‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’: Fans React To New Looks

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is an all-new version of the iconic foursome, and the internet definitely has some thoughts on the new designs.

The new series is heading back to the world of 2D animation, departing from the 3D animation style of its predecessor. Ironically that show was proceeded by a 2D version, and 3D was used for the animated film, so TMNT has bounced back and forth several times.

Still, the animation isn’t the key point of disagreement between fans. That contention comes from the character designs themselves, which are quite different from the ones fans have known for so long. In this show, each of the four main characters is actually based on a different type of Turtle, changing their looks in an organic way.

For instance, Raphael is based on a snapping turtle and is much bigger in size than the other Turtles. Leonardo is based on a red-eared slider, while Michelangelo is based on a box turtle and Donatello is based on a soft-shell turtle.

Not only are the character designs different, but the weapons are slightly changed as well. Donatello still wields a bo-staff and Leonardo wields a sword like always, but Raphael is now wielding twin tonfas, while Michelangelo is using a Kusari-fundo.

Fans will also see visual changes in April O’Neil. This time around she’s African-American and sporting an all-new costume design, the former of which is a first for any Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. Splinter also got a new design, and the internet is just as split on him as the Turtles themselves.

You can find out even more about the show here, but for now, let’s see how the internet is reacting to Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Bubbabirkes24

Joshua compared the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to another beloved property the Teen Titans, though not in a favorable way.

“Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles looks like nobody learned from the fiasco that is Teen Titans Go.  STOP RUINING OUR CHILDHOODS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Tempest071990

Some like Tempest071990 see the amazing potential for cool toys thanks to the new redesigns.

“I really like the new character designs! Really excited about the different action figures/collectibles they’ll inspire ^^ #TMNT #RiseOfTheTMNT #Riseoftheteenagemutantninjaturtles”

Black Nerd Problems

While the Turtles themselves are getting some flack, Black Nerd Problems is a big fan of April O’Neil’s redesign.

‘Rise Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’:  April O’Neil, you’re doing great sweetie! #RiseOfTheTeenageMutantNinjaTurtles #TMNT”

Menance013

For Menance013, it was better to let Michael Scott do the talking, and it seems he managed to convey the point.

“??? #ninjaturtles #nickelodeon #wtf #why #tmnt #riseoftheteenagemutantninjaturtles #riseoftheteenagemutantninjaturtles2018 #justthrowitaway #notfeelingit”

SonicBlueRanger

Some are already seeing a pattern in the initial reactions to the new designs, including SonicBlueRanger.

“Looking forward to everyone hating #Riseoftheteenagemutantninjaturtles off the art to love it and act like they never were angry about change. Just like last time.”

TheJoaninJoinin

Others are really happy with the cast of the show, including TheJoaninJonin, who is excited to see Omar Miller play the role of Raphael.

“Big boy @OmarMiller is voicing Raphael, who will be the leader for the very first time this season.

This is already my favorite iteration.

#RiseOfTheTeenageMutantNinjaTurtles”

ShyeBean

There’s a lot of love for the new April O’Neil, but ShyeBean decided to tweak the character design a bit, giving her round glasses and changing her hair up a bit. Turns out we’re big fans of both designs.

“Wanted to give my own re-design a try for the new #apriloneil she’s awesome! But thought she needed some tweaking. #Riseoftheteenagemutantninjaturtles #RiseOfTheTMNT #Nickelodeontmnt #Nickelodeon #illustration #characterdesign”

TheFlashReborn

The Flash Reborn is a big fan of the new designs and is hoping to see even more of them at ToyFair.

“I freaking LOVE everything I’m hearing and seeing RE #RiseOfTheTMNT #Riseoftheteenagemutantninjaturtles Seriously. Very excited for both the show and the figure reveals at ToyFair!”

Shiraj_sen

Splinter was also given some spotlight n the new promotional art for the show, but not everyone is a fan of his design.

“Nope. Not happy!
These aren’t turtles. They’re abominations. And why is Splinter a mongoose? @TMNT @Nickelodeon #TMNT #Riseoftheteenagemutantninjaturtles”

Irmamcgee

The designs are a bit divisive, but some fans are telling those displeased to hold out judgment until the initial episode airs.

“Dear #tmnt fandom who is displeased by the new design:
Please considered that it’s a new show, with New elements but it does not change it in a very high level.
Please respect the directors, artists and writers who are working on the show.
Please remember that with the early show there was ranting and discuss because of the story plots.
Please remember that this show would be watched by your kids/little brothers and sisters/children you know.
Please respect the fans who DO like it; some of them could get really hurt by someone’s harsh words.

And mostly, please, give a chance watching the first episode in September before to decide if you like it or not.

#riseoftheteenagemutantninjaturtles #riseofthetmnt
#tmnt
#tmnt2018
@nickanimation @nickelodeon”