
Blood of a Villain is an upcoming anthology meant to showcase AUs in which other Phantom Thieves are the 'Black Mask' | Persona 5 Spoilers present ⚠️
*Our information document contains the same information presented here.
Mods
*For full blurbs and previous experience, please check out our information document
F.A.Q.
General
Is this a zine?
Yes, this is the sort of fan anthology typically referred to as a zine. However, because we are interested in possibly having mini traditional zines as merch, we are calling the main project an anthology to keep the distinction clear.Can I apply for more than one position?
As a contributor, you can apply for multiple positions; however, you will likely only be selected for one.What is a pinch hitter?
In the case that a contributor has to drop out of the anthology, mods will contact interested applicants not previously accepted into the project to fill in the drop. Pinch hitters will be exempt from the immediate next check in period but will not receive extra time past project deadline to work on their piece unless there are extraordinary circumstances. Please keep this in mind if you decide to accept a pinch hitter position.Will shipping be allowed?
Light shipping will be allowed; however, because of our theme, we encourage applicants to pitch at least one non-ship themed idea.Will this project contain NSFW?
Due to the nature of this theme, it is highly possible NSFW may be present within this project. However, we ask that explicit sexual encounters / graphic depictions of sex not be included in your project piece. Mentioned or implied sexual content will be allowed to a degree. Violence and canon-typical gore is encouraged! We ask that any interested applicants are 18 years or older by the time applications close out.Will pitches have an effect on my application?
Applicants will be considered based primarily on their portfolio, not on whether you provided a pitch. However, if a tiebreaker is needed, we may consider pitches to help with the decision.Will there be a physical zine?
No, there will be no physical zine for buyers. However, if there is enough profit after preorders to accommodate it, contributors may possibly be compensated with a limited run of physical books. If this occurs, we will only be ordering enough for participants, and likely will not have leftovers.
Theme
What exactly are you looking for theme-wise?
"What if someone else was the traitor instead of / in addition to Akechi?" is our theme. For example, what if Ann were the traitor? What if it were Yusuke or Haru? What if Joker teamed up with Akechi to betray the Thieves?Is this an arcana swap?
This anthology is not focused on arcana swap. However, if you would like to include arcana swap in your specific piece (i.e., whoever the traitor is in your AU is also the Justice arcana), that will be allowed.I have a written/drawn AU of this concept, can I use that for my pitch?
Yes, if you have a traitor AU already, you are more than welcome to use it for your pitch! However, your contribution to this zine must be new material, even if it builds on your pre-established AU. We will not claim any ownership over your design or AU, but we ask that any works made for the anthology stays under wraps under project release.Does the character have to be in a Black Mask [design] specifically?
Nope, the traitor can be in their exact same outfit as in-game if you wish, no secondary / alternate outfit required! If you wish to create a secondary design OR new design all together, this will be allowed as well, but they must be YOURS.Does this mean Black Mask Crow will not be available to make a pitch for?
Yes and no. Because this project is themed around other characters being the traitor, we ask that you steer away from Black Mask Crow themed pitches. If your pitch involves him as a secondary character or an accomplice, that is perfectly fine to put forward. However, works involving Akechi being a traitor will be limited, and such pitches will be judged on uniqueness & relevance to the anthology theme.Can I pitch a non-Phantom Thief traitor?
If you have a unique, non-crack concept for a non-PT character being the Black Mask, feel free to submit it as a pitch! However, we plan to prioritize canon Persona-wielders for this project.Could I create a piece where EVERYONE but Akechi is the villain?
If you can create a piece with all 8[+] characters within the given time frame and dimensions / word limit, yes, you can do so.
Creation Period
Are pitches going to be assigned?
After contributors are accepted, they will be given a form to pitch their ideas for their piece and to rank their pitches in order of preference. Unless multiple people have very similar first choice ideas, we will try to give everyone their first choice pitch. :)How long will we be able to work on our piece?
After contributors receive their pitch 'assignments,' they will have about 3 ½ months to complete all of their pieces. No extensions will be given for the final deadline except in extreme cases.Will I be able to share WIPs on my social media?
We ask that all contributors refrain from sharing any WIPs of your piece on public accounts. If we learn that a contributor is (publicly or privately) releasing any WIPs, screenshots, or project information that are not theirs to share, that contributor may be removed from the project.When can I post a preview of my project piece?
Once preorders have opened, contributors will be able to post a preview of about 25% (or less) of their piece to help boost project interest! Our Graphics Mod will make a project template border for contributors to use.When can I post the full image of my project piece?
Once all customers have received their orders and the project is beginning to close out, you will be free to post your full piece! Past that point, your piece is completely yours to do with as you like. :)Can I sell my piece as my own merch after the project concludes?
Yes! Your works are your own. Once all sales for the project have finished, you may use your contribution as you please. 💕
Schedule
Milestone | Dates |
---|---|
Interest Check | Feb 14th - 28th |
Contributor Apps | March 6th - 27th |
Application Review | March 28th - April 3rd |
Results Emails Sent | Apr 3rd / 4th |
Last Day to Accept | Apr 10th / 11th |
Pitch Deadline | Apr 17th / 18th |
Check-In #1 | May 16th |
Check-In #2 | June 13th |
Check-In #3 | July 11th |
Check-In #4 | Aug 8th |
Final Deadline | Sept 5th |
Pre-orders Open | Sept 19th / 20th |
Pre-orders Close | Oct 25th |
This schedule is subject to updates or changes depending on the needs of the mods and contributors. Any major updates will be announced on social media.