While researching for a certain project, I realized something interesting about our boy Mikey.
In TMNT lore, clothing is worn for the purpose of “fitting in.” Yet in Rise, gone are the days of wearing “disguises” to pass as humans (whereas some iterations went as far as wearing human head masks.)
I think the closest we get to a “disguise for the purpose of fitting in” is when, for some inexplicable reason, they decide to wear their wrestling costumes while running a mundane errand.
Yet normally, and when sane, the Rise boys wear clothes based on the occasion, just like everyone else.
However, when I started to look at the clothing choices of a certain boy in orange, something stuck out to me.
Other than the winter gear which serves a purpose, and the basic default hoodie for most outside shenanigans, Mikey’s clothing choices are…unique compared to his brothers.
Let’s take his choice of swimwear, for instance.
While his brothers go for more traditional beach attire, what is Mikey wearing?
He’s wearing a one-piece bathing suit from the 1920’s. 😂
Of which, nowadays, is sold as a costume.
Likewise, when the boys need to infiltrate April’s school, Raph and Leo dress accordingly.
But what does Mikey wear?
Now I could be wrong, but I believe that Mikey’s fit is a reference to the movie, “Redline,” complete with an outrageous pompadour.
There are not many other instances of Mikey wearing clothes, but here are a few honorable mentions:
The most clothes Mikey does wear is obviously in “Clothes Don’t Make The Turtle.” Yet, his reception to the situation is different than that of his brothers.
My final thoughts:
This is the most normal outfit that Mikey owns.
It’s a simple sweater, pair of jeans, and glasses. This is a fit that anyone else would wear while out and about.
But for him to wear this particular look, a certain stipulation must be met.
He has to be “Doctor Feelings.”
Given all of the evidence, I’ve come to a conclusion.
I believe that Mikey doesn’t see clothes as a way to be himself. Michelangelo, instead, sees clothes as simply…Cosplay.
Ok, actually I do. @mishacakes and I were joking about how different Replica Leo looked compared to @intotheelliwoods Sprout when I was mimicking their style in our recent collab, and Misha made the perfect comparison. I just had to share the vision.
You can read the ongoing collab HERE. I'm so glad to finally get to do something together with Ell! Omega and Sprout are two peas in a pod!
Wow I really haven’t drawn anything independently in ages. Here is a freckled 1987 Donatello sketch because for some reason I love the idea? Who knows why.
-> Commissions || My Kofi || Tip Jar :) <-
But yeah, until early May I am going to be stupidly busy, so mostly commissioned art as I cry over my assignments /jk
I’m legitimately spilling tears over the last update. I am a mom, and going through labor is terrifying. Wonderful for what’s to come, but terrifying. So having it depicted in the middle of a war zone, where the outcome is unclear at best? Such a beautiful visual picture of how that experience can often feel. Maybe I’m reading super deeply into it, being 34 and all and starting to feel those experiences in a different way as I get older, but the unspoken parallels really did it for me.
And the sweet tenderness the brothers have? Just sobbing. Goodness, I am suppose to be working right now and instead I’m having a breakdown at how gorgeous this all is.
Really amazing work, Kat, I just love this so much.
And an additional side note- I am so glad you’ve been taking your time and allowing your body to heal and I’m hoping you are feeling so much better.
That means so much to me to hear! I really want to do right by all who have gone through child birth. It is both beautiful and terrifying and can still be quite dangerous even in this modern day and age. I have so much respect for those who choose to have children and I feel they’re not given the praise deserving of being absolute miracle workers.
I’m just glad to know that this little project can help put a small spotlight on just how special people like you are!
And thank you, there’s a lot going on right now so just trying to keep my head above water through it all! Just keep swimming!
Another present for another April baby, my good friend @blye-flower!
I wanted to draw fanart for their fic which can be found here
Give it a read! Just be aware that it is rated M~