Am I the only one who really likes the Olympic mascots? Especially when compared to some of the hideous, uninspired mascots of past (Google "Izzy", 1996 Olympic games; let us never revert to those types of mascots again!). Many people have criticized the "Pokemon-esque" nature of the characters, but that simple, vector style is a trendy style used by many artists worldwide (not to mention the fact that so much of children's programming these days is heavily anime/Japanese art inspired). I saw the girl from Meomi designs (Vicki Wong) on tv responding to the fact that everyone said they look too Asian/Sanrio/etc. and she said something about how they like that it embraces the different cultures in Vancouver.I mean, isn't it kind of cool that they're kind of like "happa mascots"?

In any case, we shouldn't make fun of them too much for looking too Asian, otherwise, they might get eyelid surgery done to look more Canadian.

I like them too. I've heard some valid complaints, but it still annoys me how most people are blindly bashing these mascots without respecting all the work that has been put into designing them. They're not perfect... but what ARE Vancouverites looking for? Another "Neve and Gliz" (Torino) or "Hidy and Howdy" (Calgary)? All those mascots had their flaws, just like ours were never expected to please everyone. I just googled "Izzy" (thanks Shaena) and I think other people should too before trashing poor Quatchi, Sumi, and Miga.

Make no mistake, Team Schema thinks the 2010 Olympic mascots are cute! This team member even bought the plush versions for friends abroad.

In terms of the negative comments, they may be generational in outlook. Those in the current generation (or younger), who are used to this type of design that is inspired by the Asian manga/anime style, may not understand why those in, perhaps, an older generation may not appreciate this style. Other tastes run towards the traditional, and it may be that those who dislike the mascot design think the mascots are cute but are wary of this modern style of design (and associate it with something non-"Canadian"...when they believe the mascots are supposed to represent B.C. After all, the Lower Mainland--the heavily Asian demographic area of BC--doesn't represent the experience of ALL British Columbians). Human nature often brings us to shun the things we do not understand, after all.

However, the mass consumers out there tend to disagree with the negative comments since sale-figures for the mascots show they are extremely popular (Quatchi being the most in demand).

Team Schema merely wanted to ask...don't the 2010 mascots look Sanrio-ish? so...shouldn't Sanrio get credit for being the inspiration behind Meomi's design? Just asking...

I wonder how much of the design is really just reflective of a more globalized cultural identity, which is heavily influenced by toys and animation from Asia. If you go to toy stores all throughout Asia, they have the same Pokemon and Avatar toys available in N. America. Could one say the mascots are the "localization" (local interpretation) of global creative trends in (Japanese-inspired) animation, cartoons and toys for children?