If you're in any of the above categories, listen up, because I have a challenge for you!
Now through the end of the year, DCP will place an official CosPlay Challenge toward those of you who are talented in costuming (either creating or wearing). If you're willing to take this challenge, there's only one thing you need to do:
Create a Phantom Squadron themed costume. Dress up as any character from any of the three books. Then take a picture, post it online, and reply to this posting with a link to where your picture can be seen. There's no limits to which character you choose: anyone from major characters to background figures is acceptable.
Why are we doing this? Two reasons. One, we'd really like for Phantom Squadron to get some exposure out there. Two, I personally am curious as to how folks visualize the characters, and would be interested to compare notes based on how I've always seen them.
So the gauntlet is thrown. Post your pictures. We'll keep tabs on it all year, and at the end, around Christmastime, we'll choose a winning costume. The winner will receive a signed set of all three Phantom Squadron books (a $30.97 value), plus your choice of merchandise item from the DCP Zazzle store. (You thought I forgot about that, didn't you?)
Oh, and I should inform you of how we'll be scoring the costumes. It'll be a 100 point scale based on the following:
Accuracy based on descriptions from the books (25 points)
Creativity (25 points)
Photo staging (25 points)
Characterization ... do I really believe you're the character you're dressed as? (25 points)
Bonus points will be given out for the following conditions:
Photo from a fantasy/sci-fi convention (10 bonus points)
Photo from a major convention such as San Diego ComiCon or DragonCon (15 bonus points)
Photo appears on FandomBase (20 points)
Get your costuming skills in gear, and good luck, should you choose to accept this challenge!