Are the new designs 100% locked in? If they are, I don't see many of us sticking around. If they aren't, and you're willing to redesign the characters around the old designs, I'd suggest making a decision letting us know. People may wait around for a bit of time if you actually do intend to, but otherwise you've lost most of your audience. If you're more honest going forward, whichever way you choose, I hope you find success; just don't lie anymore about it being the same.