Tmnt Leo - Blog Posts

SOMEONE ELSE SEES MY VISION OML

This is probably my favorite concept in the idw comics

“Mama I’m chasing a ghost.”

Since my cat and other cats headbutt people when they want attention/show that they love someone, I am head cannoning that Donnie has that trait.

So I am imagining a scenario where Donnie is going “I am going to headbutt you” to Leo.

Donnie ends up headbutting Leo’s shoulder. And Leo is like “That was less violent than expected.”

Donnie is like, “I’m sorry, do you want it to be violent?”

This ends up with Donnie ramming into Leo and they both end up passed out on the floor.

Raph and Mikey come in a few minutes later, and don’t question anything.

Guess which movie someone's going to see?!

I think that i have unlocked a new skill when it comes to drawing in pen.

Incorrect Canon 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Quotes

Michelangelo: I think Leo's possessed.

Donatello: [barely looking up from his coffee] Oh, fantastic. That’s just what we needed.

Raphael: [grumpily rubbing his eyes] It’s seven in the freakin’ morning, Mikey. Can we not start with your nonsense already?

Michelangelo: I’m serious! Look at him!

[Leonardo sits at the table, calmly eating a spoonful of Cheerios while reading The Art of War.]

Raphael: [deadpan] Wow, Leo’s eating breakfast. Better alert the Vatican.

Michelangelo: He doesn’t eat breakfast!

Donatello: [squinting at Leonardo] I mean… he usually doesn’t, but maybe he’s turning over a new leaf? Healthy habits?

Michelangelo: Healthy habits my shell! It’s not what Leo’s eating—it’s what kind! Cheerios over Lucky Charms?! Everyone knows he has a sweet tooth he tries to hide from us, and those are his favorite!

Raphael: [throwing his hands up] One meal. That’s all I ask. ONE. Without Mikey accusing somebody of being a zombie, or a werewolf, or—

[Michelangelo suddenly holds up a crucifix and points it at Leonardo.]

Michelangelo: BEGONE, DEMON!

[Leonardo’s eyes flash black, and he lets out an unholy roar, flipping the chair over as he collapses to the floor.]

Raphael & Donatello: [screaming] WHAT THE HELL?!

Literally every story I do with Leonardo I am inspired by this same piece of art! I don’t know why, especially in his dark times, I commonly associate it with him.

Fallen Angel Leo!?

tbh shoulda gave him the black emo ass outfit he kills shredder with but too late 😻

I thought Leo always chose to make sacrifices for his brothers and protect them? Sorry I am trying to understand the must I always suffer in your place line. Like didn’t he always choose to do that? He didn’t have to do anything for them. Then again I am a middle child so I guess I don’t get it.

In the 2003 iteration, Leonardo’s role as the eldest and leader is deeply tied to self-sacrifice. Throughout the series, it’s shown and even outright stated that he carries a heavier burden than his brothers. He’s held to a higher standard by both his master and himself, pushing him to train harder, expect more from himself, and make decisions that prioritize his family above all else. In the series, this responsibility is something he accepts willingly—he views it as his duty and his way of protecting his clan.

For the story, however, I wanted to explore what happens when that unwavering sense of duty is pushed too far. Being resurrected as a flesh-eating monster by his own brother becomes a breaking point for him. It’s not just the horror of what he’s become, but the deeper betrayal of his own values—sacrificing his humanity to save his brother.

The line “But now, it seems like for so much of our lives, I must suffer in your place” reflects that shift. It’s Leonardo recognizing how often he’s had to endure pain, not just for the sake of his family but in place of them. This moment of clarity is not about resenting his brothers but realizing the toll of always being the one to bear the burden, the consequences, or the suffering so they don’t have to. In this particular context, it cuts even deeper because his younger brother’s decision to resurrect him—despite knowing there would be consequences—was ultimately driven by not wanting to endure his own suffering.

I hope this helps clarify the meaning behind the line and the emotions it’s meant to convey! Thank you so much for the ask—it’s always wonderful to dive deeper into these moments!

Leo and Raph have a beautiful relationship. I been so obsessed with them lately

Raph: I would die for you Leo

Leo: please don’t

Raph:

Leo: what?

Raph: you know what

Hi, sorry for the lateish response! I’ve been obsessed with their relationship ever since I first watched the various iterations as a kid, but there’s something about the 2003 series that really stands out. I feel like their dynamic was written so well because their conflicts never felt unnecessary or forced, like they sometimes do in other versions. Even when they argued, their love for each other was always so evident.

And yes, absolutely—Raphael is always ready to throw himself into danger for Leonardo, and all Leonardo wants is for him to stop doing that (even though he’d do the exact same thing for him in a heartbeat) Their bond is just so compelling. Thank you again for the ask!

This is absolutely stunning, and I’m beyond honored that my fanfiction inspired this! Seeing one of my favorite quotes, “Must I always suffer in your place,” woven into the background makes it even more heartbreakingly gorgeous. Thank you for bringing this to life so beautifully!

Do you love having your heart broken? Then you might enjoy the fic "Sometimes Dead is Better" by @bangs-coffee-fandoms-unite as much as I did! I had to draw some two AM fanart for it so it wouldn't haunt me (Just kidding, it's still going to haunt me :'D) Seriously, though, it's so gut-wrenchingly good. Go check it out!

Incorrect Canon 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Quotes

Donatello: Oh, look! Leonardo and Usagi are standing under the mistletoe.

Michelangelo: [Eyes widen in panic.] Oh no!

Donatello: [Rolls his eyes and crosses his arms.] Come on, Mikey. Grow up. It’s about time Leo—

Michelangelo: [Frantically waves his hands, interrupting Donatello.] Not that! Raph told Leo that it’s tradition in Usagi’s dimension, when you stand under the mistletoe—

[Leonardo abruptly snap kicks Usagi in the face mid-lean, knocking him back. Then he turns to his brothers, giving them a thumbs-up like he just nailed the perfect kata.]

Michelangelo: [Facepalms.] —you fight them.

Raphael: [Leaning against the wall, snickering.] I call it ‘mistlefoe’.

[Leonardo, oblivious to the chaos, glances up at the mistletoe again, prepared to defend his honor from any other "attackers."]

Incorrect Canon 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Quotes

Civilian: You in the lizard costume, I want to speak to your manager!

Raphael: Oh, you wanna talk to my manager? Sure, hold on.

[Raphael pulls out his shell cell, dials a number slowly, and holds it up dramatically.]

Raphael: [speaking into the phone] Leo, some bitch wants to talk to you.

[Raphael pauses, listening to muffled talking from Leonardo on the other end of the line. Turns back to the civilian with a smirk.]

Raphael: Yeah, he says you can take that complaint and shove it up your—

[Raphael cut off by loud yelling from Leonardo on the other line.]

Incorrect Canon 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Quotes

Michelangelo, over the Shell Cell: [nervously] Leo…

Leonardo: [already suspicious] Yeah, what is it, Mikey?

Michelangelo: Hypothetically—

Leonardo: [interrupts, already grabbing his weapons] I'm on my way.

Michelangelo: [under his breath] …should probably hurry.

Incorrect Canon 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Quotes

Raphael: Oh, I see what’s happenin’. You’ve got a Leo.

Casey: [confused] What? A Leo?

Raphael: [nods knowingly] Yeah, that little voice in your head that tells you you can’t do stuff.

Raphael: [mockingly imitates] “Raph, don’t do that. Raph, that’s not honorable. Raph, hitting unconscious opponents with their own fists and asking why they’re hitting themselves is not the ninja way.”

Leonardo: [appears in the doorway, arms crossed, glaring] Raph. Casey. What are you two up to?

Casey: [eyes wide] I HEAR IT!

Incorrect Canon 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Quotes

Raphael and Michelangelo, both on a mission to finally get the stoic Leonardo to cry.

Michelangelo: [slaps Leonardo across the face dramatically] Take that, Sir! Behold a teenage mutant ninja turtle weeping like—

[Leonardo, unfazed, grabs the nearest chair and smashes it over Michelangelo’s head.]

Raphael: [blinks in disbelief] That—that was your plan?! Mikey, are you crying?

Michelangelo: [sniffling and clutching his head] Yes I'm crying—he hit me with a chair!

Exactly! He goes from 😩💅✨ to 🦇👺😠 in an instant!

I just uploaded the first chapter today, and the final chapter will hopefully be out on Halloween:

For Halloween, I am currently spiraling into madness writing a Pet Sematary-inspired take on the 2003 iteration of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Raphael is unable to move on after Leonardo dies during what was supposed to be just another routine trip to the surface.

The grief eats away at Raphael, and while staying at the farmhouse, he hears from a neighbor about the cursed soil in the apple orchard. The neighbor warns him not to bury his brother there, giving the classic warning, “Sometimes, dead is better.”

But Raphael, being Raphael, does not listen. Desperate to have Leonardo back, Raphael buries him there anyway. And when his brother returns, he does so as a malevolent entity.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please comment or reblog! I am thinking of posting the first chapter this week. It should only be about two or three chapters and finished by Halloween 🎃

For Halloween, I am currently spiraling into madness writing a Pet Sematary-inspired take on the 2003 iteration of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Raphael is unable to move on after Leonardo dies during what was supposed to be just another routine trip to the surface.

The grief eats away at Raphael, and while staying at the farmhouse, he hears from a neighbor about the cursed soil in the apple orchard. The neighbor warns him not to bury his brother there, giving the classic warning, “Sometimes, dead is better.”

But Raphael, being Raphael, does not listen. Desperate to have Leonardo back, Raphael buries him there anyway. And when his brother returns, he does so as a malevolent entity.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please comment or reblog! I am thinking of posting the first chapter this week. It should only be about two or three chapters and finished by Halloween 🎃

I love the idea that the 2003 iteration of Leonardo is so intent on being a mother hen that he tries to take care of literally everyone around him—even grown-ass adults. I especially love the idea of fifteen-year-old Leonardo mother henning Casey and April, who are in their mid-twenties.

Leonardo: [hands an apple and a protein bar to Casey] Here. You might get hungry during patrol, and it’s important to keep your energy up. I also have dark chocolate or peanut butter if you finish those.

Casey: [staring at the snacks, confused] Uh… thanks, Leo?

Raphael: [snickering]

Casey: [frowning] Does he always do this?

Donatello: [with a straight face] You have no idea…

Michelangelo: [letting Leonardo peel an apple for him with his katana] Oh yeah, all the time. It’s kinda nice—he cuts the apple into perfect little pieces.

Stoppppp! I swear, every time I mention rewatching the 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series with my father, I come back with some wild revelation thanks to his uncanny television-watching skills. Seriously, this man is either psychic or just way too good at predicting plot twists. And the best (worst?) part is, he always gets this smug, “I know something you don’t know” grin.

So, when we hit season five—the one that is kinda the lost season that not even all the hardcore Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fans have seen—he was absolutely certain he knew a big twist that was coming. He was practically vibrating with excitement, and I finally caved and asked him what he thought was going to happen.

And what he said? Ten times better than what we actually got.

Okay, so you know how Leonardo mirrors the real Oroku Saki in the flashbacks and how he eventually returns as a demon? My father thought Leonardo was going to become a demon himself to defeat Demon Shredder and save his brothers.

Let me repeat that: Leonardo, our honorable, calm, reassuring blue turtle, becoming a literal demon.

Like, okay. Leonardo fans of all Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle iterations? We live for horrible, soul-crushing angst, right? But this? This right here? I am chewing on fiber glass right now. I did not know I needed this concept until now, but suddenly, I NEED it.

Here is the fifth chapter. Oopsie daisy! Looks like the muses had their say, and it turns out that the evil 2012 iteration of Leonardo is basically just the Rise version:

Hello everyone!

I am so excited to share my first work in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fandom with you! While I am a huge fan of the 2003 iteration, I have chosen to set this story in the 2012 iteration, as it fits best with the storyline I have envisioned. But do not worry—if you enjoy this, I will be posting a story set in the 2003 universe later on, so stay tuned!

This story is a loose adaptation of the City Fall arc from the IDW comics, tailored to fit the 2012 cartoon's setting. Here is the link and summary:

Title: Little Dark Age

Summary: After a devastating defeat by the Shredder during the Kraang invasion, Leonardo is captured and subjected to the dark machinations of the witch Kitsune. Bewitched and scarred, Leonardo is made to believe that the Hamato Clan is the architect of his suffering, convinced they are responsible for years of psychological and physical abuse. When Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo return to New York, they are horrified to find their presumed-dead brother now a vengeful and far more powerful adversary as the chunin of the Foot Clan.

Link 🔗: https://archiveofourown.org/works/57918355/chapters/147434158

Leonardo when fighting alongside his brothers:

Leonardo when fighting by himself:

Rewatching the 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series has made one thing painfully clear: Leonardo goes absolutely feral when he fights solo. Like, when he is with his brothers, he is the model of teamwork—strategizing, watching their backs (shells?), and occasionally throwing in a quip or two. But the second he is left to fight alone? He unleashes. No one to protect, no need to hold back—he just goes full-on berserker mode.

Here is the fourth chapter:

Hello everyone!

I am so excited to share my first work in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fandom with you! While I am a huge fan of the 2003 iteration, I have chosen to set this story in the 2012 iteration, as it fits best with the storyline I have envisioned. But do not worry—if you enjoy this, I will be posting a story set in the 2003 universe later on, so stay tuned!

This story is a loose adaptation of the City Fall arc from the IDW comics, tailored to fit the 2012 cartoon's setting. Here is the link and summary:

Title: Little Dark Age

Summary: After a devastating defeat by the Shredder during the Kraang invasion, Leonardo is captured and subjected to the dark machinations of the witch Kitsune. Bewitched and scarred, Leonardo is made to believe that the Hamato Clan is the architect of his suffering, convinced they are responsible for years of psychological and physical abuse. When Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo return to New York, they are horrified to find their presumed-dead brother now a vengeful and far more powerful adversary as the chunin of the Foot Clan.

Link 🔗: https://archiveofourown.org/works/57918355/chapters/147434158

Me remembering how I was embarrassing when I could have been cool and chill:

What is the context here? 💀 Also, I can’t get enough of Leonardo doing the Christian Bale Batman voice.

They're so extra