Fan Reactions | Judgemental Critter’s Redesigns Split the Community
Edited By
Oliver Zhang
A heated debate has ignited among fans regarding the recent redesigns of characters in the popular anime series RWBY: Reversed Fates. Released on June 27, 2025, these new looks have sparked mixed reviews, with some praising the changes and others expressing dissatisfaction.
Mixed Opinions on Iconic Characters
The redesigns, particularly of main characters Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang, have generated a spectrum of reactions. Some fans find Ruby’s pink and white colors endearing, appreciating her look as fitting for an alternate universe where Summer is still alive. Conversely, critics argue that Blake's ensemble feels out of place, saying it resembles something out of a Victorian wardrobe.
"I like Ruby's colors, but Blake seems a bit odd to me," one community member pointed out.
Others highlighted Yang’s design, calling it the most compelling transformation, marking a stark shift considering her character's altered fate. One commenter noted, "Yang looks very oriental," while others emphasized the stark differences in character designs that stray from their original traits.
Character Design Critiques
Not all feedback has been positive. Many commenters voiced strong criticisms, mentioning that the designs lack the signature essence of the original characters. One user bluntly stated, "They all look terrible, frankly… these aren't the RWBY crew anyone knows."
Others called the artist’s style subpar, suggesting better artistic talent could have enhanced the redesigns.
Interestingly, some fans acknowledged intentional design choices, like Weiss’s blue color aligning her with her family in this universe. Yet overall, dissatisfaction remains prevalent.
Key Sentiments from the Community
The discussion surrounding these redesigns highlights a divide among fans:
Positive Reactions: Praise mostly focused on Ruby and Yang's new looks, with comments celebrating their unique features.
Critiques of Artistic Quality: Many suggested the designs felt rushed or unpolished, impacting their reception.
Character Consistency: Concerns about straying too far from established character aesthetics, particularly Blake and Weiss, stirred ongoing debates.
Key Points:
📊 Fans are split on character redesigns in RWBY: Reversed Fates.
🔺 Ruby praised for cuteness, Yang’s redesign well-received.
🔽 Some feel redesigns stray too far from original character traits.
As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen how these redesigns will influence the future of the RWBY franchise and the community’s engagement with it. Will this division in fan opinion affect the series' popularity? Only time will tell.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for RWBY?
As fan discussions heat up, the future of RWBY: Reversed Fates seems uncertain but promising. There’s a strong chance that the creators will tweak the designs based on feedback from the community, aiming to strike a balance between innovation and fidelity to original character traits. Based on previous patterns, experts estimate around a 60% likelihood of adjustments in the designs of Blake and Weiss, as these characters received the most criticism. If adjustments are made, it could enhance fan satisfaction while also providing an opportunity for the creators to build a fresh narrative direction that aligns with the alternate universe theme.
An Unexpected Echo from the Arts
This situation draws an interesting parallel to the Doughnut Girl’s Art Movement in the 1950s, where artists faced backlash for shifting away from traditional styles. Just as the critics of RWBY express concerns about lost character essence, the Doughnut artists were accused of abandoning core principles of aesthetics. Nevertheless, this movement ultimately led to a revitalization of the art scene, allowing for new expressions while still captivating long-time enthusiasts. So, in both cases, challenging the norm might lead to a refreshing evolution rather than a decline in association.