Talk:MEIKO/@comment-50.115.244.29-20180814120642/@comment-53539-20180814124613

Yes, its only exceptions such as Utatane Piko or Mayu (certain variation) that don't abide to this. There is a reason for this though, as it conveys a more welcoming look to the character and mentally we're drawn to it based on this. Or some other theory about advertising and emotions and portrayal of the human physche or whatever... Its been 10 years since I was told this stuff so, I don't exactly remember why. Its why kids cartoon DVD boxarts normally featue smiling characters. Either way, its the same thing, trying to convey a certain openness about the character to make you react positively to them more. Kids are more frightened by angry expressions... :-?

In contrast, they change Kirby's expression on his boxarts in North America to make him more serious in expression to get gamers to take Kirby serious. I think the Escapist magazine or some website ran an article on THAT at some point but I don't remember that either.