Superhero of the Month - Daniel Heard's Robin

The votes are tallied and the verdict is in. With 47% of the vote, our first superhero of the month is Daniel Heard's Robin!

Damian Wayne by Daniel Heard

Congratulations to Daniel, who wins the Red Robin collections courtesy of Dr. Volt's Comic Connection. Additionally, he has the option of being our special guest judge for the upcoming Angel contest.

I'd like to thank everyone who participated in the contest, as well as our good friends at Dr. Volt's for sponsoring our inaugural event. I'd also like to thank our friends over at Project: Rooftop and Big Shiny Robot! for their mentions and coverage of the Robin contest. We've had huge monumental epic leaps in traffic recently, and I want to thank them for helping us in that. They're great people, so check them out! :)

I hope everyone has enjoyed checking our little site and contest out. Please stick around...we're just getting started!

Robin Finalists

Alright! After consulting with our sponsor, Dave of Dr. Volt's Comics, we narrowed down the finalists for the first Superhero of the Month contest! But first, I want to tell you how hard it was to narrow this down. We got over a dozen fantastic entries. Each one brought something unique and interesting to the plate, and each one really is deserving of high praise. I really, honestly hope that everyone who participated in this contest will participate in the future; your contributions were out of this world.

So, without further ado, here are the finalists for the Robin redesign contest!

Damian Wayne by Daniel Heard

This really fits Damian. The hooded poncho seems like a natural step for him from the 3/4 length cape he wore from his introduction as the Boy Wonder in Batman & Robin. I particularly like the swapping of the grey with the olive green. And though it's not part of the redesign, I love the expression on his face. It's like a looser Damian that hasn't forgotten his roots.

Stephanie Brown by Warren Newsom

This is, like Nick Furious' Stephanie, what she should have worn during her brief tenure as the Girl Wonder, instead of Tim's altered threads. I like the inverted cape colors and the elimination of the standard Robin "R," while incorporating a new logo altogether. Really, this seems like the perfect transitional uniform from Spoiler to Batgirl.

Robin by Oscar Padilla

I like the aesthetics of this. The body armor under the jacket works well, and the jacket would help to zip up and slip into a crowd to quickly "disappear." The scarf really works for me, but I don't know why. When I look at this, it almost makes me think this is something Dick Grayson would wear before officially becoming Robin in whatever film occurs after The Dark Knight Rises.

Tim Drake by Sean Moore

My favorite thing about this Tim redesign is that it feels like the missing link to his Red Robin uniform with the half-cowl. The green in the suit compliments it well.

Dick Grayson by Manuel Aguilera

This is a really cool take on the Earth-2 version of Robin, completely modernizing the character, while still keeping him distinct from his primary DCU counterpart. I particularly like the integration of the "R" symbol into the clasp of the cape.

There you have it! Voting is open, so vote for the artist you think deserves the title Superhero of the Month. The winner will be announced November 30!

OFFICIAL CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT - ANGEL

Warren Worthington III, a.k.a. Angel, is one of the original members of the X-Men. Since first appearing in 1963, he's gone through a few costume changes -- some of them good, and others just plain bad.

So how can Angel's get-up be better? That's where you come in! Send your redesign of Angel to superheroofthemonth@gmail.com between now and December 20 at Noon. Entries will go up as we receive them, and voting for your favorite Angel redesign will commence on December 27. The winner will be announced December 31! Be sure to check out the Submission Guidelines before you start!

Please note that we will be accepting redesigns of Warren in both his Angel and Archangel personae. You may send in one redesign of each persona. This increases your chances of making it to the voting round, but you may only enter that round based off of one entry!


NOTE: I am still trying to secure a sponsor for this contest. When starting SHotM, I knew this wouldn't always be possible, but I'm trying to secure something. In any case, sponsor prize or not, I'm hoping we'll see many great contributions! At our 1-year anniversary, there will be something going on involving winners of the past SHotM contests. That's all I'm willing to divulge right now, but I'm hoping it will be the awesomest thing in the history of comics. ;)

Before you get started, check out some of Warren's costumes as they've appeared over the last 47 years (click to embiggen):

 

Thanks to UncannyXmen.net for the images!

DeviantArt

If you send us a redesign and post it on your DeviantArt account, let us know in your submission e-mail. I'm trying to add the redesigns to a group to add further exposure to the artists and to Superhero of the Month in general.

I'm kind of new with DA, so please forgive me if it takes a little while to get everything going properly!

Robin Results - Part VI / General Announcement

The last redesign for the Robin contest is in, and it is sweet!

Damian Wayne by Daniel Heard

"I couldn't resist. Here's my take on Damian, a few years older and more willing to have some fun. This is a companion piece to my Batman 2.0 entry for Project:Rooftop, which means return of the Bat-poncho (it works better on Robin anyhow). The main hurdle for me was how to make red green and yellow not look circus. Damian is many things, but he ain't circus. Olive is considered a fashion 'neutral', and from there a whole bunch of army, ranger, boyscout fun emerged. "

This is just a whole lot of fun. Let us know what you think of Daniel's older, funner Damian, then scroll down to check out Robin Results - Parts I, II, III, IV and V!

**UPDATE - 7:35 P.M.**

Entries for the Robin contest will no longer be accepted. I want to thank everyone who submitted for their hard work and for their interest in SHotM. When I started this a few months ago, I hardly expected to get the amazing amount of artwork we've received so far. I'm humbled by the success of SHotM so far, and I have to thank each and every one of you for that.

I'm going to take a few days and, with our sponsor, narrow down the entries received to the top 5 based on comments and guideline criteria. Voting will be open from November 26 - 29. Be sure to check back and vote for your favorite!

Stay tuned...on November 23 we'll officially announce our December contest. So get cracking on those. :)

November 30 we'll announce the winner of the Robin contest.

Also, if any of you are interested in contributing to this site in a professional manner (i.e., judging, occasionally posting, etc.), shoot me an e-mail at superheroofthemonth@gmail.com with your superhero fashion credentials*. Preferably, I'm looking for people with experience writing for something, whether it was your high school newspaper, or a blog. Just something I can take a look at. I'm only thinking of filling 2-3 spots for this right now, so please don't be offended if you don't "make the cut." I'm completely open to guest spots, and I'm pretty much open to anyone for that. Just send me a link to you writing and let me know why you'd be interested in contributing to Superhero of the Month.

Thanks, and we'll see you back here soon!

* = I have no idea what superhero fashion credentials are or could be. So be creative. :)

Robin Results - Part V

Dick Grayson by Manuel Aguilera

"I decided to go with Pre-crisis Earth 2 Robin, the guy that -- instead of becoming 
Nightwing -- becomes the 'former boy wonder,' donning a batman costume with a Robin symbol pasted over top. Did I mention the yellow Dracula cape? 

"This guy needed a make over. I streamlined his ex-boy wonder suit, and transitioned into his Batman-honoring suit. The idea for the symbol is that the 'R' is a cape clasp, and the cape flows out like the wings of pastiche bat/robin symbol."

Stephanie Brown by Furious Nick

"I always liked the Stephanie and felt she got a bum deal in the comics. Her costume was basically Tim's with a longer tunic/shirt. I thought I'd try to do better. I wanted to return to the lighter side of Robin in this design. I decided to put her back in boyshorts and shorten her cape a bit. I also wanted to add some girly elements, because I thought that would also work on theme of being less like other Robin costumes, but not cliché like the previous skirted costume. I tried to tie the bird theme into this costume. That is why I went with the puffy sleeves and pointy tipped domino mask. I settled on a new logo for this costume as well, moving away from the traditional "R" that is on the other Robin costumes.

"In my mind I was thinking that when Bruce came back, he would shake things up a bit to better fit his war on crime. I think he would demote Batgirl, Stephanie Brown, and give her a position in the Batman, Inc. as a support Robin or something."

These are both great designs that, like many of our submissions, went outside the box while remaining true to the characters. What do you think of Manny's Earth-2 Dick Grayson and Furious' Stephanie Brown? Let us know in the comments! Then check out Robin Results - Part I, II, III, and IV!

Robin Results - Part IV

More Robin redesigns have come in! Check them out!

Tim Drake by Sean Moore

"This design is inspired by a photo I found of an actual robin. I picture this being Tim Drake, though it could be Dick Grayson, as I think it suits his evolution from sidekick to Batman's equal. This would be the costume he would wear to claim his own identity. It celebrates his past as Robin, but not wearing the hand-me-downs of Dick or Jason. If there are two Batmen now, I think there could be two Robins."

Damian Wayne by Mario Daniel

"It's not a radical re-invention; I added more protection to the costume. The tunic is bulletproof. I'd imagine it would have ceramic plates woven in the cloth; the belt carries more tools, a blue tooth, and three pronged scallops on the gloves."

Let us know what you think these redesigns in the comments below! Then, check out our previous entries in Parts I, II, and III and let us know what you think in the comments there! 

Robin Results - Part III

New Robin redesign, and it rocks!

Jason Todd by Zoe Maxine

"When I was picking a Robin, it occured to me I'd only ever seen Jason redesigned when he was included in all the Robins. In adaptations he usually wears either Dick's or Tim's costume. So I gave him one of his own."

Hit up the comments here -- and the comments for Robin Results - Part I and Part II -- and let us know what you think! Don't forget to send us YOUR Robin redesign, too! They're due by Noon on November 20!

Robin Results - Part II

Here's another Robin redesign!

Tim Drake by Vince Bayless

"Here's my new look for Tim Drake. Was thinking its something a little more fun than his current Red Robin look, yet still a little serious. The look kind of combines Robin Hood with Japan."

Hit up the comments here -- and the comments for Robin Results - Part I -- and let us know what you think! Don't forget to send us YOUR Robin redesign, too! You have until November 20!

One of our awesome contributors gave us a nod on the Comic Book Resources forums. We got a bit of an up-tick in our traffic, so I thought I'd give a quick rundown of what Superhero of the Month does for our new visitors!

Superhero redesigns, similar in the vein of Project: Rooftop and Superhero Coco. The twist is kind of two-fold: We choose a character each month to be redesigned; based on those submissions, you decide which artist's rendition is crowned superhero of the month.

Anyone is welcome to submit, just check out the guidelines for an overview of the rules. This month's contest is to redesign Robin (see announcement), and entries are due by November 20. There is a prize for the winner supplied by our sponsor.

Thanks for checking out Superhero of the Month! We hope to get your artwork soon! In the meantime, check out the redesigns already submitted and leave your thoughts on them in the comments!

Robin Results - Part I

Here are the Robin redesigns we received between October 1-31. Click on the images to see a larger view.

Stephanie Brown by Warren Newsom

"I remember back when Stephanie Brown was given the Robin costume for like two issues. I thought she got cheated. And even though she was later given the identity of Batgirl, I still would have liked to have seen her as Robin for just a little while longer."

Robin by Kevin Prieto (aka Nameless Enemy)

"I was honestly going more for the 'idea' of Robin," Kevin said, rather than portraying any one Robin in particular.

Tim Drake's Red Robin by Raius

Robin by Oscar Padilla

"In this redesign I tried tone down the spandex a lot, if not eliminate it altogether. I figured somebody that's mostly active at night might be better suited in attire than can blend in with other people that are out and about at night. Gotham reminds me of New York at night, so I took some fashion cues from the locals. The split-toed slip-ons --which people loved -- are there to tie him to his ninja-like nature. The body armor is self explanatory, and the simple utility belt is for what ever gadgets might come in handy."

Dick Grayson by Jordan Gibson

"I've always liked the original Robin suit but figured that once Dick got to the age of around...15 or 16 he'd start to want to wear pants. So this is kind of a more grown up Dick Grayson suit that plays more upon the Robin Hood motif. For some reason I always picture him wielding a slingshot."

Dick Grayson by T.J. Logan

"Dick Grayson has the Bird as his symbol, which will later go on to his Nightwing costume. The symbol is connected to the cape, which has scallops like wings. The small gloves reflect his acrobatic background. Same for the little boots. The costume and cape are made of a lighter material then Batman's, so it doesn't hinder with Dick's speed and agility. I wanted to keep the classic colours of the Robin costume. All in all, when designing this I kept in mind that he was a circus acrobat, so his agility will be his greatest strength."

There's the first round of Robin redesigns! What do you all think? Hit up the comments below and let us know; your input helps us determine who will enter the voting round!

I'd like to thank everyone who submitted early for their hard work and patience, as some of these were sent in around the start of October. You guys are great!

We're still accepting submissions for the Robin contest. Check out the Submission Guidelines for details. They must be in by Noon on November 20; late submissions may (or may not) be posted, but will not be considered for the contest prize! 

And don't forget to check out the Calendar for advance info on future contests. We'll start taking submissions for our December contest later this month!