

Though the original cartoon “lineup” of the Gorillaz has remained unchanged since they began back in 1998 — consisting of vocalist 2D, guitarist Noodle, bassist Murdoc, and drummer Russell Hobbs — the fictional band will be adding a new member in 2011.

After holding a fan competition to create a new member, the project’s illustrator Jamie Hewlett is ready to bring another character to life: The Evangelist, a bizarre, kind of fucked up looking guy with a fishbowl for a head and octopuses stuck to his arms.

The following is from the contest page on the Gorillaz website, describing the concept of The Evangelist:

“The Evangelist” is the opposite of “The Boogieman”; the light to his awful shade. “The Boogieman” has appeared in several images from the Gorillaz world, and now featured in several videos. “The Boogieman” is believed to a dark and hideous figure, composed of all the evil in the world, all wrapped up inside his black swirling cloak. He has a gas mask for a face. He may have reappeared throughout history, an ominous figure accompanying the re-emergence of Murdoc Niccals through all of time…

“The Evangelist” is a similar entity, but the flip-side of “The Boogieman”. He/she may even be revealed as “The Boogieman’s” avenger…is this some new and godly shining angel spirit? Or just someone freshly ejected from a late night ‘disco bar’?

Visit their site to see the contest winner “jirouta’s” submission, as well as a full rendering of Jamie Hewlett’s adaptation, which is partially pictured here at the top of this page.