Dark Jedi Equiness

 

UPDATE:

My Equiness costume was turned down for membership in The Dark Empire.  Many of the criticisms were around it not basically not looking like it was from Star Wars, and that many alterations would be needed to correct that issue.  My goal was to create something original and new, so I regard that as a success. 
Other comments were about the use of the color purple. 
The most useful comment was in regard to the armor needing more customization as it still looked like motorcycle armor.  I have thought that myself and actually plan to modify further. 
Apparently, Equiness was just not a good fit for The Dark Empire, and that is fine.  I have no plans to alter the mask or the color scheme.  If I ever re-apply to The Dark Empire it will be with a new character.
As for Equiness, he’s going to stay around.  Dark Jedi are such that they don’t like rules.  The Jedi have too many rules and so do the Sith, so in true Dark Jedi fashion, Equiness is still going to be around and simply run rogue not conforming to anyone’s rules, but his own.

Now, as many of you may know, this year at Dragon*Con, we did a group Star Wars cosplay.  Lorie and David made some amazing Jedi costumes, and Melinda and I, being bigger fans of the bad guys, made Dark Jedi costumes. 

This blog post is going to be a little different from most. I am going to be writing about the creation of my custom Dark Jedi character and costume. This is going to serve as both my build log and my submission for membership in The Dark Empire. This will be a very image intensive post of the completed Equiness costume.

Therefore, members of The Dark Empire, I welcome you to The Real Redneck Geek blog. On TDE forums, I post as TN-Scotsman.  I hope you enjoy the read here and that my work meets the requirements for membership.

Who is Equiness?

Equiness is the name chosen for my Dark Jedi character.  He is, what I describe as, an educated brute.  He knows how to analyze a situation, plan a strategy, and execute that strategy.  However, when the plan starts to fall apart, Equiness’s rage and frustration builds to the point where he is just a brute smashing his way through to the end.  He first appeared in the Outer Rim Territories around the time of Clone Wars and the fall of the Republic.

Like most Dark Jedi, he has no love for the Jedi order, and respect for the Sith, but no desire to follow anyone.  He is a loner, almost a hermit, living in his starship and only landing on a planet for supplies and the occasional “job”.

His typical weapon is a simple red blade lightsaber, but he has been seen wielding a dual blade saber.

Nothing is really known about his background or where he is from.  It is not known if his mask is simply symbolic or if it serves some life sustaining function.  He rarely speaks, either by choice or condition.  His age is unknown too.  He appears old, given the tattered condition of his cloak and armor.  This could, however, be from one plan too many going wrong.  He has also been seen going back over a battlefield collecting items.  It’s not known if these are trophies or items to supplement his armor or repair damage he had taken.

All that is known, is that in any battle, there are always two that walk away.  Equiness himself, and one lucky individual chosen to carry the story of his victory and build the legend of Equiness.

Creating Equiness

The Mask

Why a mask?  Well, I wear glasses.  I can’t wear contacts due to my recurrent corneal erosion, so I need a way to wear my glasses and stay in character.

The mask started out as a failed vacuform pull of my original Destro mask.  The mold I used cause the pull to be “lumpy” and textured.  Not good for a Destro mask, but a couple years later, it would be perfect.

The breather portion of the mask is simply a highly customized 3M respirator.  I removed all the carbon filters but left the filter holders in place.  I also eventually removed the strap bits since this would be secured to the mask itself.

To cover the lovely 3M logo, a piece of curved PVC cape was used.

Some painting and epoxy later and the breather was joined to the mask.

For the eyes, I had to build them out just a little to accommodate my glasses.  A couple of pieces of EVA foam cut to shape worked perfectly.

I also dressed up the filter boxes with some strips of flexible PVC conduit.

Next it was time for the color scheme.  I wanted something different.  You see red, black, silver, grey, sometimes blue in Dark Jedi and Sith a lot.  I wanted a different color.  Purple.  Not neon, Crayola, “Look at me! I’m PURPLE!” purple, but a nice dark purple, and a nice dark red.  I like the final results.

The lump on top of my head is just the balaclava I’m wearing.  It pulls on over the mask to hide the straps and edges.  I just didn’t get it smoothed out in this shot.  I also realized the lenses got completely lost.  Some quick trim painting solved that.

Here you can see where some of the paint cracked.  I started to fix that, but decided to leave it in order to provide some age to the look.

Like many of my other props, this was aged and dulled in some areas using shoe polish.  It just looked to new and shiny for an old brute like Equiness.

The Armor

OK, I am not the best armor builder there is and I had a very specific look that I wanted for Equiness.  Being in the Clone Wars timeline gave me a lot of options, but I wanted something paneled and mobile.  He needed to be able to move and, only if needed, smash through someone.  I was also running low on time.  Dragon*Con was approaching.  What I found and fell in love with was a motorcycle racing armor shirt.

It would need a lot of customizing and weathering, but this looked too cool to pass up.  Getting rid of the labels, kidney pad and elastic hand straps was first.  Then sanding the plastic pads to take off that new plastic sheen was a necessity.  To help with the grey pads, everything was soaked in a coffee solution.

Cut a few holes in the mesh work and a little more sanding and the final result is something really cool.
               Front                                          Back


                Sleeve                              Sleeve

The Cloak

The original idea for the cloak was to use heavy canvas and dye it black.  Well, this didn’t work out well at all.  I loved the shape that I came up with, but the color is just wrong.

Instead, I went with a purchased cloak that I again customized by shredding out every hem and seam to make it as threaded as I could.  David also told me of an old Samurai tradition of hiding a ribbon of red inside the inner edge of the cloak.  I liked this idea but went with purple instead.  I intentionally used purple thread, too, so that there is this thin line down the front of the cloak.

The Saber

I did make custom saber hilts for us all, but I had no way of adding a good looking blade to them.  I loved the hilt I made for Equiness, but we needed full on bladed sabers.

The above are the prototype Equiness hilt that I built but didn’t use.  The brown is a “wood” trim and the pummel is a “bone” tusk.  I included these just for the sake of it.  It won’t actually be used with Equiness.

I was able to score some Force FX Darth Vader sabers for me and Melinda, but the problem was, they looked like Darth Vader’s saber, and we had three of them.  This would not do.  Time to sand and repaint.

I used the same colors from my mask, and paid homage to the original saber by painting the ridge details in the same bone patter.  Some steal wool was also used to just remove the new plastic look.  The aging was again done with shoe polish.

Pants, Boots, Wrists, Top, and Waist Belt Thing

I’m lumping these all together simply because there isn’t much too them, if I’m honest.

The pants are tradition Kendo Hakama pants.  Again, like the cloak and armor, I ripped out all the hems and frayed the edges.  They too got a bath in coffee.

The boots are my New Rock boots.  I originally bought these for my Destro costume, but I’ve been putting them into every other costume that I can for two reasons: 1) They were the most expensive shoes I’ve ever bought and I want my money’s worth out of them.  2) They are the most comfortable shoes that I have ever worn.  Costumes are not always comfortable.  They can be hot and and hard to move in.  Keeping my feet happy helps out a lot.  If you can ever afford a pair of New Rock boots, do your feet a favor and get a pair. 

Now these boots do have some features that are not appropriate for a Dark Jedi costume, but fortunately, all those features are completely hidden by the pants.

I didn’t want to wear gloves.  Most of my costumes end up needing gloves and since this was a completely custom character, I got a pair of fighting wrist wraps instead and simply wrapped my hands. 

The main under shirt is simply a torn cotton long sleeve shirt.

Lastly, I needed something around my waist.  I have a belly and it needed some attention.  I took the original canvas cloak, cut it and turned it into a waist wrap.

Below are all the pictures of the final costume on me.  Each side and detail images both with and without the cloak.  Below those are some action shots and some from Dragon*Con.

Action Shots

Dragon*Con 2012 Action Shots

Saber Battle with a Jedi

I really like the above set.  You can see how the whole costume moves and flows very well.

Couple of Out of Mask shots, just because

Dragon*Con 2012 Report–Director’s Cut Redux

 

Alright, let me start off by saying that this is going to be a rather personal blog entry.  So, if you don’t want to read that bit just scroll down to the really cool part.  You’ll know it when you see it.

In my original report on Dragon*Con, I had a lot of positive and negative experiences.  I thought I had gotten a handle on everything before I wrote that entry, but apparently I had not.  Thanks to a lot of help from my wife and my best friend Maria, I’ve gotten a much clearer picture on why Dragon*Con felt so rough for me this year.

I put way too much pressure on myself.  Plain and simple.

2012 was the first Dragon*Con for my friends, and I wanted to make sure it was the most awesome experience they’ve ever had.  I was also bringing Subject Delta back for the girls, and I wanted to make sure it was just as awesome as it could be.  How anyone could go to Dragon*Con for the first time, and not have a blast, had not entered my head.  How someone could bring any kind of a Subject Delta costume and not have fun, had not entered my mind.  I simply put the weight of 8 or so Dragon*Con experiences on my shoulders, and quite frankly, I cracked. 

My friends all had so much fun taking my advice of “Now, don’t feel like you have to stick with me the whole time.  If there is something you want to do, go do it.”  The problem with that advice, they took it, and I didn’t see them as much.  Without seeing their faces, expressions, and being able to watch them watch Dragon*Con, I had no idea if they were enjoying it or not.  Sure they told me they were, but they’re my friends.  I don’t think any of them would say, “Dude, this sucks.” to my face.

Now, add to that pressure worry about my paying job (I tried to fight it), costumes breaking and technology that just wouldn’t work, and you have a very frustrated geek.  That allowed for my depression to kick in and nearly ruin Dragon*Con.  I do not take any prescription meds for my depression.  The side effects frighten me, and honestly, it doesn’t get that bad, in my opinion.  It has never crippled me.  It ruins my mood, and often the moods of those around me, but my close family and friends know this and do what they can to lift me up.  Thanks everyone.

After talking to Melinda and Maria, and letting the fog clear, I have come to realize that 2012 was probably the best Dragon*Con yet.  I met some amazing people that I am now calling friends.  I never knew there were other cosplayers here in Tennessee, and now I’ve found a whole group of them and we’re already making plans for next year.  I met an amazing photographer and I really hope to see next year and hopefully work with him too.  My friends had an amazing time and are already planning to go next year (memberships have been purchased).  They’ve even convinced me that I had enough fun to go back again next year.  Yes, I know I said I wasn’t going to go back, but I also said that could change, and it did.  Rather quickly too.

THE REALLY COOL PART

Told you you’d know it when you saw it.

If you read all the above, thanks.  I think what is coming up will be worth it.

If you didn’t read the above and just scrolled to here, it’s still cool.  Thanks for just reading.

Costume Plans for 2013

IDW Comic’s Cobra Commander

Yup.  I think it is about time for this.  I made the Destro costume for my first Dragon*Con and my first attempt at real costume making, so I think I need to do a Cobra Commander costume now.

This will involve making another helmet.  I’ve made a few now, and I know I could make this using similar methods to the Night Guard and Delta helmets, but I’m going to try the Volpin Props method of casting the whole thing.  I’ve been studying the video below, and I think I’m going to be able to do it.

Volpin Props Skyrim Helm of Yngol

This will also involve more body armor work.  My last attempt at armor for the Night Guard didn’t turn out too well, but I learned a lot from it and I’ve learned a few new tricks since then too.  I’m excited to try and see what happens.

Beyond that, I think this will make a really cool costume and also be something easy to wear.  I just have to remember the diver’s mask defogging solution this year.  I would really like to be able to see out of the helmet for once.

 

Bioshock Infinite’s Songbird

Yup, you read that right.  The group of us that did the Bioshock cosplays at the aquarium have been talking and it’s time to do an Infinite cosplay.

The very first time I saw Songbird in the trailer, I knew I had to make this costume.  After Delta, I swore off big heavy bulky costumes, and I think I can keep that promise and do Songbird at the same time.  It is bulky, but it can’t be heavy.  He flies for crying out loud.  If I can get the wing mechanics right, I think this is something I can actually do.  I’m just going to be taking it in small steps at a time.

I’ll also be helping out some of the other cosplayers with Handyman, Mechanized Patriots, and hopefully Boys of Silence builds too, but Songbird is for me.

 

There will of course be changes to all this.  New costumes will be added.  Some might go away.  Prop and commissioned prop builds will hopefully be coming.  Upgrades to existing costumes will happen.  We will be going to other local cons.  Like all things associated with Dragon*Con, it is very fluid.

Dragon*Con 2012 Report

 

Before I start, I’ve picked up a fourth watcher!  YEAH! and Thanks!

It’s been a week now.  I’m recovering from my post-con sinus infection and have been reflecting on my third and possibly last Dragon*Con.

First and foremost, here are some pictures:
Jedi Costumes
Bioshock Costumes
Bioshock Costumes – Photos by Nathan Carter
General Costumes and People Watching
Parade Pictures

OK, on with my report.

Wednesday

Dragon*Con was a series of highs and lows this year.  I arrived on Wednesday without major incident.  Except for playing “Dodge the shredded tire on the interstate at 80MPH”.  That was fun.  Then on my way out to the Wednesday night cocktail party, my phone died.  My phone was a thorn in my side the whole weekend.  So, back to the room and watch it charge.

I did stop by the new CVS at Peachtree center.  How did we ever get by without this?  It is an amazing store and staffed with good people and well stocked for Dragon*Con.  I did pick up a purple hair dye kit to give me something to do later.

Thursday or the New Friday

I slept in.  Late.  Thought I was stocking up on sleep.  Headed out to try and pick up my pre-reg badge and my friends’ badges.  I started on the backside of the Sheraton where the line usually is by this time.  It wasn’t there.  Around to the other side, still no line.  Did they move badge pick up and I missed the announcement?  Finally on the uphill side, I found the end of the line.  45 minutes and two new friends later, I had all the badges.  That was a record, or so I thought.

When my first round of friends arrived later that day, I went back through the line with them and we were in and out in less than 15 minutes.

It took Dragon*Con 26 years, but they seem to have developed a fantastic badge pick up system.  Why it took 26 years is a mystery.

Thursday night is now the new Friday.  People and costumes everywhere.

I did get to meet Harrison Krix, aka Volpin Props.  We spoke for a few minutes and he was very polite and quite awesome.  Not as tall as I expected, though.  Did I get a picture with him?  No.  I was too busy fanboying all over the place to think about getting a picture.

Friday or the New Saturday

I overslept again and missed the first panel I wanted to attend.
Then my phone started screwing up again. 
I spent most of the day on the Marriott steps watching people.

Friday night is the new Saturday.  I met up with my friends a little late for the Bioshock photos.  While trying to get into the hotel, someone ran right into me and broke off one of the tanks from my costume.  Did they stop or apologize?  No.  Did they even notice they had hit someone and damaged a costume?  Doubtful.  If you are in a crowd with people in costumes WATCH WHERE YOU ARE GOING.  We met up with our friends and the girls looked great and we were even approached by a group doing a cosplay documentary.  When they asked us “Why do we cosplay?” my answer must not have been interesting enough.  “Well, the last part of the word is ‘Play’.  I do this for the play, for the fun.  It’s just fun playing a character like this.  Making the costume and going through the process and then getting to play with my friends.”  I really don’t think he liked that answer.  Too normal sounding, I think.

Saturday or the New WTF?! Where did all these people come from?

Saturday started with the parade.  We got a pretty good spot.  I had to take my pictures blind, holding the camera over the heads of people in front of me.  Overall everyone was very polite, except for two different groups of people that came late (after the parade had started) and tried to excuse themselves past me, and closer to the front.  My response each time was  a polite “Where would you like me to go?  We’re pretty packed in here.”  They would grumble and then go away.  The parade seemed short and missing a lot of my favorites.  Still, an enjoyable start to the day.

After breakfast, I put on my Wonderbolt costume and as we were walking to the hotel, my wing tore off.  There were some people outside one of the restaurants that seemed to enjoy my anger and frustration, laughing and making snide remarks.  That pretty much ruined my entire day.  The crowd was just unbelievable all day.  I’m not a big crowd fan, so I was even more uneasy.  This was not a good day for me.

That night at the aquarium, I met up with Nathan Carter.  Nathan is an amazing cosplay photographer and was joy to work with.  His pictures came out just amazing.  This helped to end the day on a high note, but I was still kind of dumpy feeling.

Sunday or My Darkest Day

Some of you may know that I struggle with depression.  If you didn’t, now you do.  Sunday started off nice enough.  We people watched, tried to get into the Walk of Fame, but they were limiting the number of people in at one time because of AC issues.  No autographs for us. 

We went back through the Art Gallery and bought a few pieces.  Ran into my friend Chris and talked for a bit.  Then met up with other friends outside the area for the LOTR panel.  I wasn’t too into that panel and I was really getting tired of the volunteer yelling at people that may or may not have been lining up early to “Go Away!”.  Not “Please move along.  We’ll start the line soon.” but “Go Away!”.  Even standing on a table to yell at people.  But what else would you expect from some of the Dragon*Con volunteers?  80% are really nice, but the 20% that are jerks are really loud jerks.

I decided to walk through the crowd and take pictures.  I got two pictures and then my camera battery died.  That was it.  I just went straight back to the hotel.  At this point my depression was really kicking my ass.  I decided the best thing was to self medicate with Bourbon and take a nap until dinner.

After dinner, we got into our Star Wars costumes and went to watch the Masquerade.  Again, they had a lot of sound issues, and Grant just wasn’t that entertaining of an MC, but the costumes that won were simply awesome.

After that, we just wandered around in our costumes.  A quick impromptu lightsaber battle in front of the Marriott and then pictures at the Hyatt.  My friend Maria Hudnall got some amazing pictures of us and I am really happy with them.  We were even approached by representatives of The Dark Empire and were asked to join their costume club.  Again the day ended on a higher note than it started.  Although I did get corned by drunken hoochies that wanted a picture with “Darth Vader” and wanted to “Hold my lightsaber”.  Ugh.

Monday

We came back home Monday and sinus issues were the order of the day.

Since then

I’ve got most of everything unpacked.  I’ve spent some time recovering, cleaning and upgrading my workspace.

All in all, it was a good time, but an expensive time to just hang out with friends.  The crowd just felt too crowded at times and I’m not really sure if Dragon*Con is for me anymore.  I think the new con experience smell has worn off.

Especially now that the Dragon*Con office has made the laziest decision that they could possibly make.  For 2013, Dragon*Con memberships are non-transferable and non-refundable.  So, if I lay out the $130 for two memberships right now, and then something comes up, I’m out $130.  They had a process in place for years to transfer memberships, but it was not very effective and apparently put a heavy strain on the volunteer staff.  So, they’ve just done away with it completely.  Lazy.

Did they try to improve the process?  No.  Did they try to cap the number of pre-reg memberships any one person could buy?  No.  Did they cap the number of memberships that would be sold (allow for a sell out attendance)?  No.  Did they do away with one day only passes?  No.  Did they do anything to try and improve the process?  No.  It’s just easier to do away with it.  Nice move.  Now, they’ll continue to raise the price of memberships, like they always do and people will either be out of pocket money or have to shell out more once they know they can make it.  Seems like someone on Dragon*Con staff needs to go back to community college and take Business 101 again and listen on the topics of Process Improvement and Customer Satisfaction.  Either that or they are trying to make the con smaller by just ticking off small sections of their customers.  Could work.

As of right now, there are no plans to attend in 2013.  We are looking at other cons instead.  But as with all things, that could still change.