#spiny softshell

Honestly so sad that this fight scene got changed in “Shreddy or Not.” The fandom likes to speculate about Donnie’s softshell and his bros/fam being hyper-protective about it but honestly? Rise didn’t address or prove that the boys were ever cognizant or cautious of Donnie’s weakness at all up until the movie. 

By “weakness” im referring the ONE THING Donnie can’t match his brothers in, which is his shell. He’s fought so desperately to armor himself to be on their level with it but when it comes down to it Shredder is stronger. How much more intense would that battle have been if Donnie—who is incredibly capable and never fails and terrifies his family with his abilities—took a hit like that?

When Mikey blurts “you’re exposed!” during the fight in the sewers, then drags his brother to safety so he can rearmor, that’s like the only moment the softshell is mentioned with a more serious tone (which I loved btw), along with the Krang ship integration scene obv. The only other moment I can think of is in “Battle Nexus: New York” when Raph shields Donnie with his body. I would’ve loved to see it in more of the show as well, especially in the more serious episodes.

All that to say, I’m devastated we didn’t get to see the brothers go absolutely ape-shit insane after Donnie is grabbed, choked, and kicked so hard his battleshell shatters. 

Like are you kidding? Are you fucking kidding? The angst? do you see Raph’s f a c e ? I’m sick I’m literally sick

Spiny Softshells are not called "Spiny" because you can see their spine!

In a standard spiny softshell, you shouldn't be able to see their spine at all!

Ridges, yes. But no spine bumps.

Our dearest Donatello, with his sometimes-there spine, is an outlier adn should not be counted.

Now you see me, now you dont

No, what the "Spiny" in "Spiny Softshell" is refering to, are these:

Both the common name, spiny softshell, and the specific name, spinifera (spine-bearing), refer to the spiny, cone-like projections on the leading edge of the carapace

- Wikipedia

Also the spines are "more commonly found in males". Not all males have them, and not all females are missing them, so Donnie not having them could mean nothing or it could feed whatever trans headcanon you might have for him. Dealers choice.

just a little teaser for the next reference sheet I’m working on

Donnie’s so much smaller than I’d thought he’d be

Look at that longgggg necc

Also gawdddddDAMN there is a huge difference between snapping turtles and alligator snapping turtles

Like look at him!! He’s huge!