Arizona State rethinks Sparky redesign, allows fans to pick mascot features

After public outcry to the friendlying up of Sparky, Arizona State will allow fans to have a say in the new look of the Sun Devils mascot.

Basically, earlier in March Arizona State unveiled a new look for the Sun Devil, in addition to a version of Sparky designed by Disney to appear in comic books and children’s books. It, uh, was not received particularly well. However, now, they’re going to try to fix it. A program at ASU’s official website will allow fans to Build-A-Sparky, picking the facial features they want:

For example, the program is expected to offer a choice between maroon and black horns, different sizes and shapes for the eyes, face shape choices that include a less prominent chin, and options for the moustache and goatee. All features offered will be consistent with the identity of Sparky.

It’s not clear whether the most popular design for the face will be the one used, or whether all the most popular options will be combined into one grotesque If They Mated-esque mashup face, which I’m personally hoping for. Regardless, it’s nice to see ASU listening to what their fans had to say, although if the images on the ASU page are any indication, this will probably still end up with the Sun Devils featuring a disturbingly friendly mascot instead of, you know, a devilish one.

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