Photo: Arizona State enlists the help of Disney to recreate mascot

The Arizona State Sun Devils have enlisted the help of the Walt Disney Company to help tinker with the appearance of their mascot, Sparky the Sun Devil. You know, the same company who brought us classics such as Aladdin, The Lion King, and Toy Story.On Friday, the university unveiled the newly redesigned version of the devilish mascot, which features a friendlier and sleeker look to help "engage younger audiences." The new Sparky is slated to make his first appearance to the public in April at ASU's spring football game."There's research that shows when you get fans at a young age they'll become lifelong fans and this extension serves that purpose," said David Reich, a member of the Sun Devil Club Board of Directors, who works with ASU on a variety of sports- and athletics-related initiatives.Sparky will reportedly be used in other manners other than just cheering on the Sun Devils. Disney is planning to use his likeness in animation, comic books, children's books, merchandise and apparel, among other things. Disney's partnership with the university won't cost the school a dime.The mascot has reportedly been updated over a dozen times since its first public appearance in 1952. Sparky is based of a cartoon devil created by Arizona State alum Bert Anthony in 1946. Anthony allegedly modeled Sparky's features after his old boss who fired him.More photos can be found here.Via CBS SportsThe old look