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They say Friday afternoon is a good day for a news dump when you have something to publicize that maybe isn't all that awesome. So, take it as you will that the Lions chose a Friday afternoon to fire out this tweet about the new "Kingston," coming to the Orlando Citrus Bowl this season:
New year. New @KingstonOC. #LionNation #BulkedUp pic.twitter.com/lswSPMiGFR
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) February 27, 2015
The "bulked up" look is fine and all, but the coloring seems a bit weird, particularly in the face. The worryingly pale Kingston should get checked for anemia or something. Also, the purple mark under just the left eye seems to indicate some kind of familial relationship with the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes from TLC.
But the most disconcerting part of the new Kingston by far is his terrifying look. Mascots are generally a thing for kids and the older ones might like the ferocious new look. But I'm pretty sure my 6-year-old would hide behind her mother if she saw that thing coming at her.
But that's just my opinion. Let's take a look at social media reaction to Orlando City's new mascot.
@TotalMLS @OrlandoCitySC @KingstonOC Scar from Lion King?
— Juan Letona (@ibitjuan) February 27, 2015
@OrlandoCitySC @KingstonOC you should change his name to "Nightmare Fuel"
— teddy sprout (@tsprout11) February 27, 2015
@OrlandoCitySC @KingstonOC he looks like the Zombie Walking Dead version,
— Todd Bohnenstiehl (@TBohnenstiehl) February 27, 2015
@OrlandoCitySC @KingstonOC Holy crap that is scary. Happy nightmares kids!
— Clay Harstad (@claytonharstad) February 27, 2015
Orlando City's mascot is scary af
— March 4th (@GatorGangSavage) February 27, 2015
Not all of the responses we found were negative (just most!)...
A new Kingston! Check out the Orlando City Soccer Club mascot, pretty cool! #LiamsLakeMary http://t.co/bCnQY2DtKA
— Liam Fitzpatrick's (@liamslakemary) February 27, 2015
The most love came from Facebook:
What do you think? Is the new Kingston fun or frightening?
Take another look before you answer.