To many members of the post-1980 and post-1990 generations in China, "Haier Brothers" is an anime icon from childhood.

The two cute boys, one light-skinned and the other tan, symbolize wisdom and power and have taken many children around the world on the small screen to explore nature and find a solution to ecological disasters.

But the energetic pair has stepped into the public eye in a different way, as the production team of Chinese appliance company Haier Group has released two posters of the protagonists from a new edition of Haier Brothers on Sept 10.

The new characters, who wear sleek, futuristic outfits, are a far cry from the original duo who wore only swimming trunks. This has aroused heated discussions on China’s social media platforms.

Many consider the two iconic Haier mascots to be part of their precious childhood memories.