A night of villainy and heroism

More explosive than Cyclops’ eye laser, potentially more dangerous than the entire Legion of Doom, and even more illusive than Toby McGuire’s masculinity, a group of progressive young Portlanders will join together to take a stand for the biggest issue of our time: the socializing of villains and superheroes in Portland and beyond.

ALTER EGOS: Super Villains & Heroes Masquerade will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13 at Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave.) The costume party is being put on for charity and will feature contests and live music.

Benja Barker, one of the masterminds behind ALTER EGOS, said the idea stemmed from a conversation between friends and quickly grew. Soon, what began as an idea for a themed party and an excuse to dress up in tights and walk the streets of Portland, flourished into the full-scale masquerade ball and charity event. A venue was found and preparations were made.

Barker and other organizers considered that holding an event at a venue would allow for the collection of a cover charge. The idea of benefiting P:ear came from a friend of Barker’s who had volunteered there in the past. The group, which benefits Portland’s homeless and transitional youth, was the perfect charity, said Barker, because of its focus on local issues. The party planners, he went on to explain, were trying to avoid being “just another drop in the bucket,” for some international charity. They wanted to benefit “someone who actually needed it.”

But fundraising aside, Barker said the real focus of the party is to bring superheroes and villains together. “It is rare superheroes and villains, constantly battling, get a chance to socialize in the same field without risking injury or imprisonment.”

Thus it is the goal of Alter Egos to create a harmonious social environment without struggle or risk of bodily harm. Barker and associates have gone to great lengths to make sure that when Portland’s usually clandestine superfolk get to the party, they will be completely comfortable. They have created small-scale cityscapes and superhero headquarters to set a mood of familiarity and comfort throughout the venue.

The music lineup for the evening includes Nobody Beats, Bad Mitten, and the Aught-Threes. Barker struggles with classifying music, but insists the bands’ styles will provide the perfect soundtrack for the monumental evening, excitedly remembering that one band even uses an accordion. When asked about dancing, Barker said there won’t be any techno but, “if people are interested in getting jiggy, sure.” So wear your stretchy cape.

Lastly, and most importantly, don’t forget to come dressed as a protector of the public or evil mastermind. A contest judging best superhero, best villain, best origin story, and all other “completely arbitrary greatness,” will likely be the highlight of the evening. Winners of the contest will receive trophies sculpted by a local artist with found items.

A super citizen discount will also let you get through the door at the bargain-basement price of $7 if you come originally dressed. Barker stresses the originality, as any people coming dressed as pre-established heroes or villains will be charged $10 at the door, the same as “uninteresting civilian folk.” Also make sure your costumes allow for you to show your face for the ID check at the door, but not to worry, Barker said, “we won’t keep any files on identity.”

Until this Saturday, look for Barker and associates promoting the masquerade throughout the city using random street theater and a superhero pub-crawl on Saturday, Oct. 6. The pub-crawl begins at 6 p.m. at the Ash Street Salon, so come in full super gear. Any willing sidekicks are welcomed to help promote the event through flier distribution by contacting Barker via www.myspace.com/alteregosparty.

So get ready Portland, you only have a bit more than a week to prepare and let out your inner super.