SUPERHERO OF THE MONTH - Blair J. Campbell's Starfire

Congratulations Blair J. Campbell, winner of the Superhero of the Month & Girls Gone Geek Starfire redesign contest! Blair is automatically entered in December's Superhero of the Year contest, and has the option of joining us in March to guest-judge our Birds of Prey contest!

Blair J. Campbell - 10+9+8+7+10 = 44/50

Alex: I get submissions like this, and I'd like to smile, if only I could pick my jaw up from off the floor. Everything here works. The only thing I'd want to know is how those sleeves stay up, but this redesign is so amazing I don't even care. I think what works best of all is that this version of Starfire could adapt just as easily to the Teen Titans cartoon as she could to the printed page. This design deserves a standing ovation.

Vanessa: This design is simple, functional, and still a bit cheeky. The hair isn’t over done, but still represents the signature flame. The costume works for the character. I can see Koriand’r zipping around in this. Whether fighting a villain in space or poolside; Campbell’s design strikes a happy medium.

Erika: I love the streamlined simplicity of Blair J. Campbell’s design. It’s clean, fresh and youthful, and it would work for Starfire as a kid (think Teen Titans cartoon) or an adult. While it’s certainly eye-catching, it doesn’t completely overshadow the character. With Starfire, there seems to be a great temptation to gild the lily, so to speak. This costume goes in a completely different and refreshing direction.

Robert: I love the simple yet effective design that Campbell went for. This Starfire definitely has a more modern feel to her design and the artist's style only compliments it even more. It would be interesting to see how this costume translates into the New 52 comic style.

Check out the full post for the full Top 5 results!

Ganknott - 9+8+9+8+9 = 43/50

Vanessa: Gankinott’s design is regal and lovely. The neck and head piece definitely have a royal vibe, and the silver is a nice touch.  While the design is not particularly bold, I’d much prefer this to the rubbish the character is currently wearing in the comics.


Robert: This one definitely gives off the "princess from another planet" vibe. I feel like this design is a huge step up from Starfire's current costume (or lack thereof). I also like how the artist kept the iconic long hair, while adapting it to fit in a day and age where 80's Starfire hair is laughable.

Erika: This costume has a dignified, warrior princess vibe — pretty, but appropriately intimidating. I really like the metal flourishes and the subtle beading on the boots and at the collar. It's a very good design overall, and you can tell Gaknott put a great deal of thought into it.

Alex: I can't imagine we'd take, say, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, very seriously if she ran around in something similar to what Starfire usually wears. So it's relieving to see Ganknott's take on Starfire's princess/warrior heritage in a serious manner. She looks royal and deadly, and the smirk she's wearing says, "I'm totally going to take every one of these bad guys out without breaking a sweat." It's a fantastic piece, easily one of my favorites for this contest.

Michelle Sciuto - 6+8+10+8+10 = 42/50

Robert: Absolutely great redesign! I instantly recognize this as Starfire, despite all of the clever changes made by the artist. Personally, I love the fact that Starfire is almost totally clothed in this design, and I feel like that change alone makes her a more 3-dimensional character. I like the idea of her wearing this alien spacesuit and the choice of toned down hues of purple. The very animated fiery hair is a nice touch as well.

Erika: Kory is an alien, and this striking, full-body costume conveys her other-wordly qualities and power. While there are plenty of details, like the green jewel embellishments, it isn’t overdone. Sciuto’s lovely design hits some very high notes, so for me it's a dead heat between hers and Campbell's.

Vanessa: This design is my favorite. When I think of Starfire, I think of her battling Lady Styx in space. This looks like a royal space uniform. I am a fan of simplicity, and this one is simple and pretty. The jewels make for an appropriate embellishment. This, too, is a happy medium as I could see a young Starfire wearing this, as well as a more mature, curvier rendering. Basically, this is an awesome space suit! And the hair, while a bit over the top, looks fantastic.

Alex: I like the full-body suit. It hits all the right notes as far as eliminating the skin problem Starfire is all too often plagued with. One thing I think I would have liked to see would be the illusion of skin, similar to what Ross Radke did. I think it would work well here, but it's such a minor thing.

Warren Newsom - 8+9+6+8+7 = 38/50

Robert: Ultimately my favorite piece of the group. I love the darker take on a familiar character. I don't know if I'm totally sold on the dark red hair (Although I kinda like the absence of the giant orange locks) but the muted purple alien suit is just fantastic. It's definitely a total 180 from Starfire's original costume, but I think it lends itself to the character's story much better. If I have any complaint, it would be to introduce some greens into the costume, just because it's such an big part of Starfire's palette. Overall, very strong piece.

Erika: There are some nice touches, such as the armored bustier and riveted leggings/arm coverings. However, the sandals seem really out of sync with the rest of the costume, which has a tough, almost industrial look.

Alex: This is such a strong design, one of my favorites that Warren has sent in to us. I like the color selection, but I have to admit, I miss the long(er) hair. Not that there's anything particularly wrong with the choice of chopping it a bit, but I'd have liked to see it a little longer, personally.

Vanessa: I gave a high score again for functionality and simplicity, and points for the corset as armor. But I don’t think you’re allowed to wear Birkenstocks in space. Or anywhere…anymore.

David Willis - 8+7+7+8+7 = 37/50

Erika: Willis’ design is fun. The chunky boots and arm accessories look like they serve a purpose rather than just being there for design’s sake. My only real criticism is that it’s a little too cute and youthful, and wouldn’t fit an older version of Starfire.


Robert: I like how this design has elements from both comic Starfire and Teen Titans cartoon Starfire. The metal arm and leg protectors are a nice touch that kinda give off a more alien feel, but I'm not sold on the mini skirt. I feel like the skirt takes away from her warrior look and wouldn't be very functional for actual combat (although many comic book characters probably suffer from that very same dilemma). All in all, a pretty strong design.

Vanessa: This is just fun! The skirt, boots, and arm bands work really well. This Starfire is easy to like and great for a cartoon, but I don’t think that it would translate very well into the comics. Still, Willis’ design is charming as all get out.

Alex: I can't help but look at this and not be happy. Like Arielle Sorkinator's piece, I can't look at David's a not smile. The inclusion of the metal gauntlets and shin guards lend themselves surprisingly well to the character, and I really don't have a problem with the skirt, other than that it makes it feel more like a Teen Titans Starfire redesign, set a few years in the future. I'm not so sure it would lend itself as well to the adult, comic incarnation. That said, this is something I'd totally buy into.

So there you have it! Let us know what you think in the comments! Stay tuned to Superhero of the Month as we head into March and start posting Birds of Prey submissions.

This month's contest was judged by your Superhero of the Month staff, Alex and Mitch*, the Girls Gone Geek staff, Erika and Vanessa, and January's contest winner, Robert Schilling.

*Mitch's comments were not available at the time of posting. This post will be updated with his comments as soon as possible.