That's not 100% is it, DC comics have changed Batmans appearance throughout issues, that is reflected in TV and movies but the Films still remain true to the character. Same goes for Dredd, Superman, Catwoman, Penguin, Joker, Spiderman (I know Marvel but still) and Spawn.
What Paramount Animation have done is changed Sonics stature and styling it's simply not the same character we've all come to know and love. It'd be like changing Mario from a short chubby plumber into a 6 foot electrician, the fans are going to go nuts.