Michael Phelps in the Avatar Universe

It's the start of Summer 2012 in the Northern hemisphere, which can mean only one thing: the Summer 2012 Olympics are just around the corner. Despite appearances, however, this is actually one of my older pics back when I was still new to 'Shop - way back in April of '11, in fact. I was going to say that it was a little early for the Olympics if or rather when I intended to post it, but never mind that now, so just enjoy this blast from the past of mine.

When I was still in my customary Avatar fangasm, I tried to imagine various Earth celebrities as elemental benders, and intended to draw them as such. This was, alas, the only one that ever got off the ground. I was just reading up on a certain Michael Phelps, who I'm pretty sure will be competing in this year's games, and I knew that he'd be a Waterbender through and through. In light of the new Korra series I know now that he'd fit more easily in the latter but I still designed his outfit off of the Water Tribe outfits of the former. It wasn't easy to get his look right, I had to look up several pictures of the real person to get it down, but I think I managed it.

Other doodles include demonstration of his Waterbending abilities, a set of chibi doodles, and of course, the customary treatment of his size 14 flipper-feet. (That last one was admittedly inspired by ~achillesheelart... Now I wish I had a source of income just so I can access that site. )

Now, when does the Summer '12 Olympics start? I hope it's after finals this term - so if you'll excuse me, I'mma go find the right sort of TV snacks for the show!

Michael Phelps (c) himself
AtlA (c) Mike n' Bryan
Artwork (c) me