The theologically-minded singing vegetables from VeggieTales have been given a new upgraded look, after advances in technology left the creators concerned they were behind the times.
A three-stage reveal of the new character design took place on the show's Facebook page this week. The first image, which appeared on Tuesday, features minor characters Jimmy and Jerry (both gourds) with sharper, more detailed designs.
A second image, revealed on Wednesday, shows further key characters, including Laura Carrot and Junior Asparagus, all with a similarly improved design.
A final image, featuring iconic lead characters Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber, appeared on Thursday, alongside the caption 'VeggieTales In The House'. This appears to be the title of an upcoming series featuring the souped-up characters.
Mike Nawrocki, co-creator of the animation and voice of Larry, explained in a video on the Facebook page: "when we created Bob and Larry in the early 1990s, I rocked a Michael Bolton ponytail, and tucked my shirt into high-waisted jean-shorts... Although I wish I could look as young as I did back then, I'm really glad to have lost the ponytail and the 'Jorts.' Bob and Larry on the other hand have kept their same look over all these years, and it was really a look that was dictated by the limitations of computer technology."
"So we thought it was time to give them a makeover. Not an extreme makeover – they're still the same characters that you know and love – but a fun update that will bring them to a next generation of kids."
Reaction from (adult) fans has been poorer than expected, with many calling nostalgically for a return to the original designs, despite the relatively subtle nature of the changes. The Facebook page has been deluged with negative comments, including:
"...Please change them back. They actually look a little creepy."
"...This saddens me. They look like they're meant for babies now, not for the whole family to enjoy! I guess if I ever have kids, I'll just have to stick with the old classics."
And the admittedly excellent: "PEAS don't do this. . . If you CARROT all about your fans you will LETTUCE decide to keep the veggies the same as they've always BEAN. You can't BEET the classic look."
Nawrocki and producer Doug TenNapel have since recorded a second message responding to these concerns, but this too has provoked a backlash from angry fans.
Child viewers – at whom the show is aimed – are expected to be more easily pleased.
