About the character models...

[Claws]

I know this information must be really easy to find, but so far, I haven't had much luck.

My question basically is... why did they change the models of the characters so abruptly in between seasons? I loved the first set, with their gigantic irises and rounded lines, but I had a hard time getting used to the redesigned models after that (although, I gotta admit that it probably must have been really hard to make characters like Spartina look good in the first style).

Just for the record, I'm gonna say that I like the new set too, but given the choice, I would love to stay with the older one... without a doubt.

Thanks in advance!

[Darkling Nocturnal]

That's an interesting question. I heard, that it was an copyright issue.

Or maybe, they simply tried to push the series in another direction, after the first two seasons hadn't had the expected success.

But I must admit: The third season is my favorite one. Yes, the first two season have also amazing episodes. But the new direction of the series was well done.

But in the end, I can't imagine the first two seasons in the style of the third season. And as you said: It's hard to imagine characters like Spartina (or Granite) in the style of the first two seasons.

So in the end: Both styles have their raison d'être and that's is one reason, why I love the tv-series as it is.

[Claws]

That's an interesting question. I heard, that it was an copyright issue.

Or maybe, they simply tried to push the series in another direction, after the first two seasons hadn't had the expected success.

But I must admit: The third season is my favorite one. Yes, the first two season have also amazing episodes. But the new direction of the series was well done.

But in the end, I can't imagine the first two seasons in the style of the third season. And as you said: It's hard to imagine characters like Spartina (or Granite) in the style of the first two seasons.

So in the end: Both styles have their raison d'être and that's is one reason, why I love the tv-series as it is.

Thanks man, I'm gonna try to dig further in that copyright issue that you commented. Now... what kind of copyright infringement could be linked to the designs? Do you have any link to provide me? I'm not putting your word onto trial by any means, it just fascinates me

BTW: Google is not my friend (those... results) :P

[Darkling Nocturnal]

No, I have no link. Just heard or read from it some time ago.

BTW: In all three series, the same Copyright appears:

© Alltime Entertainment Ltd. and Decode Entertainment Inc.

But I don't know, if there are other companies involved.

[Hawkbit]

I swear I read somewhere it was a copyright issue, as they switched animation studios between season 2 + 3.  Exactly why the producers didn't have the rights to use the same artwork, I don't know; maybe they just have the rights to make an adaptation, character names, etc.

This artist on deviantart did a lot of comparison modes...and did a really good job of drawing each character as they would have appeared in mediums.

[Claws]

That is awesome! Thanks, Hawkbit.

I still want to find something deeper about that copyright issue, but that image is gold (dude, some of them came out really awful on the new designs).

[Hawkbit]

The others:

[Claws]

Now that I think about it... the bi-colored tails were a highlight of their designs and it feels wrong that they had to get rid of the feature. Dandelion looks kinda odd without it.

But the design that "shocked" me the most was Blackberry's. I can't get used to it, she looks awfully humanoid now.

Thank you for sharing those images.

[MeadowRabbit]

I've never seen the third series because it didn't air on CITV, so I'm not familiar with these redesigns 'in action'. Will stick with the designs I know, I think.

Looking at Raincloud... thinking they went a little too cartoony in the third? He looks too much like a man -- not an appealing design. It's sort of going a different direction to the first two which kept to a certain, yes, quite cartoony in comparison to the film, but they still looked pretty rabbit-y. Seems series three went that bit further.

[Darkling Nocturnal]

But Bluesky and Raincloud only appear in the second season Not anymore in the third.

[Acacia Heartstrings]

I love seeing the different styles of the characters from the film, the series and the third season. I particularly like the style of the first and second season with exceptions such as Moss best seen in the first, also General Woundwort. Silverweed always looks great. Aver that may be seen in CGI. =)

[Claws]

No matter how we look at this, I can't get used to the new models. Bigwig is like an invitation to turn the thing off (and that hits me because he was the most interesting-looking character)... GRRRR.

[MeadowRabbit]

But Bluesky and Raincloud only appear in the second season Not anymore in the third.

Oh right! I don't remember the second series very well either, then. I only have the videos for a few episodes of the first series. My mistake!

[Darkling Nocturnal]

I've compared the credits of season 1/2 and 3.

Every season has the same Character Design and Development Copyright:

Funbag Animation Studios Inc. and Telemagination

So it shouldn't be a copyright issue. So the changes are simply done to push the series into another direction (with success!)