This next contest is going to involve villain profiles. And to make things really interesting, we're going to tie it in with the Vile Vial writing challenge!

First of all, what is a profile? Oh, the type of full-page pin-up you see in a "Secret Files and Origins" which shows the character in a typical action shot or a symbolic scene.

For instance, Batman is usually shown crouching upon a gargoyle looking over Gotham as the Bat-symbol illuminates the sky and a swarm of bats flies across the moon. Superman is usually flying towards the reader with the Daily Planet behind him, or standing in front of an American flag with an eagle on his shoulder. The Legion of Superheroes is usually seen against a futuristic backdrop. Getting the idea?

Now…we're doing it for villains. And just to make it the most fun, you can portray them as villains or heroes (in keeping with the Vile Vial story).

For instance, if you were going to do Captain Boomerang, you could show him standing in the Australian outback, that big red rock in the background, with kangaroos leaping majestically. Or have him stand against a waving Australian flag, chest puffed out, saluting.

Humorous or serious, we don't care. Just have fun with this one.

So here's the challenge:

1. Create a piece of villain profile artwork.
   
2. Send it in to [email protected] by April 30, 2001.
   
3. A panel of judges will pick the best one. The results will be announced in the May issue.

Entries must be in a digital format such as GIF, JPG or BMP (scan in your drawings if necessary). Photomanipulations are allowed for backgrounds, although doing a background by hand can help your score. All acceptable entries will be shown in the issue. Have fun!