#kuromification

[obscuresanrio]

Kuromification

What qualifies something to be a Kuromification? Good question.

I believe a true Kuromified character has to correspond visually to the original character, but the design must be interesting enough that it can be enjoyed without the foreknowledge of the counterpart.

The Kuromified and the original must exist in the same universe.

The Kuromified character must have been created after the original character. (Irrespective of the lore of their fictional universe)

They must be mischievous. They may create conflict for their counter part, but they hold some affection for them as well. They exist between the boundary of friend and foe.

The Kuromified must be the 'darker' alternative. They must be 'bad' in some way. This could vary from cheeky behaviour to full on crimes.

That being said, I believe many characters have a Kuromified version. Sonic and Shadow would be an example of Kuromification.

[obscuresanrio]

Anti Hello Kitty !! The Kuromification is upon us.

In the first picture is Akuro, an antagonist in the Hello Kitty: The Fantasy of the Apple Forest (2006). By the end of the film it is revealed that she is actually Mimi, Hello Kitty’s sister.

The second picture is of Frido, a much more recent character. She’s in Hello Kitty Super Style! (2022). She acts as a contrast to Hello Kitty. Frido is bratty and self cantered, but she secretly cares very deeply for her friends.

I like the concept of an Anti Hello Kitty. Kuromi is a great example of this working well. And I think both of these kitties are cute!! My problem with Frido is that her design is a little weird. The colours seem too soft for her abrasive personality and I can’t imagine anyone looked at her and was struck by intrigue, the way they would for a design like kuromi’s.

Akuro’s design sends the message of ‘Hello Kitty but evil’, but it is still quite simple. If they really want to Kuromify Hello Kitty they need a more unique design than these, I think.

Kuromi is successful because she has a cool gothy/jester aesthetic. She compliments My Melo’s more straightforward pinky/girly aesthetic too. I don’t think Akuro or Frido have the same kind of design synergy with Hello Kitty.

I hope they bring Frido back at least. Maybe give her some merch or smth.

I am pretty excited about the idea that Sanrio might Kuromify other characters. I mean they already have with Lloromanic, but imagine like a evil Gudetama? or Hangyodon?