There are similarities between the journeys of Samurai Jack and Michelangelo, the last living turtle in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin. Both are accomplished and deadly warriors who have lost much. But if the two were to face each other, who would walk away the victor?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin has unveiled a future where Michelangelo seeks revenge as the only surviving member of Clan Hamoto. Written by original co-creators of the TMNT, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laid, along with Tom Waltz, it picks up thirty years in the future of the turtles who were transformed by mutagen and trained as ninja. Oroku Hiroto, grandson of Shredder, has taken control of what remains of New York, and is the target of Michelangelo’s suicidal vengeance plot. The series is a return to the darker origins of the TMNT and has been a bloody affair. “Mikey” has also been transformed from the character fans recognize, as he’s grown to be more driven, effective, and destructive than possibly all his brothers combined.
Samurai Jack was created by Genndy Tartakovsky, and chronicles the titular warrior’s seemingly never-ending quest to return to the past and finally defeat Aku, a powerful shapeshifting demon that controls the world. Jack is a fighter of the highest caliber, and possesses the only weapon that can destroy Aku, a magical sword passed down from his father and the gods. Samurai Jack is proficient with all weaponry and is able to adapt and improvise endlessly when his back is against the wall. The magics that Aku has used to strand Jack in the future prevent him from aging and Jack’s spirit has broken after endless battles, decades of continuing to fail, feeling guilty about the death of innocents, and losing his sword. Eventually, the samurai regains his sword and his honor and achieves his goal.
Michelangelo and Jack would be equally matched opponents in many regards. Samurai Jack defeats everyone who comes across his path with a combination of strategy, incredible physical feats, and expertise in all fighting styles. The future Michelangelo has been hardened by the loss of his brothers, but he carries them with him in spirit, and by wielding their chosen weapons. His mutation has advanced over the years, preventing him from dying and making his body more resilient. As combatants, Samurai Jack and this Michelangelo would be in for a lengthy and bloody battle. Jack’s sword might have an advantage over Mikey’s wielding of Leonardo’s katana, but Michelangelo is experienced enough to keep Jack unsettled and overwhelmed. However, Jack is also cunning, and their fight would be as much a chess match as a bloodbath.
The major factor in who would survive is the mind states of both warriors. After losing his way, Samurai Jack finds himself tortured by his own mind, but manages to balance himself. That balance and dedication to his righteous cause are Jack’s true strength. The Last Ronin is haunted by the memory of his brothers. The voices Leonardo, Donatello, and Raphael banter as he plans. He argues with them when he’s alone, but they also compel him on his mission. His mental stability is questionable, but for now, Michelangelo’s brothers drive him. Jack would likely recognize the struggle Michelangelo is enduring and would try to help his foe while defending himself. But Michelangelo is a more powerful, focused, and deadly opponent than he’s ever been in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin. If Samurai Jack is unable to appeal to the honorable warrior Michelangelo used to be, he would fall.