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ladylofspades · 3 years

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TMNT: How Turtles Saved Me in Real Life

Before going further, I would like to advise that this is going to be one lengthy (safe-for-work) written piece. What I can assure that this is nothing angsty about it. Rather, it is of thanking both the series for helping me getting through the pain I had through the years. To those who read this, thanks so much for being very understanding.

I had been in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise long enough to appreciate my favorite banded turtle brothers in their respective incarnations.

I grew up with its 2012 incarnation with a fair share of episodes of 2003, became -- and still -- a HUGE fan of Rise, and am now appreciating their Bayverse incarnations. Since this post is dedicated to the 2012 and 2018 incarnations, the focus will be on them.

Let us begin with the 2012 series.

TMNT 2012

As mentioned above, I grew up with the franchise’s 2012 incarnation. And I can clearly remember that right off the bat, brave leader Leonardo became my favorite turtle, with sweet Donatello falling in close second. Regardless on who I liked better though, both turtles were my favorites and both helped me overcome 2012.

How the 2012 series helped me was something close to heart. The year of 2012 was when my grandfather passed away; his death took a great toll on everyone in the family -- including me. He was my second father and best friend. Losing someone as dearest as him hit me right in the gut. That time, I was never into the Turtles franchise -- even more so with other fandoms that time due to the loss -- until the franchise’s 2012 successors aired in Nickelodeon. Upon seeing the series, not only was it a road to eventual recovery but also the beginning of my Turtles journey. The characters were lovable, beyond relatable (for the kids that time) and truly unforgettable.

To me, TMNT 2012 helped me cope with the loss by its share of funny moments as well as its gritty ones. All the turtles -- through their charms and flaws -- helped me come out of my shell little by little. In more ways than one, my gratitude I have for the show goes beyond words. Special mention to my favorite voice actors -- Rob Paulsen, Seth Green, Sean Austin and Greg Cipes -- who brought these wonderful turtles to life, and are my inspiration to keep looking at the bright side.

TMNT 2018 (Rise)

My first encounter with Rise was admittedly unexpected. That said unexpected encounter was an edited clip of them wearing different outfits on YouTube, with Lady Gaga’s song Fashion. And I knew then and there: I was hooked.

I was hesitant at first because -- like most fans -- I was scared that they may ruin the turtles for me. I cringed at the first episodes; but as the episodes progressed, the series stole my heart BIG TIME. Unlike their 2012 predecessor, Rise had me fall in love with their Donatello, followed by Leonardo. In the end, it was Leo who took a slightly higher pedestal. As to why and how Leo stole my heart can be seen here in my post entitled Loving Blue. From time to time, I admittedly miss the 2012 series; but what had me stuck with Rise was how it pays homage to its predecessors, with one of my favorite instances being the episode where it featured the Mud Dogz -- the members voiced by Seth Green, Rob Paulsen and Greg Cipes! But what took the cake with Rise overall was, I believe, its core message: anata wa hitori ja nai -- “You are not alone”. That message -- much more than words can say -- had me in tears. And I may be overthinking it, but it also felt like even the 2012 cast helped me in the transition to Rise as well -- like both series assured me that just because I loved something new doesn’t mean I love the other one less.

To me, Rise helped me get through the pandemic. The series helped me so much in the pain and stress I experienced in real life through their incredibly strong chemistry with one another (something that made it stand out among the reincarnations of the franchise), and the wholesome lightheartedness in every episode it brings. Most importantly, Rise helped me not only appreciate the time I have with my family, but also helped me realize that I will never be alone. Special mention to Ben Schwartz (Leo), Josh Brener (Donnie), Kat Graham (April), Brandon Mychal Smith (Mikey), Omar Benson Miller (Raph), Eric Bauza (Splinter), Zelda Williams (Casey Jones) and Gwendoline Yeo (Karai) for the laughter and hope that helped me get through these trying times. And second special mention to Rob Paulsen, Seth Green and Greg Cipes, whose appearances were through the Mud Dogz (and Rob as the Foot Lieutenant AND Rise’s Voice Director), assured me a smooth transition to the series.

Conclusion

2012 was, by far, one of the most challenging years of my life. Even more so recently (as with everyone globally) due to the pandemic. And the last thing I would want to see is another one of the daily attacks on one of my favorite franchises caused by its fandom. (if not daily, then frequent)

As a currently huge fan of Rise -- and a loyal fan of their 2012 predecessors -- it is truly heartbreaking to see fans bashing the former to the point of comparing it to the Teen Titans Go! series. Sadly that is -- and at the very least -- the fandom from another social media platform that I steered clear away from. I encountered healthy fans who eventually became my friends, as well as toxic ones who do nothing but compare and shout that one series is “better” than the other.

Even amidst the ongoing fights over in the other social media platform, I am forever grateful to have transferred to Tumblr NOT to spread more hatred and disparity that the franchise had so much undeservingly suffered from, but to spread more love and respect that the franchise so longingly needs.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, no matter the incarnation, did so much before (and after) my turning twenty, and they hold a very special place in my heart.

P.S. Sadly this is the only GIF with all the TMNT 2012 brothers together. :( and who knew that Mikey shrinks back to his shell back then too, like his counterpart in Rise!

#amae speaks #thoughts #thank you #tmnt

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