TMNT first began as a one off comic book in 1984.  It didn't stay that way for long and was a huge smash hit, especially with the TV cartoon.  The guys all have their own personalities and talents, starting with Michelangelo who wears an orange mask and is the youngest of the group. He is the kind hearted, Pizza loving, jokester of the group. Leonardo wears the blue mask. He is the leader of the group and is tactical, level-headed, quiet, and courageous. Raphael wears the red mask. He is intensely loyal to his brothers but has an aggressive nature and despite having a deadpan humour, he is not shy about throwing the first punch in any altercation. Donatello wears the purple mask and is the scientist, inventor, engineer, and technological genius.