TMNT 2003 VS TMNT 2012 Retrospective 

Kind of funny how the 2003 show adopts the comics with a lighter tone and the 2012 show adopts the 1987 show with a darker tone.

2003 is my all time favourite interpretation. Perfect mix of the 80s cartoon and the darkness of the og comics. Best Shredder, best plotlines, best theme song. So underrated, glad you're giving it some spotlight!

I feel like all 4 of the TMNT cartoons each have something it does best that the others don't: 80s TMNT had the largest roster of characters 2003 TMNT had the best overarching plotline and the best version of Shredder 2012 TMNT had the best characterization for the Turtles, Splinter and Karai Rise of the TMNT has by far the best action and animation Basically all of the shows have their own strengths and weaknesses.

The 2003 tmnt messed me up as a child because on of the episodes Donatello went to the future were master splinter died and the rest of the turtles died by the end of the episode

The 2003 adaptation has by far the most interesting plot developments

Anyone else bothered how this series is anti vengeance yet in the final episode of season 4 the turtles seek vengeance on Shredder.

Which do you like more? Like: TMNT 2003 Comment: TMNT 2012

I would honestly say that Leo is still an interesting and more nuanced character, often having to make tough decisions as a leader or grappling with his code of Bushido. The only thing is that well, his siblings have more defined archetypes. Raphael is the hot head, Donatello is the smart one, Michelangelo is the fun one etc. Leonardo is hard to define like that, so most default to calling him just the leader.

The thing with TMNT that i noticed that they never have dissapointing actions, aside from Bay's TMNT ofc. From the 2003 "edgy" version, 2007 movie that explored new enemy, and even 2012 Nick version, even the latest insanely whacky 2019 version, all of them has a great selling point that revolved around their action scenes. Which is a damn miracle if you ask me

I’ll say this, I feel like Leonardo’s (2003) main characteristic is spiritual. He adopts Splinter’s view of the world and his conflicts come from grappling with the fact his brothers haven’t.

Making April a “mutant” was their way of making Donatello’s crush less creepy. In the comics (and probably even in the 2003 series), April was a drawing come to life created using the Kirby pen. This may have also inspired their decision to make her an “experiment” by the Kraang.

Yay someone is finally talking about the 2003 version of tmnt on RU-vid (seriously there are like next to no videos talking about it besides the movie which often is reviewed by someone who hasn’t watched the 2003 version)

I have to disagree about Leo's character in the 2003 show. From the beginning of the show Leo is shown to be the leader not only cause he abides by splinters teachings more than his brothers but he also has benefited and become arguably the greatest fighter of all of his brothers. Raph is blinded by his rage and lets his emotions get the better of him, Mikey is more into having a good time than a good fight, and Donnie can hold his own but relies on tech and when push comes to shove his brothers are doing the fighting while he disarms a bomb or something. Leo takes pride in being in charge because he feels he has earned his place rightfully. Leo's character is defined by his teachings, similar to how some people attach themselves so close to an idea they lose a sense of who they are when someone brings that into question. Whenever Leo makes a mistake he takes sole responsibility for it as he is the responsible sibling. Leo can't afford to let his guard down or indulge in hobbies like his brothers do. He has to be the best not only for himself but for his brothers and if he isn't then his whole self is brought into question. Leo arguably goes through one of the most impactful character arcs in the 2003 show (excluding fast forward and back to the sewer as for me the show really ends at season 5). When the turtles fight Shredder in space and are saved at the last second Leo doesn't get to come home after that fight. Yea his brother's failed, splinter failed, but above all else HE failed. He bares the weight of that failure and acknowledges that they got lucky. This time really hits Leo that his training failed, that whatever he has dedicated his life towards wasn't enough. So right after Leo becomes a hard ass more than Raph even. He doesn't tolerate the nonsense with the team and regularly snaps at them for joking after a conflict. It gets to the point where splinter realizes the only way to get through to Leo is to engage him in sparing as Leo is obsessed with becoming a better warrior. Leo lashes out and exclaims that he failed and he could have cost his family their lives. It is only through out the rest of the season and even a re-assertion in his dragon spirit and lack of a spirit weapon in season 5 that Leo comes to terms with who he is as the leader of the team. I saw this vid when it first came out and it really bothered me that Leo gets a bad wrap cause he is "too serious" or "generic leader" but throughout the series we are shown that Leo takes things more seriously as he takes on the burdens of his family and feels the weight of the decisions on himself everyday. Its not enough that Leo is a passable student, Leo has to be good enough to take on any threat in case his family can't fight. In case you hadn't noticed Leo is still my favorite turtle after all these years, I know someone else wrote how he essentially has PTSD from the fight with Shredder and I agree. This review is one of my favorite you have put out simply for the Nostalgia of watching all the 2003 episodes with my younger brother on cwkids. Some of the bests moments of my childhood where me and him got to enjoy the show together and felt connected in my eyes. Thanks man. Sincerely donated towards the part 2, Joe L.

I love 2003, I was raised with those turtles. The turtles felt like my brothers and Splitter felt like the father I never had. & this was the first time I heard Seth Green as Leo and he sounds Amazing

The 2003 series is in a way the only animated version of TMNT that almost adapts the original Mirage comics. It has the best episodes seasons by season, great story arcs (like the Turtles in Space & A few of the Shredder episodes), gives each of the turtles character developments (even Leo if you watch the first half of S4) and got the origin right (even though they extend it bit by bit). I recommend watching the series but only watch the first five seasons as seasons 6 & 7 being nothing more than cash grabbing way to sell toys and causing the downfall of the series. My Rank:(9/10) The 2012 series is what I consider a combination of the original comics & the 80's series, I was a bit skeptical about it at first due to the character designs but as a shock I grew from liking the series to loving it. The series kept getting better and better season by season, the voice acting is just brilliant, the Easter eggs, nods to past versions and the appearance of the 80's Turtles are enough to make a lifelong fan smile, the action scenes are just epic, the characters are given a major improvement (even Splinter) and the 2012 Shredder is what I consider the best version of the character. All five seasons are a must watch and to be honest I would love to see this series make a return. Rank (10/10)

1:40 I just love how he picked up Master splinter like that.

Well 2003 TMNT voice actors are amazing and they deserve more credit

Leo is my favorite Turtle from every series and movie especally the 2003 series and 2007 movie. I like simplicity in lots of spots in things i like so Leo is great. I love his badass moments and the fact that he almost always knows what to do in a situation. The 2003 series was my introduction to the Turtles and he interested me right away from the swords, the blue bandana being my favorite color and i gotta admit i think I've always had a mini crush on Leo. Im a boy too so that bothers me to think about... The rest a all great but i like particular versions from particular shows so it usually fluctuates depending on the series.

Damn... Adam West really was the best Batman

Ehh, Leo is my favorite. Especially in 2003. They had an arc where Leo had to leave because he was emo. It's a great arc and it starts from "The Ancient One."

I gotta go with the 2003 series. I prefer the darker tone and interpretations. But by god the best thing about the 2003 series is the Shredder. He is just so good that he ruined all other versions for me.

"She's basically Kenshi with eyes"! I laughed way too hard at that, LOL

Leonardo is the one with the strongest sense of justice, and honor. He's really compassionate but also stoic, and takes the shoulder of the leader so the others can pursue their hobbies. He works almost like a straight man of the group when he's not training harder than Robin does in Titan's Tower.

the reason why the writers never resolve the april and donnie plot is because the series wasn`t finish when the series was in development. nick wanted the series out early.it one of the main reasons why april`s mom arc wasn`t resolve either or they didn`t really do anything with casey jones. they only let the writers finish two seasons and had they write the rest. which is not a good idea since that means they had to make up ideas for eps to fill up spots. i believe nick just eager to do the toys sells

In USA:Rob Paulsen acted 80s Raph and 2012 Donnie In Serbia:Nikola Bulatović acted 80s Don,2003 Leo and 2012 Don Gotta love these paralels

The 2002 version had a satisfying ending. 2012 really didn’t

I like both tmnt 2003 and Tmnt 2012. The fans should be grateful that there are two great cartoons based on their favourite ninja turtles.

Did not know you were a TMNT fan but I know I’m hyped for this retrospective

I like both series The 2003 series are closer to the comics And 2012 having a good enough representation of turtles (or you could say I am a victim of my nostalgia whatever works best for y'all)

The reason the 2012 Raphael has green eyes is because when he was first expose to that green mutant liquid he accidentally let it get inside his eyes and he said "I'm fine but whatever you do, don't let this thing in your eyes. It hurts" And just like that you can tell that he cares about his brother ever since they can talk, and I love it.

2003 hands down. The 2012 one is good, but the 2003 had a more interesting story.

Always a treat to hear someone talk about THESE two specific versions of the turtles, maybe I’m just not looking in the right places but I barely hear people talk about the 2003 and Nick shows. Can’t wait for Part 2!

Initially I didn't like the 2012 TMNT, but it quickly grew to be my fav. I liked the characterization & how they seemed more like brothers & a family. The backstories were better to me. I just wish it wasn't so "kiddy" in nature & "out there".

Honestly, I love the IDW comics take on TMNT, it's like the perfect version with each brother having their own unique arc and struggles. It combines fantasy and science fictionally oddly natural together with the turtles' origin being a mix of the two elements. It's really fun but they don't hold back on the drama and darker stuff. I like how they naturally introduce each character and everything.

I've been in this fandom for almost eight years now, starting at the beginning of 5th grade. It is tru that this fandom doesn't get a lot of coverage on anything like Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel, ect. but it is still an amazing fandom. When a bunch of TMNT fans get together, we get super hyped up, much like other fans from other fandoms. We also don't mind getting completely dressed up to let out our fandom pride when we go to things like Comicon. But, outside of that all, we're pretty much silent about our fandom. For example, the most I will do at school to show this fandom is wearing one of my TMNT tshirts or quietly hum the tune to one of the theme songs, but I don't feel the need to spout random facts about TMNT and its universe (this is partially bc no one ever really talks about TMNT so I don't have to correct wrong information). Personally, I just think we're a little more of a quieter fandom, but that doesn't mean I wouldnt love to see more of the franchise. Anyways, that's all. Sorry for the long comment, but I just wanted to give my thoughts. COWABUNGA, BOOYAKASHA, PEACE OUT MA DUDES

So far for me: Show AND Turtles: BOTH. One who revived my love while the other being an AWESOME successor. Leo is MY Fave turtle and truthfully in MY opinion, 2003 Leo’s struggles as a leader are just as challenging as 2012 Leo’s which is why I love both Leos Splinter: 2012. You already explained why I love this version. Still love the 2003 version as my 2nd Fave April: 2012. Though I agree with the points you gave and though I still love the 2003 version, I think I relate more to the 2012 version than the 2003 version in some aspects Casey: 2003. Love the big bro vibe he gives for the turtles plus him not being a jerk all the time

As someone who grew up on the old 90’s turtles and who watched every animated incarnation of the turtles so far I have to say I think the 2003 turtles are the best. The 2012 turtles relied little too much on the 90’s version for my taste, the humor fell flat most of the time, they dragged things out too much like the Kari thing or will splinter die or not. When it focused on action and the story was tight is when the 2012 turtles was at its strongest.

7:38 Chris Griffin (voice actor Seth Green) does make a good Leo

2003 was the best. The fight up shreddeds tower. The battle nexus tournament. The Triceratons . So many well executed storylines. Leo even leaves the turtles after cutting master splinter. Finds himself and makes a believable return.

I always saw Leo as the by the books one who takes the whole ninja thing much more serious than the others. He’s the guy to tell everyone not to do something for their safety, but then do it himself without question. That way he’s always the one in danger, not putting his brothers at risk. At least in 2003, 2012 has a somewhat different Leo. As you already described

I actually like Leo in the 2003 show it might be because of his voice acting or the fact that my favourite episode of the show is tales of Leo where they dig into the relationship between Leo and each of his brothers as well as him and splinter plus I cried when Raph cried so yeah I think the 2003 show had the best version of Leo even though some of you might disagree with me

TMNT 2012 was my gateway into the Turtles. I love it!

I Like The 2003's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Leonardo has always been my favorite of the turtles! Perhaps it is because I like blue or because Leo is the focus for the brothers. Often, he is also the one pushing himself to be better, living up to a standard he sets for himself that is too high to actually reach.

5:50 no cap. That made me laugh. Leonardo for real a virgin. He the only turtle that didn't get kissed by a girl or had an official girlfriend, unless you count Karai (kind of).😂💀

🎵Teenage Iron Ninja Turtle, Teenage Iron Ninja Turtle, Teenage Iron Ninja Turtle, Hero with a half brain, Ginger Power🎵

2003 and 2012 are tied, I do like the 2012 version better because of character development and they took old stuff and expanded it into a greater story

The 2007 TMNT movie will always be my favourite, besides the 2003 series which I grew up with

"Leonardo is the least interesting one" siiiiiiigh, swear to God if a character isn't on the nose with a trait they are "boring" to people. He's the responsible, cool headed, role model type. The go to one to get them out of situations. He cracks slick comments, has his anger moments, intelligent in the battlefield, more disciplined. Sheesh for fucks sake. Not that hard. A mix of the rest while having his own traits.

The 2012 series was my entry into the series. The 2003 series was the second one I watched. To this day, I'm still amazed by how many things I love from the former was introduced to the franchise by the latter (not least of all Karai, be it that I prefer her 2012 series-version).

2003 4 me!! it was much closer to the dark tone of the OG 80s comics without the blood and swearing lol but best version ever the only tmnt cartoon i still re watch today

My biggest issue with Leo in the 2012 series wasn't the change of voice actors; it was him being a hypocritical pain in the shell to this brothers! He was always a jerk to everyone about their 'little buddies' in the series: -Mickey and Leatherhead -Raph and Slash -Donnie and Metalhead *To be fair, Leatherhead AND Slash both tried to hurt some of the team at some point, but eventually calmed down. While Karai on the other Foot (I mean other HAND) was clearly working with the enemy, took joy in what she was doing on the opposite side while Leo was 'convinced' that she wanted to split from the Foot... OMG Leo kept going on and on and on about getting Karai on their side and that she's good blah blah blah. He caused far more harm than good to his brothers in that regard...

2002 Will always be my favorite iteration of the Turtles, everything about it is so incredible, except for Fast Forward was kind of a waste but it hints at the ending in a cute way and the animation was so good especially with the weapons, they were 4Kids and getting away with stuff that they don't allow in anime is laughable and amazing that they got away with stuff like that for kids. Even if their Shredder is fake, its such great idea to have him come back after so many scenes of his demise, ended up revealing that he's an Utrom that only took the name and appearance of Shredder just to strike fear in people, and kept coming back even in data form in the very last season. I like some of the stuff 2012 did, especially the huge tribute to the 80s turtles, but I can't get behind the janky animation especially in fight scenes. 2002 turtles has the most impressive choreographed animation especially with a character named Bishop. April in hand to hand was so painful to watch, and that one time I saw Leo trying to talk to Karai was cringy by the way they moved.

When you said "Donatello desperately wants to show April his bo staff," haha I lost it!

People have said that the 2012 series ignored the 2003 series. No references, no characters from that series making appearances. But those people haven't been paying attention very well. - Karai in her guise as the Shredder's (Adopted) daughter who starts to question the Foot Clan's morals is a direct reference to the 2003 Karai. - In the "Invasion" double header episode which ends the second season we get to see the EPF. - Kraang Subprime's looks with the scar running down his body is the 2012 series version of Ch'Rell. - In season three we get to see Agent Bishop - AND we get to see the Utrom Council. - It also turns out that very much like Ch'Rell, Kraang SubPrime was a member of the Utrom Council before he betrayed them. So people who say that the 2012 completely ignored the 2003 series, re-watch the episodes, because you're wrong.

I hope you're doing well Xavier! I still love the content no matter the subject, and I will continue to stay subbed and watch with a close eye.

Everyone's favorite turtle's series is usually the one they grew up with but fans tend to like every version with the exception of The Next Mutation and maybe the Bay ones (although they aren't bad, just not the best).

0:21 Well, you're an outsider, alright. TMNT fans have been just as toxic as other fandoms. Apparently, the '03 show got bombarded w/ hate from the 80s fans so much that the writers felt the need to trash the '87 series in the finale "Turtles Forever". When clips of the 2012 show were uploaded on RU-vid, the videos also got bombarded w/ dislikes & negative comments by both '87 & '03 fans. Predictably, the 2018 series is now the new punching bag.

You give me the videos that make me reminiscent of my childhood like no other does , and I thank you.

I liked the relationship between April and Donatello, as I think it humanized them both a bit. It would have been better if it had been made official before the show ended, but it was still pretty cute.

This reminds me of the best sundaymorning tv line-up I had as a kid: -Action-man (2000 series) -He-man (2002 series) -TMNT (2003 series) -Power Rangers (2003 season) What a line-up. Couldn't be better

for me these two series are ever so close...i originally watched a few of the 2012, the discovered the 2003 series and binged it and it was amazing, easily better than 2012. I've now rewatched 2012 again through two months or so, and i honestly feel like i have to give 2012 the slight edge, for multiple reasons. First, the very first word is TEENAGE mutant ninja turtles. 2012 is the most accurate representation of them as TEENAGERS out of any show or movie. The changes to April and Casey were fresh, even though Casey in 2012 is almost unbearably annoying. But teenage April was a nice fresh twist, and I'm glad they did this. Secondly, the 2012 show has an almost continuous rivalry with Shredder. In the 2003 version, Shreddar is largely absent in season 2 and 3, then finally comes back at the end of season 3 for a quick 2-episode climax. Finally, in 2012, the rivalry between Splinter and Shredder is perfect. Tale of the Yokia is one of the greatest episodes ever, EVER. Plus, all four season finales in 2012 (each a two-episode story) are excellent. I see a lot of people preferring the 2003 series because it's more serious, gritty, and dark. But in 2012, SPLINTER GETS MURDERED, TWICE. Pretty dark. 2012 has the best of it all, it's fun and light, but sometimes dark and serious, the cgi is amazing, and it's just good. Really really good. I love the 2003 series, but I can't put it above 2012 as a whole, even though I really prefer how badass Donny and Mikey are in 2003, whereas in 2012 they're seen as less tough then Raph and Leo. In conclusion, I am a huge fan of 2003 and 2012, and even if i prefer one by the slightest margin, I don't have to pick, I can watch and love both, and between the five seasons of each show, almost 250 excellent episodes.

3:33 Same thing for me. I’m color blind and could never tell them apart

While I did grow up with the 2003 version I definitely admit I believe the 2012 version is on equal footing with it .

2003 was way better written. The characters were more consistent. Plus im a sucker for 2d animation so i might have a little preference towards it.

I loved the 2012 show

Finally, Xavier covers the best shows about the heroes in a half shell!

boy Leo was the most disciplined regarding martial arts, the most skilled, the one who had the most character development;, he was struggling to be a worthy leader, he was the most focused when it came to missions but he also had times to joke with his brothers, he definitely was the most interesting, I bet your favorite was Michelangelo **stares right into your eyes**

I love both series and I also love the IDW comics

Fun fact tmnt 2012 had all the main cast of super robot monkey team hyper force go play a role in the series.

The '03 figures were fire flames 🔥🔥🔥

was genuinely surprised when i saw this upload, glad to see more stuff on here, and didnt even know you liked tmnt so tis quite a pleasure haha

I loved this video! I can't wait for part 2! And i really wish for you to talk about Karai, specially in the 2012 version ! Or at least Karai's and Leo's relationship 💙♥️

2012 is my favorite out of any interpretation of the turtles

2012-2017 show makes me super nostalgic and love it to bit's even with the April love triangle, But I wached the 2003 show a bit as a kid and re wached it fully as an adult and I absolutely loved it

I love Leonardo, he's the cool big brother who holds the team as a unity in the field, and has a lot of charm to him when he's not being overly serious.

What the shell, I was just recently rewatching the 2012 TMNT show and then this shows up. Great video as always. Sorry, I had to make the joke.

Dudeee I just watched clips of both shows yesterday and then this drops

this was the Godzillamendoza video I never knew I wanted- but am so glad I have now.

Honestly, 2003 and 2012 are favorite shows ever, I'm so glad you made this video. 😂

I’ve seen the first three animated series so I can say I like all three for different reasons 1987 was fun though the last three seasons are really dark 2003 a dark fateful adaptation 2012 combines the two but stand on its own. I’ve seen the first 14 episodes of rise and honestly I’m not a fan

My favorite version of the TMNT? The IDW comics. Seriously, it’s so, SO good.

Hell yeah, this was great, keep up the great work, can't wait for part 2

1987 and 2018 rise tried to be their own thing 2003 followed closely to the comics 2012 took the best of 1987 and 2003 and blended both perfectly 2018 rise was basically 1987, but with a modern edge, and more relatable characters

2:41 actually, they kind of retconned the 2003 series to be that exact interpretation. It was in one of the episodes with The Ancient One and young turtles.

Dude I'm so grateful that you made this video. No one really talks about the tmnt.

7:12 Damn, they actually acknowledged the voice change and gave a believable explanation

Tbh, I don't mind leo's voice change in 2012 version, both voices are awesome.

Leo is a tactician and the most capable in combat as well as a level headed logical character which is why he was selected as the leader. And as such it's his responsibility to keep his murder hobo brethren in line and focused on the task at hand. He wants to be able to let loose with his brothers but he can't because it's not his place. He's only a boring character if don't bother to look any deeper than the surface characteristics.

I liked Jason Biggs a lot more as Leo. I appreciated them trying to explain why his voice changed in the cartoon.

Love how you're playing the Drive OST in the background

I wish there was a crossover movie with 2012 and 2003. Like have a 2.0 version of turtles forver movie. That would have made it for me the perfect movie. (Not saying that the turtles forever movie was bad I love it actually, but I can just imagine the possibilities if there ever was a cross over between the 2)

The love triangle is what turned me off the show because of what it was doing to Donatello. I love 2003 Donatello because of his calm nature and wit. He was smart, but also felt like someone you could sit down and talk to if he was a real person. But then, in the 2012 version, a good chunk of his focus is about his obsession with April. His motivation for getting things done is April, he goes into a slump because April tried to end her friendship with the turtles after her dad was mutated, his biggest fear was April not liking him, etc. I know, different versions and different interpretations. But the other three turtles are very close to their 2003 versions, while Donatello is so different in comparison.

Godzillamendoza talking about my favorite franchise? GOD YES

I gotta admit this was a welcome surprise. Im a big fan of Tmnt and it's awesome to see them get noticed, awesome video and I hope you make more turtle content in the future. 👍😁

I just recently re-watched tmnt 2012, I think it's great! Haven't watched tmnt 2003 though, and rise of the tmnt... Idk how I feel about it

Can't we agree on that both are badass

7:34 YASSS I loved Dominic but Jason bings really just nailed it. I remember watching the show and I was like “wait why does Leo’s voice sound weird” and it was only for 5 episodes and I loved it and Boom Seth green.

Hello , Xavier ! Love your videos. I watch them since 2016.

Finally someone is comparing the 2003 show! I see it tends to be forgotten and it did do a lot of things really well. Unfortunately it does suffer from terrible 2000 cartoon tropes. 2003 Raph will always be my favorite though