Which version of Leonardo do you like?

[Michaelangelo]

Hey everyone,

Just like with Michaelangelo/Michelangelo we're doing a poll on people's favorite version of Leonardo.   The last few years has been real big for Leonardo, esp with how strong of a character he was in the 4th season of 4Kids.  A lot more people have come forward with him as their favorite Turtle, and here you can discuss what makes him so wonderful to you!

Different versions

Mirage/Image: This version of Leonardo doesn't really at first stand up as the leader, though just part of a strong group.  More and more, it's clear he's the one that they listen to.   He has had his tough times in life, like a Christmas outing he made, only to be attacked by the Foot Clan, this failure hit him hard.  He's Splinter's best student like in most of the stories about Leonardo, as he trains hard and listens to what Splinter has to teach them.  And he handles any issues thrown upon him.

Original Toon: This version of Leonardo was labeled a Leader from day one.  And that is how they treat it.  He's the most serious of the Turtles, when the others want to play, he wants to check in with Master Splinter.  If he's not around, the others are trying to figure out what to do and realizes how much they miss him.  When Splinter is not around, Leo is in charge.  Though he does enjoy his weird pizzas with his brothers.

Archie: In this series I don't think we get to see enough of Leonardo.  (wow, did I say that about a series with Leo in it? *G*)   Really though when we do see him, most of the time it's all four Turtle story lines.  We barely even get to see the Future Leonardo.  Each of the Turtles in this one is originally based off of the cartoon, so it follows the same type of characters at first, though most of the characters grow and change.  Though Future Leonardo ends up getting his own Dojo and becoming a true Ninja Master.  

Movies: Leonardo in the movies was very caring, a bit more relaxed than the cartoon version.  And just like in the Mirage comics, he wasn't titled a leader right away, as he stated in the first movie "I never said I was your fearless Leader".   He buts head with Raphael, like he does in the original comics.  Though when Raph is out, he's by Raph's side.  He shows a lot of concern in his eyes.  When Splinter is missing, he does what Splinter would do and mediates on it.  

Next Mutation: Again Leo is the leader, and it's known. Raph is the rebel to Leo's leadership.   Leo trains, though he's not as serious as he is in the cartoon his training is kind of a joke in the series like when he tries to break some bricks with his head.   He's also very defensive when Donatello asks Leonardo to lie, and Leo right out says he never lies.   Which came up as a lie, I don't think too many versions would have a problem with working with Don on that by saying a simple lie.   Leonardo also feels like he came up with a new way of thinking about Venus, his brothers and himself... which is the way of the Turtle.    He does get serious when villains get on his nerve, as he learns the way of the Hunter to take care of Bonesteel.  

4Kids: This is the most rounded character of Leonardo.  He's got his light early age where he's still listening very close to what Splinter says, but with no real lessons behind it for him to be as serious as he can get.   Like leaving the sewers, he doesn't know all the dangers of it, but he knows that they're not suppose to go top side.   Wanting to follow Splinter's orders, as his brothers won't... knowing he's gotta keep an eye on them, they drag him into their adventures.   Which usually end up being very dangerous like chasing after Mousers.  He's got a light side that likes to play, as he rides his scooter, or picks on Michelangelo.   Though when serious things happen... when he fails... his gets darker...   first with loosing against the Foot Elite Guards... it took Raph to pull him out of his funk.   But the worse Funk had to be when they almost died while taking out the Shredder in space.   That dark time, stirred up a lot of topics in the reviews here on TMNT-L.  He's back to being a bit more light hearted, lacking some of that training and character growth from the early seasons.

Other: Is your favorite area with Leo something like the Tour? Or "We Wish You a Turtle Christmas" or do you like some Fanfic or RP version of Leo out there... what about a web comic version? If you choose other, please post and not just tell us about why you like Leo in that version... but tell us about the Leo of that version maybe even post a link!

[Leonardo_Mystic]

Definitely 4Kids' Leonardo is my favorite, but Movie One and Mirage comics are very close seconds. It was the movie where I first fell in love with him. However, once I began watching the 4Kids' series, that intense love for him deepened so much because he is everything I knew him to be in there. I've only recently read the Mirage Volume One comics, but I've come to understand him even better in them too. My favorites are the Leonardo #1 and follow up issues, and the "City At War" arc.

He and I are so much alike, and I understand all he experiences and feels. I know what he goes through as I have been there many times myself.

[tmntck1]

UMMM I guess the 4Kids one because he seems more stronger to me.      

[Leonardo]

Mirage Leo to me is the source Leo, like it is for all of the Turtles, Splinter, April, and Casey.
It's what I've written almost every piece of fan fiction based on. One of the exceptions was the story Sue Sitler started, Paradox, which was the movie version, if I remember it right. hmm...and I think Blades of Vengeance was movie version??
Anyway, where I was going with that is the realization there's a very big difference in character between the Mirage Leo that beheaded Shredder, and the 80s toons, the Archie comics, the movies, and the Next Mutation where he didn't. I think that makes some of the variations plausable for the "world" each version was set in. Different facets.
Although the 4Kids comes closest to the original Mirage, so far, which might be why that's my next most fave of the Leos. Not that I'm trying to say the defeat of Shredder in that manner is the thing I like best, it isn't in and of itself. I guess it's just there's a deeper character there that appeals to me.
I like it best when Leo doesn't "act" like the leader, but it just comes out of him naturally. Because I don't see it as a power trip for him, it's not something he desires, it's just something he IS. So it's not about telling others what to do, directing or ordering them around, as much as being the one who takes the pieces from everyone and brings it into cohesion in a big picture way.
I've certainly enjoyed the other versions of Leo. It was the movie version I first actually liked, because it was the movie that got me hooked on TMNT. I went in knowing next to nothing about any of the characters, I came out saying, "Ooh, I really like that Leo character!"
But when I read the Mirage comics, starting on the night I got home from the movie...by the time I got to RTNY, I was entranced by the wonderful character arc and that feeling has never left.

[TurtleTitanMusician]

My favorite Leo would be a combination of NT; TNM & the musical ability of Coming Out Of Their Shells.

For those reading this message saying, "Leo played bass, not the vibes!  Why did he switch?"

My fanfic version of Leo is very cool & mellow.  He plays the vibes because they sound so cool to play!  Leo masters rhythm playing as well as being a super soloist.

[LenniluvsBrian]

I like the 4Kids version & the first movie best, then the old cartoons & the other movies. Thanks to the 4Kids version, I re-fell in love with Leo - though Raph is still beating him down to keep him in second place - lol.


~Lenni~

[Terri]

Just like the Michaelangela poll, for me it's a tie between the 4Kids Leo and the movie Leo.  I'll say something on the original cartoon version of Leo first.  Looking back and after watching some of the old cartoons, I find Leo sort of blends in with the others...most of the turtles do.  Sure they all have their 'thing' which makes each one special (Raph's temper, Don's smart, etc), but those differences aren't really...how can I put it...focused upon.

Anyways, the movie Leo.  As it has already been said in this thread, this version of Leo is very caring and sensitive and that, I like.  Wow, I really could go on and on about this Leo, but that's my main point I guess...he is very kind.

The 4Kids version of Leo is a very well rounded character.  He's a very serious character...sure he takes time for 'fun' but take, for example, how dark he turned after the defeat by the Elite Guards.  He doesn't take failure very well and it's a neat character quirk.

I'm all over the place here!  However i've made my point for the most part.  Hazaa!

[Donatello]

Mirage and first movie Leo, because they were the first to really show me what Leonardo was like and that he isn't always the "want to be" leader.  Just had ended up as one from the way things happen to fall.

[Jephael]

As much as I love the old-school stuff from the 80s and 90s, I gotta admit that 4Kids has gotten Leo's characteristics down perfectly!

[AristaNiara]

What?  No all the above?

I personally, can't pick between them.  I love them all for one reason or another but I can't say I love one more than the others...well...I can say that NT:TNM Leo was my least favorite.

[Ninjara]

This one I deviated from my 'go to the source stance.'  I went with 4Kids, not Mirage.  These polls are hard for me because I really do like all the versions each one presents.  What I try to aim for though, is which one gives me the best overall capsule of  said Turtle's personality/character.

    Leo, I think, is basically a mystery to a lot of people, because much of what he's about is conveyed by his presence.  It's the look he can give with his eyes.  It's his demeanor.  His overall mindset.  While a lot of that came across to me through Mirage's books, it comes across better in action, even if that 'action' is him just standing there and giving 'The Look'.  4Kids has done a great job in bringing this across.

    Leo is like a big cat.  But not so much the lion, as his name would suggest......his charisma is more like the Siberian tiger......both can look and behave very benevolently......but you would never doubt you were in the presence of a powerhouse well versed in strategics.

[GreenWillow]

Mirage, not Image. I don't really think they should be lumped together.  

 4Kids good because it takes him a few layers deeper than maybe Mirage went, or maybe makes that depth more visible. But in general I'm rather a Mirage purist. So yeah, this, plus everything that Kim/Leo said above.  Just, you know, ditto.  

  ~GW

[WolfofMibu]

What can I say that hasn't already been expressed by someone very eloquently already...

I agree with Leonardo above, Mirage Leo is the source of every other version of Leonardo so when it comes down to it he is "the Leo" version and you have to love him in order to love any other version.

I would say beyond the Mirage version much like everyone else my second favorite version if the 4Kids version, not just because of the depth that they gave his character but also because of the stunning performance Mike Sinterniklaas gave as Leo. He not only genuinely loves the character as much as all of us, but he also very much sees himself within Leo and it shows within the passion he gives the character.

I have to admit I have never much cared for Next Mutation Leonardo, something about the way they presented his character in that version never sat well with me.

Leo is like a big cat.  But not so much the lion, as his name would suggest......his charisma is more like the Siberian tiger......both can look and behave very benevolently......but you would never doubt you were in the presence of a powerhouse well versed in strategics.

Lovely description, very much reminded me of the William Blake poem "The Tyger"

[Brinatello]

Wow, no contest, not much thinking, Mirage definitely ruled out for my vote on Leonardo.  Yes, in truth, coming second would definitely be 4Kids because omigosh, that is the moving and speaking version of Leo right off the comic book pages.  Hands down, in animation form, 4Kids did him justice in every single episode so far, as did Mike Sinterniklaas who's voice cannot ever be replaced, nor forgotten.  Now, then, one of the reasons why I chose Mirage over 4Kids is mainly due to past readings of...believe it or not... fanfiction.  Yup.  Thanks to GreenWillow for writing her stories with Leo pulled directly from Mirage, I discovered a much stronger love and respect for that turtle.  Then, when I went back to the first 11 issues of Mirage and read them over, that pretty much sealed the deal.  Scout's honor, my true love still remains with Donatello, but dang it, Mirage and GW's fanfics put Leonardo at the number 2 spot for favorites.  

[GreenWillow]

Psst.....Brina!  That check I promised you is on its way.




 

[Brinatello]

Psst.....Brina!  That check I promised you is on its way.




 

*eyes turn to dollar signs*  Er, I mean, awwww, thanks!  How sweet!  

[Mindy]

*g*, I need to read this fanfiction of GreenWillow's in the near future! *puts it on her do-list*

I really like these topics and most of all, I enjoy reading the others' responses, too. Leonardo is the one whom I can relate to the closest but that doesn't mean each Turtle boy doesn't pull at my heart strings. It seems to be the same for a lot of you, as well, so wooooo! I'm not alone!  

Mirage/Image: Strong, willful Leo but one who is not full of doubt nor completely sure of himself. He's not trying to be a leader but feels the need/desire to protect his family and friends. As I haven't read that many issues of Mirage, I can't dive into anymore theories, but I liked his humor in the Image series. He can be playful and cute but still get down to business.

Original Toon: Rather annoying to me in those days but still had that air of mystery surrounding him. When he wasn't making sure the others weren't carrying out orders (), he looked extremely relaxed and really comfortable. Leo doesn't seem quite comfortable in other series, but here, he is, and that's fabulous to watch.

Archie: Argh, I need to read the Archie series! *shakes fist* But from what I've read, if future Leonardo has a dojo, he's still very serious about his committment to the martial arts.

Movies: Sweet, sweet, almost cuddly Leo! I think most can tell he wasn't very sure of himself (who is at that age?) but he certainly made the best of situations. It's frustrating to him that he can't understand his brother, Raph, and he tries hard.. very hard. Should Splinter have ever passed away, I think movie Leo would've made an excellent father-figure: he's very honest and stern with it, endearing, and someone whom you can trust. The 1st movie is what changed my perspective about Leonardo so much and slowly the reason why he became my favorite Turtle. If I ever just want to have a relaxing evening with the Turtles, I pop in the 1st movie.

Next Mutation: He was so short!! *giggles* But adorable, like in the 80s toon. He's a bit more aggressive towards his brothers and really taking on the "eldest sibling" way of things, lol! He could cut up, as always, but while I'm a Venus fan (or the "idea" of Venus, rather), I didn't like how Leo fell for her so quickly. At first, he was just protective of her and trying to make her feel comfortable with her new life and family, I just didn't think the character Leonardo would fall for someone quite so fast. It wasn't "overnight" on the show, but I would've liked for more time to have passed before anything would've happened. That's not to say Leonardo can't be interested in someone, certainly not, but at that time, he had a little more things weighing on his shoulders and the whole "you're a girl turtle, I'm a boy turtle" thing felt rushed to me. That was really my only nitpick about his character in TNM... oh, and that he was short!

4Kids: I chose this as my favorite version and my reasons are pretty much like everyone else's: it's interesting to see a character change from his usual personality. I didn't gush over "angsty Leo" but it certainly got my attention and to watch where/how things were going to come to a conclusion. Who's to say that each Turtle or character can't go through a change, whether temporary or permanently? A lot of us can look back into our past, or even right now, and point at a time where our behaviors transformed for one reason or another. I know I can, and that makes me feel much, much closer to 4kids Leonardo. He was everything I mentioned above and then MORE. I would've liked to have seen this with the other Turtles, but seeing it with Leo - that threw me for a loop!

Now that I'm not as drowsy as I was two hours ago before my nap, I can think so much clearly now, *lol*. I'm awaiting for the next character and the various results.

!!

[Lady Mew2]

As much as I love the old-school stuff from the 80s and 90s, I gotta admit that 4Kids has gotten Leo's characteristics down perfectly!

I have to go with Jephman on this. The Classic Leonardo was the best there is and best there was.

[LenniluvsBrian]

I still say the 4Kids version mostly. I mean, I love him in the first movie - all the Leo/Raph moments    that are so - so -    - there's no words for it. But the 4Kids version - he was just - so complex and mysterious &....well, Hot. For a cartoon turtle. The 4Kids version made me fall in love with him all over again, reminding me why I liked Leo for a while when I was younger (that & the fact he was the blue turtle-lol). Though, Raph's not too happy about the fact Leo has moved up in position again & is still constantly trying to beat him back down to a farther away second. Lol. But, it's all good. I mean, I could go on about Leo & Raph/Raph & Leo forever!!!!!  


~Lenni~

[Mr._Mutant_Man]

Going to go with movie Leo. Based on either that or old toon Leo the movie version wasn't as much of a stiff when it came to being leader. That's the same problem Cyclops of the X-Men gets and it kind of rubs some fans the wrong way. He was more interesting as the reluctant (or unknown to himself) leader IMO.

[Nanette]

I mostly like how Leo was in the movies,especially the previous one.Inspite of his tense relationship with Raph,they still manage to watch each other's back.Good thing,Don and Mikey weren't there to witness their rooftop battle in the rain.how would that affect them?

[Angelo]

Basically i like all of the turtles in a cgi, dunno why i just like cgi... hey it rhymes lol... sorry ignore that childish comment.

[Dejablue]

This is a tough call between original toon Leo and 03 toon Leo.....dangit. I'll have to go with new toon leo.  He's much more pronounced than his 1987 carnation.

[Turtle with attitude]

Man, I think that the new movie Leo is my favorite then the Fast Foward Leo--he looks so cool in what he wears (well that armor looking stuff anyway)

[Kismet]

Oh, this one is quite difficult. I must say, though, there is a young woman who portrays Leonardo in RP in a way that borrows from every incarnation. Her characterization is very realistic, playing on his ego, honor, hopes, doubts, sacrifices, and humor. Quite literally the best example of Canon roleplay I've seen in depth.

Unfortunately, Chloris is no longer accepting invitations to other RPGs; sadly, she's had some very bad experiences with some very nasty fans. As have we all, to some extent I'm sure. I suppose that the 4kids series (first four seasons) would come in second with Mirage as a close third.

[Lycanth]

I will agree, in all honesty, that Chloris does one of the best characterizations of Leo I have ever seen. Brava to her!

[Calypso]

I can't decide which Leo I like best to tell the truth.

And yes, I agree with Kismet and Lycanth, Chloris did to a wonderful Leo - she will be missed.

[Raphs_Girl]

I think my favorite version of Leonardo is the 4Kids version, since I feel he is the most well rounded in that series. They do a really great job showing his personal struggles and triumphs.  

I think the Next Mutation version of Leo is really cute though!   He's so short!  

[Kazari]

Definitely 4Kids...again the annoyance thing LOL Him in the old school and NM is just too annoying!

[BubblyShell22]

I pick the 4Kids Leo. He's just so cool. I love the character depth he gets and how he's portrayed in this version. OT version was too whiny for me. The 4Kids version rocks. Mike S. is an awesome Leo.

[MistyJazlynn]

It really doesn't matter to me. All 4 of them are cute. ^-^


Misty