Costumes and Cosplay

[Vael]

So, I've got invites to two Halloween parties this year, and while I'm normally not the biggest costume/cosplay guy (Or more that I not the best at planning these things and being thrifty/crafty in putting a look together), I've been putting serious thought into what I am going to do for them.

Option 1: Carl from Dungeon Crawler Carl novels. I have a leather jacket, so it's getting the boxers, a stuffed cat for Princess Donut (probably a way to rig her to ride on my shoulder) and building any of the accessories ... spiked kneepads, gauntlet, maybe a stick of dynamite ...
Pros: A reason to talk about my latest obsession.
Cons: Bare legged and flip flops (I know he's barefoot in the books, but I don't have a magic toe ring) in a Canadian Autumn? I am not that guy.

Option 2: Spoiler for the season finale of Alien: Earth

Spoiler: character fate spoiler

Dead Arthur possessed by the Eye Octopus. Figure I need a bloody shirt for the aftermath of the chest burster and some way to make one eye look ... wrong. Tempted to do some tentacles on my face, and for some reason I'm stuck on animals riding on my shoulder because I almost want to get a plastic crab there.
Pros: Again ... shouldn't be too difficult.
Cons: More makeup focused and I have no real experience with how to actually do this. I feel like while I can make this work, I don't want my vision too impaired.

Anyway, I'm open to other ideas. But also consider this a place to share your costumes and crafty expertise. Show off your plans or finished products.

 

[aco175]

I would go with the one that you think others will now more. I have never seen Carl before, though I'm not into those books. I am watching the Alien show, but not sure how many at the party would know. Although it might just come across as something scarry and then be ok for Halloween.

Another thing to consider is accessibility. You already mentioned the shoes and bare legs in Canada. Things with masks and blocking eyesight might be a problem. Especially inside where it is crowded or in dim lighted places.

 

[el-remmen]

Go with the one that has the fewest props involved. As someone who went as the Unibomber one year, carrying around my package addressed to Microsoft Headquarters with a rattlecan inside, I know it ends up being a real pain.

 

[Ryujin]

Can't help with the gauntlets, but Home Depot has a set of EVA foam kneepads for about C$10.00. Hot glue on some spites made out of EVA foam floor mats, also available at HD, and you're good to go.

Cold in boxers? Flesh coloured tights.

 

[MarkB]

I've no experience with cosplay, but I did a bit of googling and there are quite a few slip-on fake feet you can get, some of which are even designed to go over shoes (just search "fake feet" on Amazon). They'll look seriously oversized, but I'm not sure that's a downside for Carl. You could probably even wangle a toe-ring on them with a little work.

 

[Morrus]

I'm gonna be a Kirk this year. I know, it's a bit easy, as costumes go. This is my trial run.

(I tried the bell bottoms, and even bought a pair, but I just can't find boots the right length for them--you either end up with a silly looking stick-like ankle gap, or they interfere with the bell bottoms. I read that in TOS the boots were custom made).

 

[Ryujin]

I'm gonna be a Kirk this year. I know, it's a bit easy, as costumes go. This is my trial run.

(I tried the bell bottoms, and even bought a pair, but I just can't find boots the right length for them--you either end up with a silly looking stick-like ankle gap, or they interfere with the bell bottoms. I read that in TOS the boots were custom made).

View attachment 418448

Is that a Wand Company Tricorder?! Man, am I jealous!

 

[Morrus]

Is that a Wand Company Tricorder?! Man, am I jealous!

Nah, that thing is cardboard. I do have a metal
One which lights up and makes noises, but I don’t think I’d risk taking it out on Halloween. I’d only break it or lose it.

 

[Ryujin]

Nah, that thing is cardboard. I do have a metal
One which lights up and makes noises, but I don’t think I’d risk taking it out on Halloween. I’d only break it or lose it.

Pity. You did a good job on it. Those Wand Company pieces are absolutely beautiful. One of my co-workers has both the Phaser II and the Communicator, which as far as I know are no longer available.

 

[MarkB]

An alternative to the stuffed shoulder cat for Donut: CU-MATE Plush Cat Backpack, Lifelike White Stuffed Animal Bag, Large Handmade Cute Cat Shaped Bag, White/Tan, L, Plush Cat : Amazon.co.uk: Fashion

Would also allow you to carry a few essentials, like a spare set of boxers in case of spillages.