The TMNT began in a darker, more serious tone with the Mirage Comics, written by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. These comics feature the four turtles—Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo—who are mutated by a mysterious ooze. They are trained in ninjutsu by their rat sensei, Splinter, and battle various villains, including their arch-nemesis, the Shredder.
- Tone: Darker, more violent.
- Key Elements: Splinter is a human who mutated into a rat, and the Turtles are more aggressive and less light-hearted than in later adaptations.
- Notable Villains: Shredder, Krang (who originates in this continuity too, though in a different form), The Foot Clan.
This version of TMNT is one of the most popular and iconic, blending action with humor and slapstick comedy. The Turtles, while still having their ninja skills and battling the Shredder, had more cartoonish personalities, with Michelangelo being the comic relief and Donatello as the techie.
- Tone: Lighter, more comedic, aimed at children.
- Key Elements: The Turtles' personalities are more exaggerated (e.g., Mikey’s love for pizza), and the Shredder is often portrayed as more bumbling and less menacing.
- Notable Villains: Shredder, Krang (with his mechanical body), Bebop and Rocksteady (mutants), and the Technodrome.
This version of the TMNT took a more serious, action-packed approach, combining elements of the original Mirage comics with the colorful fun of the 1987 series. The Turtles were portrayed as more martial artists, and their relationships with each other were more complex. The series also introduced deep lore, exploring the relationship between the Turtles and the ancient warlord, the Utroms (Krang’s species), and their interactions with alien civilizations.
- Tone: Darker, more mature than the 1987 series but not as dark as the original comics.
- Key Elements: Complex story arcs, such as the return of Shredder, as well as the appearance of the Fugitoid and the Utroms.
- Notable Villains: Shredder (Oroku Saki), The Utroms, and various mutant creatures and warlords.
This series is a reboot of the Turtles in 3D animation. It was lighter and focused on fun, but also explored some of the deeper emotional themes of the Turtles, such as the relationship between the brothers and the burden of being mutants in a human world. The show introduced new characters and villains while staying true to the Turtles' roots.
- Tone: More humorous and family-friendly, with occasional darker elements.
- Key Elements: The Turtles face threats from aliens and mutants, and the relationship between the Turtles and Splinter is more fatherly than in previous versions.
- Notable Villains: The Shredder, The Kraang (an alien species), and various mutants.
Over the years, several live-action and animated TMNT movies have contributed to the multiverse, with different interpretations of the Turtles' origins and personalities:
- 1990 Live-Action Film: This adaptation of the Mirage comics brought the Turtles to life in a darker, more serious film. The movie is beloved for its practical effects and staying true to the comic's tone.
- 2007 CGI Film: This movie is set in its own continuity and follows the Turtles as they are now older and struggling with personal issues. They reunite to battle an ancient threat, a powerful general named Winter.
- 2014 and 2016 Michael Bay Films: These films presented a more modern take with CGI Turtles and heavy action scenes. These adaptations were divisive among fans, with some enjoying the spectacle, while others disliked the changes to the Turtles' design and characterization.
The IDW comics are a modern continuation of the TMNT franchise, incorporating elements from all the previous versions while establishing its own unique continuity. The Turtles face a variety of threats, including a more menacing version of Shredder, the threat of alien invaders, and the appearance of other factions, like the Mutanimals. The IDW comics also explored more about the Turtles' personal struggles and the evolution of their personalities.
- Tone: A blend of action, humor, and emotional depth.
- Key Elements: More modern takes on classic characters, the focus on family and brotherhood, and major arcs like the "City at War" storyline.
- Notable Villains: Shredder, Krang, The Foot Clan, Baxter Stockman, and even other mutant factions like the Rat King.
The concept of a "multiverse" truly came to life in the crossover episodes and comic arcs that brought together different Turtles from various universes. Notably:
- TMNT (1987) Meets TMNT (2003): The Turtles from the 1987 cartoon and the 2003 cartoon team up in several crossovers. These stories highlight the contrast in tone, with the lighthearted Turtles from the 1987 series often having to deal with the more serious 2003 versions.
- TMNT (2012) Meets TMNT (1987): In a multiverse crossover event, the 2012 Turtles meet their 1987 counterparts. This created a lot of humorous and nostalgic moments as both sets of Turtles are from vastly different universes with different designs and attitudes.
- TMNT #100 (IDW): In this landmark issue, multiple versions of the Turtles are brought together through the use of alternate dimensions, helping to further establish the multiverse as part of TMNT lore.
Besides the main Turtles, many versions of the characters exist across various continuities:
- Female Turtles: In some continuities, female Turtles like Venus de Milo have been introduced, although her presence has been controversial among fans.
- Fugitoid: A humanoid robot, an important character in many TMNT versions, particularly in the 2003 series and the IDW comics.
- Mighty Mutanimals: A group of mutant animals that sometimes ally with the Turtles, like Slash (a mutated turtle) and Mondo Gecko.
- Villainous Turtles: Some versions feature evil or alternative Turtles, such as the "Turtlevillain" characters, including the “Shredder Turtles” from alternate dimensions.
