This is an idea that popped into my head while i was watching the Olypics, and it stuck in there until i could get it down. The idea is that a fencer, who really has no practicality in a real fight, gets to match his foil against a polar bear. It is a polar bear because they most resemble fencer's white-garb, and are well suited to practical and real life situations.

(thanks to the threadless community for their invaluable help during the critique process)



Who do you think will win?

I like it.

hehehe, funny idea. I would like to see it colored in. The hand of the fencer seems a bit strange.

Fencer's left hand is a little badly drawn.

Great colors!

(Extensive comment 'cause I like it, not to trash it:) First, fencing does have practical origins. Second, a skilled swordsman could kill a bear, no problem. Third, the foil is meant for sparring protection not real combat, just like paintball protection does not promise to stop real bullets. Fourth "real life" battles are waged with tools and strategy--that's why humans dominate other beings (hence you don't have to worry about being eaten in a parking lot). The commentary ruins it for me. However, the drawing does work as a commentary on the hilarity of human sport and competition (which is based on natural mammal behavior but is still funny when presented ironically). The bear should either be poised to fight or just standing there in disbelief--right now it's neither.

haha I hope booogles is joking

ps. If I ever had the chance to fence a bear, I would.

i like the idea, but would probably prefer it if the bear had just knocked the fencer flat on his ass

This is absolutely amazing. I just started taking fencing and my school's mascot is the polar bear.

neat idea

Thanks everyone for their comments. i just wanted to address two things quickly. First of all, I was a fencer for quite a long time, and that pose is pretty authentic. If the hand position looks a bit awkward, I assure you, it is an uncomfortable pose to hold until one gets used to it. Secondly, don't let my explaination sway your read of the design, if you see something different, that is fine.

I think people (well booogles) are trying to take this for more than what it is



it's a fencer and a polar bear dueling! and it's nicely drawn.



hope to see more stuff from you, Krimson!

I like it lots

I know the pose is authentic (I studied smallsword), but the left hand is still authentically rendered. It may simply be that there are too many lines squished into one small space. You might try to break the line between the index finger and thumb and see if it feels a little better.



Also, it doesn't feel like a polar bear to me. I can't quite explain why, but it has something to do with the shape and proportions of the head. I don't know, I was just surprised when you said it was a polar bear, though the variety of bear is probably not key anyway.



I get a kick out of the idea though. I think it's funny. Personally, if I had to fight a bear I don't know if I'd pick my smallsword.

i like it made me laugh

Reminds me of every-day life in Canada. I never walk to school without my foil. $5.

of course he can't win--he fences epee!

LOL funny

I like the concept, and I think the bear looks great. I would like to see less wrinkles in the pants - it's a bit distracting. And I know the hand is in a correct fencing position, but it's also distracting because it *appears* wrong. I would vote for asthetic over accuracy.

I love this.

this is underscored. fun design.

heh, wow, I'd forgotten I designed this. But dont worry bort, all my stuff is underscored =P

was this a better score back then?