Which Iteration of TMNT is the Best?

Even though this opinion is safer, arguments still inevitably break out, especially amongst die-hard fans. Most of these fans seem to favor the original. Many claim it had a continuous and surreal plot, with perfect comedic timing, and was loveable and light-hearted. However, there are also older TMNT fans who favor the 2003 series because of its darkness. This fact alone ties it back to its original predecessor, the IDW TMNT Comics, that have always followed a much darker and action-packed plot line, similar to the 2003 series. The 2012 series fans have to compromise as to why their series is the best. They say it is the perfect iteration because it takes both of these elements into one, going deeper in its storyline than any of the previous shows. A review by Firestriker says, “The storytelling is the best part about the show in my opinion. The story gets more interesting and serious. There is a lot of drama, and the thing that I like about the drama is that it connects with the story.”

The most important part of the TMNT 2012 series, however, is not the humor or the storylines. It is the bond between the brothers. Unlike the stiff 1987 Turtles, the serious 2003 brothers, and the jokesters of the RISE series, TMNT 2012 incorporates more heart and meaning into the Turtles' bond with each other and their rat master Splinter. There are many heart-to-heart moments between Leonardo and Splinter, and the Raph vs. Leo rivalry is explained more and actually solved. There are moments where the show goes into depth about how much the brothers care for each other. Some examples include Leo overcoming his fear of letting his brothers down, or Raph’s freak out when Mikey is injured. A review on IMDb says, “The core of the story is still the same 4 brothers being a team and kicking Shredder’s butt. But it is more than that, it is also about family.”