(“Maleficent” photo above by Paul Hillier)

From time to time, storied heroes, reckless warriors and up-and-coming adventurers gather alongside vile villains, deranged AIs and other notorious figures to celebrate and share their stories and plans of impending conquest.

We are highlighting a selection of these characters in a collection of intimate portraits prepared by tireless historians.

“If there’s a crime call a cop. If there’s a fire, call a fireman. But if there’s a Skrull invasion. Holla atcha boy!”
Deadpool, Deadpool #2

error

“Sometimes you just have to hack your way through.”
Yuna Berserker, Final Fantasy X-II

“After all this time–all these years–you and I have history. I know what you think of me. You think I’m just a doll. A doll that’s pink and light. A doll you can arrange any way you like. You’re wrong. Very wrong. What you think of me is only a ghost of time. I am dangerous. And I will show you just how dark I can be.”
Harley Quinn, Gotham City Sirens Vol 1

“It’s been a long time. How have you been? I’ve been really busy being dead. You know, after you murdered me. / Okay. Look. We both said a lot of things that you’re going to regret. But I think we can put our differences behind us. For science. You monster.”
GLaDOS, Portal 2

“My axe is thirsty!”
Krieg, Borderlands 2

“If it means interfering in an ensconced, outdated system, to help just one woman, man or child…I’m willing to accept the consequences.”
Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman #170

error

“There are those who say fate is something beyond our command. That destiny is not our own, but I know better. Our fate lives within us, you only have to be brave enough to see it. “
Princess Merida, Brave

error

“When we get back, this is gonna make one great story. Yup… but… of course, not a single soul will ever believe me.”
Taichi “Tai” Kamiya/Yagami, Digimon

error

“All it takes is one bad day to reduce the sanest man alive to lunacy.”
Joker, The Killing Joke (1988)

“I think the reason I got all these guy friends and no boyfriend is because I don’t really wanna date any of ’em. I don’t need to feel like I’m waiting to be noticed. I know who I am and I’ll know what I want if and when it ever comes along.”
Fionna & Cake, Adventure Time

To see more, check out the Cosplay gallery.