Heroes with a difficult past.
This week, the sequel to the two-year-old Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, which grossed nearly $500 million in wide box office, is being released in Russian cinemas. We decided to recall the main historical moments of some of the most unusual heroes of comic book movies.
1. The Turtles' Creators Loved Martial Arts
The first sketches of future heroes.
Both iconic comic book artists Peter Alan Laird and Kevin Brooks Eastman were martial arts fans. The first studied aikido in his youth, the second adored films with Bruce Lee. That is why the main characters received the loud prefix “ninja”.
2. The names of the main characters were invented as a joke.
Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, Donatello. Originals.
Laird and Eastman loved art history, so the idea of borrowing the names of Renaissance masters (Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael Santi, Michelangelo Buonarotti, Donato di Niccolo di Betto Bardi) seemed funny to both creators.
According to the legend of the comic book itself, the sensei of the turtles, the rat Splinter, accidentally found a colorful album with paintings by these artists in a pile of garbage.
3. Turtles was originally a parody of another comic book.
Hero of the Daredevil comic book.
Many fans associate the idea of mutation of the main characters with the story of another comic book character - Daredevil. While saving a man from under the wheels of a truck transporting radioactive substances, he lost his sight. The liquid got into his eyes, depriving him of his vision, but improving his hearing and smell. The Turtles were originally a parody of this hero.
In addition, the comic was similar to Frank Miller's Ronin, about the adventures of a samurai in New York.
4. The heroes did not immediately get multi-colored headbands
Cover of the original comic.
In the original comic there was a lot of aggression and cruelty, the Ninja Turtles themselves were black and white, only the heroes had red armbands on the cover.
Only after the comic became popular the artists “handed” each turtle a bandage of a certain color and buckles with letters on the belts. Raphael received red, Donatello received purple, orange went to Michelangelo, and blue to the leader of the quartet, Leonardo.
5. Each turtle has its own set of characteristics
All heroes are different.
Leonardo
Date of Birth: 12th of August
Weapon: Punishes enemies with two katanas
Characteristics: Disciplined, inflexible in decisions, constantly argues with the carefree Michelangelo
Chip: Informal team leader. In the 1987 animated series, he has an affair with the ninja girl Lotus
Donatello
Date of Birth: July 1
Weapon: Uses a boken (a long bamboo stick) as a weapon.
Characteristics: Brains of the team, loves technology and science
Chip: In the new film adaptation, the hero has a backpack with gadgets, a headset with a camera and an electronic monocle, and he himself wears glasses. In the 2016 film, Don built the Turtles' signature truck, which is as gadgety as James Bond's.
Raphael
Date of Birth: August 22
Weapon: Uses a pair of sai daggers (stiletto-type bladed weapons)
Characteristics: A brutal fighter with an unbalanced psyche
Chip: In the animated series “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Raphael had an affair with Mona Lisa, a girl who mutated into a lizard
Michelangelo
Date of Birth: November 24
Weapon: Favorite weapon nunchucks
Characteristics: Carefree and frivolous team
Chip: The main optimist of the team. He loves pizza more than anyone else and jokes more often than anyone else. In the 2014 film, the hero breathes unevenly towards April; in the continuation of the story, we expect new advances from the turtle towards the journalist. It was Michelangelo (the turtle with nunchucks) who was the first to draw one of the comic book’s authors, Kevin Eastman.
6. Rocksteady and Bebop, two iconic jerks appear in the new film
Big and stupid.
Two antagonists and assistants to the main villain Shredder, who promise to become one of the main features of the future film, which comes out at the very beginning of June. In the classic animated series, these two mutants were the result of crossing two punk bandits with a rhinoceros and a boar. Both are absolutely stupid.
The names of the characters indicate musical genres: Bebop is a style of jazz. Rocksteady is a Jamaican style of music (father of Reggae style).
7. Animated series, many and different
Nostalgia from the 90s.
For Russian viewers, the comic book heroes opened the series, which was filmed from 1987 to 1992. total episodes - 193, seasons - 10.
In 2003, Fox Network revived the animated series, which is more similar to the original comics, becoming darker and more dramatic.
In 2012, the Nickelodeon channel premiered an animated series that uses computer graphics.
8. The first film adaptation looks ridiculous now, but it was a hit in 1990
Trailer for a movie from the 90s.
The film about the Turtles, which appeared in 1990, repeated the main story of the appearance of the heroes. With a budget of $13.5 million, the film grossed $201 million worldwide. It is curious that Sam Rockwell played one of the roles in the film.
Don't believe that the film turned out strange? Let's watch the trailer.
9. The Turtles reboot was a success.
Still from the 2014 film.
In 2014, for the 30th anniversary of the franchise, director Jonathan Liebesman shot a new film adaptation of the comic book, released in 3D format.
Fans were unhappy with the new repulsive appearance of the main characters. On the one hand, you can understand them, everyone is accustomed to the cute faces of turtles, on the other hand, look at pictures of a common turtle. The artists of the new version of mutants had every reason for their creativity.
In general, the film turned out to be a kind of symbiosis of the harsh and realistic “The Dark Knight” by Christopher Nolan and #let’s blow everything up here by Michael Bay’s “Transformers”.
The film's budget was $125 million, and worldwide grosses were $493 million ($29 million in Russia).
10. The second part of the new “Turtles” promises to be very cool
You will be pleasantly surprised.
There are several reasons. The scale of events became larger, the heroes had new enemies known to us from the animated series, there were more jokes, April #Megan O'Neal was stripped even more, and her female counterpart was the world-famous model Alessandra Ambrosio.
We are also looking forward to the appearance of Casey Jones, the independent assistant of the turtles, and a demonstration of the super features of the turtle van. And, of course, signature slowmo and crazy destruction from the film’s producer Michael Bay.
- one of the main comic book characters Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the entire subsequent franchise. In most cases (,) he is shown as the eldest of the entire Turtle Four. He usually wears a blue headband and is armed with two katanas. He is characterized by leadership and discipline. It got its name in honor of the Renaissance artist Leonardo Da Vinci.
Leonardo is the most collected of all the Turtles. He is quite reserved and sensitive, rarely giving direct orders, and is more relaxed than his brothers, considering himself more of an equal than their leader. Despite his calm character, he often gets into arguments with his more hot-tempered brother, Rafael.
Leonardo trains hard and studies battle strategies to prepare his family for possible turbulent times. He was accused of having too high expectations, but he did not agree with this. He didn't try to be perfect, he wanted a perfect experience. And perhaps, when the family is out of danger, he can relax. Leo loves his family more own life and therefore feels responsible for their safety. And if he is sure that teacher Splinter is still able to stand up for himself, then the brothers are a cause for concern. He understands that he must be with them and help them focus.
Biographical information
Residence: Earth, New York, McMahon Animal Mall, sewer, April O'Neil's apartment, Casey Jones farm
Nicknames: Leo, Fearless Leader, Splinter Jr., Jungle Phantom, Master Ginsu, Leonardo-san
Date of birth: unknown
Date of death: still alive
Weapon options (abilities): Katanas, Ninjutsu Mastery, Athletic Skills, Strategic Leader Skills, Tengu Sword, Ninjato Swords, Wakizashi Sword, Blaster, Bow and Arrows, Shurikens, Kama, Gunshin Sword, Cyber Equipment, Kenjutsu Mastery and Iaido - Swordsmanship, Fencing Arts. Advanced physical capabilities 
ties through Shi's manipulation during training with the Ninja Tribunal, Niten-ryu.
Occupation: Leader of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Contacts with organizations: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ninja Tribunal, Acolytes,
Physical data
Species: mutant turtle
Gender: male
Height: 144.5 cm or 155 cm on two legs; 156.1 cm, 162.15 cm, 172.7 cm
Weight: 68 kg, 70 kg, 81.5 kg
Hair color: no
Headband color: red in Mirage and Image comics, blue in all other franchises
D
additional information
Places of appearance: , ,
Publishers: Mirage Studios, Archie Comics, Image Comics, Konami, Dreamwave, Ubisoft
First appearance: comic "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" #1(first release by Studio Mirage)
Creators: Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird
Voice actors/performers:
Cam Clarke- m/s 1987-1996
Tetsuya Kakihara (Tetsuy a Kakihara)— anime “The Legend of the Super Mutants” (1996-1997)
Brian Tochi- voiced in three films (from 1990 to 1993)
David Forman- played in the first film
Mark Caso- played in the second and third films
Michael Dobson— TV series “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Mutation” (1997-1998)
Michael Sinterklaas- m/s 2003-2009
James Arnold Taylor— m/f “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2007)
Dan Green— version of Leonardo from the first animated series, m/f “Turtles Forever” (2009)
Jason Anthony Griffith— Mirage version of Leonardo, m/f “Turtles Forever” (2009)
Jason Biggs- m/s from Nickelodeon (2013)
Comics
Mirage Studios
IN first volume in the original comics by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, Leonardo plays an important role. At the beginning of the story he is 15 years old. In early issues, his leadership is not so clearly reflected, although he usually speaks for all the brothers. Subsequently, he openly asserts his position as a leader to Raphael in "Turtle
ki Ninja" #44 (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #44, 1992). He is the chief strategist of the team (except in cases related to technology - this is the field).
In a micro-series release ( What goes around... comes aroundreap! /
What Goes Around... Comes Around! )
Leo makes a foray across the rooftops of New York and falls into a trap. He engages in a thrilling fight with the Foot Ninja, but ultimately loses, severely wounded and rendered semi-conscious. He was thrown through a glass dome in the roof of the apartment. The remaining Turtles and Splinter were forced to fight. However, despite the help, the advantage was not on their side. 
IN Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11 (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11) When the Turtles, Splinter, April and Casey retreated to the Northampton farm, Leo recovered physically but seemed depressed and lacking confidence. He repeatedly made unsuccessful attempts at deer hunting. At one of these moments, he saved April, who had fallen through the ice. All subsequent issues showed how Leonardo regained his former confidence.
IN storyline "Return to New York" #19-21 (Return to New York, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #19-21), Raphael demanded that the Turtles return to New York and confront Shredder and the Foot Clan, accusing Leonardo of cowardice. They start arguing and a fight breaks out. Raphael overpowered Leo, throwing him over the barn wall, and left alone. Soon after, Donatello and Leonardo returned to New York and reunited with their wayward brother in an old sewer hideout. All three agree with Raphael's plan to attack. The Four Turtles enter the Shredder's hideout, where Raphael once again did his own thing and fell into a trap, defeated by E 
cast Ninja Shredder. After being rescued by Leonardo, Raphael cedes leadership out of respect for his older brother and returns to the aid of Donatello and Michelangelo, leaving Leo to fight the Shredder on the roof. The fight ended with the beheading of the latter. The Turtles later burned Shredder's body in a funeral pyre near Manhattan Harbor.
In the story arc "City at War, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #50-62", a struggle for leadership developed between various factions of the Foot Clan, which spontaneously took to the streets of New York, thereby putting the Turtles and the civilian population at risk. Leonardo grows tired of the constant battles with the Foot Clan and again becomes indecisive. The Turtles are approached by the leader of the Foot Clan in Japan, who arrives in New York to unite the Foot. She offered the Turtles a truce if they would help her in the fight against Shredder's Elite Ninjas, who are the main obstacle to the reorganization of the Foot Clan. Leo convinces his brothers to accept Karai's offer and all four team up with her to eliminate the Elite.
In second volume Mirage comics, Turtles live in different places. Leonardo decides to take up residence in a new shelter in the sewers. Michelangelo and Raphael notice a change in Leonardo and that he has become calmer, although Raphael notes that mutual skirmishes between him and Leo are par for the course.
IN volume 4, Leo still leads his brothers in the fight against crime. The conflicts between Leonardo and Raphael seem to be fading away as their characters “softened” as they reached their thirties. When the Utroms publicly came to Earth and revealed alien life to humans, the Turtles begin to live freely among humans. They also help the Utroms acclimate to Earth and work with the Foot Clan as guards. Leo has a new rival - Cha Ocho from the Foot Clan, the reason for which was their mutual skirmish years earlier. After most of the Foot Clan around the world is destroyed by a mysterious warrior, leaving only the New York division intact, Leonardo joins forces with Karai to capture him. His investigation leads him to the Battle Nexus, where he meets Oroku Yoshi, who wears almost the same armor as Shredder.
Publishing house Image Comics
In these comics, Leonardo is given similar traits to his Mirage counterpart (at the time, Image picked up the second volume where Mirage left off). In later releases 
he lost his arm, although this did not bother him too much. At first he tried to use the prosthetic one created by Donatello, but a steel cap with a retractable blade turned out to be preferable. To date, the events occurring in the Image comics are considered non-canonical, although the entire series is called the third volume.
Archie Comics
These comics were originally an adaptation of the 1987-1996 animated series, so Leonardo was portrayed like his animated counterpart. In the Archie comics, Leonardo has a pretty strong dislike for firearms. Leonardo from the future was shown as the founder of the ninja school. He got 4 best students: Nobuko - his possible love, Miles - a young black man, Carmen - a Latina and Bob - an anthropomorphic baboon. These students had a warm relationship with the Turtles. Bob, in particular, addressed them as "uncles."
IDW Publishing
In Splinter's absence, Leonardo is the team leader. He always calculates the situation quickly and in advance. Leonardo is a perfectionist, which often 
o doesn't play into his hands. He carries out the tasks assigned to him with fanaticism, fearing otherwise that he will fall in the eyes of others and lose his status. Always tries to live up to the ideals of his mentor Splinter. However, he cannot grasp the simple thing Splinter said: “It is honorable to strive for perfection, but it is not shameful to fail to achieve it.”
Leonardo also believes that he is responsible for the actions of his brothers and that their wrong actions are also a loss of his status. Leonardo is a voracious reader and is perhaps the smartest of the Turtles in terms of intellect. If previously Raphael was the object of Leonardo's moralizing, then in IDW comics this role went to Donatello. The team leader is often unhappy that his brother considers himself the smartest, thereby once again undermining Leonardo's leadership in the eyes of the family.
Cartoon series
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 1987-1996.
Before the IDW comics, this was the only version of the franchise where Leonardo and Raphael were not rivals. This is also the only version of Ninja Turtles where Leonardo's swords were curved (possibly due to animation issues), so they could have been called katanas. 
In the lyrics of the opening song, Leonardo is directly called the leader of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and for good reason. His orders are usually followed and he is a true do-gooder who almost always makes prudent decisions. In one of the episodes, he suffered a crisis of confidence and left his brothers in soul searching. Each of the three tried to try themselves as a leader, but everyone realized that this was not given to them, and then Leonardo returned.
In the series "Carefully. Lotus!" (Beware of Lotus) he was attracted to the young kunoichi (female ninja) Lotus Blossom - a gifted fech 
merchant from Japan. Krang hired her as a replacement for Shredder, whom she easily defeated (along with Bebop). She and Leonardo fought evenly until Lotus used a trick to knock out her opponent. The second time they met, she tried to convince him to join her as a ninja for hire, but he refused. She left Krang and ran away to continue her mercenary lifestyle, telling Leo that she was more attracted to gold, although in the end she hoped that one day they would be on the same side of the fence.
When the animated series first began, Leonardo was immediately shown as a leader, akin to his comic book counterpart. However, as subsequent episodes were released, he became more and more emotional and at some point could even scream, which greatly distinguished him from the original, more deep first season. This was probably a result of the authors downplaying Leonardo's importance, as audiences sympathized more with Micheland 
and to Rafael.
Leonardo was seen reading enthusiastically. For example, many times when the Turtles were in their sewers, he read books. In the episode "Four Musketeer Turtles", he turned out to be the only Turtle who read the novel “The Three Musketeers”. Another good example– series "Leonardo is Missing" where while the other Turtles play video games, Leonardo stays in the shelter and reads.
In the series "The Great Glaciation" (Take Me to Your Leader), Season 3, Leonardo relinquishes his command and leaves after having a nightmare that convinces him of his inability to be a good leader. The others decided to find him and stop Shredder, Krang, Bebop and Rocksteady, who were trying to suck solar energy with their solar pump to refill the batteries at the Technodrome. However, Leonardo returned when on the way he discovered a bridge that had collapsed under the weight of snow. He was impressed by the words of a local resident that everyone was discussing the bad weather, but no one was doing anything. Leo realizes his responsibility and returns to his brothers. Together they save the Earth from icing.
In the 6th season, in the episode "Snakes
are coming back" (Snakes Alive) Leonardo is shown to suffer from ophidiophobia (fear of snakes), but he eventually overcomes it 
T.
Beginning with Season 8(Red Sky Series) He is shown to be more dedicated to protecting people, while Raphael and Donatello expressed their resentment towards people who made them feel abandoned. Leo explained to them that their enemies had simply misled the people, and that he would not stop doing good, even if it was not appreciated.
In the original version on English language, Leonardo and Rocksteady voiced Cam Clarke. Leonardo is generally regarded as Clark's turning point and one of his most famous. In the Hebrew version Leonardo dubbed Ido Mosseri.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 2003-2009.
In the original version, Leonardo voiced Michael Sinterklaas. It was dubbed in Finnish Samuel Haryanna (Samuel Harjanne, first and second seasons) and Markus Blom. Here he is shown as an informal leader and the most spiritual of all. He had a strong connection to Splinter, and had a strong sense of honor, morality and Bushido. He carries katanas crossed on his back. Episodes involving honor and the Shredder usually focus on Leonardo, and he often becomes the Turtle who "saved everyone today". In this animated series, Leo is more sensitive and doubtful of himself than in his other incarnations. Raphael often quarreled with him and resented his brother's leadership, sarcastically calling him "Fearless Leader", although they were very close from time to time. Relationship with Donatello and 
Michelangelo is not as volatile, although they both referred to the rigid standards set by Leo. Despite this, all the brothers consider him the basis of their strength, and are confused when he is injured or missing. One of Leonardo's most outstanding qualities is his strong conviction 
The ability to believe the best in people, even potential enemies (e.g. Karai, Traximus, Beast). He was also partial to Karai, the adopted daughter of the Utrom Shredder.
From time to time, Leonardo is too strict with himself, as he feels that a lot depends on him. Just like in the Mirage comics, Leo is ambushed and seriously injured in a battle with the Foot Clan. And he is also overcome by a feeling of his own insignificance. The same thing happened in third season, after the final battle with Shredder. His anger and feelings of insecurity were caused by Karai, who he believed was a noble ally, but could not resist the Master's orders, ultimately causing him a serious wound (unintentionally). After this incident, Leo behaves completely inappropriately, as he is sure that he will let himself and his family down again. This manifested itself in his desire to blow up spaceship, on which Shredder and the Turtles were simultaneously located. But at the last moment the Utroms saved them from certain death. After the final battle with the Shredder, Leo was the only Turtle to actually suffer serious damage - part of his shell on his left shoulder broke off. Somehow, he is the most skilled of all the Turtles. He trained with two masters and was able to go toe-to-toe with and defeat Karai, the new Shredder, and even wound Splinter.
For most of fourth season Leonardo shows his worst qualities, becoming more cruel and rude, which bothers his loved ones. In the process of his self-flagellation, he goes so far as to injure teacher Splinter during training. After this he has to go on a journey, and at the end of the journey he finds peace of mind under the leadership of the Elder, Splinter's friend, who had previously trained Hamato Yoshi (Splinter's master and teacher). He had to go back after the news that his family was in danger. He returns to New York, reunites his family (victims of Karai's revenge) in safe place, and engages Karai in battle, giving her one last chance to leave the Turtles alone.
In the fifth season (Lost Season), during the training of the Acolytes (Chosen Ones) under the guidance of the Ninja Tribunal, Leonardo was the only one who did not receive weapons from the fiery forge of the Spirits (powered by the breath of the Four Great Dragons). They didn’t give a clear explanation for this, but maybe, unlike others, he simply didn’t need it in the battle since he eats himself 
It's the best weapon. Or he was too worried about the flames coming out of the forge and was the last one to believe that they were safe, so he was considered unworthy of the weapon. A more plausible and concrete explanation is that the Gunshin sword (which another Acolyte Faraji received) was his real weapon and he was only allowed to wield it after he could prove to the Ninja Tribunal that he had overcome his fears and doubts. His spirit form (avatar) is a very rare Dragon form, unheard of for anyone his age. Later, his brothers also took on the form of Dragons. In the series "Beginning of the End" Leonardo receives the Gunshin sword - one of the dragon's fangs that controls the "White Flame of the Dragon King" - from the dying Faraji. He returns this sword in the series Enter the Dragons, Part 1, when Faraji returns to help fight the Demon Shredder.
IN Season 6 (Full Forward), and also subsequently, Leonardo’s shell is again safe and sound. Also, Leo is one 
venny, who continues to train, in contrast to the brothers, exploring the world and the possibilities of the future. However, one day, together with his brothers, he violates the ban on not reading April's diary (which could tell about what happened in the past, which the Turtles jumped over).
IN Season 7 (Back to the Sewer) Leonardo and his brothers must 
IT bytes of teacher Splinter after the Virus split him in Cyberspace. In the season finale, Leonardo goes with everyone to Casey and April's wedding and helps bring back Splinter. After this 
Then he and his brothers fight the Cyber-Foots and defeat the Cyber-Shredder, after which they watch the wedding of their friends. Leonardo is also the most skilled in combat this season.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 2012
Although he is not yet the brave and decisive commander that he sees himself as, he has all the makings of a true leader. He is an excellent fighter and tactician, but his tireless desire for leadership prevents him from becoming a true master of his craft. As Splinter tells him, “You can’t hold water in a clenched fist.”
Weapon: Niten-ryu - two swords
Movies
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles I (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), 1990
In the very first film, Leonardo was quite modest and sensitive, rarely gave orders, and often joked with his brothers, which would not 
lo in past TV versions of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He was the first to discover a telepathic connection with the kidnapped Splinter. But unlike the comics, it was not he who was beaten on the roof, but Raphael. And he wasn't the one who defeated Shredder. However, he was the only one of the Turtles who was able to injure Shredder during 
time for their final fight on the roof. Due to the film's focus on Raphael, Leo's character was not fully developed, and his leadership abilities kept in the shadows. He played him in the film David Forman, and voiced Brian Tochi.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Secret of the Ooze (1991)
Leonardo became a more prominent figure and his leadership was clearly shown. Often bickers with Rafael, as their competition becomes more intense 
more serious. Leonardo, like his brothers, was very surprised by the return of the Foot, but he realized that their homelessness due to the previous battle with them was more important problem And 
he soon persuaded the brothers to move away from April (who had temporarily provided them with shelter). Leo is still the same sensitive, caring, but already more powerful and confident leader.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, 1993
In the third part, Leonardo helps the brothers return home from feudal Japan after helping a village that was being terrorized by a Western colonist. 
Walker.
In the second and third films, Leo played Mark Caso, and voiced Brian Tochi.
Concert tours
Coming Out of Their Shells, 1990
In the pageant, Leo plays bass guitar and is a backing vocalist.
Series
Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation, 1997-1998
In this series, Leonardo has two ninjato swords instead of two katanas. His rivalry with Raphael was shown in many series 
iyah. One day during a sparring match, Raphael took advantage of Leo's obvious physical weakness, insulting, teasing and taunting his brother until Leo finally lost his patience and punched Raphale with such force that he flew through their entire hideout. They spent the rest of the season arguing and competing their (sometimes absurd) skills, using arm wrestling as their final contest to decide who should stay and who should go. And although Leo won, he decided that Raph should stay. Leonardo tends to side with the teacher when it comes to how a ninja should act (not attack, but defend), while Raphael has the opposite opinion. Following the rules sometimes comes to the point of being comical.
Full-length cartoons
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT), 2007
The cartoon continues its plot.
Leonardo was sent by teacher Splinter to hone his skills in order to strengthen his leadership skills after defeating Shredder. April later discovers him in Central America. And although at first he doubts whether to return to New York, he eventually does right choice, because on the city 
there's a new one coming evil force. His relationship with Raphael seems strained because he feels abandoned by his brother and underappreciated in the eyes of his teacher. Leonardo's vision of the world is perhaps broader than that of his brother. In the first of the prequel comics to this cartoon, Leo got angry at Raphael for trying to leave his brothers and help a man who was being robbed, because at that time there were four heavily armed Triceratons in the sewers, ready to destroy the city, and who needed to be stopped. He becomes even more annoyed when Raph leaves them in the middle of the battle to help 
to the old man. This conflict shows that the brothers are operating different levels morality, although each of them is right in their own way. In the comic, Raphael states that he is tired of waiting for troubles to befall his family and of fighting aliens, while here, next to them, people are robbed and killed. On the other hand, Leonardo believes that the police are responsible for the safety of people, while the Utroms and Triceratons are the task of the Turtles. And you should stand up for people only if there are no other options for solving their problem. However, in the cartoon there is a contradiction to this - Leo, being in Central America, uses force to fight local lawlessness and actually leaves his brothers, believing, like Rafael, that others need him more. These parallels hint that both brothers have the same feelings for justice, but each has their own mentality, and each fights with their own methods and in their own conditions. 
In the cartoon, Raphael challenges Leonardo after they argue about justice and reasons for behavior. Leo also learns that Raf is the Night All-Seeer and enters into battle with him. But Raphael breaks his swords and almost kills his brother, but retreats when he sees the latter’s deep and embarrassed look. After this, Leonardo is captured by the Stone Generals and the Foot Clan, but before the decisive battle, his family saves him. In the end, both brothers resolve all their differences. Raf recognizes Leo as the leader of the team, while Leonardo himself recognizes Raf's need.
Turtles Forever, 2009
Design of Turtles from m/s 2003-2009. corresponds to the 6th season, and the Turtles from m/s 1987-1996. - approximately 6-7th. While Leo"2003 has not changed in character as a whole, Leonardo"1987 (and his brothers) are shown to be more stupid and frivolous than in the original animated series 
le. Due to the financial policies of the 4KidsTV company, the actor who gave the Turtle his voice in the old cartoon could not take part (as well as the others) and was replaced by Dan Green. As for the Mirage version, she, like her brothers in the comics, is fearless, dark, serious and rude - which matches the mood 
first issue. When meeting with other versions of the Turtles, Leonardo "1984, as in the comic, commented on his actions and the attacks of his brothers (“I killed two in a jump. Donatello neutralized the third with his bo.”) Finally, Mirazhevsky Leonardo gives advice to the Turtles from other universes, calling they are also brothers, which makes Leo "2003 think about this fact. Also Leonardo "1984" says the famous (among fans) 
final speech.
In addition, in one of the scenes, when Shredder scans the Turtles from two animated series, the viewer is presented with images of Turtles from different universes: films, comics, TMNT (2007), etc. And each image has its own Leonardo.
Video games
In many games, Leonardo is the first Turtle given to the player to choose from. It is especially popular among beginner players. He is created to be well-balanced in all aspects, with no super powers or major weaknesses. He has a high attack range, but no more than Donatello, however Leo does more damage. In Game Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters his attacks are similar to those of Ryu/Ken from Street Fighter. He appeared as a game character in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash Up.
Leonardo is also featured as a playable character in World Heroes 2(for NES platform). His appearance here is a modified version of Armaggon from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (SNES).
The Ninja Turtles are the legendary defenders of New York, familiar to us since childhood. Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donatello appeared on screen in 1987 as characters in the animated series, which can now confidently be called a cult classic. The Ninja Turtles' weapons, along with their colors, help differentiate them from each other.
Brave, courageous and with a great sense of humor, these four mutants have become idols of children and teenagers around the world. Together with their teacher the rat Splinter, they have not lost their fame for three decades now thanks to numerous cartoons, comics, and toys. And in 2014, the popularity of the heroes rose to a new peak thanks to the release of a full-length Hollywood film.
Each turtle differs from its brothers in the color of its blindfold and the type of weapon it uses. Let's figure out who is who. So:
Blue - Leonardo (katana);
Purple - Donatello (Bo's pole);
Red - Raphael (sai);
Yellow - Michelangelo (nunchucks).
Now let’s look at what exactly the weapons of the Ninja Turtles are, so as not to get confused by these complex names.
Katana - the leader's weapon
It is impossible to imagine the “blue” mutant Leonardo without his swords. But these are not ordinary blades, but a classic Japanese katana. When Splinter handed them to his student, he said that these were the leader's weapons.
This is often called any, but first of all it is a saber with a slightly curved tip more than 60 cm long. Thanks to the straight and long handle, it can be held with both hands, which is very convenient, given its considerable weight - about 1-1.5 kg.
The curved shape of the sword and its sharp end help to deliver not only cutting, but also piercing blows, which gives more options for maneuvers during battle.
The weapons of the Ninja Turtles have become very popular. Toys in the form of a katana with a sheath delight children all over the world.
Pole Bo - Donatello's reliable partner
Donatello (the turtle with the purple bandage) wins with amazing agility
any opponent thanks to his pole. Bo is considered the most best weapon among the sticks.
It would seem that you can’t really turn around with such a large projectile, but in fact it is very light (made of wood or bamboo) and is suitable for fighting even in the tightest room.
Its usual length is 180 cm, but there are models that reach as much as 270 cm. As a rule, the thickness of the Bo is 3 centimeters, which makes gripping by hand as comfortable as possible. And Menuki (the fabric that is wrapped around it) central part) minimizes palm slipping.
These ninja turtle weapons allow you to fight in a variety of techniques. They can inflict slashing, cutting, lashing blows, make pokes, loops, figure eights, fight back, intercept the enemy, and parry.
It is difficult to knock it out or grab it from your hands, which gives an additional advantage during a fight.
Sai: three daggers in one
Stylish and sophisticated, similar to a stiletto, used by Raphael, a mutant with a red bandage.
According to one version, this triple knife came from a trident, which the ancient Japanese used to loosen the ground.
Sai has a short shaft (its maximum width is one and a half palms) and an elongated middle blade. This traditional weapons residents of the Japanese region of Okinawa.
Its side teeth give the hand additional protection, and thanks to their sharp sharpening, they are also used to defeat the enemy in battle.
This is a convenient and compact weapon for the Ninja Turtles. It can be tucked into your belt and then easily and quickly removed at the right time.
Raphael uses two sais at once. They are suitable for both close combat and throwing at the enemy.
A weapon that anyone can make
Michelangelo is a turtle business card which are the color yellow and nunchucks. This weapon can be used not only to strike and break objects, but also to strangle the enemy.
Two small wooden sticks, fastened together with a chain or cord, are an indispensable assistant in any fight. It can be easily made at home. How to make ninja turtle weapons with your own hands?
To do this, you need to make holes at the ends of the sticks if you use a cord, or attach metal fasteners to them if you want to make a model with a chain, like Michelangelo.
Then we connect the sticks together - and the Ninja Turtles are ready for battle.
Sometimes one half of the nunchaku can be longer than the other, if this option seems more convenient to the owner. But, as a rule, both sticks are the same length, like their most famous mutant owner.
Shredder, Khan, Agent John Bishop, Supreme Krang, Rocksteady and Bebop, Baxter Stockman, Scavenger, Rat King, Super Ninja, KaraiComics
Mirage studios
In the first volume of the original comic, Leonardo plays a very important role. At the beginning of the episode he is 15 years old. In the early stories he is not exactly called a leader, although he is in charge of the team. Later in the series, he openly declares his position as leader instead of Raphael. He is the team's main strategist.
Image Comics
In Image Comics, Leo is more violent than in Archie, but he is a fair leader and always helps his brothers. He wishes to take revenge on Shredder for Hamato Yoshi, Master Splinter's teacher.
Archie Comics
In Archie, Leonardo is a kind and responsible but rather boring character. He constantly bores his brothers with training, which is why they always suffer. In the future, Leo opens a ninja school. His four best students are Nobuko, Miles, Carmen and Bob.
Outside of comics
Cartoon series
Animated series 1987
In the first animated series, Leonardo is the strongest of the Turtles. As in Archie Comics, Leo loves to pester his brothers with training and hates Shredder. He tries with all his might to defeat Shredder and Krang. Leonardo is friendly, well-mannered and tries to help his brothers and Master Splinter in everything. In two episodes, he has an affair with the ninja girl Lotus.
Animated series 2003
In this animated series, Leonardo is very quiet and spends a lot of time meditating. He is a master of ninjas and is trying with all his might to deal with Shredder and his minions once and for all in order to ensure the safety of all his friends. He often quarreled with Raphael, but from time to time they were very close. This is especially noticeable in Season 1, when Leo was recovering from a war with a gang of ninjas. Rafael helped him get back into shape.
In Season 2, Leo fought against Daimyo the son and defeated him. During the battle of the Nexus against Miamoto Usagi, Leo was nearly killed by a dart fired from the pipe of Daimio the son, who wanted to overthrow his father Daimio from power and take revenge on Leo.
In season 3, Draco and Daimio-son merged together and scattered the brothers into different worlds. Leo ended up in feudal Japan, where he fought against ninjas and protected the head of the Gi Shu clan, Mr. Narioki, from Mr. Hebi. Later, with the help of his samurai friend Miamoto, Usagi entered the Nexus to ask Daimio for a scepter to bring back his brothers. However, under the mask of Gioji (Daimio's servant) were Draco and Daimio the son. However, the freed Splinter returned the brothers.
In Season 4, after the war with Shredder, his shell was damaged and he became more violent. However, Master Splinter sent him to Japan to his sensei, whose name is the Elder. As a result, realizing that I was myself worst enemy, Leo became who he was before again. Leo later told his brothers the story of Master Yoshi, which was told to him by the Elder.
Leonardo was played by Mark Caso.
For many years, the legendary Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have remained children's idols. Leonardo is one of them. All turtles differ from each other in character, appearance and weapons used. Why is Leo so famous?
Photo of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Leonardo. Character appearance
Leo was named after the famous universal scientist Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo consists of only one blue bandage.
It remains a mystery why the comic book creators chose the name Leo for the turtle in the blue bandana? This hero does not shine in science; rather, he is closer to the image of a good leader and fearless warrior.
Leonardo's Weapons (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)
Leo always uses two katanas or ninjato in battle. Wherever you see photos of Leonardo the Ninja Turtle, he will definitely be holding them in his hands.
The katana is a long sword that is usually held with both hands. But Leonardo controls two katanas at once in battle, holding one sword in each hand. Katana swords are slightly curved and have a single-sided blade.
Leo also uses ninjato in battle - special swords from the ninja arsenal. They are short and have a straight blade.
History of creation
It's hard to imagine the entire heroic team without the ninja turtle Leonardo. He is the link between the three brothers and organizes them. The only one Leo doesn't really get along with is Raphael.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics were created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman in the 80s. Initially, they wanted to name the turtle with katanas Donatello. But then Laird developed a hero in a purple headband with a fighting stick, and it was decided to name the turtle with two swords Leonardo.
In the first issues of the Mirage Studios comics, Leo is in charge of the ninja team to Master Splinter, but when the teacher is not around, Raphael takes precedence. A little later, Leonardo still proves with his determination and concentration that he is better at leading than the hot-tempered Raphael.
In the 90s, the publishing house Image Comics bought the rights to publish hand-drawn stories with mutant turtles. In issues of this magazine, Leo becomes more brutal in battle and tougher in decision-making. But he still has priority in matters of leadership, justice and strategy.
Character character
Each Ninja Turtle has a unique character. Leonardo is the calmest and most balanced of the entire team. It’s difficult to piss him off and make him nervous. Leo always makes decisions quickly and confidently. He is especially good at developing strategies and
Besides everything else, Leo is well-mannered. He maintains communication and understanding between Sensei Splinter and other mutants. Free time Leo prefers to spend his time not looking at comics, like Mikey, but working out. Sometimes Leo even meditates.
Like any leader, the turtle in the blue bandage has a keen sense of justice and responsibility. When something goes wrong or something happens to his brothers, Leonardo always has only himself to blame.
After the release of the cartoon in 2003, they began to draw Leo with a chipped shell, because in one of the battles he severely damaged it. Sometimes Leonardo has strong conflicts with Raf due to the latter's aggressive working methods.
Screen appearances
In 1987, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles first appeared on television. Leonardo in the cartoon of the late 80s is presented as an impeccable leader who demands long daily training from the other turtles. This is because Leo is simply fixated on destroying the Shredder. He understands that to achieve this, all team members will have to give their best.
Also in the cartoon, something happens in Leo’s personal life: in one of the episodes, he meets a mutant girl named Lotus, and they begin an affair.
In the 2003 animated film, Leo appears to the viewer as very silent and secretive. He meditates for hours in solitude, but what remains unchanged is the desire to destroy the Shredder, preferably forever. There is a moment in the series where an alternate reality is shown. In this reality, Leo dies during a fight with Shredder.
In 2014, the film company Paramount Pictures filmed the newest version of the story about the mutant turtles. In this film adaptation, Leo was played by Pete Plozek. He's still a fearless leader, but there's a lot more skirmishing going on between Raph and his blue-banded brother.
The film aroused great interest among the public: the film grossed almost $500 million at the box office. In this film, unlike previous versions, computer special effects are widely used. The controversial Megan Fox was invited to play the role of April O'Neil.
The release of the next film about the adventures of mutants was recently announced: its premiere will take place in 2016. So far, it is known that the plot of the new film will closely resemble the plot of the 1987 animated series. The cast will remain the same. Only the avenger character Casey Jones will be added.