Watchmen: Rorschach's mask...

synasp

Sr Member
OK, lets make this mask. Any ideas on how to get the mask to keep changing shape? I can think of a few ways, but not a way to make it symmetrical--just one giant blob. :p
 
Well, the symmetry was caused by the pressure from his face exerting equal force on both sides. So if you can find a way to make it that sensitive, the symmetry would come from the wearer's own face. So it would work unless you're Sloth from The Goonies.
 
How about a mixture of 2 different coloured oils sandwitched in between polythene sheet?

From what I remember, that's pretty much how they described the material in the original comic. You'd want two different liquids that wouldn't mix, kind of like those "wave" things you see in the techno gift shops.

Also, you'd need to defeat gravity somehow so it wouldn't all pool in the chin.

You might be able to put something together similar to those Halloween masks that have a squeeze bulb that you can pump fake blood to constantly keep it ciruculating to the top, or maybe put a small battery pump under the hat.

Maybe a clear vacuform shell over a dark, tinted shell with just white fluid pumped in between?

-Sarge
 
From what I remember, that's pretty much how they described the material in the original comic. You'd want two different liquids that wouldn't mix, kind of like those "wave" things you see in the techno gift shops.

Also, you'd need to defeat gravity somehow so it wouldn't all pool in the chin.

You might be able to put something together similar to those Halloween masks that have a squeeze bulb that you can pump fake blood to constantly keep it ciruculating to the top, or maybe put a small battery pump under the hat.

Maybe a clear vacuform shell over a dark, tinted shell with just white fluid pumped in between?

-Sarge

I like the idea of a constant pump to keep it circulating. You'd still need a clear liquid that you could see the inner shell through, so the white fluid doesn't just flow sloppily all over the place.
 
I think the best solution you're going to find, sadly, is one that was mentioned lon another thread. Make 3-4 masks with different blobs, and change them periodically throughout the day.

That or wait til technology catches up to us.
 
I think the best solution you're going to find, sadly, is one that was mentioned lon another thread. Make 3-4 masks with different blobs, and change them periodically throughout the day.

That or wait til technology catches up to us.

Hmm...You could make, like, a heavier cloth mask with mesh screens for eyes that would be the "base" mask. Then you could have several blob designs on a cheesecloth/pantyhose/something see-through material, and just swap those out OVER the base mask - just make sure the blobs cover the mesh screens.
 
A heat sensitive paint (such as Alsa's 'Eclipse') partially sprayed onto a thin, rigid vacuum formed face shell could be used. Beneath it, you could lay some aluminium film in a pre-cut random pattern, and beneath that, several patterns of thin wire. By alternating the current to different wire loops, the heat would create alternating patterns, which would be somewhat symmetrical.
The tricky part is that Eclipse changes from black (cold) to white (hot), so you'd actually have to have most of the shell permanently heated, and turn off the heat when you wanted it to change. Also, the heat of the environment you were in would likely cause problems, and you'd have to make sure the heat from your face didn't reach the shell (and likewise, the heat from the shell didn't reach your face!).

http://www.alsacorp.com/products/eclipse/eclipse_prodinfo.htm

If that isn't 'out there' enough... thinking aloud, 100,000 copies of the October edition of Esquire are being produced with an E-Ink display embedded in the front and inside cover.
In theory (depending on the size of the each display), you could cannibalise the magazine and find a way to send your own data to the displays. Mount a panel (or two) behind a transparent shell and have them driven by a hidden palmtop / laptop.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_Ink
 
I'm probably sounding dumb as an amish scientist, but what all does the E-Ink entail? The read I just did of it makes it seem more Rorschach-y than whats described in the comic.
Latex was probably an un-educated throwto for Moore to base the mask in, when in reality latex wouldnt work for something resembling a clear outer "Shell". I've heard of somewhat clear latex, but it wouldnt last those many years, and Rorschach only had two masks with one always in reserve.

I'm all up for helping collaborate on this thread, actual mask, but feel I dont have the proper how-to. It makes me giddy to think that a RR mask might be actually fesible.

I love learning, so I'll be watching this thread closely in awe.

Tyler
 
It is possible to make animated fabric, you see people walking round night clubs all the time with animations on their clothes.

Dont know how it's done, but the technology is there!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36M4yVIs4MQ&feature=related

I've also seen this done with simple `non glowing` black and white designs.

Richard.

I think ThinkGeek sell t-shirts like that, I can't remember. That's a good plan though. If we can somehow get the morphing of the mask into a that animation that would be good. Maybe not cheap.. but good. :lol
 
It is possible to make animated fabric, you see people walking round night clubs all the time with animations on their clothes.

Dont know how it's done, but the technology is there!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36M4yVIs4MQ&feature=related

I've also seen this done with simple `non glowing` black and white designs.

Richard.


Very nice link, but the first thing that occurs to me is "Where is the off switch?" because someone wearing that to a movie theater is going to be asked by the crowd to turn his shirt off. :lol:angry
 
I've also seen this done with simple `non glowing` black and white designs.
Do you have a link to that? Also, a person has to be able to see out of the mask. :lol Is that possible?

The simplest/best option may very well be to make 4-5 masks.
 
Do you have a link to that? Also, a person has to be able to see out of the mask. :lol Is that possible?

The simplest/best option may very well be to make 4-5 masks.

Sorry, no link, i've been looking all weekend, but I couldn't find anything. To be honest, they probably don't make the B&W non lit versions any more, because it was early technology.

I've been lookin into the e-ink option, which I think would be the best bet, but have you seen how expensive the developers kits are!!!! :cry
 
Going with something similar to what Terryhan posted.

You can buy inks that change colour from clear to black when a certain temparature is reached.

All you would need to do is print different patterns onto the mask using inks that react to different temp changes!

The natural varying heat from your face would reveal different patterns. Maybe a hidden fan or something, could be used to cool your face down at random intervals?????

http://www.electroniccrafts.org/?n=Main.ThermochromicInks
 
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