#everyone is constantly comparing Leon to mikey

[thankchaosforspellcheck]

#SEE NO BECAUSE#HE IS JUST LIKE 87 RAPH#GRABS YOU BY THE SHOULDERS. HE'S SNARKY#HE'S SURPRISINGLY OBSERVANT#AND! AND! HE HELPS WITH RESPONSIBILITY FROM THE BACK END (BEFORE HE'S APPOINTED LEADER)#87 RAPH IS ALL OF THOSE THINGS. THEY'RE BOTH SMART. THEY'RE SO SIMILAR.

GRABS YOU BY THE SHOULDERS BACK

that is the exact point I'm trying to make here thank u so much for seeing my vision

Rise!Leo: *Makes a dumb pun in the middle of a tense situation*

2012!Mikey: He's just like me fr.

2007!Mikey: He's just like me fr.

2003!Mikey: He's just like me fr.

1987!Mikey: Wow, he's just like Raph!

All Other Mikeys: *Turns to 87 & just stares*

[imagionationstation]

Oh, wait. OH, WAIT-

I HAD A THOUGHT AND NOW I CAN’T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD HELP-

So so so so so-

I can’t stop comparing 2012Leo and 2018Raph as, like, the same person, and it got me thinking- The Donnies and Mikeys are pretty similar being the OCD&Autism/ADHD bros and the more I consider them the more I liked that because things fit into place better and then it hit me.

That leaves 2018Leo and 2012Raph as the final similar duo but there’s NO WAY these guys are similar, right?

HA! My poor ignorant past self was killed in mere minutes after considering such things.

FOR YOU SEE:

On the surface, Raphael can be seen as an arrogant bully (hits brothers/insults brothers/taunts the enemy) who isn’t a team player (lone wolf for life) and tends to let impulse get the better of him (he get ANGY)

On the surface: Leon can be seen as an arrogant bully (taunts brothers/throws things at brothers/makes sarcastic comments about everyone) who isn’t a team player (fights Raph’s leadership/thinks he knows best) and tends to let impulse get the better of him (Yk, he should definitely abandon his brothers in a battle against Shredder to go talk to Big Mama)

BUT

Underneath, Raphael is constantly fighting insecurities (No one understands him!), will always be there to protect his brothers (the world is constantly out to get them), is secretly terrified to be alone (He’s quit 23 times, yet he always comes back), and will always put his family above all else (“Sorry, Slash, my brothers come first.”)

Underneath, Leon is constantly fighting insecurities (Is the face of the team all he is? Isn’t he more?), will always be there to protect his brothers (he has their best interests at heart no matter what insanity he participates in), is secretly terrified to be alone (“I need my brainy guy and my smashy guy and my eats-peanut-butter-with-his-fingers guy!”) and will always put his family above all else (dives through into prison dimension with sadistic alien and locks the door behind him)

They aren’t mirror counterparts, but if you look closely, the similiarities are there. They boast about being strong, but are scared they’re a weak link. They’re both the second youngest (canon) so they know what it’s like to have the urge to be in charge but to feel overshadowed by the ‘better’ older brother. They both tend to do whatever it takes to protect their family, and despite their “I care for nothing but myself” facade, they often are seen putting their lives on the line for friends, family, and even strangers.

They see battle as a challenge and even slightly a ‘game’, but will absolutely switch from ‘loud mouth fighter’ to their own kind of ‘silent but deadly’ when the stakes become real.

ERGO- IT ALL MAKES SENSE NOW

TELL ME I’M WRONG I DARE YOU

…..

…..

That’s what I thought >:)

*pins this discovery onto the board next to ‘In 2012, Leo is Donnie’s role model’ and steps back to admire turtle conspiracy board*

Okay, admiring over

This board won’t fill itself!

[we-rate-tmnt]

I request: Leonardo. Please and thank you 🙏.

Idk if everyone loves Leo or if my header and avatar just remind everyone about this amazing blue boy. (This one’s super silly btw. I’m just sillier as time goes on. Character development I guess?) 

The iconic leador Leonardo (1987)

Bro idk why but I loved this Leo. I have a tiny memory, especially with this version but I clearly remember that I thought he was the funniest and the coolest. I mean, he had swords, what was I supposed to do as a 7-year-old. NOT like him??? Anyway, while Raph was the best at insult comedy, I think Leo had the best puns and punchlines. I really like how nonchalant this Leo is compared to his iterations, going along with really silly ideas and having fun along the way. But because of this, his leadership is a little forced at times, he seems like such a chill and fun dude that when he gets serious, I have to squint and ask ‘are you Leo? Or were you just putting on act a moment ago?’ Or my perception is entirely warped over time. Either way, good turtle boy, could have used some work tho. 5.7/10

Here comes grumpy lad wooo this is all read very monotone btw Fearless Leader (2003)

What. What the fuck happened. I was actually so confused when Leo turned really angry and serious and almost manic. I thought that episode when he popped into Casey’s window and was like ‘Hey bitch lets go beat the shit out of some lowlifes’ I was WOAH THERE BUDDY BACK UP BACK UP BACK TF UP. It was so sudden to me and when it was finally explained, it made some sense??? Like yeah, character development is great an’ all but this ain’t it chief. I can’t imagine what it was like having to wait for these episodes to release one at a time. Bc I watched every episode back to back on Youtube and I was genuinely bamboozled. But when you have an experience like that where guilt is weighing down on you from a situation you couldn’t control, it would’ve been HELLA HELPFUL to have at least a flashback, like a line saying ‘I was so useless!’ at BARE MINIMUM. Like right after Shredder is booted off to Planet Zula, Donnie would notice that Leo didn’t seem all that happy and would ask why and Leo would get upset and yell at Donnie saying that ‘You wouldn’t understand’, ‘You don’t know how I felt, how I feel because of that’, etc. Like you don’t even have to say he felt guilty or helpless, just give us something to grab onto. We’re merely six-year-olds who thought they could climb the YMCA rock wall in easy mode but instead the script riders harnessed us up on the hard one and wouldn’t let us come down until we rang the little bell at the top. I think that is the only problem I had with his Leo. The sudden change of calm and decisive to angry and irrational was so jarring that it felt unnatural without that crucial context. If you want a surprise reveal, at least hint at the reveal (like just about every Disney movie with their ‘twist’ villains) not wait until the very last moment. I think this might be my least favorite Leo and I think the season where he stood out the most and seemed the strongest was Fast Forward (Which was GOOD FIGHT ME), especially in scenes with Dark Leo, his clone. He sees so much of himself in Dark Leo but he also sees something he had once grasped (AKA the poorly written character arc, I CANNOT stress how bad I thought it was). Although, I honestly think he’s a really good character and he’s a pretty neat guy. However, this score is entirely held up by Fast Forward and his connection with Usagi, sword bros to the end of time. 3/10 (2 for FF and 1 for Usagi)

And now a Leo that makes me genuinely feel UWU Leo (2012)

I cannot stress how much I like this guy! Like his design is so appealing, his dedication, his obsession with Space Heroes, like I FUCKING LOVE IT. And everyone knows, that shit with Karai, at first when they didn’t realize they were related, I can let slide but kajsdflksadf what even like why did the writers feel the need to add in more ‘love interest’ implications like yuck yuck yuck. The only two interactions with Leo and Karai that I really like are when Leo defeats her using the healing hands technique and when Leo has a goth/emo/punk/idk I’m new here phase and they team up and EXPLOSIONS. He was introduced to us as being incredibly naive and his idea of leadership is from some old cartoon that’s basically star trek but ethically questionable. After his fights in season 1, to the finale with the technodrome, you can see his growth. He’s able to formulate plans and make life or death decisions. BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE. When Leo got hurt, I felt like the oof sound effect mixed with some tears I normally shed at some Shojo manga bs. While the episodes following were super weird, it was a nice way to help Leo recover, not only physically but spiritually (Although I don’t remember the spirit arc at all except the epic Raph vs Fishface fight, so we’re skipping that). When Master Splinter really died, you could tell there was a huge impact on Leo, but he had to remain stoic and lead the family now. A lot of heartbreaking moments in this series came from Leo and I’m glad they took at least some thought into developing him. Tiny head Leo will haunt my nightmares, but the giggly fanboy will warm my heart constantly. 6/10

I only have one word for this Leo (Heroes in a Half Shell: Blast to the Past)

This is a super crazy bad idea accent on the super crazy bad part have I mentioned it’s also a really terrible idea/10

Okay, spoiler alert, didn’t really think this Leo was that grand Leo (2014/2016)

Painfully average. He didn’t stand out that much, Raph was part of the focus and had that touching scene at the end, Donnie was ICONIC and Mikey (with his weird-ass eyes) was super lively and funny! Leo? Uh, I don’t remember a single line he said. Because he never really grabbed my attention, I don’t have too much to say on this version. The Raph and Leo fight felt forced and the whole ‘keep this stuff that could turn us human a secret’ was pretty pointless and was added just to cause drama, I don’t even remember what that Splinter and Leo conversation was about. Design-wise, really neat! You can see some more traditional Japanese clothing/style mixed with modern (I’d feel a lot better about this assumption if some could tell exactly what the heck he’s wearing, but I get traditional Japan warrior vibes from it) in his look which was super neat! Other than that, if you like him, please tell me why because I don’t get. He was just kinda eh. 5/10

AHHH MY BOY YASSS WHOOO!! Neon Leon (2018)

Okay, I loved Ben Schwarts already from Parks and Rec but like him being Sonic AND Leo, like DUDE. He’s super funny by himself but teamed up with this shows writing and animation, it makes it hilarious. I literally love this Leo so much, maybe because we’re alike but honestly, he’s amazing. I love his design with the red and yellow crescents accenting his skin and livening up his color pallet. He has a very healthy and natural dynamic with his brothers, he’s the first to know what’s wrong and tries his best to make up for his actions. This is really prominent in the most recent episodes, along with the episode portal jacked. In both, Leo is separated from his brothers. Portal Jacked is in a more literal sense, while Air Turtle handles in more of an emotional sense. While both are brief, Leo sees his error and tries his best to make it up to them. I love his dynamic so much and it’s so nice to see something like this compared to the unnecessary drama and tension between the brothers in the previous series. It’s refreshing and this is something a younger audience needs to see; instead of fighting, it’s better to work together and improve yourself along the way. Improvement is a big theme for Leo here. He’s a goofball, makes jokes at every opportunity and isn’t quite skilled at fighting or using his weapon. But he grows over time, he learns to manage his power and he’s working on mastering it. He’s trying to put aside his narcissism more and focuses on his family. I think the approach they took with him rising to leader rather than slapping it on his forehead was the goddamn best decision they could make. He’s making plans, finding loopholes, helping out and getting out of his comfort zone. I cannot stress how well this show has handled Leo, along with the other characters. I can’t wait to see more episodes about his growth and I am awarding him with one of the greatest honors I could give... 10/10

Storytime: I drew a super cute 2012 Leo, you should look at him. Shameless self-promo, but you should follow me on my main blog bc I’m nice and I draw pretty pictures. Also. I have a little 2012 Leo Happy Meal toy??? I think??? guarding my window and he’s been there for YEARS. I need to bring him in and refresh his paint job.

Wow! I didn’t expect this many requests for Leo, so the blog will be momentarily spammed with the requests, but it shouldn’t be too much! Up next should be the last turtle (Mikey) and then we can get to some REALLY great requests I’m eager to answer. As usual, please comment and reblog! I’d love to hear your opinion!

[skythealmighty]

#like seriously that's half the reason I made this post#everyone is constantly comparing Leon to mikey#or finding the subtle (and blatant) similarities between him & the other leos#but no one even THINKS about comparing him to the person he actually swapped with: RAPH!#and yeah he doesn't have many similarities to later iterations of Raph#since he doesn't have much interest in fighting or the anger issues#but you know who else lacks both of those aspects? 87!#87!Raph is well known for his snark#his avoidance of fights (especially ones he knows he won't win)#and less known for his quick thinking and plotting#he is literally described as ''cool but rude''#and Leon is 100% both of those things#I think part of it is kind of showing how both of these characters have essentially evolved to be each other over time#while still being stuck in the same positions#Leo has slowly become the ''cool'' one (as leader) and a strategic thinker (not to mention 2012's love of puns)#while Raph has become angrier often as a direct result of him disagreeing with how Leo is leading the group#so swapping their ''spots'' on the team is actually a brilliant way of bringing back the original roles without completely reverting#bc now Raph is in the position where he CAN'T rebel against the authority of the team#since he IS the authority#and Leo has to figure out who he is on the team when not the leader#(spoilers: he does not actually do this.#but at least he got to have a life outside of it for a bit before getting thrust back into the position)#so yeah.#I have a lot of feelings about these 2

YOURE NOT LEAVING THIS IN THE TAGS. so i have a Few Thoughts abt this

87 raphael doesn't have the whole 'fighting for leader' thing because he already ACTS like the co-leader. he's the observant one, reminding leonardo that the place might be booby-trapped

^ in conjunction to this the way they subvert the trend in rise leads to a natural similarity in that way

87 donatello's actually the angry one i feel. like i should point that out. that boy can SNAP.

RISE IS SO EERILY SIMILAR TO 87 JUST IN A DIFFERENT TROPE. CMON IT IS. AAAAAA

can you imagine a fic where 87 raphael and rise leo bodyswap. please. plea

Rise!Leo: *Makes a dumb pun in the middle of a tense situation*

2012!Mikey: He's just like me fr.

2007!Mikey: He's just like me fr.

2003!Mikey: He's just like me fr.

1987!Mikey: Wow, he's just like Raph!

All Other Mikeys: *Turns to 87 & just stares*