The latest Sparky trend stirs controversy with Arizona State University fans and followers. The direct depiction was tossed due to an alleged campaign attempting to attract younger followers to sporting events.

Sparky’s original concept derived from the Sun Devil logo’s content, resembling a more cartoonish character. The intended change took the mascot towards a different approach of a more realistic character, but maintained its animated apparel. It holds dark colors, such as black, for contrast from his horns to his facial hair. Sparky’s transfer from the first idea to the next diverses from ASU spectators amongst the ASU students themselves, to the followers of the sport teams.

Though most claimed accounts of the change speak out against the uprising of the new content, I feel it fits the Sun Devil representation. Fan opinions range from: “It’s an immaculate new change,” to, “Much better than the last one,” depending on their original relationship with the previous mascot. For instance, many students and players feel immensely more comfortable with the vibrant, well-known Sparky, in opposition to the newly portrayed Sparky that fans are learning to cope with. However, the opposers will soon see the fit after the upcoming season of the next seasonal sporting event at ASU.

A key point in the change was to approach a new audience. They succeeded, as seen by the feedback received from fans and followers which is slowly making the new Sparky applicable.

With dispute continuing, it is unknown to ASU sport fans if the new Sparky or the traditional one will represent their team. If the new idea of Sparky is contempt with the student body– as the school board is hearing both sides of the argument– he will stand for the Sun Devil anticipation at the next game.

In the end, compromise will occur, and the positive vibe received from the introduced Sparky will settle the true scores. Revival of Sun Devil pride was achieved with the new mascot and it will definitely alter the minds of the refuters.