You Won’t Believe The Most Epic Leonardo Quotes From Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Summary

  • Leo’s leadership is tested by the Kraang, challenging his calm demeanor.
  • Nickelodeon revamps TMNT in 2012, successfully combining comedy and adventure.
  • Leo’s emotional struggles and family loyalty shine through in various confrontations.

Four reptile siblings, affectionately known as the Ninja Turtles, mastered martial arts under their rat mentor, made a surprising entrance into the comic book world in 1984 from an unanticipated direction. Today, they are among the most renowned characters in American pop culture lore. Each turtle exhibits a unique character trait, striking a chord with many readers.

In the eyes of some, it could be Leonardo who takes charge. Hand-picked by Master Splinter, he ensures that his fellow turtles stay focused on the present, as much as four teenagers can manage. His bond, often tense and competitive, with Raphael is legendary, flaring up multiple times. Here are some memorable quotes from their shared journey in the franchise.

7. “Wrong! The halting of Kraang is exactly the thing that the ones who are-…ugh, just halt!”

Leo Has Been Fighting The Kraang Too Much

Source Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012), Season 1, Episode 8, “Never Say Xever”
Release Date November 10, 2012
Director Michael Chang

In 2009, the ownership of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise shifted from the Mirage Group and 4Kids Entertainment to Nickelodeon. This move raised some concerns among fans. However, those worries were quickly alleviated when Nickelodeon unveiled their new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series in 2012, which combined humor, character growth, and thrilling escapades in an appealing way.

In this new version, one of the main enemies we encounter are the Kraang – an alien species with brain-like structures who operate metallic humanoid exosuits. They’re known for their odd speech habits, often referring to themselves in the third person and using overly complex sentences. Over time, Leonardo finds himself unintentionally mimicking this style of communication due to its frequent use.

6. “He’s wrong. We’re not wearing costumes.”

Leo Tells Readers They Are In For Something Different

Source Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1
Release Date May 1984
Creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird

Back in the 80s, the popular Saturday morning cartoon for kids introduced many to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. However, these characters were initially conceived in an independent comic book created by Eastman and Laird as a satire of Marvel’s Daredevil comics. The first issue begins with the turtle brothers being trapped in an alley by members of the Purple Dragons gang, with one member mocking them for wearing “ridiculous turtle outfits.

Leonardo’s reply gives newcomers a sense of what they’re diving into. These aren’t ordinary humans with extraordinary abilities or dressed flashily. Instead, these characters are an eccentric creation, which helps distinguish them from more conventional competitors. This quote also leaves readers questioning the identity of these Turtles, piquing their curiosity about who they truly are.

5. “You Lie!”

Leo Loses His Cool

Source Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Release Date March 30, 1990
Director Steve Barron

In the 1990 movie “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” the Foot Clan raids the turtles’ hideout and kidnaps their master, Master Splinter. During a showdown against the Foot Clan’s leader, the Shredder, the turtles question him about Splinter’s location. In response, the Shredder nonchalantly remarks, “Ah, the rat… It seems it has a name, or had one.” This infuriates Leonardo, who immediately accuses the Shredder of deceit, expressing his distress in his voice.

When Leonardo learns that his mentor might be deceased, it leaves him devastated. Known for his composure and ability to guide others with certainty and wisdom, this news is more than he can handle. In a desperate attempt to cope, Leonardo rushes towards the Shredder who overpowers him, coming close to ending his life. Just as things seem hopeless, Splinter miraculously arrives in the nick of time.

4. “I Did The Best I Could!”

Leo Lets Go Of His Anger

Source Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003), Season 4, Episode 14, The Ancient One
Release Date December 10, 2005
Writer Steve Murphy

In the 2003 animated series, the Turtles suffered severe injuries and an inevitable fate following their fight against the Shredder, a situation that could only be reversed by the Utroms’ intervention. This ordeal has left Leonardo grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder and profound guilt over his perceived failure to protect his kin. To cope with these feelings, Master Splinter sends Leonardo to Japan for martial arts training under The Ancient One – the same master who trained Splinter’s mentor.

In the episode’s climax, Leo confronts a stone sentinel who taunts him about his weakness, reminding him of their previous battle with the Shredder. Leo retaliates, crying out, “I gave it my all,” and strikes at its face, uncovering an identical figure. This scene signifies that Leonardo overcomes his rage and self-blame. He believed he had let down his brothers, not understanding that even leaders can stumble. However, what he failed to see was that he did the best he could for his kin. In the end, everyone can only strive to do their utmost – their personal best.

3. “Hey! He wants some food!”

Leonardo Forgets His Fight With Raphael

Source Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Release Date March 30, 1990
Director Steve Barron

In a fresh take, the initial cinematic appearance of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles combines the humorous violence from the ’80s cartoons with the grittier undertones of the original comics. A heated dispute between Leonardo and Raphael leads to Raphael exiting their temporary shelter, April’s apartment. Following a clash with the Foot Clan, Raphael falls into a coma, prompting the Turtles, April, and their latest ally, Casey Jones, to escape to a rural barn.

The strife between Leonardo and Raphael fades into insignificance as Leonardo’s brother hangs precariously close to death. In the days that Raphael lies unconscious, Leo remains steadfastly by his side. When at last Raphael stirs and asks for something to eat, Leonardo is filled with elation. Despite their occasional irritations towards each other, Leonardo is simply relieved to see him well again.

2. “Don’t do this, Raph.”

Leo Gives Raphael One Last Chance

Source TMNT
Release Date March 23, 2007
Director Kevin Munroe

Historically, Leonardo and Raphael have had a contentious relationship. Raphael’s impulsive nature stands in stark contrast to Leonardo’s deliberate, patient demeanor. This rivalry culminates in the 2007 CGI film “TMNT,” where Leonardo learns that Raphael is the masked vigilante Night Watcher. When Raphael declares he no longer wishes to take orders, Leonardo counters that he’s not ready yet and believes himself superior. This leads Raphael to draw his sais for a confrontation, which prompts a response from Leonardo.

In this particular instance, Splinter’s choice of Leonardo as the leader becomes apparent. While both characters are displaying anger in this scene, Raphael lets his rage govern his decisions, becoming hostile and potentially hazardous. Leonardo will engage in combat if necessary, but he prefers to avoid it, providing Raphael an opportunity to reconsider. Strength is a trait that Raphael possesses, but it must be balanced with wise judgement.

1. “In this life, we only have each other. If one of us goes down, we all go down, so focus.”

Family Is Everything For Leo

Source Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003), Season 4, Episode 6, “Grudge Match”
Release Date October 22, 2005
Writer Christopher Yost

In an upcoming rematch, Michaelangelo needs to prepare for battling Kluh, his previous conqueror in the Battle Nexus Tournament. However, when Master Splinter refuses due to Michaelangelo’s arrogance and presumption, Leonardo steps in to train him instead. He brings Michaelangelo to a mountain outside the arena to motivate him with these words:

These words reveal the essence of Leonardo’s character, as well as the heart of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The story of these turtles is about family, standing by each other in both good and difficult times. Leonardo is determined to protect his siblings, while this statement also encourages Michaelangelo to fight back with renewed vigor when Kluh threatens their family.

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2025-02-15 05:35