The Internet’s Ongoing War Over Classic vs. Modern Character Designs

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A single post on X has sparked a huge online argument and exposed a growing split in how people react to character redesigns. The post was shared by Yorch Torch Games and asked users to “Name a bigger downgrade.” It showed a side-by-side image of April O’Neil from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The image compared two very different versions of April. On the left was the 1987 cartoon design, showing April as a white woman with a slim body and her well-known yellow jumpsuit. On the right was her 2023 look from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, where she is shown as a Black teenager with glasses, purple dreadlocks, and a fuller body type.

The contrast quickly became a flashpoint for people who feel that modern updates often remove what they see as style, charm, or sex appeal in favor of realism and representation. As the discussion grew, many users began bringing up other examples they felt followed the same pattern. Replies mentioned newer versions of Velma from Scooby-Doo, recent portrayals of Elrond in The Lord of the Rings, and even modern takes on Helen of Troy.

Not everyone agreed with the criticism. Supporters of the Mutant Mayhem design pointed out that April’s race has never been clearly defined. In the original Mirage Studios comics, she was often drawn as racially mixed or ambiguous and was inspired by co-creator Kevin Eastman’s girlfriend at the time. From this view, the 1987 cartoon version was already a change from the original idea, and the newer version is simply another interpretation.

This debate reflects a larger shift in entertainment where older adaptations often focused on idealized looks meant to sell toys and attract a mainly male audience. Newer designs tend to focus more on diversity, personality, and realism. Critics say this approach can make characters feel bland or less memorable, while supporters argue it helps stories better reflect the real world.

The same downgrade talk is even more common in video games. When characters are redesigned, especially female ones, it often causes massive backlash. Many fans complain that new designs make characters less attractive, more “realistic” (such as rounder faces, fewer curves, or more practical clothes), or shaped by diversity goals. These reactions often include claims that “woke” ideas are ruining the fun, fantasy, and beauty of games.

Whatever you decide is right for you is ultimately your choice. Opinions will always vary, however, we should question the motivation behind these changes, whether they are simply ticking boxes for certain benefits or genuinely trying to improve things.