.

Gorillaz Introduce New Member of Animated Band

Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett reached out to fans to design new character

January 11, 2011 4:40 PM ET
"The Evangelist"
"The Evangelist"
Jamie Hewlett/ Gorillaz.com

The Gorillaz have embraced one of the unique advantages of being a cartoon band — by making up a brand new band member with the help of their fans.

Photos: Gorillaz Bring Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Bobby Womack On Stage With Damon Albarn in Boston

In November, Gorillaz masterminds Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett provided a vague description of the new character called the Evangelist and invited fans to submit their own designs. After over 5,000 submissions and five rounds of public voting, a design by a fan with the username jirouta was selected and redrawn by Hewlett.

Video: Gorillaz Trailer: 'Plastic Beach'

The final design for the Evangelist by Hewlett is perhaps best described as a surreal nightmare creature. It has an emaciated, elongated, bloodshot androgynous humanoid figure, enormous clawed hands, cyclops octopuses attached to its arms, and a fishbowl full of eyes and tentacles for a head. It's not as cute as other members of the animated band, but it's definitely the one most likely to impress — or freak out — a little kid.

Gorillaz Add New Cartoon Member [Pitchfork]

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