The 2013 ES Avatar Countdown!

[littlebeast13]

Welcome to the fifth annual look back at some of the best and worst of ES. If you're nostalgic, and want to see the past countdown threads...

2009 - http://wwtbambored.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=24137
2010 - http://wwtbambored.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=31365
2011 - http://wwtbambored.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=37587
2012 - http://wwtbambored.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=42488

You can also find my criteria for my selection and ranking of this year's avatars in those old threads, as I shall skip the lengthy intro and just get down to business...

There were only 93 new avatars this year, the fewest of any of the countdown years, and the selection was still the most difficult ever. Anyone who thinks I don't listen to the comments and thoughts on these little drawings (ahem, Sprots, ahem), I can assure you the fact that I was largely just choosing my favorites this year due to lack of feedback made this much more of a chore. But, in the immortal words of the legendary Mecca manager Antwon, "it is what it is", and I'm going with what I got...

Once the Top 20 starts on Thursday, I will use that day's honored avatar for my own... and of course, the #1 ES avatar for 2013 will be revealed on New Years Eve morning. And now, here are the first five of the fifteen honorable mentions that just missed out on making the Top 20.


"Wheel of Misfortune"

Debuted: 1/17/13



When Rafferbee announced that she was put into the contestant pool for Wheel of Fortune, she solicited advice from the Bored. Being the usual smartass I am, I called to mind an infamous ruling from a Wheel show that had aired a few weeks prior, and noted that RB might want to make sure she enunciates her G's. For the avatar, I changed the puzzle from "Seven Swans A Swimming" to "Seven Squirrels A Scritching". RB even shared this avatar with people from the Wheel of Fortune message board, making this a rare ES avatar crossover hit!


"Chucking Appleites"

Debuted: 2/15/13



Was that a meteor that exploded over the Russian mountains in February and caused a devastating sonic boom, or was it perhaps more sinister forces at work throwing apples from clouds? If it really was ES who threw his "appleite" towards Russia, from the geography displayed in this avatar, he either is taking into consideration the rotation of the earth and terminal velocity, or he really has that bad aim Annie always said he did.


"Adjusting the Squirrel Ears"

Debuted: 5/26/13



This avatar came about due to a discussion of the best TV antennas to use to pick up digital broadcast signals, which involved so much unfamiliar and technical terminology that I had no idea what anyone was talking about. So I had ES going all old school on his TV, with both VHF and UHF antennas, as well as a coat hanger and Reynolds Wrap to help the reception. The frustrated look on ES's face over his Calderesque tangle of metal not bringing a clear picture, as well as the combined confused/terrified looks on the face of the pups Blaze and Sulphur make this avatar a winner in my book.


"Hot Springs Santa"

Debuted: 8/20/13



The fights over the global warming debate get old and tired faster than Grandma Moses, but it brought out a little good when a ludicrous claim that one could swim at the North Pole inspired this avatar of Santa ES having a summer vacation in the hot springs spa with MBRS and Sandy, with an upset squirrel elf Angel wanting Santa ES to get off his butt and get back to making nuts for all the good squirrels of the world. The aurora over the multicolored mane of Rainbow Donkey serves as a nice visual effect in this one as well.


"Rodents In 3D"

Debuted 10/4/13



The 3-D movie "Gravity" got a shit-ton of hype prior to its release, and bazodee wondered if he should break his "3-D movie viginity" to go watch it. I offered this visual proof of how stunningly realistic 3-D movies can be by having Sprotsie Baby look on in awe through her 3-D glasses as ES quickly descends upon her. Is that squirrel live, or is it Memorex? We ain't spoiling this movie here...

[christie1111]

Can't wait to see the rest!

[SportsFan68]

"Rodents in 3D" is horrible. The rest are pretty good.

[Estonut]

"Rodents In 3D"

Debuted 10/4/13


The 3-D movie "Gravity" got a shit-ton of hype prior to its release, and bazodee wondered if he should break his "3-D movie viginity" to go watch it. I offered this visual proof of how stunningly realistic 3-D movies can be by having Sprotsie Baby look on in awe through her 3-D glasses as ES quickly descends upon her. Is that squirrel live, or is it Memorex? We ain't spoiling this movie here...

I meant to comment on this one at the time, but didn't get around to it. I wonder if you switched it out quickly, so I lost my reminder.

I think you're a few generations behind on your 3D technology. Last time I saw a movie in 3D, the glasses didn't look any different from regular sunglasses. When I bought my 3D TV and Blu-ray player this year, they came with an even newer technology, where the glasses are battery powered, synchronized to the screen and then blink alternately while you view the movie. Because of the battery and on/off switch, they are more funky-looking than those in the theatres, but the lenses are also dark grey.

[littlebeast13]

"Rodents In 3D"

Debuted 10/4/13


The 3-D movie "Gravity" got a shit-ton of hype prior to its release, and bazodee wondered if he should break his "3-D movie viginity" to go watch it. I offered this visual proof of how stunningly realistic 3-D movies can be by having Sprotsie Baby look on in awe through her 3-D glasses as ES quickly descends upon her. Is that squirrel live, or is it Memorex? We ain't spoiling this movie here...

I meant to comment on this one at the time, but didn't get around to it. I wonder if you switched it out quickly, so I lost my reminder.

I think you're a few generations behind on your 3D technology. Last time I saw a movie in 3D, the glasses didn't look any different from regular sunglasses. When I bought my 3D TV and Blu-ray player this year, they came with an even newer technology, where the glasses are battery powered, synchronized to the screen and then blink alternately while you view the movie. Because of the battery and on/off switch, they are more funky-looking than those in the theatres, but the lenses are also dark grey.

It's quite possible I am way behind on the times... but I think the red/blue glasses are still the iconic imagery of the 3D movie experience, and I'm not sure I could have conveyed the point that it's a 3-D movie without them...

And of course, the last time I was at a movie theater, they still had an organ player to provide the sound....

lb13

[Estonut]

It's quite possible I am way behind on the times... but I think the red/blue glasses are still the iconic imagery of the 3D movie experience, and I'm not sure I could have conveyed the point that it's a 3-D movie without them...

And of course, the last time I was at a movie theater, they still had an organ player to provide the sound....

I know you wanted them to be identifiable. I just wanted to let you know about the new tech, as I figured an experience with something like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" might have scared you out of the theaters forever...

[a1mamacat]

It's quite possible I am way behind on the times... but I think the red/blue glasses are still the iconic imagery of the 3D movie experience, and I'm not sure I could have conveyed the point that it's a 3-D movie without them...

And of course, the last time I was at a movie theater, they still had an organ player to provide the sound....

I know you wanted them to be identifiable. I just wanted to let you know about the new tech, as I figured an experience with something like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" might have scared you out of the theaters forever...

I think it was "Talkies"

[littlebeast13]

Day 2 of the honorable mentions....


"The Puppy Bowl"

Debuted: 1/24/13



Beloved on the Bored for years, the annual Puppy Bowl finally got its own avatar this year! BeBe may look rather intimidated at center staring down the defensive line, but Lizbit is calm, cool, and collected in the pocket with her Hello Kitty helmet. Fanny's mention of hedgehog cheerleaders in the Puppy Bowl was the perfect opening to bring the ever peppy Lil into the action, while Buster is stuck working the chain gang...


"Left Outt"

Debuted: 4/19/13



Awwwwwww, poor little foxes don't like it when they are left outt by cold hearted losers. At least he wasn't left outt of the year end avatar celebration! Isn't he cute?


"Blazing Cooter"

Debuted: 6/27/13



Only Beebs and her sister could ever have a conversation about a "blazing cooter"... and only I would dare to draw an avatar to memorialize it. The frizzy, fuzzy, smoky MBRS doesn't seem to be taking the shock delivered to her unmentionables very badly at all. I'll bet she likes to lick 9 volt batteries.


"We Got To Move These Refrigerators"

Debuted: 8/25/13



Someone who dislikes being brought up in threads she did not already butt into told a story as only she could about the forthcoming adventure she expected to have getting a new refrigerator delivered to her third floor apartment. Since ES is her bestest buddy, he and Buster offered their help getting the icebox where it belonged... and they (Ha!) even got a nice tip slipped into their toolbet out of the deal...


"Hooly, Hottie, and the Chocolate Factory"

Debuted: 10/23/13



A television update from SSS about a forthcoming holiday special with colorized episodes of the classic sitcom "I Love Lucy" inspired this colorful avatar of one of the show's most famous scenes, with my skunkettes Hooly and Hottie playing the role of Lucy and Ethel, stuffing their faces full of chocolates as they rush down the conveyor belt. One of the few avatars that got a lot of positive feedback, it was a must to at least make the list of honorables...

[Bob Juch]

"Rodents In 3D"

Debuted 10/4/13


The 3-D movie "Gravity" got a shit-ton of hype prior to its release, and bazodee wondered if he should break his "3-D movie viginity" to go watch it. I offered this visual proof of how stunningly realistic 3-D movies can be by having Sprotsie Baby look on in awe through her 3-D glasses as ES quickly descends upon her. Is that squirrel live, or is it Memorex? We ain't spoiling this movie here...

I meant to comment on this one at the time, but didn't get around to it. I wonder if you switched it out quickly, so I lost my reminder.

I think you're a few generations behind on your 3D technology. Last time I saw a movie in 3D, the glasses didn't look any different from regular sunglasses. When I bought my 3D TV and Blu-ray player this year, they came with an even newer technology, where the glasses are battery powered, synchronized to the screen and then blink alternately while you view the movie. Because of the battery and on/off switch, they are more funky-looking than those in the theatres, but the lenses are also dark grey.

It's quite possible I am way behind on the times... but I think the red/blue glasses are still the iconic imagery of the 3D movie experience, and I'm not sure I could have conveyed the point that it's a 3-D movie without them...

And of course, the last time I was at a movie theater, they still had an organ player to provide the sound....

lb13

My million dollar question: What film were these people watching?

Spoiler

Spoiler

Bwana Devil

[littlebeast13]

And now for the final five honorable mentions.....


"Possum Surprise"

Debuted: 2/14/13



I've done a lot of birthday avatars around the theme of one of my characters jumping out of a cake, but they're usually not all that noteworthy other than to the person they were meant to honor. This one I did for mini's birthday this year was different... not only because of mini's horrified reaction to a puckered up Buster leaping out of her birthday cake, but also the added gem of having Erin up to some mischief of her own by taking a Ginsu to the poor possum's tail. This is my favorite birthday avatar I have done.


"The Good News Rainbow Donkey"

Debuted: 4/29/13



Those who keep tabs on my blog know that 2013 was definitely a coming out party for Rainbow Donkey, who quite easily is my most popular character among my non-Bored fans right now. This is one of the best liked of my Rainbow Donkey drawings, and of all things it owed its existence to the irony of Bob Juch asking if anyone had any good news to post on the Bored. This overly cute version of RD, with the help of Photoshop's rainbow gradient tool, is sure to bring a smile to your face regardless of how bad your day has been.


"Ace of Bass"

Debuted: 8/2/13



When uly mentioned that he had a friend who was trying out for WWTBAM that went by the handle bassplayingsugarplum, I thought that was a name just begging for a fresh character. While I was being somewhat humorous in having the new character play the stand up bass, I had no idea at the time that the person behind the handle's last name would have suggested a better choice of species than the purple raccoon I chose. This was corrected to a purple fox in a later avatar... but I still love the work I did on the original.


"Adopt A Critter Day"

Debuted: 9/25/13



Saucy was a little ambiguous in exactly what "friends" she was hoping to adopt from the local animal shelter, so I imagined she might find some love from some of the cute little critters I love to draw who walk a bit more on the wild side than the traditional cats and dogs. Here Saucy is seen with a little possum, squirrel, fox, raccoon, and skunk. Awwwww, I wonder which one she will select... or maybe she'll provide a forever home for all five of them!


"The Squirrel, The Witch, And The Unicorn"

Debuted: 10/31/13



This avatar was nothing more than a drawing of the design I used to make this year's squirrel o'lantern.... but witchy MBRS and her trusty "broomstick" Rainbow Donkey came out so well, they easily earned one of fifteen honorable mention nods!

What avatars made the big stage and will be one of the Top 20 ES Avatars of 2013? Find out starting tomorrow!

[a1mamacat]

I personally think "Adopt a Critter Day" deserved much more than an honourable mention. Aside from the BB Group sketch, doesn't it show the most different critters in one Av?

[littlebeast13]

I personally think "Adopt a Critter Day" deserved much more than an honourable mention. Aside from the BB Group sketch, doesn't it show the most different critters in one Av?

I'm pretty sure you are right about that... I even checked the angry village mob avatar and only counted five.

It's also one of the few avatars I have done to feature critters other than BB pets in feral form....

And yes, it may have been underrated, but I don't think Sprots ever said it would win...

lb13

[SportsFan68]

I personally think "Adopt a Critter Day" deserved much more than an honourable mention. Aside from the BB Group sketch, doesn't it show the most different critters in one Av?

I'm pretty sure you are right about that... I even checked the angry village mob avatar and only counted five.

It's also one of the few avatars I have done to feature critters other than BB pets in feral form....

And yes, it may have been underrated, but I don't think Sprots ever said it would win...

lb13

Good thing you smiled when you said that -- I thought the Saucinator would win...

[littlebeast13]

#20. "Squirrel Nuggets"

Debuted: 7/18/13



Oh, melly.... how could you!?!?!?



Inspired by melly's lunchlady role in an ad for Duck Dynasty, our #20 ranked avatar for 2013 features our favorite thespian (complete with stylish hairnet) serving up a plate of her squirrel nuggets to the pups Blaze and Sulphur. Blaze has noticed that Uncle Evil has been away from the table for a really long time now, while Sully is too hungry to give a possum's behind what has happened to ES. Dig in, kiddies! Squirrel nuggets are the best thing since Soylent Green....

[MarleysGh0st]

#20. "Squirrel Nuggets"

A decent effort, but ES failed to capture the look of utter disdain that Melly gave in that performance.

[SportsFan68]

I thought the new one would be up by now.

[littlebeast13]

I thought the new one would be up by now.

You are in an awful hurry to be disappointed, aren't you....?

Remember Sunchine was #19 last year....

lb13

[SportsFan68]

Put it up so I can be the first one to say something snarky.

[littlebeast13]

Put it up so I can be the first one to say something snarky.

You had all day to say something snarky about this one before Marley finally chimed in....

lb13

[SportsFan68]

I couldn't get on the computer, or I would have.

[littlebeast13]

#19. "Buster On The Barbie"

Debuted: 11/27/13



A snowstorm that caused a Thanksgiving Eve power outage in the Northeast left christie wondering if she'd have to grill the turkey for the big feast. I took a break from that day's parade to draw up an avatar with christie's character doing a little grilling of a different kind of beast.... poor Buster, the martyr of my gang. The apple in the possum's mouth, as well as the perfectly placed meat thermometer are my favorite aspects of this one. While christie has made sure the time in my artwork has always been 11:11, she always wanted more in the way of recognition from ES... and thanks to being in the dark, she gets to make her first ever countdown appearance with the tasty.... um... morsel in front of her. Don't fight over the drumsticks, everyone!

[SportsFan68]

Poor Buster! When are you gonna stop killing and grilling him?

[christie1111]

#19. "Buster On The Barbie"

Debuted: 11/27/13



A snowstorm that caused a Thanksgiving Eve power outage in the Northeast left christie wondering if she'd have to grill the turkey for the big feast. I took a break from that day's parade to draw up an avatar with christie's character doing a little grilling of a different kind of beast.... poor Buster, the martyr of my gang. The apple in the possum's mouth, as well as the perfectly placed meat thermometer are my favorite aspects of this one. While christie has made sure the time in my artwork has always been 11:11, she always wanted more in the way of recognition from ES... and thanks to being in the dark, she gets to make her first ever countdown appearance with the tasty.... um... morsel in front of her. Don't fight over the drumsticks, everyone!

Yay!

I finally made the countdown!

Yay!

[rayxtwo]

Poor Buster! When are you gonna stop killing and grilling him?

lb's trying to make Buster the Bored's "Kenny".

Ray

[Bob78164]

#19. "Buster On The Barbie"

Debuted: 11/27/13



A snowstorm that caused a Thanksgiving Eve power outage in the Northeast left christie wondering if she'd have to grill the turkey for the big feast. I took a break from that day's parade to draw up an avatar with christie's character doing a little grilling of a different kind of beast.... poor Buster, the martyr of my gang. The apple in the possum's mouth, as well as the perfectly placed meat thermometer are my favorite aspects of this one. While christie has made sure the time in my artwork has always been 11:11, she always wanted more in the way of recognition from ES... and thanks to being in the dark, she gets to make her first ever countdown appearance with the tasty.... um... morsel in front of her. Don't fight over the drumsticks, everyone!

Yay!

I finally made the countdown!

Yay!

I think my Bored avatar remains the one and only avatar lb has made that includes me. --Bob