When you hear “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” you probably think of the main four: Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo. They have been the central characters since 1984. But there is more to the story.

Over the years, comics, cartoons, and movies have expanded the TMNT universe beyond the sewers of New York City. There are many different characters, including female ninjas and new generations of turtles. In total, there are 12 notable Ninja Turtles that have shaped the story.

So grab a slice of pizza—here is your guide to the expanded TMNT family.

1-4. The Originals: Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo

These four brothers are the gold standard. While their personalities and origins shift across various reboots (Mirage, 1987 cartoon, IDW, 2012 series), their core roles remain the pillars of the franchise.

• Leonardo (Blue): A disciplined leader who is also a skilled swordsman.

• Donatello (Purple): The tech-savvy genius who “does machines.”

• Raphael (Red): The hot-headed, aggressive powerhouse with a heart of gold.

• Michelangelo (Orange): The party dude and the agile soul of the team.

5. Venus de Milo

Venus is an interesting and often debated part of TMNT history. She first appeared in the 1997 live-action series The Next Mutation as a “long-lost sister.” Her story is that she was separated from her brothers after being exposed to mutagen and grew up in China. Many fans initially disliked her character, but she has gained popularity again in the modern IDW comics, where she is portrayed as a darker and more mystical figure.

6. Slash

Slash is the ultimate “wildcard.” Depending on the timeline, he’s either a villain, an anti-hero, or a mutant ally. Unlike the brothers, his appearance is consistently more monstrous—often sporting claws and a jagged, spikes-and-fury aesthetic. Whether he’s working for the Foot Clan or fighting alongside the Mighty Mutanimals, Slash represents the more brutal, unpredictable side of mutant life.

7. Jennika

Introduced in the IDW comic series, Jennika is a fan-favorite for good reason. Originally a human member of the Foot Clan, she was saved by Leonardo via a life-saving blood transfusion—which, due to the mutagen in his blood, transformed her into a Turtle. She brings a fresh, “tough-girl” perspective to the team, sporting a vibrant yellow mask and lethal metal claws.

8. Michelangelo: The Last Ronin

In the critically acclaimed The Last Ronin (2020), we see a version of Mikey that no one expected. Living in a dystopian, grief-stricken future where his brothers and Splinter have fallen, this is a version of the party dude turned lone warrior. He is a master of all four weapons, haunted by the “ghosts” of his past, and arguably the most emotionally complex depiction of the character ever written.

9-12. The New Generation: Odyn, Yi, Moja, and Uno

The newest characters in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise are from TMNT: The Last Ronin: Re-Evolution. These four, named Odyn, Yi, Moja, and Uno, are raised by April O’Neil and her daughter, Casey Marie Jones, in the original sewer lair. They are part of a new generation. Each turtle is different in shape and size, and they share a special psychic connection. Together, they show that the spirit of the Turtles lives on.

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Why Does the Lore Matter?

The TMNT universe is designed to change and grow. This is clear when looking at 12 different characters, from the dark world of The Last Ronin to the playful style of The Next Mutation. Each new Turtle gives us a unique perspective on heroism, brotherhood, and what it means to be an outsider.

Who is your favorite of the 12? Did we miss your secret favorite (like the “Dark Turtles” or the original Tokka)? Drop a comment below and let us know!