There’s more to say about Moon’s version in TMNT 2012. ( •̀ .̫ •́ )✧
Just like in ROTTMNT, he eventually became something like an older brother to the boys — but this time, things didn’t come easy. In Rise, they had a natural connection through Draxum, since Moon was his first experiment. But in the 2012 universe, there was no such bond. It took time, and a lot of effort, for them to see him that way — to truly accept Moon as family. And even then, each of them expressed it differently.
Leo, for one, struggled the most with his feelings. Part of him admired Moon deeply — the way he carried himself, calm yet strong, almost the image of a perfect leader in Leo’s eyes. But another part wasn’t sure how to fit into that. Could he really be the “younger brother” in Moon’s eyes? Moon never saw himself as a leader, or even as part of a “team.” He was simply... there. Protecting. Existing. Still, Leo couldn’t help but look up to him.
Raph didn’t trust him at first. It took time — and a lot of proof — for him to finally accept that Moon wasn’t a threat. Over time, that doubt turned into quiet admiration. He respected Moon’s strength, his confidence, and his ability to face him head-on. Training together became one of Raph’s favorite things. Moon never held back, and Raph loved that.
Donnie started out neutral — cautious, analytical. But soon he realized Moon genuinely listened to him. He didn’t just tolerate Donnie’s endless talks about tech, chemistry, or theories; he wanted to understand them. For Moon, it was all new — the world, the inventions, the chaos of human creation. He didn’t agree with it all, especially humanity’s carelessness with nature, but that didn’t stop Donnie from showing him everything he could. And Moon always accepted his help, even when he didn’t need it.
Mikey, as always, was the first to open his arms. He never hesitated to call Moon part of the family. Whether they were cooking together, joking around, or just hanging out, Mikey loved his company. And maybe what he loved most was how Moon never judged him — not for being too distracted, too unfocused, or “not smart enough.” Moon simply accepted him for who he was, and that meant everything to Mikey.
As for Moon…
He never had a purpose at first. He was just trying to protect others like himself. But little by little, something changed. The boys mattered to him. They became something he didn’t even realize he needed — a reason to stay, a reason to care. Still, he struggled to believe they truly saw him as family. Maybe he didn’t have to be as important as they were to each other; that didn’t matter to him. What mattered was them. If it ever came down to it, he would rather die than see any of them hurt.
Moon never saw much value in his own life — but to him, theirs meant everything.