Batman comic style costume. Leather cowl finished page 3
- Thread starter Flash Dixon
- Start date
Keatonknight
New Member
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. Lots o' pics
The texture of the cape is awesome.Great job
The texture of the cape is awesome.Great job
Sharpshooter55
Active Member
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. Lots o' pics
Following this for sure. Beautiful cape! Can't wait to see this one finished.
Following this for sure. Beautiful cape! Can't wait to see this one finished.
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. Lots o' pics
Great work on the cowl brother. Can't wait to see more progress.
Great work on the cowl brother. Can't wait to see more progress.
MetalMilkMan
Member
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. Lots o' pics
That cape is brilliant. It must have cost a small fortune for that much leather but it pays off ten fold. That will look great. I can't wait to see what the cowl looks like finished.
That cape is brilliant. It must have cost a small fortune for that much leather but it pays off ten fold. That will look great. I can't wait to see what the cowl looks like finished.
Flash Dixon
Active Member
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. Lots o' pics
As the costs go, yes, the materials for the cape were very expensive. I had to save up for a couple of years to do this. The leather itself was right at 225 square feet for material. Like I said, 4 full cowhides. I won't discuss the cost openly, but a good grade of leather is pricey per square foot. You guys can do the math. The cape took 17 panels to do properly so that it would completely encompass me. I had planned on 15 or 16 panels, but I have broad shoulders, so it took a little more. The plus side is that I ended up with enough leftover material to do the gloves, trunks, and cowl. So I suppose that helped.
Part of the process with the leather is to be able to find a hide that you can lay your templates on and pick a hide that you can get the most pieces out of. Leather hides are riddled with imperfections. Warts, scars, and branding marks to name a few. 3 of the 4 hides I was able to get 4 panels out of. The 4th hide I was able to get five since it was a rather large beast, 65 square feet! Fortunately, there is a leather store in my town with very good inventory and I was able to sift through 8 or 10 hides and pick out the best.
Here's a closer look at the grain of the material.
Here is a better view of the inside of the cape.
The seams are glued back, rather than stitched, to keep the outside more smooth and pretty. I initially was going to line it, but it looks so nice this way I left it alone. It's a really impressive contrast when I have it thrown back over my shoulders.
Thanks for all of the comments everyone. It's really humbling to think that you all are enjoying my work so much. Between here and my buddies over at the BOTB, I couldn't be more appreciative.
As the costs go, yes, the materials for the cape were very expensive. I had to save up for a couple of years to do this. The leather itself was right at 225 square feet for material. Like I said, 4 full cowhides. I won't discuss the cost openly, but a good grade of leather is pricey per square foot. You guys can do the math. The cape took 17 panels to do properly so that it would completely encompass me. I had planned on 15 or 16 panels, but I have broad shoulders, so it took a little more. The plus side is that I ended up with enough leftover material to do the gloves, trunks, and cowl. So I suppose that helped.
Part of the process with the leather is to be able to find a hide that you can lay your templates on and pick a hide that you can get the most pieces out of. Leather hides are riddled with imperfections. Warts, scars, and branding marks to name a few. 3 of the 4 hides I was able to get 4 panels out of. The 4th hide I was able to get five since it was a rather large beast, 65 square feet! Fortunately, there is a leather store in my town with very good inventory and I was able to sift through 8 or 10 hides and pick out the best.
Here's a closer look at the grain of the material.
Here is a better view of the inside of the cape.
The seams are glued back, rather than stitched, to keep the outside more smooth and pretty. I initially was going to line it, but it looks so nice this way I left it alone. It's a really impressive contrast when I have it thrown back over my shoulders.
Thanks for all of the comments everyone. It's really humbling to think that you all are enjoying my work so much. Between here and my buddies over at the BOTB, I couldn't be more appreciative.
spartanbat13
New Member
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. Lots o' pics
As a big Batman fan, I have to say that looks awesome. Great job!
As a big Batman fan, I have to say that looks awesome. Great job!
Flash Dixon
Active Member
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. Lots o' pics
A quick update. I finished the undershell last night. I have to say , it turned out pretty nice. I'll have the pictures up tonight to you you all. Can't access my stuff here at work.
Stay tuned.
A quick update. I finished the undershell last night. I have to say , it turned out pretty nice. I'll have the pictures up tonight to you you all. Can't access my stuff here at work.
Stay tuned.
Flash Dixon
Active Member
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. New pics 12-04-2012
As promised, here are some pictures of the completed undershell for the leather cowl project. All in all, I think it's coming together pretty good. At this point I'm ready to get started on the hood portion of the cowl. We'll use my lifecast to work off of until the last final fitting or so when we attach the undershell. It's getting closer.
Here's a view of the back showing where the leather is rolled over on the eyes, nose, and bottom edge. The eyes weren't too bad to do, but the nose fought me a little. But I overcame!
Here's the completed piece. Excess backing and leather will be trimmed off during final fitting.
And finally, here's a shot to give you a better idea of how it looks in place, sans cowl.
There you have it. Not too shabby. Overall, I think it may work.
As promised, here are some pictures of the completed undershell for the leather cowl project. All in all, I think it's coming together pretty good. At this point I'm ready to get started on the hood portion of the cowl. We'll use my lifecast to work off of until the last final fitting or so when we attach the undershell. It's getting closer.
Here's a view of the back showing where the leather is rolled over on the eyes, nose, and bottom edge. The eyes weren't too bad to do, but the nose fought me a little. But I overcame!
Here's the completed piece. Excess backing and leather will be trimmed off during final fitting.
And finally, here's a shot to give you a better idea of how it looks in place, sans cowl.
There you have it. Not too shabby. Overall, I think it may work.
bigtrev503
Active Member
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. Update 12-04-2012
Making a cowl is quite ambitious. Many have tried and failed at making a cowl out of anything but the urethane rubber stuff. Will be interesting to see how yours turns out!
Making a cowl is quite ambitious. Many have tried and failed at making a cowl out of anything but the urethane rubber stuff. Will be interesting to see how yours turns out!
Little Fett
Member
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. Update 12-04-2012
Looks great, man! I really like the cape. very few costumes go for that wrap-around cloak style, which is a shame because it definately looks the coolest.
Looks great, man! I really like the cape. very few costumes go for that wrap-around cloak style, which is a shame because it definately looks the coolest.
Flash Dixon
Active Member
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. Update 12-04-2012
I agree. The cowl has been the biggest obstacle in the concept of this costume. I think, I hope, that I'm on the right track with it. To misquote a little, the devil is in the design for this. I've spent hours, literally, trying to figure this out, and I really think I have a plan. I'm interested in how it'll turn out, too!:lol
For the longest time, the Holy Grail of cowls was to be able to turn your head. A flexible neck. Some people had suggested cutting the neck loose from the cowl. That was mostly pooped on until the Nolan films came out and it was shown that allowances could be made for that. Now the newest take on that is to just ditch the neck entirely and go with a cowl over a hood. Full neck movement. That's an almost entirely accepted design now. At least for the comic style suits. I personally think that's a great work around. Look, almost nothing in the full range of design in the comics can be translated 100% into reality. The suit is armored underneath yet fits skin tight. The cowl is armored with all kinds of electronics. Very rigid. Yet drapes down the back when hanging loose. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying that you can only do so much. And like I said, I'm speaking about the comic style suit, not the movie costumes.
Which brings me to the overall look I'm try to emulate. I'm going for more of a classic, old school, yet real world-ish look to the costume. That's why I picked out leather. I love the classic look, black and grey. Hell, I was into the black and grey look with the non oval back before even the 89 Keaton movie. Some of the comics I read as a kid were my uncle's old pre 1964 issues. And I've always preferred the black over the blue, even as a child.
Anyway, the cowl. I want to be able to have a cowl with the good facial definition that does the drape across the back when it hangs. That part, to me, is more important than worrying about the fact there are 3 or 4 seams in it. Over the years, the biggest complaint over the cloth/pleather/leather has been the seam work, which is silly because the suit, gloves, boots and anything but the latex cape ALL have seams in them, so what's the big issue of seams in a cowl? They don't have seams in most of the comics. I think it's because it's just been accepted as the right way for a cowl to look over the years. Which, again, is fine. Those are beautiful and display a level of skill I doubt I will ever attain. HUGE kudos to any and all cowl makers out there. Your works are nothing less than amazing! But, I actually WANT the seams. The cape is all sewn together, so it should just naturally flow into it. I want it to look like it was put together and not manufactured. At least for this particular costume.
Man, that was almost a tirade! Sorry about that.
Bottom line, we shall see if I can pull this off soon enough. It may look like a piece of crap. If so, believe me I'll be the first to admit it and throw in the towel and try something more traditional.
Didn't mean to hijack your comment, Trev. :wacko I got on a roll there. I hope I didn't p**s off too many of you with that.
I agree. The cowl has been the biggest obstacle in the concept of this costume. I think, I hope, that I'm on the right track with it. To misquote a little, the devil is in the design for this. I've spent hours, literally, trying to figure this out, and I really think I have a plan. I'm interested in how it'll turn out, too!:lol
For the longest time, the Holy Grail of cowls was to be able to turn your head. A flexible neck. Some people had suggested cutting the neck loose from the cowl. That was mostly pooped on until the Nolan films came out and it was shown that allowances could be made for that. Now the newest take on that is to just ditch the neck entirely and go with a cowl over a hood. Full neck movement. That's an almost entirely accepted design now. At least for the comic style suits. I personally think that's a great work around. Look, almost nothing in the full range of design in the comics can be translated 100% into reality. The suit is armored underneath yet fits skin tight. The cowl is armored with all kinds of electronics. Very rigid. Yet drapes down the back when hanging loose. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying that you can only do so much. And like I said, I'm speaking about the comic style suit, not the movie costumes.
Which brings me to the overall look I'm try to emulate. I'm going for more of a classic, old school, yet real world-ish look to the costume. That's why I picked out leather. I love the classic look, black and grey. Hell, I was into the black and grey look with the non oval back before even the 89 Keaton movie. Some of the comics I read as a kid were my uncle's old pre 1964 issues. And I've always preferred the black over the blue, even as a child.
Anyway, the cowl. I want to be able to have a cowl with the good facial definition that does the drape across the back when it hangs. That part, to me, is more important than worrying about the fact there are 3 or 4 seams in it. Over the years, the biggest complaint over the cloth/pleather/leather has been the seam work, which is silly because the suit, gloves, boots and anything but the latex cape ALL have seams in them, so what's the big issue of seams in a cowl? They don't have seams in most of the comics. I think it's because it's just been accepted as the right way for a cowl to look over the years. Which, again, is fine. Those are beautiful and display a level of skill I doubt I will ever attain. HUGE kudos to any and all cowl makers out there. Your works are nothing less than amazing! But, I actually WANT the seams. The cape is all sewn together, so it should just naturally flow into it. I want it to look like it was put together and not manufactured. At least for this particular costume.
Man, that was almost a tirade! Sorry about that.
Bottom line, we shall see if I can pull this off soon enough. It may look like a piece of crap. If so, believe me I'll be the first to admit it and throw in the towel and try something more traditional.
Didn't mean to hijack your comment, Trev. :wacko I got on a roll there. I hope I didn't p**s off too many of you with that.
Flash Dixon
Active Member
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. Update 12-04-2012
Thanks. I love the wrap around look, too. It is a little cumbersome, but you almost HAVE to sacrifice one look for another. Someday I'll do up more of a "walking" cape, but I wanted to do this one first.
Thanks. I love the wrap around look, too. It is a little cumbersome, but you almost HAVE to sacrifice one look for another. Someday I'll do up more of a "walking" cape, but I wanted to do this one first.
EyeofSauron
Master Member
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. Update 12-04-2012
the cape looks awesome. i would love to see a shot of it on you. just so i can see the final size
the cape looks awesome. i would love to see a shot of it on you. just so i can see the final size
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. Update 12-04-2012
Having bought and worked a bit in leather I have to say seeing the cape made me gasp like a frightened girl. The cost had to be staggering. That being said you pulled the look off you were going for extremely well. I will have to pass this link on to my brother who is a very big Batman fan. You are doing a great job and I look forward to seeing your progress.
On a side note, I know it’s a costume and will not be worn everyday but have you put some thought into how to protect your investment from getting scuffed up on the edges? Or do you plan on just doing some touch up dye work on any scuff marks?
Having bought and worked a bit in leather I have to say seeing the cape made me gasp like a frightened girl. The cost had to be staggering. That being said you pulled the look off you were going for extremely well. I will have to pass this link on to my brother who is a very big Batman fan. You are doing a great job and I look forward to seeing your progress.
On a side note, I know it’s a costume and will not be worn everyday but have you put some thought into how to protect your investment from getting scuffed up on the edges? Or do you plan on just doing some touch up dye work on any scuff marks?
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Flash Dixon
Active Member
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. Update 12-04-2012
Other than some photo shoots it will be indoors on carpet and tile for the most part. Very seldom on rougher surfaces like concrete and asphalt. That being said, yes, there's going to be some wear no matter what. I'll keep the leather good and treated, and touch it up when needed. It's going to be banged around a little, but that was a known issue from the start. So outside of the unlikely event of a rip or tear, it'll be fine.
And yeah, if you are familiar with leather, it was pricey as you might guess.
Other than some photo shoots it will be indoors on carpet and tile for the most part. Very seldom on rougher surfaces like concrete and asphalt. That being said, yes, there's going to be some wear no matter what. I'll keep the leather good and treated, and touch it up when needed. It's going to be banged around a little, but that was a known issue from the start. So outside of the unlikely event of a rip or tear, it'll be fine.
And yeah, if you are familiar with leather, it was pricey as you might guess.
Last edited by a moderator:
Re: Batman comic style costume WIP. Update 12-04-2012
So i don't want you to take this the wrong way but think you ought to rework the Cowl start over rather...the eye brow shapes and nose shapes need to be reworked, looks to much like a generic masquerade mask. Also i think it would be terrible if you didn't do the forehead and face as one piece so you don't have stitching running across the middle of your forehead.
I hope you take my concern as care for such a great project i want the mask to do the cape justice after such a big investment
So i don't want you to take this the wrong way but think you ought to rework the Cowl start over rather...the eye brow shapes and nose shapes need to be reworked, looks to much like a generic masquerade mask. Also i think it would be terrible if you didn't do the forehead and face as one piece so you don't have stitching running across the middle of your forehead.
I hope you take my concern as care for such a great project i want the mask to do the cape justice after such a big investment
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