24th November 2010: Making up the prosthetic Horns Next stage - I sculpted Plaster of Paris (mixed with a bit of PVA) onto the horn bases. It set pretty quick, which was good because I was running out of time before Expo! This stuff is really nice to use, you can carve it as soon as it has gone off and before it sets completely rigid. I wanted a rough look to the horns, to catch dark washes of paint later, so I carved into them rough!
When they had dried I worked the shapes down a bit further with metal files and sandpaper. Finally sealed them over by brushing a coat of PVA glue on and they were ready to paint.
24th November 2010: Making up the prosthetic Horns Having completed my head cast (see seperate album on how I made it) I set about making up my set of horns. I first drew Mauls face markings and horn postions onto the head cast, using ref pics of different angles..and a Darth Maul collectable figure also came in handy as a 3D ref source. Then I taped some cardboard bases onto these horn locations and edited/cut out the horn profiles until they looked like the ref pics. The profiles were stuck onto the horn bases with pva glue. The glue set in seconds and these cardboard roughs formed the framework for the horns to be sculpted.
27th October 2010: Robe - rough/pattern making Finally cracked the puff sleeves with forearm pintucks, - ok found out these sleeves are called 'Mutton Leg' sleeves.
The sleeves have taken the most working out, lots of experimenting. But also you can see from the patchwork of the whole 'rough' the robe took quite a bit of editing to get to the solution.
Phew!.. at last I can start cutting and putting the proper robe together.
18th October 2010: Pants finished. Woo hoo Pants are now finished. I love the fabric..it is soft and comfy against the skin.
Pic of the costume parts so far - Finished pants, Inner Tunic and boots.
Next on to the robe.. I think this costume is actually going to come in on time ^_^
17th October 2010: Cutting pants parts This is what one half of the pattern looks like pinned out flat on the silk (silk has been doubled over so I will cut two opposite shapes out). So two of these basically make up the pants. But the tops will need to be darted to bring the shape in at the waist. And I think I am going to elasticate the waistband to keep things simple.
17th October 2010: Pants - making the Pattern Rough The pants are quite baggy, a bit like like harem pants. They need to blouse over the tops of the boots, and be roomy enough to allow martial arts high kicks etc.
I made up my roughs out of spare fabric. Loosely following the shape of my jeans but going like three sizes bigger. After a few adjustments this is the final solution which fits well and looks right. I will use these as my pattern to cut the proper silk pants.
15th October 2010: Inner Tunic completed This how the full tunic is looking with a ref pic for comparison. I made it with side ties like the screen costume seems to have. I only put the ties down one side..The other side is sewed down to the waist. This makes it really easy to slip the tunic on and off - will come in handy when I have the prosthetic horns on.
(Sorry for the rubbishy pic quality - low light :S)
15th October 2010: Inner Tunic completed Yep, finished making the Inner Tunic today. This is how it is looking with a ref pic for comparison - really pleased how close I made it.
(Sorry for the rubbishy pic quality :S)
13th October 2010: Tunic - collar Here is my finished mandarin collar for the inner tunic.
I made it using two layers of thick linen to stiffen it, cut to my collar pattern and sewed together. Then I sewed two pieces of black satin-silk together inside out using the same pattern. Turned right way round and inserted the collar stiffening. Finally stitched the layers all together. There are four stitch lines which all converge as the collar narrows - because this follows the detail on the original screen costumes. I'm so pleased with how this looks. :)
12th October 2010: Inner Tunic - making the Rough Working on the Inner Tunic - This has a mandarin collar and extends down to just below the knees. Pic shows the rough in progress. After I spent ages working out the complicated shapes to get the mandarin collar looking right I realised I could have just copied my wifes Chinese jacket - Doh!
Anywho tis done now.
With the rough test fitting me nicely.. I have taken it apart and traced the shapes onto greaseproof paper. Inner Tunic master pattern is now ready.
5th October 2010: Pleather Oh yeah..I also found some pleather, or vinyl leather or whatever its called. The same market guy sold me this remnant for 3 pound.
This is to make the wide belt.
5th October 2010: Fabric Just got back from the rag market - woohoo!.. found the Black Raw Silk I was after. And it was only 3 pounds a metre. Also bought some Satin finish silk because the inner tunic has a different texture to the outer robes.
Wow this can really start going together now. :)
27th September 2010: Sith eyes Ha ha Sith contacts arrived. Wow that was superfast delivery from ordering online only a few days ago. Thought I'd better get them in quick in case there's a rush on for halloween...
There's no going back now. I just hope I'm ok with contacts - I've never worn them before. :S
This is the set I bought, 'Fire' lenses set, comes with cleaning solution and lense containers. Cost £17.99 from thebodyjewelleryshop.com (Thanks Alyx for the link)
1st September 2010: lightsaber progress ok so the hilt has not been re- sprayed it has been HACKED!
Well, the reason is it looks like I won't be able to fit the lighting parts all inside the blade tube itself. Instead they are going to be mounted inside the hilt just in front of the blade tube. And because I want easy access to the workings incase I need to repair anything I decided to make the end pieces completely removeable. To keep the hilt strong and perfectly aligned I am fitting some metal tube inside the connecting parts. Metal tube (see pic)is actually 'reclaimed' vacuum cleaner tube - neighbour was chucking it out, so it is free! :)
If I can find some fancy hex bolts I will use them to secure these removeable end pieces firmly to the main body.
24th August 2010: lightsaber progress The two halves of the hilt have now been glued together (CA glue), and all the old screw holes and seam lines filled. I also cut a chunk off the blade projection plates (end pieces) to slim them down and make the lightsaber look a bit more screen accurate.
Hilt is now ready for spraying...
17th August 2010: lightsaber progress Because my blade tubes are a lot slimmer than the original red plastic ones I have made some spacer rings to hold onto the new blades.
Spacer rings inside dia matches clear tubes dia, with slight clearence (for a nice sliding fit); Spacer rings outside dia matches the dia of the plastic hilt inside surface.
I made the spacer rings up out of some thick perspex sheet (offcuts salvaged from someones skip). Used core drill to cut general circles out and then turned these down on a mini lathe to make an accurate fit. To make sure all the spacer rings were centered precisely for glueing I slid one of the clear tubes all the way through from one end to the other.
The design idea is for the blades to be easily removeable so I can use the lightsaber either single bladed, double bladed, or no bladed hanging from my belt. The clear tubes slide into the purpose made spacer rings inside the hilt. The blade projection plates (end pieces) then screw onto the hilt to lock the blades in position.
Pic shows the perspex spacer rings now glued in position inside the hilt and inside the blade projection plates (the end pieces).
16th August 2010: Lightsaber progress Darn toy companies! - Hasbro used screws with triangle shaped holes!.. I couldnt find a triangle shaped srewdriver bit anywhere. So I had to drill the screws Means I will have to glue the two halves permenantly back together when it is time. At least this way I can fill the long seam line and screw holes.
This is what it looked like inside. The electronics board makes the standby hum sound, and a clash sound when you hit it. But the sound isnt very loud ..I prob won't be keeping it.
16th August 2010: Lightsaber progress I completely stripped out the toy hilt, and removed as much of the moulded in plastic fixing shelves because they would just be obstructions to the new replacement stuff which has to fit inside. I left the small battery acces door as is though, becuase it is usefull.
15th August 2010: lightsaber progress Keeping all the lightsaber progress together -
This is what I am using for my base. It is the toy Hasbro Electronic Darth Maul lightsaber. Not bad on the whole, but the blades are very toyish. With some mods and a re-spray I think the hilt can be made to look pretty accurate. The blades obviously need to be replaced with something a lot better. Although I don't want to spend loads so I am looking at various options for my blades. If I can make them light up cheaply then I will.
Pic shows the toy hilt and toy blades (red plastic things), and next to it the clear tubes I bought to make my replacement blades with.
10th August 2010: Gauntlets Finished WooHoo, Gauntlets Finished!
Re-shaping and re-stitching completed. I finished off by giving them a good coat of Black shoe polish since Mauls gloves appear quite shiney. I din't put any on the palm suraces though cuz I don't want to loose any grip on the lightsaber during the skit. So instead I brought the worn leather palms back to black with a permemnant marker pen. Job done.
6th August 2010: Gauntlets progress Chopped a lot out of the Gauntlet tops to get them closer to the screen costume. The hands looked a tad big on me too, so I slimmed them in at the wrist and flared back out. Sewing through the layers of leather was tough - but was possible with my trusty metal thimble.
Now the gauntlets are loooking like they should. :)
31st July 2010: Gauntlets progress Fleece insides stripped out, and exterior buckle details removed.
Also I have seperated the side seams of the top parts of the gauntlets. I'm narrowing the top gauntlet parts by quite a lot. I'm having to glue the side seams in the new narrower positions. Slow, but progress.
29th July 2010: Gauntlets Gauntlets arrived today, another eBy snag! Bought these second hand vintage motorcyle guantlets, they cost me £7 pounds incl the postage. Woohoo, that's another piece of the costume I needed to source..
The top gauntlet parts look a lot wider than the screen costume ones so I am going to trim them down to suit. They are fully lined with lambs wool fleece and fit very snug on my hands, in fact maybe a bit too snug cuz it restrics the movement of my fingers. Fine for gripping motorcycle handles, but I want more movement in my fingers. Also I think they will be too warm to wear indoors like this, so I've decided to strip all the lining out. It will also make it easier to adjust the shapes of the gaunlet tops and re sew them.
Here goes...
28th July 2010: Boots I removed the reflective strips from the heels using a seam ripper - carefully does it.
28th July 2010: Boots ...also removed the reflective name tabs from the heels.
28th July 2010: Boots On the front shin gaurds I sanded off the painted name tags. It left the leather very faded in those areas, but black boot polish brought the colour back nicely.
26th July 2010: Boots - at last! Woohooo, at last I finally won some boots off eBy. (previous attempts I kept getting sniped in the closing seconds.)
...They are not abs identical to the screen costume boots, but still pretty darn close.. They are Frank Thomas motorcylce boots just a slightly different design version. I'll happily modify these slightly - eg remove name tabs from the shin plates and the reflective strips from the backs.
Pleased at last I can get this bad boy costume started. Just gotta wait for them to be delivered. Come on Postie.... ^_^
Here is a pic the boots I'm getting on left and for comparison the screen costume on display on right.
ryaoki - 8th July 2009
DUDE THAT IS AMAZING cry im proud your a brummie lmao
HOW ON EARTH did you hide your hair away
MoonLily - 8th July 2009 You dont look fugly as a man! This looks great! XDD
KhaosKreator - 8th July 2009 YEESSSSS.
No thanks - 9th July 2009
Oh wow....
I think im in love!
<33 haha
Ranma1-2 - 9th July 2009
Ryaoki - I told ya before, this is how I look! There is..no hair, not since I was 23! (damn those genetics) If I let it grow out I could cosplay crusty the clown, and that's just nasty, (what's a guy to do?) so I keep it WELL cliped all the time. Maul is basically just me and some face paint.
oh, Still wanna take you on in your jedi costume ha ha ha.
Moonlilly - This is my 'non fluffy' side (what a mixed bag I am!) I know it aint pretty but there are parts of Maul I identify with so I must cosplay him.
Tab - thanks for the clear plastic tube link - 2 tubes now on their way, then I can turn my toyish looking double saber into something a lot more respectable. Shall experiment with laser light sources and home made diffusers. I love messing with stuff like this as well as saving a heck a lot of money (Master Replca double sabers now typically £160 plus P+P Thats a lot more than I want to pay.
Ranma1-2 - 9th July 2009
CharlotteLuna - you can't be serious! I know the number of a good shrink. ^__^ (jk)
Oh btw in case any one is wondering about the makeshift horns in my makeup tests - they are just tissue paper cones I stuck on and painted. Very rough but it needed something just for the test. I will have to sculpt some proper looking 3 dimensional horns and learn about how to fix them on securely..
Sephirayne - 9th July 2009 Awesome make-up tests. Can't wait to see this finished.
Ranma1-2 - 9th July 2009
Thanks Sephy. I was a little bit tempted to do this for LFCC because Ray will be there and of course it would be so cool to have a pic taken with his arm around my shoulder - only it would be difficult to keep a scowl on my face - more likely to have a big kid grin (which wouldn't look right on Maul) :D
Anywho people are expecting Zatanna now so... (I hope you're still coming Sunday.)
I just had an awesome "how to" make the prosthetic horns. I think I'm sorted how to make them now. (Cheers Xae) I love this place and the people in it. :)
OrgXIII-Namine - 9th July 2009
O.O YOU LOOK SO FECKING AWESOME DUDE~!!!!!
You should totaly coplay him to an expo or some kinda con thing~!!
Anonymous - 9th July 2009 That looks fantastic - awesome make up test can't wait to see more!
Captain_Marvelous - 9th July 2009 At last we will have revenge!!! :) awesome cosplay darth maul was the only good thing to come out of the blasphemy of the later star wars franchise :) you look jaw dropping as him :) I would have thught it actually was him ^>^
Ranma1-2 - 9th July 2009 Thanks guys. Still no idea when yet. But yes it deserves to be done properly at some show. ^_^
Zaiburst - 9th July 2009 very cool and expertly done. I also couldn't tell the difference between you and the real thing straight away. You should do more regular cosplay like this :D
animekid3000 - 9th July 2009 awesome cosplay u look just like darth maul XD
Anonymous - 9th July 2009
But ... but ... but ... this is a guy! And Steve doesn't cosplay guys.
Or are you branching out?
Well, whatever your reasons I have to say that this is fantastic so far - I can't wait to see the rest. And ditto to the other comments - I also couldn't tell the difference.
Ranma1-2 - 10th July 2009
I'm surprised you all think it is that good! Thanks for the great comments guys.
Lunar Kitten - you can relax. ^__^ I still have loads of crossplays I want to do. There aren't many male cosplays that I really want to try. Maul is one of them, especially as everyone is so interested in it. It does feel very different doing this cosplay, because he's so aggresive and nasty - this is so unlike me, so there is a lot of (a different kind of) acting required to pull off his character. He is challenging in different ways. I hope that makes sense. :)
I'll probably do Maul at some mainly sci-fi con though.. Next time you see me I will likely be in some amazing crossplay costume or other. ;)
Littlegeeky - 10th July 2009 Oh my god that is scary, in a good way though. It's so acurate *round of applause* you did such an amazing job on this!
Ranma1-2 - 10th July 2009 Thanks Littlegeeky. ^^
Amy-Lou - 10th July 2009
It's so strange seeing aggressive, manly photos of you XD
It's looking fantastic so far, that makeup is so scary!
Ranma1-2 - 11th July 2009
I know ^^ strange, and disturbing. It's all part of the performance of cosplay though, I am just acting. I am actually scowling in all of these shots - trying to project the Sith presence (anger and menace) like Ray park did in the role.
I can't see it myself but people say the face paint totally changes my face shape, so they don't even recognise its me under there. Makeup is really powerful. Wait till I get the coloured contacts, I think that will be really spooky, if I can actually stand to wear them!
YamiNoAeris - 4th November 2009
Wow! This is looking really great so far! The face paint is applied really well- I imagine you needed help to apply it all over your head? :) I think your face shape pulls this off perfectly.
But wow! It looks great! Get lots of nice shots with this- all you need is the double ended light sabre now! :D
Ranma1-2 - 4th November 2009
Thank you YamiNoAeris. Yeah that's why I tried the face paint first. If my face shape didn't fit I would have abandoned this one. Took me about an hour in front of the mirror cuz it was all freehand (and doing everything backwards in a mirror!). But when I do it properly I will make myself a template like a mask to speed up drawing in the complicated patterns. First off I will make a life cast of my head and work on that. I will also use the life cast to build my prosthetic horns on.
Actually I managed to paint all the way around my head just using two mirrors (like how hairdressers show you the back of your head when they finish).
Double bladed light sabre is in the pipeline. I have the Hasbro toy which I am just using the hilt, and I'm making some replacement blades for it, hopefully I will be able to make them light up too. ^_^
Ranma1-2 - 4th November 2009 Oh yeah forgot to mention pic of the Double light sabre parts in the journal. :)
callmemilo - 29th November 2009 niiiiiiiiice
Ranma1-2 - 29th November 2009 Thanks. :)
Anonymous - 21st December 2009 So amazing!
Ranma1-2 - 22nd December 2009 Thank you ^_^
leumas - 13th February 2010 this looks superb,you are going to look so awesome wherever you wear this
Ranma1-2 - 14th February 2010 Thanks mate, should debut it for October Expo. :)
Member-XI - 14th February 2010 That make-up is fantastic, you have some serious skill Ranma. I really cannot wait to see this complete. <3
Ranma1-2 - 14th February 2010
Thank you. ^_^
Artistic skill, I guess so, since essentially it's black and red face paint. Took a long time and concentration to paint on freehand (and backwrads in a mirror). I'm gonna see if I can make some sort of template, to speed up the application.
I don't know if I will be able to wear coloured contacts..I'm waiting 'till nearer the time to buy them because once they are opened they have a limited 'use by' life.
Freyarule - 15th February 2010 ..........*flails* OMGOMGOMGOMG that is so awesome!!! I admire your craftmanship at the facepaint good sir!
FairyPorchQueen - 16th February 2010 YEY i look forward to the end of the year to see this!
callmemilo - 16th February 2010 awesome! you'll be terrifying everyone in no time! lol
Anonymous - 17th February 2010
MEEP!
Kitten is scared!! *cowers under a chair*
(PS, great work, Steve)
Ranma1-2 - 18th February 2010 Thanks guys. A man cosplay..is quite unusual for me ^_^ but I'm looking forward to doing Maul.
Anonymous - 18th February 2010 You know EuroCosplay is during October Expo ... you could potentially frighten a few of our foreign visitors too!
Ranma1-2 - 19th February 2010 Oh yeah that'd be fun. :D
Ragepotato - 20th February 2010
Amazing, I can't wait to see more progress!
Thankyou for the comment on one of my cosplays and i'm sorry I didn't reply sooner! XD The bo staff is gonna be amazing with Darth Maul, soooo excited!!
Have you managed any practice yet?
-Phi
Debbie Ella - 26th March 2010 I could've sworn that I had commented on this already but I guess not! :P This really is gonna be epic, you look so scary! ^^
Ranma1-2 - 26th March 2010
Thanks guys.
Phi - Yes I've been practicing..nearly took the light off the ceiling a few times ^_^ wish there was a big open place I could practice in. But I need to really get the new blades done cuz I'm worried the weight and balance will be different to handle than my wooden staff. Hmmmm... :S
Telly - thanks yeah looking forward to doing this, even though he ain't pretty to look at. ^^)
Debbie Ella - 26th March 2010 Well since we all know what a beauty you can be it just makes for an awesome showcase of how talented and varied you are! ^^
No thanks - 26th March 2010
Hahaha i remember being on holiday in portugal when i was teeny and getting a facepaint like this! haha <33
Oh god I MUST cuddle you in october!
Ranma1-2 - 26th March 2010
Telly - "Beauty" ?! Awww thank you, thats a very nice thing to say. ^_^ Especially as I often think I too old to be in this game now and really should quit.. But one of the girls at Midlands Expo said I mustn't stop! So I shall be around for a bit longer. :)
Charlotte - yes, Maul doesn't get Any love. So cuddles will be reeeeeeealy nice. ^_^
Just make sure you don't get near the facepaint though! I already managed to get bright red lipstick in Leena's fabulous white wig when we cuddled. (Oopse) So yeah sometimes cuddles can be disasterous for costumes.. ;)
Debbie Ella - 26th March 2010 Nooo you can't stop! <3 You're much to nice and talented to do that! ^^
Ranma1-2 - 26th March 2010 That's why I stay, cuz of nice people like you. ^_^
Anonymous - 26th March 2010 OMFG this is amazing tis gna be soooo epic I'm defo gna come and hunt you down for some pics of this
Ranma1-2 - 26th March 2010 ^_^ Thanks. Yeah should be easy to spot in the crowd with this one. :D and yes we'll get some epic pics together.
Alyx - 11th July 2010 O.o .... I totally didnt realise that this was for October!! I'll be there HOPEFULLY as Darth Talon if i can pull it off! We'd totally match!! hahaha! I SEE PHOTO OPS!! lol <3
Ranma1-2 - 12th July 2010
Yeah, there is gonna be a big Star wars group at Oct expo, so I said it was about time I brought Maul out. I'm having trouble so far abs no luck on the boots. I dont want to spend a fortune on them..even on eBy motorcyle boots are pretty darn expensive!
But yeah def good photo ops for us. :)
..lemme go check out your costume ref...
Alyx - 26th July 2010 looks like those boots were an amazing find! you must be relieved!
Ranma1-2 - 26th July 2010
Yep..relieved finally, Alyx. I've been trying for months but kept ketting sniped just at the end of the auction. This time though I was the only one bidding. ^_^ *satisfied smile*
now: come on Postie - I wanna see ma booties!
ryaoki - 26th July 2010
YOU WON THEM
AND ACTUALLY ATLAST YOU SHALL HAVE YOUR REVENGE!
Chibi - 26th July 2010
Wow... Just wow... your make up skills astound me dear!
Amazing progress~
Ranma1-2 - 26th July 2010 ^_^ YES, *Husky voice* "At last we will have revenge" :D
Ranma1-2 - 26th July 2010 Thanks Chibi. It takes aaaaaages to paint on though. @_@
MasterJh117 - 27th July 2010 That make-up looks perfect. As Darth Sidious would say "I want to introduce you to my apprentice: Darth Maul" :P Perfect make-up. Well done.
Ranma1-2 - 27th July 2010 MasterJH117 - Cheers! I must make some proper horns though to replace those paper ones. I think it's time I dived into making my first Latex prosthetics..
Wyrdsister - 28th July 2010 I'm looking forward to this one. I have been for a while. I'm glad you finally got your boots. I find that if I can't find a particular piece of the puzzle, it can stop me in my tracks
Ranma1-2 - 28th July 2010 Thanks Steph. That is Exactly what happened here! ^_^ I just couldn't get on with this until I got these boots. Now I'm spurred on to put the rest together.
Anonymous - 29th July 2010 can i have a lightsabre duel with you pwease owo
Ranma1-2 - 30th July 2010 You wanna duel with Maul!? Is that wise? :P
No thanks - 30th July 2010
*foam,cuddlecuddlecuddle*
I force you to be cuddly back,Darth maul! xD
Ranma1-2 - 30th July 2010
:D
Aha trying to use your cuddley Jedi mind trick on me eh? ^_^ Sith are not usually cuddley! You'll have to work hard.., use your best puppy dog eyes, and flutter eyelashes, etc. :P
Anonymous - 30th July 2010 of course i wanna duel with maul owo, i remember the exact duel of episode 1 in my head so i can kill u =w=
Ranma1-2 - 30th July 2010 Tiduus - What will you be wearing at Expo on Sun? ..So I can program my search droids to alert me when you are close.. ^_^
Anonymous - 30th July 2010 im bein len kagamine sunday >w<
Ranma1-2 - 30th July 2010 Len Kagamine - which particular one?
Anonymous - 30th July 2010 original or magnet, dunno yet =w=
Anonymous - 31st July 2010 Looking brilliant so far! those boots were a good find, also the makeup is fantastic i don't think i could've done that without looking like a burn victim XD
Ranma1-2 - 31st July 2010 Thanks Marauchettes. Yeah those boots are such a relief to get hold of. The face paint took ages because I did it freehand looking in the mirror with a picture of Maul next to it to compare. For Expo I want to try and make some kind of stencil that I can fit on my head to speed up the line work application. Probs means making some kind of head cast first - which would also be usefull for making the prosthetic horns the right shapes to fit too. This cosplay is demanding in different ways to the others I've done so far. :S
Anonymous - 31st July 2010 Might be an option to buy some tattoo paper? like the stuff you got as a kid, that way you could transfer the black markings onto your head/face and just fill in the gaps with red snazaroo, also for the horns there is an extremely light-weight clay made by DAS, can't remember the exact name but you'd know which it was if you picked up a packet it doesn't weigh a thing, that way you could sculpt some really good horns without worrying about them not sticking due to weight
Ikkaku-kun - 31st July 2010 hey mate... i have the Force FX darth maul sabers with the joining bracket... if your willing to supply batteries i could bring them to expo with me and let you use them :)
Ranma1-2 - 1st August 2010
Arrrgghhhh. Its not fair. Everyone has a Maul FX Lightsaber except me! ¬_¬
Thanks for the offer, I wouldn't trust myself with someone elses FX double light saber..just in case I managed to break it. Happens sometimes still when I'm practicing my windmill spins. @_@ Just hope I dont drop mine on stage during the masquerade.
Thanks for the kind offer though. :)
Anonymous - 6th August 2010 What fabric are those robes made of? It hangs really well
Ranma1-2 - 6th August 2010
Good question! You like how this looks..?
Well for these pics, which was just a makeup test, I didn't have any costume and it looked silly with just normal clothes. So I grabbed some spare black material I had leftover from another costume. I just wrapped it around my shoulders to give the effect as if I was wearing a costume, to see what it would look like.
The material is just cheap streatch lycra.
When I looked into the 'Sith Detachment' costume library they say Mauls robes should be made from Raw silk!! (huh) But watching film clips they don't look like silk to me. :S Perhaps they got that wrong..
(Ahhh - that gives me a good idea, I Think I will ask for peoples input in the help forum before I go searching for the fabric).
Anonymous - 6th August 2010 Lol they don't look silky atall. That lycra looks very good though, I always go past lycra in the fabric shops and think "ooh that looks really nice" 'cause i'm not use to seeing it hang loosely, it's got a much nicer weight to it than cotton in my opinion and gathers up really nicely when draped.
Captain_Marvelous - 10th August 2010 I started Luke today XD got the fabric! its one thing after another lol gonna start scratch building the saber! your gloves look SPOT ON! where did you get the tubes for your saber?!
Ranma1-2 - 10th August 2010
Oh Great! ^_^
Wow scratch building your saber!? ..like a true Jedi :P.. Is it lukes 'Return' sabre..ie the ONE with the really thin neck? @_@ dun dun duuuuuuurrr
Cheers mate. They took a bit of modjing into shape but I'm pleased how they are looking now. :)
For the clear tubes.. Tab gave me an excellent link to a shop on eBy...
here -
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/25mm-x-2mm-Clear-Acrylic-Tube-Plastic-Plexiglas-Pipe-1m-/300277677529?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item45e9f1bdd9
Captain_Marvelous - 10th August 2010
Holy shit they have prespex coloured rods! DO want! XD thanks alot Steve your a deity! XD
and yeah Lukes RoTJ one :) not as hard as it looks tbh!
Ranma1-2 - 10th August 2010
Tis a great shop isnt it. ^_^
Ok but the neck looks kind of skinny. It will need a bit more planning to make the shape right and still be strong enough to hold the weight from the blade. You dony happen to have a metal cutting lathe and a solid chunk of Aluminium do you?.. :P
Captain_Marvelous - 10th August 2010 Stevey baby im all over it! made the kneck line hollow and placed metal washers betwixed smaller rubber washers in succsession to get the desired kneck ridge look :) no cutting required :) I then mounted that to the peice of aluminium I already have and bobs the prevarbial uncle :) saber blade slots nicely with any luck :)
ryaoki - 16th August 2010 The lightsabours EPIC, MAKE ME ON STEVEEE
Ranma1-2 - 17th August 2010
^_^
I will help you with your lightsaber if you want. Just need the hilt of your choice. We can use a donor toy lightsaber for this and convert it to look like one of the expensive ones. ;)
Just need the hilt part as a base. Then strip the guts out and custom make some inner parts to hold the new blade. Can make it so the blade is detachable too. So you can have just the hilt hanging off your belt.
If you want a stunt saber it can have a straight white plastic tube fitted, or for a hero saber a clear tube with light up centre. (I just haven't worked out the best way to make the light up part yet - but I'm working on it.)
- - 1st September 2010 WOW!! this has left me speak-less. You look amazing -jaw drops- that make-up test is increditable ! i better see you at expo for some photos!!
Ranma1-2 - 1st September 2010
It aint pretty though, Maul, is it! ha ha ha ha :P
YES! If you see me first at Expo come and grab me for some piccies and a chat. :)
If I spot you first you can bet I shall saunter over! ..and if I can keep in character I shall give you a Sith glare. But most likely I will just end up smiling and laughing too much. ^_^
- - 1st September 2010 usdhsu thats amazing! now i'm so looking forward to finding you. Pfft i'm such a star wars fan its unbelievable, if i see you i'll most likely not make it too you before i die from amazingness haha!!
Manga Girl - 27th September 2010 I truly cannot wait to see you in this hun!!
Ranma1-2 - 27th September 2010 I will be trying to project Maul nastiness with the cosplay.. so if I succeed and look unaproachable remember its just me inside and all I want really is a cuddle still ^_^
Alyx - 27th September 2010 YAY for matching contact lenses! We're gonna look so awesome together, good luck trying them out!
Ranma1-2 - 27th September 2010
Yes, ^_^
Hope they don't make my eyes water, that could run streaks down my face paint.
..I notice the instructions say to put lenses in Before makeup! I had hoped to put them in the very last thing.. I guess I could do most of the face painting just leaving the areas around my eyes bare. Then put the lenses in and finish off painting around the eyes lastly.
Alyx - 27th September 2010 Yeah thats what i was gonna do. You have to pull yours eyes open so much youd just smudge the make up around the eyes anyway! lol. I'm trying to wear them everyday to get used to them, wearing them a little longer each time. Think im gonna take a little pouch with my on my belt though that i can keep the lense pot in, just incase i need to take them out. lol.
Pez - 27th September 2010 Holy crap. I haven't watched Star Wars (yet - it's one thing I intend to do very soon!) but comparing what you've done so far and the reference pictures, your cosplay looks really impressive. Great accuracy!
Ranma1-2 - 27th September 2010
Alyx - good idea! Think I will carry the lense pot around too. So..should I open them and start wearing them in now? I was hoping to just pop them in first time on the day.
Pez - Thanks ^_^ Yeah this a biggie for me ..Im kinda going all out to get it as close as I poss can do. Like a tribute to Ray Park's brilliant performance in the film.
Great News - Our Star Wars skit has just been accepted by the panel too! :D so we will be re-creating an epic lightsaber battle scene in Sundays masquerade. DON'T miss it! ^_^ Hoping it will be legendary..
Here is a film clip which gives you a very good taster of the character in action - just stop watching the clip when it reaches the red forcefield wall if you don't want any spoilers - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPLXwrj7i7Q
FairyPorchQueen - 27th September 2010 OMG wow!!! i cannot wait to see this! and good choice on contact lenses, They are damn good ones :)
FairyPorchQueen - 27th September 2010 Yeaah with the contacts, i wear them for 4 hours to start, then and extra 2 hours each day till the desired time, but i wouldnt have them in any longer than 8 hourssss :) also i always take a couple of paracetamol before i put them in before an expo or con ^___^ yours are a really good price though, good find Alyx!
Ranma1-2 - 27th September 2010 Thanks FairyPorchQueen. I will use your advice. :)
HystericalDame - 27th September 2010
Steve's doing his first crossplay!
...8D
(Seriously though, looks great!)
Anonymous - 27th September 2010
Oh. My. God.
YOU LOOK ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! THIS IS AMAZING!
YOU LOOK JUST LIKE HIM! D:
Ranma1-2 - 28th September 2010
diphehydramine - Thanks. Yes my first Man cosplay! :P
PandaaPaws - Thanks. The payoff is - NO sexy legs!! :S Those who want to see them ^_^ will have to catch them on Fri and Sat :P
Manga Girl - 2nd October 2010 You'll still get a cuddle from me hun!
Captain_Marvelous - 2nd October 2010 I! Shall be catching those legs on friday XD
Ranma1-2 - 2nd October 2010
Manga Girl - Awww, I shall need it on sun. ^_^
Ryuk - Yes! ^_^ Wait till you see the Lois costume :P (And wait till you see my Sat cosplay too :P ) I hope it's dry outside on fri for our shoot. I've got some nice ideas for our Supes/Lois encounter.
Oopse! @_@ We need a Photographer!! Umm is Faye coming with you on our shoot?
Captain_Marvelous - 2nd October 2010 I think so yea, either way she will be happy to lend a hand for a photographer, its not a very great camera just a regular 4 or 5 megapixel thingamabob XD and oh? ideas? ps: im about 6,3 in my boots, if you wear heels your probs gonna be taller :P XD
Ranma1-2 - 2nd October 2010 No fear..I am only 5'4" without heels. ^_^
KhaosKreator - 5th October 2010 Hate to break it to you, but that's a substitute silk, not a real silk. It will still work, but if it was sold to you as "silk" I wouldn't trust what they told you again.
Ranma1-2 - 5th October 2010
Oh, that figures why it was quite cheap. Tab I'm just one of those easy targets..I'm far too trusting and people seem to sense it..esp market traders. :/
Still, like you say this will still work. It's nice and lightweight and funny enough it is the 'wrong' side that interested me more than the right side. Inside it looks matt and textured, which is how I percieve the screen costume. So I will be using them inside out. Ahhhhh at last I can start sewing. :)
GAINAX - 5th October 2010 Awesome makeup dude.
Ranma1-2 - 6th October 2010 Cheers GAINAX. :)
ryaoki - 13th October 2010 steve i love you for your attention to detail, i feel a bit of a let down now because mine wont be no were near as detailed !
Ranma1-2 - 13th October 2010
Thanks :) ..Don't feel a let down, buddy..I'm doing this because it is my first male cosplay and it is a biggie cosplay so I want to get it right, for me! Don't worry..all I want from you is that we really have fun doing these at Expo. ^_^
I'm actually enjoying making this costume well. Normally my costumes are rushed and still being thrown together or held together by safety pins on the actual Expo day! But yeah I am enjoying like making seams neat and tidy inside..I don't know what's come over me. :P
Inner tunic is nearly completed ..maybe pics in journal by tonight. :)
ryaoki - 13th October 2010
wuuu cant wait, im properly starting the whole thing tommorow, ive been doing odd accesories but nuthing major, so we can both say we made the costumes 2 weeks before expo ! lmao
also for mine, good job the cartoon isnt as detailed ! however i think im still gonna do double seems, just to be neat offcourse ;D as for the shin guards i have an idea to cover craft foam in the pleather then sew it down because hopefully thatll make the raised lines and depth!
Archer - 15th October 2010 OMG!!! That is looking epic :D Will have to keep a look out for you at expo :D
Ranma1-2 - 16th October 2010
Ryaoki - great meeting up today and pre-rehearsing. Can't wait to do the skit. :P
Archer - Thanks ^_^ Yep only on Sunday and Sun masquerade. I will try to do the makeup really quick so hopefully I can have lots of walk about time and pics.
ryaoki - 19th October 2010 haha my costume might actually come in on time too lmao!
Storme - 1st November 2010 This looked awesome--glad I got to see it up close, even if your day really didn't go as planned. (And you got to stab me with your lightsaber for the camera, even. :P)
Captain_Marvelous - 2nd November 2010 Now...its time for expo photos! :)
Ranma1-2 - 2nd November 2010
Storme - Yeah there was a lot of lightsaber stabbing going on that night :P Maul is just so Baaaad. It was real fun for the photo ops.
I,m glad I got to meet you - next time you can have a hug, ok ^_^
Yeeeees any Maul photo's I cant wait to see how they turned out...
FairyPorchQueen - 2nd November 2010 I didnt see you D: im devistated!!
No thanks - 3rd November 2010
Another expo I didn't see you...
:c really gutted...ugh...we need to get this sorted out, seriously!
RanmaSyaoran - 3rd November 2010 Bloody hell! O_O
Alyx - 3rd November 2010 AH MAN!! You looked amazing! I'm so gutted I didnt see you!! We have to!! Talon and Maul have just got to meet... somehow!!
Ranma1-2 - 3rd November 2010
Fairyporchqueen - Sorry babes,yeah I missed seeing you there tooooo. It didn't help that it took AGES to get my face paint on..I actually missed my masquerade performance because of it. (Doh!) I need to speed up..and get help painting the back. So we were only posing for a short while after Expo had just finished. There will be more times, I will defo be wearing Maul again.
Charlotte - yes :( we must. I want my cuddle! :D
RanmaSyaoran - Scary isn't it ^^ ..I may have overdone the teeth blackening a tad. :D Ohhhh we had so much fun driving up the Mway like this - we got stuck in traffic and I noticed a boy in the car next to us had spotted Darth Maul was sitting at the wheel next to him. When we started moving again I gave him the Maul glare and snarl. ^^ Then we stopped in the services and had some fun there. Any other night we might have been arrested but I guess being halloween people were not that worried by our appearence.
Alyx - YESSS We shall meet some day. ^_^
ryaoki - 3rd November 2010 I HOPE YOU rewear this, its amazing!
Ranma1-2 - 3rd November 2010 Cheers bud, yeah defo will be wearing this again. Expo felt like more of a road test, cuz it was only for a short time. I may even wear it to Memro in a couple of weeks..cuz I can do it all at home and drive across to NEC like this. ..AND I want to get my use out of these contcts before they have to be replaced (I think theyre only s'posed to last 30 days from opening).
ryaoki - 3rd November 2010 OHhhh memorabelia, when is it bud?
alytheluvly - 3rd November 2010
awww I didn't see this :(
Looks fantastic!!
kiichan - 3rd November 2010 You look SO good! Upset I didn't get to see you on the day!!
Ranma1-2 - 3rd November 2010
Ryoaki - Memorabillia is coming up 20 - 21 November.
Alythelovely and Kiichan - Aww you didn't miss much. It was my massive FAIL on the Sunday.. I couldn't get ready in time (face paint took aaaages) so I missed my masquerade slot and most of the day in fact. Only a few people saw this right at the end as we were hanging around Excel and didn't want to go home yet. Maul WILL return! I just have to speed up the facepaint process. (already working on a solution)
Member-XI - 3rd November 2010 o_O You look like you literally jumped out of the film into expo! I am so so impressed with this you have no idea :D *dies*
Ranma1-2 - 3rd November 2010 Member-XI - Thanks. Oh you will get a better chance to see this cosplay again. :)
Anime_Angel - 3rd November 2010 with all those Darth Maul Masks at the expo I seen, it's no wonder I couldn't see yer lol
Ranma1-2 - 4th November 2010 Anime_Angel - Oh I didn't even realise there were other Darth Mauls at Expo. Mind you I missed most of Sun cuz of painting the darn face on. In future just look for a Darth Maul which isn't a mask..who is also on the short side (I is only 5'7" ^^)
KhaosKreator - 4th November 2010 Sorry to hear about your masquerade mishaps, but the costume looks great. The lightsabre turned out really good, doesn't look home made at all.
Ranma1-2 - 5th November 2010
Cheers Tab.
Here's the funny thing - the double bladed lightsaber prop I haven't fitted the two Led's in yet (ran out of time for Expo) so I ended up just painting the two blade tubes for now. But in the indoor photo's imo it's hard to tell this apart from Lukes proper light up FX saber. My painted double saber blades look as if they are lit. Isn't that strange! So I'm pretty pleased how these look in the indoor pics. Then we went outside and I borrowed my friends fx light up Vadar lightsaber - that's why in all the dark shots only a single blade is seen.
Maul will return. ^^
Captain_Marvelous - 6th November 2010 You rocked and We rocked! nightime photos were epic!
Anime_Angel - 6th November 2010 Yup it's a first since this is a cheap costume and don't wanna spend anymore money on school shoes lol
Ranma1-2 - 6th November 2010 Ryukredapples - Yes ^^ I'm just looking through Tonyo's uploaded vids of sun masquerade - feels so muuch like we should have been there man!!! I'm still feeling gutted about missing our chance. ..If I could turn back time. Where's Superman when you need him. :P
Captain_Marvelous - 6th November 2010 I felt a bit shit I couldnt be in it as well tbh :( loved wearing Luke :(
Anime_Angel - 6th November 2010 I can try but for now, I'm just gonna take a brake from these shoes for now, but atleast I worn gogo boots for my Umi costume at the expo though lol
Anime_Angel - 6th November 2010 Well with Bunny Haruhi, I didn't need to worry about the crotch area since that was a youtube exclusive costume lol, but with me adding the skirt to Umi, I thought I would get alot of people asking about the crotch area and I kinda predicted that one of my friends will be a douchbag with his girlfriend like last time so I had to prepear for the worst, if he were to have sex in the hotel room while we all tried to sleep (Which he did) I would be too tired to wake up really early to prepear so I added the skirt to the costume.
Anime_Angel - 6th November 2010 yeah thats the thing, they did it without asking us to leave the room so for May next year, I'm probobly gonna shair a room with someone else.
No thanks - 8th November 2010 <3 It's my first con this time too!! I can't wait to go, we have a small group of hotd so we'll have a takashi(the MC), kouta(geeky guy) and a saeko(girl with purple hair) i believe :3 and yey! Maul! I'll have to get your number to text you and hunt you down at kita! i'm SO determined this time!
Bambi. - 8th November 2010 This came out perfect hun! Amazing job! Would expect no less from you babes! :p hehe
Ranma1-2 - 8th November 2010
Charlotte - We're on for Kita then. ^_^
Bambi - Thanks hun. Shame I missed out on the masquerade. Still gutted about that. (Massive Fail! my bad) :(
Maul takes too much time to do him for Thoughtbubble but I gotta come up to your neck of the woods. Just haven't decided finally what I'm gonna wear..something easy hopefully cuz I want to come up on the coach.
Sephirayne - 18th November 2010 Wow! Looking so epic and spot on. Sorry to hear about the make-up mishap. Hope your able to wear him again.
Ranma1-2 - 18th November 2010
Thanks. Yeah next time I know to leave around my eyes bare until after I put the lenses in THEN just finish painting in around the eyes after. :S
Defo there will be a lot more chances to see this again. The costume is one of the most comfortable things I have ever worn - must be all the silk..it is so soft and breathable. Only thing I'm not wonderfully happy about is that I am only 5'7. Even though Ray himself is 5'9 according to a website stats, I think I look a bit on the small side to be cosplaying Maul when I am standing next to tall adults. eg Luke - Ryukredapples - admittedly Luke is Superhero tall! ^_^
Captain_Marvelous - 18th November 2010 *stands statue'esque*
Ranma1-2 - 18th November 2010 Next time we do this I'm standing on a box for pics :P
Captain_Marvelous - 18th November 2010 XD I hope its set your mind to rest about doing Mary Marvel, I might do Black Adam for when you do that ^^
Sephirayne - 18th November 2010
Height for me as never bothered me. Nearly all my costumes are meant to be about 6' tall. I'm no where near. Its all about how you present yourself ;)
I think you portrayed Maul well in the photos.
Yes, Ryukedapples is superhero tall
Captain_Marvelous - 18th November 2010 TBH im more the height of Han Solo XD Luke is like 5 foot XD haha it dosent overly bother me XD its not great for crossplay but I guess it makes me concentrate more on makeup XD
Ranma1-2 - 18th November 2010 Yeah but it comes in handy for all the Superheroes. Your Black Adam for example is gonna be Immense.. I can see it now. :)
cowiee - 23rd February 2011 Just wow!
No thanks - 26th February 2011 KITA'S SO CLOSE ;___________________; I need to see you!
Ranma1-2 - 27th February 2011 Charlotte..yes we should manage to bump into each other over the weekend. :D I dont know what I will be wearing when we do though. Wasn't planning Maul for Kita tbh ..the lenses say they only last for 30 days from opening so I think they will have died by now. Shouldnt risk my eyes to bacteria I guess.. I will have to buy a new set for next time I do him.
No thanks - 28th February 2011 Haha I'll just be glad to see you :D!
Anonymous - 13th April 2011 I can't even form words to explain how amazing this is!
Manticore Arts - 8th September 2011 I know! Me too! I need to talk to you about this! It's just too epic!