Definitely. TMNT started as a comic. Its success in the comic world led to its adaptation into various forms of media. The comic version was the original source that sparked the franchise.
Definitely not. Ninja Turtles is purely a fictional concept. It was developed for entertainment and doesn't have any roots in real-life events or people.
The Ninja Turtles began as comics for sure. The comic series laid the foundation for their widespread popularity and subsequent expansions into different forms of entertainment.
Raphael wasn't the leader. The leadership role usually belonged to Leonardo. The comics focused more on Leonardo's strategic and guiding abilities for the team.