Photo Contest Winner #3: Meet Starling!

... as portrayed by Ms. Hannah Carlson. The photo was snapped by Hannah's husband Erik, who wrote: "When we saw the contest [Hannah] jumped at the chance to dress up as Starling (and it was a great Halloween costume, too!)"

Anyway, Ms. Carlson has the look dead perfect, from arm tats to gun strap to ponytail. But it's also her slightly mischievous look that just screams "Starling" to me. The moment I opened the email I thought, Yep. That's her. Ready to do a shot and knee somebody in the face.

The Carlsons will enjoy a full year of signed copies of Birds of Prey from my personal comp stash. Issues #1 and 2 will go out together, followed by one every month until next August. Enjoy!

There were also two very fine honorable mentions who will be receiving signed copies of the first two issues of Birds. First up: Ms. Cherryfox, who reports that the wig she's wearing weighed a ton:

If you recognize that watermark, it's because Ms. Cherryfox created that winning photo of Mr. Raphael Went as Hardie (see earlier entry). Talk about your crossovers! I don't think Hardie would last long in a relationship with Starling, btw. For one thing, she could definitely out-drink/shoot/brawl him, and that would probably bug him after a while.

And finally Lauren (last name withheld for what I presume are Homeland Security-related issues) (I'M KIDDING LAUREN, just respecting your privacy) sent this ultra-spirited photo of Starling behind the wheel, which just makes me smile. She has Starling's love of gleeful mayhem down pat:

 

Congrats to everyone! And thanks so much for entering this crazy little contest. I do hope you all got some Hallowe'en mileage out of these costumes. (For the record, I spent the holiday dressed up as Hardie. And it wasn't ginger beer in my hand, either.)

Photo Contest Winner #2: Meet Mann (Possibly NSFW)

... a.k.a., Ms. Amber Love, comic book journalist and costumed entertainment host and all-around cool person. She's pretty much nailed Mann post-Fun & Games (highlight the next line to reveal spoilerish-material):  topless, with a gun, and missing an eye. I imagine this photo was snapped during another Mann adventure that took place between the events of the first two books, possibly when she was taking out some other celebrity and making it look like an accident. The 9/11 tattoo is a fine touch, too, giving Mann's back story a new wrinkle. And the whole look calls to mind the 1973 Swedish exploitation thriller They Call Me One Eye, later referenced in Tarantino's Kill Bill flicks.

Anyway, huge points for Ms. Love a.) packing a real gun, and b.) going the full Mann. And credit also goes to Ashley N., a.k.a. @smash_is_nerdy on Twitter, who snapped this photo. Prizes will be winging their way to you, Ms. Love.

Next up: Hello, Starling!

Photo Contest WInner #1: Meet Hardie

Take a gander at Mr. Raphael Went's impression of Charlie Hardie, the hero of my novels Fun & Games and the recently-released Hell & Gone. (You can click the photo for a better look.) In his entry, Mr. Went writes:

I felt it was too easy to impale myself on the mic stand in the front room, or to go out and get shot at by all the people I've managed to piss off. Instead, I opted for a "before all the shit kicks off" Charlie Hardie, sat down watching old movies in a room that is big enough to fit my entire house into. Twice. I'm not REALLY watching an old movie though. There isn't even a tv in that room! I'm acting. Or posing, I guess. But if I were, I'd be watching...I don't know, let's say The Maltese Falcon. And the "booze" in the glass? Ginger beer! The whole photo is a lie and I have made a mockery out of poor Charlie.

Not at all, good sir. I think you nailed Mr. Hardie's world-weariness, staring off into the darkness is a very nice touch. You're probably wearing nicer kicks than Hardie would ever consider, and you look maybe a bit too fresh-faced and young... but those are mere quibbles. You win! Shoot me your mailing addy and I'll send out your hard-earned prizes.

(A lifetime supply of ginger beer!)

I kid, I kid...

Anyway, honorable mention goes to Mr. Ryan K Lindsay, who sent along this photo...

... explaining, "I've attached a real 'think piece' of a photo for Charlie Hardie. I figure this image comes from a lost tale of his with a beard and some real worries about what he's done, and what he's left." I can dig it, Mr. Lindsay. Remind me of your addy and I'll send you a little bonus prize.

Stay tuned for... Mann! Possibly NSFW!