Luna's Ultimate Spider-Man Build, Orhadar Print. [Pic Heavy]

[SpideyCam]

I think that's the rout I have to go when I get around to it. I'm a little weary though because I'll the seamstresses around here specialize in dresses :/ sorry for branching of subject. This ultimate suit will always be one of my top favorites and I wish you luck on the next!

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

 

[afire11]

What color zippers did you buy? Is the spider shell necessary? Looks awesome btw

 

[Lunaman]

What color zippers did you buy? Is the spider shell necessary? Looks awesome btw

Thanks for the compliment.

My main zippers are dark blue, my mask zipper is black.

The face shell is not *completely* necessary, I don't even wear one with this suit, I have no shell on in any of the pictures, BUT you do need a domed surface upon which to curve the eyeframes. You can either make your own, buy a generic mask to stand in while you curve the lenses, or go ahead and get a proper faceshell. Faceshells are also necessary if you want to use magnetic attachments with your lenses.
Also, most people's faces won't look like the classic comic book shape under the lycra unless they have a faceshell. My face has very angular bone structure, so it looks similar to the shell when fabric is stretched over it, but this is the exception, not the rule. I'm using a faceshell with my next suit to take some pressure off of my nose and allow me to utilize magnetic lenses.

 

[afire11]

And do you recommend the rpf dude's files? Cause i see some similar ones on ebay for about $20-$30 Cheaper and i was wondering if that would be best or not? THanks again... -A

 

[Lunaman]

And do you recommend the rpf dude's files? Cause i see some similar ones on ebay for about $20-$30 Cheaper and i was wondering if that would be best or not? THanks again... -A

The ones on ebay are stolen. If you buy them I have no respect for you.

If you want the nice files, support the original artist who made them. No exceptions. You can buy Orhadar's files here on the rpf or at GunheadDesign.com

 

[Muscleflex]

Hi - so sorry for butting in and this might have been asked already....
but why did you choose to have your mask drop forward rather than back like the traditional mask in the comic books? (i'm thinking if it dropped back, you could just do like the comics and fold up enough to reveal your mouth so you can still eat and drink without exposing your whole face?)

 

[Muscleflex]

That's Bagley's drawing isn't it?? Love that dude's spiderman creation! The best I think!

I've been a little stressed and frustrated working on a new costume project lately, but I had a chance to throw this suit on again the other day (I was taking some pics wishing some kids a Happy Holidays from Spidey) and it reminded me of why costuming is fun and inspiring. So I snapped a couple extra shots with the self-timer just for me. I really do love this suit. This hobby is supposed to be fun, right?

http://i.imgur.com/swrVo5q.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/lbwx7xQ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/XBf0vTq.jpg

By chance, I was browsing a used bookstore the day before yesterday and I found a copy of Ultimate Spider-Man: Learning Curve, which was my favorite anthology in the series and the trade paperback that inspired me to make this suit. It covers Ultimate Spider-Man issues #8-13, and reading through it again on the plane-flight home for the holidays reminded me of why Spider-Man was so important to me growing up. I was 11 when I first read this story arc, and it stuck a chord with me that went a little deeper than the spidey cartoons of my youth and the classic "Amazing Spider-Man" comics that my brother and cousins had handed down to me that first introduced me to the character. It was "my" version of Spider-Man. More than the Raimi movies, more than the video games, it was this contemporary expression of the character that I felt closest to.
As I flipped through issue #8, I came across this panel, a scene from one of Peter's nightmares about the death of his uncle Ben. I hadn't read the comic in years, but I knew immediately that this was the image I had in mind when I decided to take on the costume project. This was the inspiration.


http://i.imgur.com/6iLXFj4.jpg

Pretty cool to see.


I want to thank everyone who helped make this project possible: the wonderful artists and craftsmen that contributed their talents directly, as well as the community of builders who shared the all of the information and discussions that allowed me to research, take on the project and see it through to the end.

Also, I never mentioned the belated results of this year's costume contest. When the rulings finally came in after some delays, I did not officially place or receive any awards, but I was third in my category in the popular vote, out of 44 entries, thanks to the generous votes of many talented forum members, including a vote from the eventual winner of the judge's pick, rpenatx, and I'm deeply honored. Thank you to everyone who participated or voted; I'm touched to have been granted the unofficial bronze distinction. :lol
The real praise, as always, should go to the craftspeople whose artistry is on display in this project: namely, Orhadar, TJack, and TrophyWife. They made possible my dreams when I was willing to bring their talents together and spend some quality time with glue and threads and marker fumes. I'm very very pleased with the result.

All the best,
--Luna

 

[Lunaman]

Hi - so sorry for butting in and this might have been asked already....
but why did you choose to have your mask drop forward rather than back like the traditional mask in the comic books? (i'm thinking if it dropped back, you could just do like the comics and fold up enough to reveal your mouth so you can still eat and drink without exposing your whole face?)

Well, in general terms, because there is no seam in the front of the mask large enough or oriented properly to allow a closure such as that. The pelting layout of this suit is based on the Raimi movie suits, which don't even have a mask zipper at all, but they do have a rear seam that can be used for a zipper in this case. Also, a zipper in the front near my face or throat (even a low profile-zip) would look fairly ugly when the head changes positions and I do not want to be reducing the stretch of the mask near my throat in any way, that's fairly dangerous.

Look, the way the suit is traditionally drawn in the comics does not work. It is quite literally impossible to have a separate mask that mates cleanly with the suit with no wrinkling, gaps, or extra layers, and remains in perfect position and alignment under tension and through a full range of motion, with separate boots and gloves.

In the real world, the fabric has to remain under slight tension in order for the smooth contours of the lycra to flow over the body form, and this isn't possible when there are any separate pieces. Everybody seems to be fine with having the gloves and boots be contiguous with the suit, but for some reason a lot of people get their knickers in a bunch over the mask.
When it comes to the mask, every person who embarks on a spidey suit project has to make a choice--do I want it to look the best it can and match the appearance of the suit in the comics as closely as possible? Or do I want to sacrifice the cleanest appearance a bit and have something closer to the function of the suit in the comics?

1.) Having an attached mask simply looks the best, and mimics the iconic appearance of the mask's shape in the comics. That's why all five Spider-Man films have had their main hero suits built with attached masks.

2.) Having a detachable mask is simply more user-friendly. It makes it easier to get into the suit, allows you to take breathers and eat and drink. But it will never look as clean, and if it is built to have a short overlap like in the comics, it will leave gaps in the neck in certain positions.

The two main compromises that people can take are to either have a rear zipper in the mask to allow the hood to drop forward, or to build the suit with a high turtleneck and an extra long mask to have a large degree of overlap. These are, respectively, a bit more user-friendly version of the better-looking method, and a bit better-looking version of the user-friendly method. Neither is wrong or objectively the better choice to make, they just prioritize different things.

I went with the rear zipper option, as did the last two films. On the latest one they've also mimicked this choice for the gloves by putting zippers in the wrists.

That's Bagley's drawing isn't it?? Love that dude's spiderman creation! The best I think!

Yes it is. It's my favorite interpretation of the character.

 

[dungparker]

The ones on ebay are stolen. If you buy them I have no respect for you.

If you want the nice files, support the original artist who made them. No exceptions. You can buy Orhadar's files here on the rpf or at GunheadDesign.com

you draw the web line using Pigma Micron, so how didd you wash the suit, does the paint go away

 

[Lunaman]

you draw the web line using Pigma Micron, so how didd you wash the suit, does the paint go away

You hand wash gently in the sink. It's not paint, it's archival ink, so no, it doesn't go away.

 

[Neoproks]

You hand wash gently in the sink. It's not paint, it's archival ink, so no, it doesn't go away.

Hey Luna, fantastic build here, don't know if I ever expressed it, but I sure do think it on numerous occasions, your suit is one of my favorites and one of the best. It also amazes me how you answer the same repeated questions time and time again without pulling your hair out :lol. You're definitely a stand up guy, my friend.

Anyway, on a relevant topic, I have heard from several suit owners that they hand wash their suits in the sink, but I was wondering, what do you personally use to wash it with? Ie: Laundry Detergent, dish soap, using a sponge, etc.


Edit: And while I'm already asking, what do you wear under your suit? Mine isn't completely finished still, but I've gone out a few times with the mask tucked away and I've just been wearing multiple pairs of under armor shorts. I think I'll be getting a dance belt for an upcoming con. Do you wear anything on your upper body as well? Been thinking about that myself recently.

 

[Lunaman]

Hey Luna, fantastic build here, don't know if I ever expressed it, but I sure do think it on numerous occasions, your suit is one of my favorites and one of the best. It also amazes me how you answer the same repeated questions time and time again without pulling your hair out :lol. You're definitely a stand up guy, my friend.

Anyway, on a relevant topic, I have heard from several suit owners that they hand wash their suits in the sink, but I was wondering, what do you personally use to wash it with? Ie: Laundry Detergent, dish soap, using a sponge, etc.


Edit: And while I'm already asking, what do you wear under your suit? Mine isn't completely finished still, but I've gone out a few times with the mask tucked away and I've just been wearing multiple pairs of under armor shorts. I think I'll be getting a dance belt for an upcoming con. Do you wear anything on your upper body as well? Been thinking about that myself recently.

Haha, thanks man. I just use a bit of laundry detergent.
I used to wear multiple under armor shorts, but these days I wear just one pair of compression shorts with thin foam insert that smooths everything out.
Depending on the temperature I sometimes wear an underarmor shirt on the upper body. It's a balancing act because these suits can get very warm when it's hot out and fairly cold when it's cold out.

 

[morbius666]

Hey Lunaman! Hope all is well!

If you don't mind, I have a few questions:

When you were going over the web lines using markers, did you draw over the line once, and then repeat that once or twice? Or, did you go back and forth as you drew over the line in little segments with your wrist? I hope I made that clear, it reads quite confusingly!

You mentioned that you used flexible backing while doing so, and used your thigh etc. When you say, flexible backing, what exactly do you mean? any pics of that?

Did you stretch out the fabric much when you were drawing over the lines?

I believe TJack sent me fully completed frames - is it still possible to adjust their curve? In your guide, you had the wire mesh part separate from the outer lens, so you were easily able to adjust them via heat.

Finally, just how necessary is the faceshell for getting the curve of the lenses identified and adjusted? I don't have one and i'm not sure if I can afford one between college and bills etc

Thank you for your amazing contributions!

 

[morbius666]

The ones on ebay are stolen. If you buy them I have no respect for you.

If you want the nice files, support the original artist who made them. No exceptions. You can buy Orhadar's files here on the rpf or at GunheadDesign.com

Well said. This is why, after researching testimony as much as I could, I opted to buy my workout program (TSC Heart of a Champion Program) instead of just downloading it for free like a lot of people have. When someone spends so many painstaking hours into creating something for your benefit, it's your obligation to support them so they can keep doing it.

 

[Lunaman]

Hey Lunaman! Hope all is well!

If you don't mind, I have a few questions:

When you were going over the web lines using markers, did you draw over the line once, and then repeat that once or twice? Or, did you go back and forth as you drew over the line in little segments with your wrist? I hope I made that clear, it reads quite confusingly!

You mentioned that you used flexible backing while doing so, and used your thigh etc. When you say, flexible backing, what exactly do you mean? any pics of that?

Did you stretch out the fabric much when you were drawing over the lines?

I believe TJack sent me fully completed frames - is it still possible to adjust their curve? In your guide, you had the wire mesh part separate from the outer lens, so you were easily able to adjust them via heat.

Finally, just how necessary is the faceshell for getting the curve of the lenses identified and adjusted? I don't have one and i'm not sure if I can afford one between college and bills etc

Thank you for your amazing contributions!

Hi, thanks for the kind words.

The web lines are a little thicker than the pen line in most sections and substantially thicker in a few key areas (like the shoulders and the borders between the colors) so when darkening them I would go back and forth over one small section at a time until it was fully saturated, then move on to the next small section. Like any drawing activity, it's safer to generate the back-and-forth motion from your shoulder or whole arm as a unit, rather than from the wrist directly, or you risk a repetitive stress injury to your wrist.

By 'flexible backing' I meant anything like a spare piece of cardstock that keeps the ink from staining anything on the other side of the fabric. Whenever I drew over my knee or my thigh without a backing, I would end up with weblines on my skin. No pics, sorry, if there were any, they would just show some postcards with pen lines in every direction.
The backing was also helpful because my suit was already sewn when I decided to darken it, so I couldn't just lay the suit out flat and draw on it without risking the ink getting on the second layer of fabric. If I were to do the project again I would darken the lines before sewing, when the process would be much simpler.

As I've answered earlier in the thread, I didn't stretch the fabric out very much while darkening--the ink is just a coloring agent, so it doesn't need to be pre-stressed like puff paint. Stretching the fabric a bit does make the lines a little bigger and easier to draw on, however (and easier to check if you've saturated the color all the way: when the fabric is relaxed it's not as easy to see where you've drawn and where you haven't. When stretched it's very easy).

As I've already said a few times, the face shell is not completely necessary, I don't even wear one under this suit, but you do need an appropriately domed surface upon which to curve the eyeframes. You can either make your own (sculpt out of clay, whatever), buy a generic mask to curve with, or get a proper faceshell. Faceshells are also necessary if you want to use magnetic attachments with your lenses.
Also, most people's faces won't look like the classic comic book shape under the lycra unless they have a faceshell. My face has very angular bone structure, so it looks similar to the shell when fabric is stretched over it, but this is the exception, not the rule. I'm using a faceshell with my next suit to take some pressure off of my nose and allow me to utilize magnetic lenses.

If your lens frames are already curved and assembled as a unit, I don't think the curve can be easily adjusted because the heat involved might damage the lens layer and glue. However, TJack ships his eyes unassembled and flat for this reason.
I can't imagine he'd randomly send you pre-assembled lenses, unless you specifically requested them and purchased a faceshell from him that he matched them to. Um, how can you 'believe' the lenses are completed? It should be immediately apparent whether or not they are complete if they are from TJack.

 

[morbius666]

Thanks so much for the replies Luna!

I read your main post and I didn't realise you'd made other little posts too in the thread - I guess being busy (or trying to look that way) at work made me miss some details of your points!

I had the frames delivered to my parents' address so I haven't seen them yet, as my apartment mail system is crazy unreliable - I had just assumed the lenses were assembled as I think you'd mentioned that you requested Tjack to have yours separated.

Thanks again, I really appreciate the time you've taken to help out

 

[Lunaman]

Thanks so much for the replies Luna!

I read your main post and I didn't realise you'd made other little posts too in the thread - I guess being busy (or trying to look that way) at work made me miss some details of your points!

Haha, sure!
I mean, it's my thread, I try to keep it updated as best as I can. Wouldn't just write the first post and disappear.

I had the frames delivered to my parents' address so I haven't seen them yet, as my apartment mail system is crazy unreliable - I had just assumed the lenses were assembled as I think you'd mentioned that you requested Tjack to have yours separated.

Yea, no, having the pieces separated was Tjack's idea and his default shipping method--flat lenses ship faster and cheaper and can be adjusted to each individual mask.

Thanks again, I really appreciate the time you've taken to help out

Welcome.
I try to help out when I can. It's not always feasible since I get a lot of messages about basic stuff every day, but I try to at least have this thread be full of information so people can read and refer back to it.
Cheers.

 

[cha0tic]

Hey Luna I know this is such a weird question, but what do you wear under the suit?
Would you wear lets say shorts and a t shirt? And that raises a concern, what would you wear so it won't show through the suit?

 

[Lunaman]

Hey Luna I know this is such a weird question, but what do you wear under the suit?
Would you wear lets say shorts and a t shirt? And that raises a concern, what would you wear so it won't show through the suit?

I wear underarmor boxer briefs and occasionally an underarmor compression shirt if it's cold out. These garments are low-profile lycra and don't show seams very easily.
Even better for the lower body would be a dance belt, as used by professionals, which is made to show no seams or edges beneath the costume.

 

[cha0tic]

I wear underarmor boxer briefs and occasionally an underarmor compression shirt if it's cold out. These garments are low-profile lycra and don't show seams very easily.
Even better for the lower body would be a dance belt, as used by professionals, which is made to show no seams or edges beneath the costume.

Alright thanks a lot!