Yapper.

[collapsedastralis]

I am sorry to bother you you mentioned Leo is your fav I am curious what are your opinions on Raph?

Oh hi!!(: not to worry at all, I got so excited when I saw your question.

Well.. his character has always been a little bit too much related to leo for me, it's like he had to be there, witnessing challenging him, as if their relationship tells the shifts and changes each has to go through within the course of the series.

But raph alone made me feel on edge when I was younger, as if his presence on the screen warned me that I'll be witnessing conflict, someone was going to be mad because he jumped into something without thinking, or something was going to go downhill because he simoly couldn't listen, or... he was known as the angry guy, after all, as the one who had to control himself, the one who was not good enough to be on top, ever.

But the more I watched, I realised something, he was.. such a caring being, as if all those anger and frustration was suddenly turned into worry and care in a glimpse of an eye, I still remember the tears in his eyes when leo was hurt in the first season, such an uncanny moment for his character, and yet so fitting at the same time.

I always felt like he wanted something more, there are many moments that shows he can manage such intense situations, yet he always stepped aside at the last moment for the main hero, as if the captured raph inside the walls that he built around himself to feel protected was angrily begging him to break them down, and yet he couldn't do it, maybe that's why he falls into such intense emotional moments from time to time, the raph trapped in those walls suddenly breaking free, bursting into anger.

It's like deep inside, he's an understanding person, and yet he can't let that person escape, so he jumps into counclousions, he suddenly steps into battle without a plan, tryings to prove himself that he can handle things, he doesn't need to be like leo or anyone else to achieve that, and yet his ego bursts, shattered and looking for a soothing shoulder to give him guidance that he's too self-conscious to actually listen to.

But his character development is really nice throughout the show, I believe, and his loner attitude gets less intense. He seems more confident, as if he doesn't have to "win" to feel fulfilled.

Idk what am I saying anymore I just went on a random rant honestly I haven't actively thought about him as much as leo but I sure love his character a lot, so yeah this is what I think about him(((:

[prehistoricterrapin]

No no go on that was pretty interesting. I am taking notes. I said all I could about him I am afraid and you said somethings i haven’t heard yet.

[collapsedastralis]

Oh, I'm glad!!(: it was wally fun, thank you for asking me, and sorry for my English, it's not my first language.

[collapsedastralis]

I am sorry to bother you you mentioned Leo is your fav I am curious what are your opinions on Raph?

Oh hi!!(: not to worry at all, I got so excited when I saw your question.

Well.. his character has always been a little bit too much related to leo for me, it's like he had to be there, witnessing challenging him, as if their relationship tells the shifts and changes each has to go through within the course of the series.

But raph alone made me feel on edge when I was younger, as if his presence on the screen warned me that I'll be witnessing conflict, someone was going to be mad because he jumped into something without thinking, or something was going to go downhill because he simoly couldn't listen, or... he was known as the angry guy, after all, as the one who had to control himself, the one who was not good enough to be on top, ever.

But the more I watched, I realised something, he was.. such a caring being, as if all those anger and frustration was suddenly turned into worry and care in a glimpse of an eye, I still remember the tears in his eyes when leo was hurt in the first season, such an uncanny moment for his character, and yet so fitting at the same time.

I always felt like he wanted something more, there are many moments that shows he can manage such intense situations, yet he always stepped aside at the last moment for the main hero, as if the captured raph inside the walls that he built around himself to feel protected was angrily begging him to break them down, and yet he couldn't do it, maybe that's why he falls into such intense emotional moments from time to time, the raph trapped in those walls suddenly breaking free, bursting into anger.

It's like deep inside, he's an understanding person, and yet he can't let that person escape, so he jumps into counclousions, he suddenly steps into battle without a plan, tryings to prove himself that he can handle things, he doesn't need to be like leo or anyone else to achieve that, and yet his ego bursts, shattered and looking for a soothing shoulder to give him guidance that he's too self-conscious to actually listen to.

But his character development is really nice throughout the show, I believe, and his loner attitude gets less intense. He seems more confident, as if he doesn't have to "win" to feel fulfilled.

Idk what am I saying anymore I just went on a random rant honestly I haven't actively thought about him as much as leo but I sure love his character a lot, so yeah this is what I think about him(((:

[collapsedastralis]

Random ranboo doodles while rewatching genloss(:

[tmntobsessionsrus]

2003 Leo is the second biggest show off in his family (after Mikey). He’s just not vocal about it. He uses so many unnecessary extra fancy or extra difficult moves it’s almost like he’s shouting “LOOK AT ME!! LOOK HOW GOOD MY NINJITSU IS.”

Oh Leo is such a giant ham in 2003. In the first season he friggen knows it too - he pulls off Splinter’s training exercise perfectly right in the first episode, then a few episodes later he’s showing off his split kick. I feel like he actually does this a lot in front of Splinter - you’re right, he doesn’t brag about it or anything, but he is Splinter Jr. He is the teacher’s pet and he takes a lot of pride in being the best and acing Splinter’s training exercises when his brothers don’t.

I actually find this tendency of Leo’s at its funniest when he’s around Raph, because while I think a lot of people perceive it as like, Raph being jealous of Leo’s abilities or leadership or whatever, there’s absolutely this angle where Leo is also competitive with Raph and enjoys showing him up at things. See again: the pilot where he not only bests the training exercise, but flicks the candle butt at Raph afterwards just to piss him off. 

There’s also Samurai Tourist, which is overall a really sad episode (sorry, I’m incapable of talking about 03 Leo without at some point talking about his PTSD arc), but there’s this moment in the beginning where Leo’s training, and everyone’s sort of watching him and being judgmental/concerned about it - then Leo pretty deliberately stabs the hell out of Raph’s punching bag, to the latter’s rage. And again, it’s in this really sad context, but I have to admit it’s this sort of funny moment for me, because Leo just has this look on his face for a split-second where it’s like, “Yeah, I took a two-second break from being angsty and traumatized to do a ‘fuck you’ at Raph for no particular reason.”

And yeah, there are so many moments in the middle of fights where Leo just does these over-the-top moves, jumps on top of a bunch of foot ninjas’ heads or manages to repeatedly kick some giant dude down into a skylight or whatever. Like, he is a very flashy fighter. The guy has swords, it would be so easy for him to just like. Stab people, if he wanted to, but he goes in for all this elaborate combat instead, partially because he’s honourable like that, but also because, well, he likes being able to bust a move and show off his skills. Moreover, he probably views it as a good way to intimidate anyone else watching who might be considering trying to fight him next. 

On top of that, Leo is loud as hell when he fights. That’s what I notice most of all with 03 Leo, actually. Of course he can be stealthy when he needs to be, but he yells and screams and makes so much damn noise most of the time when he fights. I actually just recently reblogged a clip from 03, where the boys and Splinter are fighting some dudes and losing, and Splinter says they have to “become shadows” (i.e. make like trees and get out of there), only for Leo to let out some almighty scream as he kicks a dude, before telling the others to start retreating too. Dude has no chill at all.

[emeraldhonour]

This is a very good point, and it got me thinking.

I've seen it suggested multiple times that Mikey's showboating is a plea for validation - that he's insecure about his self worth and so goes out of his way to talk himself up and show he's the best (a recognised symptom of low self esteem).

What if it's the same for 03 Leo?

We already know he struggles heavily with self criticism. He's 100% a perfectionist, and is quick to cut himself down at any perceived 'failure'.

It could be argued that he's such a 'teacher's pet' to Splinter because he's desperately seeking the validation of his parental figure. He needs words of affirmation like he needs oxygen. Please tell him he's doing a good job. Please.

Leo's flashy moves could be considered a product of insecurity. He doubts himself, so he's got to prove - to himself and others - over and over again that he's a good ninja, that he's mastered his lessons, that he deserves to be the leader.

But he's also taken to heart Splinter's lesson about humility. So Leo doesn't (generally) go round bragging about how good he is. He'll let his skills do the talking for him. And if that includes an extra flourish of his swords, or an especially fancy move, well... Leo worked hard to perfect those moves. It would be a waste not to use them 😉

[prehistoricterrapin]

I always wondered why showboating is a sign of low self esteem. Raph and Donnie don’t really showboat do they?

[emeraldhonour]

Please bear in mind that I'm not a mental health professional, so everything I say comes from what I've gleaned, not professional training.

Not everyone with low self esteem brags and shows off. It's more the case that if someone does show off a lot, it's likely they're doing so because their self worth is so fragile, not necessarily the other way around.

Showing off can be an attempt to boost their own feeling of self worth, a way to 'prove' they are good enough. It can be an overcompensation and a way to hide their own insecurities and vulnerabilities. They may also be seeking the validation of others - if other people are impressed by how great they are, they feel worthwhile.

It could also be out of fear - they're afraid of being seen as not good enough, so they show off to prove they are.

Interestingly enough, I've read many ROTTMNT fics that posit that this is the reason Rise!Leo is such a show off. That it all stems from deep rooted self insecurity, and a need to prove himself.

The episode where he meets Hueso and takes his brothers through the Maze of Death is a good example - Leo needs to be called a "champion". And I believe there's even an occasion of one of the others (Raph) pointing out what a sore winner Leo is.

But back to 03.

Donnie doesn't show off much at all, which I think speaks to him being perhaps the most emotionally balanced of the 4 brothers. He's got a fairly healthy self esteem, and is content to let his accomplishments - especially his tech - speak for itself.

That's not to say he never shows off, though. That time he tried to copy a move he saw on TV, and failed miserably, comes to mind 😅

Raph's a bit more complicated.

No, he doesn't really go in for flashy moves. Raph's a "get the job done" kind of guy. But I don't think anyone would say he doesn't have quite a big ego, either 😅 His desire to rub the fact that he and Mikey were still in the Battle Nexus Tournament in his other brothers' faces is proof of that.

I definitely think Raph has self esteem issues - they all seem to, tbh. I just don't think Raph's show in cocky moves or boastful declarations, necessarily.

[collapsedastralis]

I live for this content(((:

And I wanted to add a little something.

I've been literally obsessed with Leo's character since I was like 4 or 5.

And.. I felt a personal connection with Leo, although I am the youngest child, and my personality was closer to Mike overall.

After years of self-discovery , I came to the conclusion that the way leo copes with his low self-esteem issues is really relatable.

In each and every series, he has this same trait, just slightly different.

He needs to feel like he's worth it, as if he needs others' eyes on him just so that they can give his actions meaning. Otherwise, they wouldn't mean much to himself.

And that is the reason he blames himself for every little mistake, every little injury, and maybe that is why he pushes all the turtles away in the later seasons, (Leo having PTSD mentioned yay!) he doesn't deserve that kindness and familial bond, not when he cannot protect it.

And it's really tragic to me because when he gets hurt in season one is the only time I feel like everyone just genuinely stops having expectations towards him, they just want their brother back, their flashy, bossy yet honorable brother, nothing else.

That is kind of the same with ROTTMNT leo as well. He needs that affirmation, and in this case, he acts severely desperate, and when he finally gets some sort of validation (him becoming the leader), he pushes it away because... it wasn't given to him, he had to earn and take it, he had to prove himself worthy, all the other Leo's had to do that aswell, or at least they thought they had to, as if they couldn't just be adored and seen as valuable by just.. being themselves, there had to be something more.

And he sacrifices himself, honestly that's commen with leo, his life isn't worth much in his own eyes.

My boy is really tragic. God, T_T

[dickgraysonmyrobin]

im being so serious when i ask this, but, how has dick's characterization become so opposing to his actual character? like how in the world did this pervasive and frankly invasive depiction of him become so popular? where in the world did people get these scraps of personality that they've frankensteined together to create this fucking weirdo that shakes his ass for criminals and is the biggest attention seeker? for decades we have had pretty consistent source material that continually establishes that dick is quite serious and a leader, and also someone that cares deeply for people and has the skill set and willpower to do literally anything for them. how has this fanon characterization that's quickly becoming canon happen to him?

[collapsedastralis]

To be fair, the first time I've ever encountered Dick was when he was robin in The Animated Series, and I remember loving how he's a caring bold guy who cares for others and yet he's well portrayed as a teen who has problems with self identity and finding his place in the world. But What I like about the fact that he becomes more of a lighthearted hero as he grows up in some comics is how that contracts the Batman's persona, how Nightwing doesn't need to be hiding in the shadows and behind his persona as a hero (like Batman tends to do) to be a great protector. He cracks bad puns, yet he understands his mission, mindful of why he chose this path, and he becomes an emotionally matured and more whelmed (; version of the hero who raised him.

I think the series Young Justice has done him the most, he doesn't want to become the next Batman, and yet when he becomes Nightwing, he still makes some of the same mistakes as him,he was raised by the man afterall but the difference is he accepts his errors in a more profound way, Dick makes his teammates feel the way he wished he could've felt when he was Robin so yeah, I actually think the more crackhead version of him is proof you don't need to supress your emotions and sacrifice experiencing your life to become a great hero.

Thank you for coming to my Ted talk:D