The 2011 ES Avatar Countdown!

[littlebeast13]

Lackadaisical Stumblebum is a musician?

Who knew?

They enjoy playing their ragtime down at the flophouse....

lb13

[Queen Fantine VIII]

Top Ten!!!!!! Can you feel the excitement??????

#10 My Yellow Valentine #214

Honourable Mention

lb's avatar thread doesn't show this as an HM, but I know it is because it's the first one on my list that wasn't a DNC.

So, I always enjoy a well-done SEG and the little touch was the puffs of steam coming out of their mouths, Sprots' is well earned from physical labour and ES' from...well, finding a less strenuous way of showing his love than to offer to help a lady shovel. But the home run that drove it into the Top 10? My Yellow Valentine is avatar #214!!!1 If I found out that this was be design, then #11 gets moved up to the on air awards show.....

#9 Waiting for Sprots #224

DNC

Once again, the ever hopeful look on ES' face as he awaits his lady love just melts me. Lizbeth having a similar look, only more anticipatory on her part as she waits to meet a new frien just adds to it. And is it totally unintentional that the title is a play on words as this avatar could be taken as a twist on Beckett's Waiting for Godot? What are Lizbit and ES doing to pass the time while they wait? Is the trash can foreshadowing? Do the two extra trees signify that their wait might not be in vain? Do I just think too damned much? C'mon, Sprotsie Baby, return the ball!

#8 Wheeeeeee!!!!! #265

#14 in the OAC

Spilly!!!!!!1

Even before lb had posted his personal list, this was the sum total of my comment. 'nuff said....

#7 Hit the Showers, Stinkerball! #291

#8 in the OAC

Hey, two in a row that actually made the countdown! We all knew at some point that the big guns were going to start having to make their appearance, right?

I let my sympathy for the poor lil' guy be known right when this came up. The dejected look on his face, the slumped shoulders and the little steps while he's taking the slow walk off the field is made all the more poignant by the side eye he's getting from Manager Meanie, who can't even be bothered to care that he's shattering the dreams of a green rook....

#6 Erin Got Back! #314

#19 in the OAC

Criminally underrated! I think it got the shaft due to it being the second avatar featuring Mini and Erin in a short period of time plus it being interrupted by the blackout.

How could this not be a Top 10 no-brainer! Let's review the little touches here: The look of glee on Erin's face combining 'look at me!' with 'I'm being a big cheeky, hehe', the movement of the fists and backside, clearly giving the wiggle, wiggle impression that little kids like to do where they move their entire body with the arms going one way and the bahonka going the other! Oddly, enough, I'm not really moved one way or the other on the camera and the SNAP!, even though I'm usually quite taken with props and subtle sound effects.

Okay, now all I need to do is get a final numbering on that damned Top Five...... Will the three in a row streak of ranking avatars continue or will I go completely Rogue? Is there any way to even figure out a surefire bet to hit the big time?

Tune in and find out!!

[Lackadaisical Stumblebum]

Lackadaisical Stumblebum is a musician?

Who knew?

Hey now! Not all stumblebums are born that way, you know! Even lackadaisical ones.....

[littlebeast13]

#10 My Yellow Valentine #214



lb's avatar thread doesn't show this as an HM, but I know it is because it's the first one on my list that wasn't a DNC.

So, I always enjoy a well-done SEG and the little touch was the puffs of steam coming out of their mouths, Sprots' is well earned from physical labour and ES' from...well, finding a less strenuous way of showing his love than to offer to help a lady shovel. But the home run that drove it into the Top 10? My Yellow Valentine is avatar #214!!!1 If I found out that this was be design, then #11 gets moved up to the on air awards show.....

Fear not, for I hadn't even compiled my anthology yet when I drew this one, and found several old forgotten avatars when I did that.... so the number is a complete coincidence. Glad to see this so high in your countdown, even if we don't agree on why....

BTW, I find it funny you have so many Sprots/ES avatars in your countdown, and you told me at one point that they were getting stale.....

#9 Waiting for Sprots #224



Once again, the ever hopeful look on ES' face as he awaits his lady love just melts me. Lizbeth having a similar look, only more anticipatory on her part as she waits to meet a new frien just adds to it. And is it totally unintentional that the title is a play on words as this avatar could be taken as a twist on Beckett's Waiting for Godot? What are Lizbit and ES doing to pass the time while they wait? Is the trash can foreshadowing? Do the two extra trees signify that their wait might not be in vain? Do I just think too damned much? C'mon, Sprotsie Baby, return the ball!

The only Beckett I know pitches for the Boston Red Sox, so I'll take it the title was unintentional. I will admit right now that I probably should have given this one more consideration than I did (which was none). Of course, this avatar was drawn 3 weeks after Evil Quixote, and I don't think this ES is gonna be riding Lizbit bareback without crushing her poor spine....

#8 Wheeeeeee!!!!! #265



Spilly!!!!!!1

Even before lb had posted his personal list, this was the sum total of my comment. 'nuff said....

Indeed.... I knew this one had to be on your list, but I didn't know it would be this high.....

#7 Hit the Showers, Stinkerball! #291



Hey, two in a row that actually made the countdown! We all knew at some point that the big guns were going to start having to make their appearance, right?

I let my sympathy for the poor lil' guy be known right when this came up. The dejected look on his face, the slumped shoulders and the little steps while he's taking the slow walk off the field is made all the more poignant by the side eye he's getting from Manager Meanie, who can't even be bothered to care that he's shattering the dreams of a green rook....

And this one I thought would be in your Top 5!

#6 Erin Got Back! #314



Criminally underrated! I think it got the shaft due to it being the second avatar featuring Mini and Erin in a short period of time plus it being interrupted by the blackout.

How could this not be a Top 10 no-brainer! Let's review the little touches here: The look of glee on Erin's face combining 'look at me!' with 'I'm being a big cheeky, hehe', the movement of the fists and backside, clearly giving the wiggle, wiggle impression that little kids like to do where they move their entire body with the arms going one way and the bahonka going the other! Oddly, enough, I'm not really moved one way or the other on the camera and the SNAP!, even though I'm usually quite taken with props and subtle sound effects.

I should like this avatar more than I do, but I don't know why I don't. I think you are right though that had it been Erin's avatar debut, it might have been much higher on my list....


1298.... I'm hearing "I Got You Babe".....

lb13

[minimetoo26]

Papersquirrel #243

ES is just too freakishly large in this picture for me to really like it. It doesn't bother me when ES is the same size as Sprots, but when he's towering over a mailbox....

Yet another case of one man's meat being another man's poison. It's what you think is 'freakishly large' that I think is what gives the illusion of movement. And, hey, it's a mini mailbox....

The Stumblebum seems to realize that my mailbox cowers in fear whenever anyone approaches it. It's been hit so many times by folks attempting to back out of our driveway we had to move it. So now I come home from vacation to see tire tracks on the lawn at least two feet off the drive on the side away from the mailbox because my dad didn't want to take a chance on hitting the moved mailbox. We really have a bad driveway to back out of.

I may have to relocate a sprinkler head if people keep going that far off on the other side, though...

[Queen Fantine VIII]

And now, what everybody has been waiting for (and by "everybody", I mean lb....), Fanny's Top Five of 2011!!!!!!1

5. Stocker Squirrel #216

#10 in OAC

Yes, some might be surprised that this one came in so "low" since I was so taken with it at the time. But it made the Top Five on the basis of facial expression alone, so that's quite a coup! It's a blessing when people are happy in their work and secure in the knowledge that, no matter what some classists might think, they have an important job that makes civilized living possible for the rest of us. It did suffer a bit in that, other than the eternal 'what's the name tag clipped to' question and the odd prices for which Mecca is famous, it doesn't really have a home run.

#4. Love in an Elevator #307

DNC

The entire time that I was compiling my list, I really thought that this one was going to be #1. I mean, it hits the trifecta of little touches! SEG...check, elaborate and detailed uni complete with bucket hat...check, Ding! sound effect....check. Plus the added asset that I gave the avatar its name! But, in the end, it was the lack of backstory that did it in. Not even ".....going down?" could move it up....

#3 Sistine Crawlspace #312

#11 in OAC

I think I mentioned during my outburst when this was revealed to be #11 that it wasn't my #1, but I was a bit surprised that nobody in the Official Avatar Consideration Committee even had it pegged as a top 5! Besides the decent backstory and continuity of the Crawlspace, it's chock full of little touches: The bitchin' bandana (NUGGETS!!!!11, natch) to keep Fanny's glorious locks free from paint, the painting within a painting, perspective and studied look of concentration are all on point. I really don't know why it's just at #3! I tried really hard to move it on up, but the awkward hand position and implication that an artiste of Fanny's calibre would use Apple Barrel paints might have played a part....

#2 Grandmaster Dumbass, Featuring L'il Ballz and Dip Diddy #229

DNC

This was my clear cut #1 through most of the year and I figured that, like last year, naming my #1 would be a breeze. But towards the latter part of the year, great avatars were being churned daily. Still, this one was number one and that was that, in no small part because I laughed so hard at the title in the LS game from whence it came and the avatar itself really tickled my fancy and made me smile every time I looked at it. ES' cap to the side, grillz and wifebeater would have been enough for a top 20 finish on their own, but the special touch of Ody's bling being a "P" was a nice touch and the home run was revealed once I zoomed in and figured out just what that was on Biz' face. I ended up bumping it to #2 due to backstory and what I thought was not a real degree of difficulty, but even know I look at it and think "damn.....maybe I should change it"......

And just what was the avatar that ended up surging to the top over these gems????

#1 The Stopover #283

DNC What a Shocker....

Honestly, I was surprised that this one didn't even make an honourable mention because it's got so many things going for it! The POV perspective, the look of "I've somehow been had" on ES' face, Lizbit & BeBe jacking Mom's ride and, as I mentioned at the time a great job on the CD cover, which wasn't an easy one to replicate since it's kind of an optical illusion. But, let's back up here:

How many avatars have a backstory combining three or four different threads that somehow culminate in one shining moment? Thread #1: lb made a comment that he'd bet money I'd make a certain answer, which he lost. Thread #2: Sprots wrote about her upcoming hiking trip Thread #3: ES wants to take the girls on a road trip in sliver's new iron and decides to go hiking with sprots (callback to #2). Thread #4 lb asks what would make some good road trip music (callback to #2 & #3). Well, wouldn't it stand to reason that Lizbit & Bebe's favourite rapper would be Pitbull? (Snoop hadn't gotten back in the game at that time). And, if ES was goign to stop by and borrow my Pitbull CD that I so graciously offered, then he could just drop off that hundy that lb lost to me in the LS thread (callback to #1 and #3).

I mean really, if it takes that long to even explain all of the labyrinthine crossing of topics, how could it not be #1? All that and the impatience of the girls to pop in the CD and hit the road complete with a HONK!! sound effect! This wasn't originally #1, but when I mentioned during the Official Countdown that my most important criterium by far was backstory, I realized that this really had to top the list....

And finally, after 365 days, Exeunt Regina.

[littlebeast13]

5. Stocker Squirrel #216



Yes, some might be surprised that this one came in so "low" since I was so taken with it at the time. But it made the Top Five on the basis of facial expression alone, so that's quite a coup! It's a blessing when people are happy in their work and secure in the knowledge that, no matter what some classists might think, they have an important job that makes civilized living possible for the rest of us. It did suffer a bit in that, other than the eternal 'what's the name tag clipped to' question and the odd prices for which Mecca is famous, it doesn't really have a home run.

Maybe if I'd have added Ethelbert, it would have vaulted into the top spot....

#4. Love in an Elevator #307



The entire time that I was compiling my list, I really thought that this one was going to be #1. I mean, it hits the trifecta of little touches! SEG...check, elaborate and detailed uni complete with bucket hat...check, Ding! sound effect....check. Plus the added asset that I gave the avatar its name! But, in the end, it was the lack of backstory that did it in. Not even ".....going down?" could move it up....

I had a feeling this was your favourite Sprots/ES avatar, but once it didn't appear in the Top 5, I'd given up on it. No points for the Broncos handbag?

#3 Sistine Crawlspace #312



I think I mentioned during my outburst when this was revealed to be #11 that it wasn't my #1, but I was a bit surprised that nobody in the Official Avatar Consideration Committee even had it pegged as a top 5! Besides the decent backstory and continuity of the Crawlspace, it's chock full of little touches: The bitchin' bandana (NUGGETS!!!!11, natch) to keep Fanny's glorious locks free from paint, the painting within a painting, perspective and studied look of concentration are all on point. I really don't know why it's just at #3! I tried really hard to move it on up, but the awkward hand position and implication that an artiste of Fanny's calibre would use Apple Barrel paints might have played a part....

The Chairman of the Official Avatar Consideration Committee had completely forgotten about it.... I guess figuring it had already appeared. Of course I knew this would be here, and had I had time for it to hit me, I would have mentioned it as a MUST...

#2 Grandmaster Dumbass, Featuring L'il Ballz and Dip Diddy #229



This was my clear cut #1 through most of the year and I figured that, like last year, naming my #1 would be a breeze. But towards the latter part of the year, great avatars were being churned daily. Still, this one was number one and that was that, in no small part because I laughed so hard at the title in the LS game from whence it came and the avatar itself really tickled my fancy and made me smile every time I looked at it. ES' cap to the side, grillz and wifebeater would have been enough for a top 20 finish on their own, but the special touch of Ody's bling being a "P" was a nice touch and the home run was revealed once I zoomed in and figured out just what that was on Biz' face. I ended up bumping it to #2 due to backstory and what I thought was not a real degree of difficulty, but even know I look at it and think "damn.....maybe I should change it"......

This one, I admit, did sneak up on me. One that seems like such an obvious choice for your list once you revealed it, but that I didn't consider at the time. It's a good avatar, and certainly Biskit's finest hour (I think he may only have appeared in two of my avatars so far, though). Maybe if I'd have named the avatar Pimpdaddy Poopyhead's Posse, I'd have put it up for consideration....

And just what was the avatar that ended up surging to the top over these gems????

#1 The Stopover #283



Honestly, I was surprised that this one didn't even make an honourable mention because it's got so many things going for it! The POV perspective, the look of "I've somehow been had" on ES' face, Lizbit & BeBe jacking Mom's ride and, as I mentioned at the time a great job on the CD cover, which wasn't an easy one to replicate since it's kind of an optical illusion. But, let's back up here:

How many avatars have a backstory combining three or four different threads that somehow culminate in one shining moment? Thread #1: lb made a comment that he'd bet money I'd make a certain answer, which he lost. Thread #2: Sprots wrote about her upcoming hiking trip Thread #3: ES wants to take the girls on a road trip in sliver's new iron and decides to go hiking with sprots (callback to #2). Thread #4 lb asks what would make some good road trip music (callback to #2 & #3). Well, wouldn't it stand to reason that Lizbit & Bebe's favourite rapper would be Pitbull? (Snoop hadn't gotten back in the game at that time). And, if ES was goign to stop by and borrow my Pitbull CD that I so graciously offered, then he could just drop off that hundy that lb lost to me in the LS thread (callback to #1 and #3).

I mean really, if it takes that long to even explain all of the labyrinthine crossing of topics, how could it not be #1? All that and the impatience of the girls to pop in the CD and hit the road complete with a HONK!! sound effect! This wasn't originally #1, but when I mentioned during the Official Countdown that my most important criterium by far was backstory, I realized that this really had to top the list....

The one I was saying all along that I knew was probably high on your list, but didn't even survive my first cut. I am shocked it was your #1 though. The twisted backstory is certainly a hit, and it has a lot going on... being one of the rare avatars to feature four characters at once. Any other year, yes I probably would have given it a chance.... but I think one of the reasons we were all over the map on our respective lists is because it was truly a banner year for ES. There was a lot to like for a lot of different tastes.... and we each like different things the avatars. Of course, the good thing about that was that your countdown wasn't anticlimactic since so few appeared on my list.... in fact, I had more in common with Sprots' Top 20 (9) than with yours (5)!

And finally, after 365 days, Exeunt Regina.

I await her successor.....

lb13

[SportsFan68]

.... in fact, I had more in common with Sprots' Top 20 (9) than with yours (5)!

That's because of the sprots avatars, or rather lack thereof, in your countdown. Obviously now would be a good time to stop drawing them. Clearly.

[themanintheseersuckersuit]

#2: "I Want My Raff-er-bee!"

Debuted: 8/1/11




I decided to mix together the 30th anniversary of both MTV first hitting the airwaves and Rafferbee's birth into one avatar, and this was the result. RB and ES pay tribute to one of the most famous music videos of the classic MTV era, Dire Straits' "Money For Nothing", with the two drawn in the style of bulky 80's computer animation that was featured in the video. This was very difficult to pull off, but the result drew lots of praise from those who recognized the significance of the blocky style.... none being as impressed as T-Bone, who had to shout from the rafters about how brilliant it was. Well, I don't know if it's a work of genius, but a worthy runner-up entry in this year's countdown....

And after all these avatars, what could have possibly taken the #1 spot in the 2011 ES Avatar Countdown? We'll find out in about 24 hours.....

Now Banned In Canada

It may be a classic rock song but 26 years after it was first released Dire Straits hit Money For Nothing has been banned from radio.

The song was ruled too offensive for the airwaves in Canada because it contains the word 'f****t' and can now no longer be played in its original form.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... thing.html

[littlebeast13]

#2: "I Want My Raff-er-bee!"

Debuted: 8/1/11




I decided to mix together the 30th anniversary of both MTV first hitting the airwaves and Rafferbee's birth into one avatar, and this was the result. RB and ES pay tribute to one of the most famous music videos of the classic MTV era, Dire Straits' "Money For Nothing", with the two drawn in the style of bulky 80's computer animation that was featured in the video. This was very difficult to pull off, but the result drew lots of praise from those who recognized the significance of the blocky style.... none being as impressed as T-Bone, who had to shout from the rafters about how brilliant it was. Well, I don't know if it's a work of genius, but a worthy runner-up entry in this year's countdown....

And after all these avatars, what could have possibly taken the #1 spot in the 2011 ES Avatar Countdown? We'll find out in about 24 hours.....

Now Banned In Canada

It may be a classic rock song but 26 years after it was first released Dire Straits hit Money For Nothing has been banned from radio.

The song was ruled too offensive for the airwaves in Canada because it contains the word 'f****t' and can now no longer be played in its original form.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... thing.html

Vandal mentioned this in last year's LSWE....

http://wwtbambored.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 95#p359695

lb13