Magic: The Gathering Finally Explains Unexpected Change to TMNT’s Raphael

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The newest Magic: The Gathering set crosses over with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, bringing iconic characters, friends, and locations from the Turtles’ universe into the game. While the transition wasn’t without adjustments, one change to the character Raphael has sparked debate. Now, the Magic: The Gathering team has explained the reason behind this surprising alteration, and their reasoning seems to make sense.

Fans checking out the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cards in the Magic: The Gathering set have noticed a change with Raphael. Unlike his brothers, he isn’t initially shown with his signature sai. Instead, he’s equipped with a jitte. Wizards of the Coast explained this choice is connected to Raphael’s backstory and his relationship with Splinter, and it actually makes sense when you understand the reasoning.

Why Doesn’t Raphael Have Sais Anymore in Magic: The Gathering?


A recent blog post from Wizards of the Coast explains the creative process behind their version of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, including the rationale behind key choices. Specifically, they detailed why Raphael’s weapon was changed, linking it to his relationship with Splinter.

The article emphasizes the strong bond between all the Turtles and their father, Splinter. Specifically, it notes that Raphael and Splinter both have fiery tempers. Raphael is trying hard to manage his anger and earn Splinter’s approval, and Splinter, recognizing a bit of himself in Raphael, wants to help him learn to control it.

This connects to the dynamic between Raphael and Leonardo, who is often portrayed as the perfect soldier and a favorite. Because Magic: The Gathering can’t fully develop this relationship through a lengthy story like a show, comic, or video game, they’ve used card design to illustrate it – and Raphael’s new weapon, the jitte, is a key example of this.


The creators explain that they chose a jitte as Raphael’s weapon instead of the sai, which he typically uses in other versions of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. While both weapons are used similarly in combat, the jitte is more authentically Japanese, making it a weapon Splinter would have known. Raphael’s determination to use the weapon his father taught him—even though it doesn’t suit his fighting style—highlights the strong bond between them and Splinter’s patient teaching.

You know, thinking about it now, it totally clicks! I never really considered Raphael and Splinter being closer historically than Leo and Splinter, but the arguments presented actually make a lot of sense. And honestly, I’m loving the new weapon design – it’s not on every card, but most of them feature it, and it looks fantastic when it does! It really adds something to the card designs.

Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hits stores on February 27th.

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2026-02-25 08:10