These banners are all cool... I can't decide which one, but I do have to say that James' is the coolest one yet. If an animated banner were possible where different banners change like a slide-show, then that would be all the more better. Heck, maybe when you change pages or refresh, the banner changes. It'd probably promote the talents the other members have when it comes to designing banners.
Bobby and I were talking about that the other day. If you look at how mtv.com does it, every new page, the whole layout changes. So yes, it is actually possible. Or you can always do animated GIFs like you say.
I do agree, James's banner is I would say the coolest but then again, each of the banners James, Noah and I did tried to portray different emotions so James is coolest by default.
Noah obviously took the lighter route with his showing lots of positive energy. Hix mixture of 3D and 2D says a lot about the synergies he wanted for his banner. Its personality is not cool but rather excited.
I took a solid approach with tension on both sides but a calmness in the middle. Most of my banners try to achieve harmony, symmetry and a sort of yin yang perspective. Its personality is not cool but harmony.
And James took the striking approach. He wanted features to shine out. His seems heavily inspired by the cover art itself. From that alone, he really took the cool route.
And really, each banner showcases a facet of the SP psyche. Noah's highlights the joy people get from playing the game. Mine highlights that even though there are disputes, SP really finds ways to resolve conflict. James shows that we have striking personalities and a boldness of attitude. Altogether, it makes for what SP truly is.
I don't know about everyone else but I support the idea of alternating or animated banners.