Magic The Gathering Changes Raphael's Weapon to Jitte in TMNT Crossover Set Released February 2024

Raphael's weapon in Magic: The Gathering's TMNT set has changed from sai to jitte. This decision adds new story details about his father and heritage.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Collectibles |

The introduction of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters into Magic: The Gathering (MTG) has brought a notable alteration to Raphael's signature weapon, a change that has prompted discussion among fans and players. While Raphael has historically wielded a pair of sai, the MTG crossover features him with a jitte. This decision, according to those involved in the game's creation, is tied to the character's narrative depth and the thematic exploration of his heritage within the context of the crossover.

Why Magic changed Raphael’s weapon in its TMNT crossover - 1

Background of the Change

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) set for Magic: The Gathering, released on February 23, 2024, includes all four main turtle brothers: Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael. A point of contention for some observers has been the deviation from Raphael's well-known weapon. Historically, Raphael's combat style has been closely linked to the sai, a traditional Okinawan weapon. However, in this specific MTG iteration, he is depicted using a jitte, a two-pronged weapon also of Japanese origin. This change has been addressed by Wizards of the Coast, the makers of Magic: The Gathering, as a deliberate creative choice.

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Why Magic changed Raphael’s weapon in its TMNT crossover - 2

Narrative and Character Motivations

The alteration of Raphael's weapon is presented as a method to explore his character arc and his relationship with his origins.

Why Magic changed Raphael’s weapon in its TMNT crossover - 3

  • Father-Son Relationship: Sources indicate that the jitte was chosen because it represents a weapon taught to Raphael by his father. This connection to his father is highlighted as a significant aspect of his character, emphasizing patience and paternal influence, even if the weapon doesn't perfectly align with his more aggressive fighting style. This choice aims to illustrate the importance of his paternal bond.

  • Cultural Identity and Heritage: The TMNT crossover is framed as an opportunity to examine how the four American-raised turtles connect with their father's culture. The decision to use a jitte instead of sai is described as a way to explore what aspects of their heritage they embrace or reject, with Raphael's jitte representing a choice that reflects his internal struggles and identity.

  • Character Archetype: Raphael is often portrayed as the most Americanized and most distant from his father's teachings. His insistence on using the jitte, a weapon that doesn't naturally suit his combative nature, is seen as a brilliant narrative choice. It underscores his unique position within the family and his personal journey of reconciling his aggressive tendencies with the discipline his father instilled.

Precedents and Creative Considerations

The decision to change Raphael's weapon in the MTG set aligns with broader creative considerations in developing the crossover.

Why Magic changed Raphael’s weapon in its TMNT crossover - 4

  • Avoiding Cultural Overlap: Some reports suggest that Wizards of the Coast may have aimed to avoid mixing Japanese and Okinawan influences too closely within the set, similar to their approach in the Kamigawa Neon Dynasty set. The historical complexities between these regions may have influenced the decision to select a weapon that is distinctively Japanese.

  • Distinctiveness of Weapons: The sai is a three-pronged weapon, while the jitte is typically a two-pronged weapon. The change ensures a clear visual and thematic distinction for Raphael's armaments within the MTG universe, setting him apart while still drawing from a related cultural context.

Fan and Player Reception

The change has sparked conversations among MTG and TMNT enthusiasts. While some appreciate the narrative depth it adds to Raphael's character, others express a preference for the traditional representation of his weaponry. The decision was made in collaboration with Nickelodeon, the rights holder for TMNT, indicating a joint effort to interpret the characters for the MTG platform.

Conclusion

The switch of Raphael's weapon from sai to jitte in the Magic: The Gathering TMNT crossover is a deliberate creative choice. It serves to deepen the exploration of his character, particularly his paternal relationships and his complex connection to his heritage. This narrative enhancement, alongside potential cultural considerations, forms the foundation for the altered portrayal of Raphael within the game.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does Raphael have a jitte instead of sai in the Magic The Gathering TMNT crossover released February 2024?
The change was made to explore Raphael's character, focusing on his relationship with his father and his heritage. The jitte represents a weapon taught to him by his father.
Q: When was the Magic The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover set released?
The set was released on February 23, 2024, and includes all four Ninja Turtles.
Q: What is the story reason behind Raphael using a jitte in the MTG crossover?
The jitte is used to show how Raphael connects with his father's culture and teachings. It highlights his unique position as the most Americanized turtle.
Q: Who decided to change Raphael's weapon for the Magic The Gathering set?
The decision was made by Wizards of the Coast, the makers of Magic The Gathering, in collaboration with Nickelodeon, the owner of TMNT rights.
Q: How does Raphael's jitte choice affect his character in the MTG crossover?
It shows his personal journey of balancing his aggressive nature with the discipline his father instilled, making him distinct within the family.
Q: Are there other reasons for Raphael's weapon change in the MTG TMNT set?
Wizards of the Coast may have also wanted to avoid cultural overlap and ensure distinctiveness for Raphael's weapons within the game's universe.