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 is currently taking place on the show's Facebook page. The first image, which appeared on Tuesday, features minor characters Jimmy and Jerry (both gourds) with sharper, more detailed designs.
A second image, revealed yesterday, 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, is expected to appear later today.
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. One commenter wrote: 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." Which must have taken them ages to come up with.
Child viewers – at whom the show is aimed – are expected to be more easily pleased.
