Gnawing on Graviturtle and Griddex's color schemes. I wondered why they stray from the standard for Leo and Raph to instead wear a purple-red combo and blue - and it isn't even the Leo who wears the blue XD But then just a couple searches on color symbolism and I'm like Oh. They wear the colors that represent what they want to be.
We all know how they're usually seen with their colors. Leo = blue, cool, calm, constant, reliable, trustworthy, loyal. Raph = red, fiery, courage, drive, passion, action, strength.
Purple is said to be symbolic of mystery, rarity, royalty, wisdom, creativity and inspiration, red is symbolic of energy, action, determination, and they're both thought to represent courage. Grav wants to be that wise, brave, inspiring leader -- no surprise there for a Leo -- with just a hint of something mysterious that makes him unique. Again, he's the only one on the team who has a full-on intricate official-looking costume; if he's being a superhero he's going to get creative and full send it with a "royal", theatrical flair, even if he has no secret identity to protect under the mask XD If this is his identity, he's making it one of a kind
But purple is also the combination of red and blue, the balance. Maybe he's striving to find the balance of Leo and Raph-like traits he uses to lead, with the red accents in his costume meaning he's still working on asserting those Raph-like qualities, more overt passion and determination and strength. Building - or rebuilding - his inner fire, confidence and courage after Sliver's abuse!
And Griddex. He wears a simple unfussed blue jumpsuit, not an actual costume. Not as much to say and yet it says so much. One of the first things I read in my search of blue symbolism was this: "Many people see blue as non-threatening." My heart. He's a hulking, near indestructible giant with super strength but like all Raphs, he doesn't want to scare the people he cares about. He wants the people to see him as non-threatening. He wants to be seen as a soothing, stable, reliable, dedicated, trustworthy presence.
Blue also represents sadness, distance, depth, loneliness and cold. Raphs feel everything so wholeheartedly and, try as they might not to, often wear said hearts on their sleeves - kind of literally in this case. And it's no wonder. He's got a lot of deep feelings to process and grieve.
Anyway I love picking their brains and hearts and reading too deep into them. I love them very, very much. Holding them so tenderly <3
Tune in next time for why the shell is their Don orange XD
