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.