Hola Zakumi

Got the inspiration to do this pic when our 2010 World Cup mascot was announced and I began to read people's comments and reactions to the character on various blogs and news websites... for the most part people seemed to have a very negative reaction (one poll on a well-known local site showed 41% hate him) with comments ranging from general dislike, "the design guys could have done better" to the usual internet stupidity, "leopards don't have manes, he looks like something out of Pokemon".

However one particular blog caught my attention as bringing a different side to the story, and I agree with the writer that this is one of the better mascots the event has had, especially considering how difficult it must be to get designs approved by a committee! Have a look at the past mascots and decide for yourself.

Finally, for local Saffers checking this pic out, hopefully it's easy to recognise the setting here as the soon-to-be-completed Greenpoint Stadium, the design of which I tried to piece together from various concept artwork and pics of the building in progress. Probably quite a bit off, but meh... still looks stadium-y, and the mountain came out alright at least!


[Original Zakumi character design created by Andries Odendaal]