I promised an analysis and by GOLLY I'm gonna make it. :)
(Before we get started, I will warn that there is some language in this update. The characters are all aged up.)
First some context; the last update showed us the aftermath of the big fight between the turtles and Bee Bop and Rocksteady. It showed everyone... except for Leo, whom Raph admits he saw run off once the fight was over. After calling April up like a good older brother he is, Raph allows his dear human friend to care for his remaining siblings as he goes out to find Leo.
That brings us to now. The first panel of this update shows us Leo, battered and bandaged, sitting alone. The expression on his face isn't just anger or physical pain-- there's also some sadness to it. He looks absolutely exhausted here which just breaks my heart. It makes me realize just how much pressure he's under and how much of that pressure comes from the world around him. Every day is a battle whether it be fighting against a bully at school, an evil passerby threatening he and his brothers to leave the "human" city-- or an actual physical battle between those they used to think were allies.
It's too much for anyone to carry on their shoulders. And I appreciate the talented artist of this comic showing us that.
The next panel reveals Raphael hiding in the shadows, Leo's glare trained on him like a possible threat waiting to attack. It's already been said BY Raph in this comic that Leo is "excellent at his job"; he's become extremely skilled in his ninjitsu. So it's correct that he would sense his scarlet-adorned brother in the shadows.
The two argue immediately, but something is very different about their roles in the fight. Leo's face is always sharp and angry, while Raph's is more often than not CALM and RESERVED. Leo chides his brother for leaving, to which Raph throws the rebuke straight back to Leo whom left first. Leo counters by clarifying "Yeah, I left them with you." And-- a part of my heart actually swelled hearing that. As much of a tussel these two are having right now-- Leo just admitted that he totally trusts Raphael to cover for him and protect their family. Raph shrugs it off, but I wanted to mention it cause it meant a lot to me. :)
The one-sided anger doesn't last, though. Raph goes off on Leo about leaving-- about abandoning himself and his brothers to sulk-- and for yelling at their dad as soon as they returned home. He even goes as far to defend their father's reaction to their broken, bloody bodies after their fight.
Raph mentioning Splinter sets Leo off all over again. The eldest begins listing out everything his father has said to him-- how many times he's been rebuked by his dad for the good he has done in trying to defend and fight for their family and against the public's distain for mutants. Like Raph mentions, it's sad that Leo has memorized by heart all of the angry and concerned words of his father. He has them written on his heart like sentences etched into a grave stone; the only thing he thinks will be remembered of his life, and the duty and responsibility that took it away from him.
Then Raph cuts him off-- actually defending him, his beliefs, and his actions. He says to the eldest that he's on Leo's side, and the blue-masked brother's response says so so much. "I'm trying to do a good thing-- the right thing-- and he acts like I'm the problem! ... You think we're doing the right thing... don't you?"
I love how gentle Leo becomes when he says this question-- a question that has burdened his heart even more than the battles, the blood, and the backlash. And Raph's response is just as calm.But also just as potent. "I think it's the right thing, yeah. And I think we're the wrong people to do it."
Hearing Raphael, the brother LITERALLY KNOWN IN THE SERIES for his love of fighting, is now tired of it. If he could "quit" he would. That says so much and it makes my heart twist for him. His love of fighting has completely disintegrated, replaced with maturity, exhaustion, and worry for his family. He's growing up-- but not in the way anyone would ever want.
This leads to my favorite panels in the whole update. The two brothers sit, watching the city below in silence as the wind whips their mask tails. They're shell-to-shell, using pressure and presence to bring safety and comfort to each other without a word being said. The cuteness factor is chucked to an eleven when Raph goes as far to rest his head onto Leo's-- Something that's famous for siblings to do if they want to comfort each other without getting all "emotional and sappy". And Leo-- at this very moment-- looks SO CLOSE to breaking. There are no tears, but dang it all I can imagine his tear ducts working overtime and him using the last of his strength to keep them from falling.
The silence ends as Raph brings up their previous fight with the Foot. Leo throws back a few defenses again, but they are no where NEAR as vicious and angry. And not once does Leo pull away from his brother, either. <3 But when the eldest begins to discuss the Shredder looking for them, the angle changes. Instead of being far away, we're right up to Leo's face, the "camera" getting a pretty good angle of the deep scar adorning his side from their evil foe all those months ago. Leo's hand even begins rubbing it, most likely not aware of his self-soothing actions.
The final panel shows Raph getting up, his expression tired and worried, as he tells Leo they need to go home. And Leo's face-- he's so sad. He's so tired and hurt. We don't see his response, but I think it's a safe bet by his more calm and regretful expression that he'll listen to Raph.
This story has been amazing so far, and I can't wait to see more. :) Might even try my hand at fanart if I get the time. <3 A HUGE thank you to @rheadanai for all the hard work and dedication and heart that they have put into this masterpiece. Well done. :)
