Mascots

[shams]

Nah, not at all. There is a pretty close link between 'mascots' and 'brands'. A lot of modern brands have *lots* of mascots - so there isn't as many huge ones. Look at the Nintendo licences/brands - Mario, Zelda, Yoshi, Kirby, Pikmin, DK, Bowser, Picachu. Add some of the less strong 'mascots' (but still well on the way to being associated with a brand) - Animal Crossing characters, Mii's (in general), Pokemons, Brain Training (heads) - Nintendog puppies? (probably not recognisable enough). Add some other mascots: - Lara Croft, Jak/Dexter, Rachet/Clank, Sly, Master Chief, That guy from GoW, Kratos, VF characters, DOA characters... Do you consider these mascots at all? Or something else? I still think its all linked - you see the character, then recognise the brand, then recognise the company. Nintendo's characters are particularly strong (up there with Disney?).