“The battle line between good and evil runs through the heart of every man.”
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
It is no secret that within each of us, there is a constant struggle between good and evil, with the surprise and fear of who will win. As it is – nobody can exist without the other.
Keeping this factor in mind – the comic-book artists – Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman created the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. With ninja turtle names inspired by the best of Renaissance artists, this tale follows the journey of a quartet of teenage humanoid turtle brothers and their fight against evil in New York City.
If you belong to the group who are not quite aware of this franchise and have navigated to this page by default, how about getting to know a bit more before you scroll back?
Be assured – that this walkthrough will provide you with a detailed analysis of the turtle brothers, their features with respect to this game, and the inspiration behind their names. So, let’s not wait any longer and move through this content.
#Note – This might be a little long post, but surely a detailed one! Stick through.
What is this fuss about the ninja turtle names?
The series we are talking about here is – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – a comic-book turned hit television series. For the uninitiated, you will get the details of this series as you proceed with this content. However – till then, it is time to understand the fuss that has been prevailing regarding the ninja turtle names.
The names of the four ninja turtles are – Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michaelangelo. The turtle master of these ninja turtles is referred to as Master Splinter.
1. For starters – Leonardo, the eldest of the turtles and identified with the color blue, is the group’s de-facto leader. With the katanas as his weapon, he fights off the evil when Master Splinter is not around.
His name was inspired by – Leonardo Da Vinci, the famed ‘Monalisa’ painter, and a polymath.
2. Getting to the next – Raphael, the next in line of the turtle brothers, identified by his hotheadedness and the shade of red. As he wields his twin sai, we find him quarreling quite much with his elder sibling over petty issues.
Taking the concept of ninja turtle names inspiration in this context – his name was inspired by the Renaissance painter Raphael – credited for the supremacy of the High Renaissance period.
3. The third name is – Donatello, identified with the power color of purple! As the genius of this quartet, he wields the bo staff.
His name was inspired by the Italian sculptor – Donatello, who reigned supreme in the Renaissance art period.
4. The final name is – Michelangelo. The youngest, smartest, fiercest of the brothers, he works best with orange shade and pizza on his side.
The creator of Pieta and David – the ultimate of the Renaissance Period, Michaelangelo – inspired the fourth turtle’s name.
So, got your answers to the idea of the ninja turtle names and the inspirations behind the same? In that case – it is time for the novices, who are still a bit unaware of the series, to get up close and personal with it. How about reading through the recapitulation for those who have read and watched it zillion times on television?
The series – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Precisely thought of as an action-hero comic-book series, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was first issued to an instant hit phenomenon in 1984. After the massive popularity that it garnered (third bestselling toy figure in the US domain between 1988-92), it was later turned into an animated series that premiered in 1987.
After the animated version of the same, three live-action films were also followed, the rights of which were purchased by none other than – Paramount Global.
This series follows the traditional path of the epic fight between good and evil, with the quartet of humanoid turtles and their set of human friends, such as Casey Jones and April O’Neil. The series also has a set of enemies named Shredder, Stockman, and Krang.
Before you jump into the complexities of ninja turtle names and their inspiration, it is important to note some specifics of the other characters.
In Team Good, you will note the presence of – the mutant Yoshi rat Master Splinter, who teaches the brothers the art of ninjutsu. Then on the same team are the characters of O’Neil and Casey, who always seem to require the help of the turtles in a myriad of situations.
When talking of Team Evil – the characters of Shredder, Karai, Stockman, Bebop, and Rocksteady bring forth their evil ways, which the ninja brothers have to fight to save the city.
Thus, one can humbly state that this series which went from a comic strip to animation series to films selling goodies on the way, has attained cult status courtesy of its content and presentation. Would you like to get to the details of the characters, especially the brothers? For that, you will have to scroll down this digital document.
Getting a bit closer to the turtle brothers
It can be safely assumed that skimming through the previous sections gives you a fair idea about this comic series turned television presentation. In that case, let’s dedicate this segment of the content to the details associated with ninja turtle names and their inspirational nemesis.
1. Leonardo – The First Brother
When Leo, shortened for Leonardo, introduces himself to the world, the description is somewhat like – “…I have 3 rowdy brothers who always give me a hard time, but I manage to keep them in line.”
Touted to be the charismatic leader of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles gang, Leo is the eldest of Master Splinter and an adoptive sibling to Karai. For the hardcore fans of TMNT, Leonardo, despite being inexperienced in the teens, is the perfect ‘hero’ material. At times, though, he lacks the street-smartness of his younger brothers; his relentless pursuit of knowledge and the diligence to prove his worth sets him apart from his siblings.
What is his personality like?
For someone whose ninja turtle names have been inspired by one of the best polymaths the world has seen – Da Vinci, Leo is a man of his word. He is brave and decisive. He has the quality to take decisions and stick through them – making them work amidst the toughest of situations. As the glue of the group, he is a team player (the biggest reason for his success).
It is more of the innate hardworking ability that has made him a leader rather than his skill set. His tenets for charting his path to success are the values of righteousness, honor, loyalty, and courage.
What about the costume?
Though his power color is blue, this ninja turtle appears in a lime green skin suit with a plastron of a golden-mustard shade. With three fingers and two toes to place himself on – he is also found with red marks all over his face and yellow marks on his upper arms. His trademark blue mask, gloves, and socks make for a great shield. The Turtle emblem marks his position amidst the quartet.
If you check with time, nothing has changed much apart from his costume becoming darker green than before.
The inspiration behind his name
Leonardo is a bipedal turtle, one of those whose ninja turtle names have been inspired by none other than Leonardo Da Vinci. Da Vinci was one of the fascinating figures of the Western art scenario.
Apart from his contributions in terms of Monalisa and The Last Supper, he is credited with the qualities of – engineering, science, sculptor, and architecture.
Additionally, he epitomized the genius of the High Renaissance, and his collection of works is supremely incomparable when placed in regard to anyone but Michaelangelo.
From his journals and clippings of records placed by multiple sources – Da Vinci has been noted as someone who was headstrong and was a genius. Clearly – the ninja turtle named after him quite much has the qualities of the genius himself.
What are his powers?
In terms of his powers – he can hold his breath underwater for up to 10 minutes and has a bony shell that protects his back and chest. Also, he has the capacity to function in extremes of temperatures without creating much of a fuss.
Apart from all the powers mentioned above, he is also blessed with – enhanced strength and speed, a certain sense of stealth that is required in winning combats, and the stamina and endurance (as well depicted in The Invasion) that is truly expected of a leader.
His hidden skills
Not every day, one comes across skills such as – ninjutsu and uses the same to heal himself or herself. Well, for the unaware – Leonardo is a master of kenjutsu and iaido – his game being so on-point that he could very well hide right in front of his opponent’s eyes without holding a breath.
Additionally, his skills with odachi make him capable of delivering precise moves right when the cut is to be made. Talk of a strategic mind and bold moves – there’s none better than Leo to ensure the best for you! He is the Leader for reasons enough!
2. Raphael – The Second Brother
Call him the second in command of the ninja brothers; he is surely the ‘Muscle’ of the TMNT team! We will get to the core of his attitude later, first describing him on official grounds – “…If there’s a brawl, count me in. If any shellbrains try to mess with me and my brothers, they won’t know what hit them.”
As an alligator snapping turtle who was curated in the wrong manner to become a human, he is known to be the leader of Mad Dogs. He is one of the boldest turtles and stands true to the origin of his ninja turtle names.
It is time to check out some more details about this ‘hot-headed’ turtle –
What is his personality like?
Talking of his persona, Raphael is one of those who is categorically valiant but extremely impulsive. Whether it is while making certain decisions or even when jumping into any ongoing fight – the turtle cares a lot but surely does not know his stop line.
Another aspect of his persona is his lack of wit. In fact, if you clearly check out the ‘Stuck on You’ episode, you will notice the stupidity that surely creates some problems for him and the other brothers. But despite that – what is worth noticing is – his organic wisdom, his imaginative prowess, and finally, his ability to immediately revise certain plans that do not match the standards.
Lastly, one can surely state this about Raphael – he is a combination of weird characteristics. On the one hand, he can be or rather is ferocious and sarcastic to the point of no return, while on the other – there is a certain sense of kindness in him that is unmatchable.
What about the costume?
He is another of the ninja turtles to be found in green. However, unlike Leo, he does not change his appearance with time. Additionally, he has an orange plastron with the edges of the top specifically designed like a fork. The spikes all over his body and the red clothes and bandana he wears make for a fiery hot combo!!
The inspiration behind his name
If there is one thing that the ninja turtle has inherited from his nemesis from the Renaissance period, it is the concept of clarity and visual enchantment. Whether in his paintings or his architecture, there was no domain wherein Raphael would stay behind in producing the best. Quite similar to this ninja, who believes in delivering the best and is fiercely protective of his family.
What are his powers?
Raphael is known to command the tonfa (which generates mystic energies). Apart from that – he is also known for his strategic analysis and problem-solving capacity.
His hidden skills
His biggest skill is his knowledge of ninjutsu! As a skilled performer – he possesses the required strength of stealth, agility, and strength that is required to make a mark and defeat his opponents.
3. Donatello – The Third Brother
The third of the brothers – he was a spiny turtle of softshell who was mutated to become a human. It is no secret that he has been quite protected as the third of the brothers. Therefore, he is dramatic and yet reckless!
Though apparently, he may come across as someone who lacks emotional connection, surprisingly, he is an extremely passionate individual who, at a certain point in time, does look forth to genuine words of comfort from his peers and seniors.
What is his personality like?
Comparatively reserved, Donatello is someone who may not be open to people, but even the smallest of things hurt him. Though he may not lose his temper at the drop of a hat, it can be quite calamitous when he does.
Also, he is not just dependent on machinery as a way of life but also devoted a great part of his life to pursuing studies not associated with combat.
What about the costume?
Another, with the green base, is the brown layering above his skin that makes him different from his contemporaries and peers. What’s more? Taking his power color alongside – he ensures that his whole bodice, his bandana, and his battle shell are all hued in the shade of aubergine.
The inspiration behind his name
Donatello was one of the most notable Florentine sculptors whose shallow-type bas-relief was his key feature. Like the sculptor’s works, Donatello has a sense of unmatchable passion that may not be evident.
What are his powers?
Called Donnie by his close – ones, he is proficient in transforming Tech-Bo’s capacities and is of genius intellect. Also, he is trained in ninjutsu and follows the traits of – stealth and strength.
His hidden skills
Donnie is exceptionally talented when it comes to creating functional weapons and is better than the average individual. Talk of complex equations; there’s none better than him. Also, his endurance limit is worth noting.
4. Michaelangelo – The Fourth Brother
Call him Mikey and try relieving his features – and you will find a genius individual (albeit turtle) who is enthusiastic, funny, and creative – but only with a minimal dash of indiscipline. As one of the most lighthearted among the brothers – he is someone who discovers and rediscovers his potential over time.
What is his personality like?
Incidentally, he is the youngest and naturally the most spoilt. Call him the ultimate pizza-lover social guy – he is someone who, unlike his brothers, loves to intermingle. Do you want to be friends with him? Just be!!
What about the costume?
Quite short in comparison to his brothers – especially Donatello, he is a green turtle blessed with blue eyes by his creators. Wrapping his head in an orange bandana, he is someone who, if not gobbling on a pie, is kicking off Kraang!!
The inspiration behind his name
Michelangelo was one of the most celebrated sculptors of the Renaissance period. Incidentally – people did not take him seriously, but his passionate creations ensured that he made a name for himself in the Renaissance domain and beyond.
What are his powers?
Ninjutsu and its usual set of skills, followed by kusarigama, the act of balancing on a skateboard and getting back to the shell, are his powers. So one can state that despite being apparently immature, he knows when to play up his powers to defeat the enemies.
His hidden skills
Trained in martial arts and quite a prankster – nobody ever thought that his cooking skills and shadow puppetry skills would be worth noting.
What can you learn from this series?
As a child, when you watched this series, perhaps the associations of the ninja turtle names were not so clear to you. However, now that you have read all about it and connected certain dots, would you like to know what you may learn from this series? Then here they go –
1. The Choice is mostly Ours
Not always – but in most cases, it is our choice as to how we deal with the alternatives placed before us. As you must have seen in this series itself, which goes much beyond the analysis of ninja turtle names. The choices that we make in the worst of our times define who we really are – the ninja quartet here is nothing but the bravest of all!
2. Looks are Deceptive – always!
Did April O’Neil think the turtle brothers would save her life countless times? Why so? It is because of her prejudice against green turtles. As individuals, we are always concerned about how the other person looks, even before we choose to check his qualities. Therefore – this works in the negative, and we lose out on good people. So, be careful of the same.
3. Family and Friends are important!
Always and the Ultimate! They were, and they are always important. As you can see for yourself – that when with their gang, nobody can even think of defeating the evil Crang or Shredder.
4. Pizza is Delicious
Definitely not the healthiest of diet choices, but Michaelangelo loved his pizza, and as a kid, so did you! Or perhaps – still now you do, just that rules are strict now. Well – in either case, ordering a pizza as a dine-in for the weekends can be a great family tradition to bond over. If you plan to rewatch this series with your Powerpuff girls and boys set, you can always order a pizza for the first episode re-premiere on the weekend.
Are you planning to rewatch this series?
That was quite an exhaustive list!! Well – if you are a 90s child, you must have already watched the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. It goes without saying that, irrespective of your knowledge of the ninja turtle names and the inspiration behind their names, you must have enjoyed the series.
However – perhaps after reading this article, you would want to watch the series again, albeit this time with all the metaphoric associations in mind. Go for it, then! There are multiple streaming sites that still showcase this series. Do let us know how you felt about them after rewatching the series. In anticipation of your comments.