rise of the tmnt, and now I'm watching the 2003 version. I love them all. It is the difference between these versions make tmnt attractive. I could really feel how genuine the production team of tmnt 2012 is when watching the show. The voice cast is unbelievable for every season, and all those new but also classical elements they throw in work out so well. The turtles have a stronger sense of vulnerability as they are portrayed younger and they pretty much explore the world on their own without Splinter being present. I have to say 2012 really makes me respect these kids for their courage and kindness, which is quite unique for this version.

[@rhymesworthadime9555]

I am so very happy that you decided to cover this iteration of the turtles. I grew up with both 2003 and 2012 TMNT, discovered your channel due to your 2003 TMNT retrospective, and have felt that they've both gone unappreciated nowadays in light of recent turtle media, and when it is covered, it's usually like "wow this is the show that made donnie a simp" (btw you had me at the cringe bit, did not expect you to actually say positive on that since people tend to be negative) and I'm so glad that you're giving this show a proper shot without any biases. I am very excited to hear how you feel about the next seasons and I cannot wait!

[@RustySanctuary]

thank you blud every time I search for tmnt 2012 not many people talk about it but now seeing a popular KZbinr watch it and say it was good just makes my inner child so happy 🧠🧠

[@Max_Casetera]

The intro of this show is the single most banger theme the tmnt has ever got

[@skywardsword2804]

Honestly this was the TMNT I grew up with

[@stevenfraser81]

I'm so happy you're covering this iteration of the TMNT now and it was great to hear you've become a fan from watching it for this retrospective series. I was 7 years old when the 1988 Playmates toys exploded onto the scene and I grew up watching the 87 series and 1990 movie and I LOVE this show. It feels like a love letter to the fans of my age, many of whom were probably raising kids of their own by 2012, and no doubt many children sat down and watched this version with their parents who were also Turtle crazy in their youth. You're right about Splinter, he is the MVP of this series and I feel his rivalry and history with Shredder make him the richest, most developed version of the character. You're in for a treat seeing how his character arc plays out over the course of the five seasons. As a huge fan of your Batman Animated Series, Batman Beyond and 2003 TMNT series' I'm looking forward to the rest of this retrospective immensely!

[@lasigasjeanmae4367]

I hope he can also do a retrospective of the Rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles series, it's so underrated and needs a chance to shine along with the other incarnations😢

[@stevenuniveresefan2179]

As someone who loved the 2012 show, I’m glad you are covering it.

[@iiTsFaded_]

I was into this show more than anything else. It was my entire 4th-7th grade. I miss it.

[@FoxsDumbSeriesMaker]

I’m so happy to see you finally review this. 03 is my favourite iteration of the Turtles, but I really like 2012, too. I was also thinking that you weren’t going to be as fond of this show because of how different it was (as well as pressure from fans who looked forward to your take). I’m glad that you ended up enjoying this version of Turtles media. In my opinion, the show gets even better throughout the seasons, so I’m looking forward to future parts. ^^

[@nicolasbecerra6601]

You should check out Rise! I love 2012 but Rise is a breath of fresh air! If you can get passed all the filler early on, you're in for a real treat!

[@thetoythief8940]

I was 12 when this aired and I recently re watched it and I was shocked how good it is sure there's issues like character development just disappears on and off but that can be slightly overlooked

[@FormalFilmsProductions]

While the 2003 show introduced me to the series, the 2012 show made me a fan. I love this show so much

[@deaglehawkings2543]

Some of my favourite childhood memories came from watching this show, it made me the TMNT fan I am today and I can't thank this show enough

[@markgill346]

This is the TMNT series I grew up on, and it is still my favorite version of the TMNT universe, I am currently rewatching the series and am mid way through Season 2.

[@Elctrucr54]

Same!

[@matthewdsouza1797]

Very genuine video. You stuck to the point and gave an overall positive review on season 1 of my favorite TMNT series. Well done, looking forward for more.

[@rickytoddbotelho9555]

The quality of the show is absolutely fantastic. Even though I lost my interest for the juvenile tmnt long, long ago. Good job. 😂❤❤

[@obliviongigan6360]

I like most versions of splinter but personally I feel like the 2012 is in a league above the others, he is such a complex and fascinating character, he easily became my favorite character not just in the 2012 show but in the whole series and I can wait for you to see more from him.

[@BDSFormula1]

As a British teen, right before church I would turn on Channel 5 and watch this

[@burningdownthehouse365]

You're a sinner sorry

[@Conner_A]

10:12 is nobody gonna talk about how clean that snap was Also shredder is the biggest menace i have ever seen in a show. Hes honestly scarier than most horror villains

[@Acrosurge]

I love this show and am having a blast with your retrospective. Jeffrey Combs is an amazing actor, not just in animation, but sci-fi too! His Ds9 role as Weyoun was one of the most interesting and brilliant villains in the Star Trek franchise.

[@Thunderdransword]

This is my gateway to TMNT I don’t think I would be a vivid TMNT fan as I would be without this this series

[@antithoughtpolice7497]

Making Donnie have a crush on April highlights Donnie's teen awkwardness, but i think you forgot how this is the first Donnie to have a temper. A temper to rival Raph's at times. Although, the biggest mistake with Donnie was keeping the crush going, when April clearly never liked-liked Casey or Donnie. And since Donnie got REALLY creepy, and i was like him as a teenage girl... Writing him to get over it would of been best.

[@xaviergonzalez44]

One thing I love about this show is the mutations. We get to see some characters before their mutations and see how it affected them. Also the amount of detail with how the mutagen works answers a lot of questions(what if you get mutated again, no exposure to another animal, etc.)

[@TheAnig140895]

I love your retrospectives, I wish you'd do a DCAU style episode by episode retrospective of the 90s Marvel shows like Iron Man, Spider Man, Silver Surfer, X-Men and Fantastic Four

[@sssosa3149]

The real reason: “ everything, everything, down to the last minute details”

[@megacrashthehedgehog5377]

This was the series that got me into TMNT. At first I didn't pay any attention to it, but every time I heard it playing on the tv in the background, I found myself getting more and more interested each time. I feel like this and the 2017 DuckTales series are the perfect example of how I think a reboot should be made. It openly pays respects to what came before, while still greatly embracing doing its own thing for a new audience.

[@Vilgax00]

11:44 The key diffrence here is,everyone else also doing the same thing when they raceswapped her with the show Rise. Weirdly they raceswap gingers first for some reason, like Ms Martian,Starfire,Mj and etc(which ı still dont get it why,since ı am not caucasian nor american). Also she was half-asian according to Kevin Eastman. Not black. I am saying this,because you are using the miss-printed page as evedince. Which they fixed it years later.

[@lesterwilliamsjr649]

You know with all the reboots of the TMNT we have gotten it makes me think what is nessessary for a TMNT story. In every version of the TMNT I see people asking questions like where is April, Casey, the Shredder, Stockman, Bebop, and Rocksteady? This is a problem with a big franchise so many people just focus on wantig to see another version of there favorite characters instead of wanting to see new characters added. There is a good why at the end of Mutant Mayhem the Shredder was mentioned, because he is the turtles arch-enemy and because of that some fans believe he always has to appear.

[@traviswhitfield8045]

I am going to be honest. Growing up, this show was my Clone Wars.

[@michaelnally2841]

fun fact ciro nieli was the creator of super robot monkey team hyper force go and all the main cast members made an appearance.Greg Cipes who was Chiro was Michelangelo, Corey Feldman who was sparks played slash, Tom Kenny who was Gibson played Dr. Rockwell, Kevin Michael Richardson who was Antari played the shredder, Clancy Brown who was Otto played Rhazar, Kari Wahlgren who was nova played Joan Grody, and finally Mark Hamill who was the villainous Skeleton king played Kavaxus.

[@Turvold]

This show is another highlight of my childhood. This is gonna be one hell of a retrospective