Statesman from City of Heroes

[Yrien]

Wow, I'm really glad I've never dealt with them (and never will, after what I've read on here!). That's pretty terrible service. Are you going to work with what you've got, or try to find a better company?

Someday I might cosplay as my main character (from Paragon City Search and Rescue, on the Infinity server), but it's currently way beyond my sewing skill level!



A few years ago, at FanExpo in Toronto (it was actually the week before the game was cancelled) I saw this person dressed as her character and got SO excited! I've actually used most of those costume pieces myself and it was amazing to see them in "real life". And then I got home from the con and within days they cancelled the game.



I love finding more COH fans, though. What a great community - I miss it

 

[Todogut]

Are you going to work with what you've got, or try to find a better company?

I'm planning to wear the ZZ costume to Wizard World Comic Con in Philadelphia on May 9th. I would like to improve the bodysuit, and I am looking into a few options... one, in particular, looks promising and exciting; but, I don't wanna talk about it until everything lines up.

... my main character (from Paragon City Search and Rescue, on the Infinity server)

Neat looking character. I played almost exclusively on the Infinity server.

 

[Yrien]

I can't wait to see this finished version, and the future improved one!

She's wearing what we affectionately called the "creamsicle" uniform - the "official" uniform of PCSAR. We were a supergroup of Empaths, who would fly around various zones healing, buffing, and rezzing as necessary (when we weren't in missions!). It was actually a lot of fun to patrol and help out. I particularly liked helping the lowbies when they got in over their heads.

And I had a lot of alts, lol. By the time the game ended, I was over a hundred characters. My PCSAR toon was only one of two 50s because of that!

 

[DHGamerMR]

I'm planning to wear the ZZ costume to Wizard World Comic Con in Philadelphia on May 9th. I would like to improve the bodysuit, and I am looking into a few options... one, in particular, looks promising and exciting; but, I don't wanna talk about it until everything lines up.

I'll be there so I'll have to keep an eye out for you!

 

[Todogut]

I'll be there so I'll have to keep an eye out for you!

Cool, see you there! (If you're there on Saturday... I am attending only on Saturday.)

The programming of events is still being filled in (with lots of "To Be Announced") but what has been announced sounds fun: http://www.wizardworld.com/programming-philadelphia.html

 

[DHGamerMR]

I'll be there all four days

 

[Todogut]

To get my Statesman costume ready for Wizard World Comic Con in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which was held this past weekend, I made some alterations to the hood.



As shown in the left side of the image, the hood, which was made by Zentai-Zentai.com of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, was misshapen and ill-fitting. The right side shows the improved hood. I glued a Halloween eye mask to the inside of the eyes and nose area, which provided support and shape. Additionally, my dear mother assisted by taking in two seams on either side of the head. Thanks, mom!

Here is a photo from the Wizard World Facebook page showing Statesman at the con:



For me, one of the highlights was meeting cosplayer Jason Evans (https://www.facebook.com/xmanofsteelx), who attended in his Man of Steel costume. Here's how he looked as Superman along with his companion, Wonder Woman:



Among the crowd of con-goers, including many people dressed in costume, Jason didn't look like just another guy in a costume... he looked like Superman. Pretty awesome. It helps that he has the handsome looks and muscular build of a movie star. Jason remarked about how he wanted to wear his New 52 Superman costume; but, my understanding is he felt it wasn't quite ready.

Additionally, I attended a question and answer panel by Hayley Atwell, star of Agent Carter of SHIELD https://youtu.be/HJZaYWeZlYQ a cosplay panel hosted by Soni Aralynn https://www.youtube.com/user/sentaisuperchick and an interview panel with movie director Roger Corman.

I met several people who were City of Heroes players. A Wizard World staffperson, Damian Beurer (https://www.facebook.com/DamianJBeurer) (who is also host of the Super Power Beat Down videos https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6F730F85FA7C34C2), recognized Statesman. I was standing with the 149 other people who entered the costume contest while Damian shouted instructions to us before we went on stage, and he began to name characters in the crowd... he looked in my direction and announced, "We have Statesman here tonight!"

Alas, most people at the convention did not know who Statesman was. Several people remarked, they thought I was Magneto (because of the helmet).

Jason David Frank, who played the green/white ranger on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, was one of the judges for the costume contest along with two experienced cosplayers. Of course, the winners had really great costumes: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.875661242507006.1073741933.109848425754962&type=1

Overall, it was a fun experience; albeit rigorous due to the lengthy driving distance from my home.

Todo

 

[Todogut]

I would like to improve the bodysuit, and I am looking into a few options... one, in particular, looks promising and exciting; but, I don't wanna talk about it until everything lines up.

The stars have aligned.

I could have viewed the disappointing costume that Zentai-Zentai printed and sewed for me as a mock-up or prototype, learned from what's wrong with it, and worked to improve my pattern.

But, there comes a time when a fledgling digital artist must know his limitations... particularly one whose artistic sensibilities and talent are, putting it gently, pedestrian.

Hence, instead of trying to improve the pattern on my own, I commissioned an expert to make a pattern of the Statesman bodysuit for me... Orhadar of Gun Head Design http://www.gunheaddesign.com/



After seeing Orhadar's pattern, I knew I made the correct decision. His version is so much better than I could do. I'm excited to see it printed and sewn into a costume... which is in the works.

Todo

 

[Yrien]

I think your costume turned out really well! Thanks for sharing the pics. Putting the mask inside the hood was genius!

I am super excited to see your next version. Orhadar does spectacular work.

 

[Todogut]

Orhadar does spectacular work.

Yes, he does. And Orhadar was a pleasure to deal with--very responsive and collaborative.

Someone uploaded a video on YouTube showing the entire Philly costume contest: [video]https://youtu.be/61fYRD6rna0[/video]

Statesman appears at the 47:30 mark. Here are some screen captures:

 

[AJRand]

Hey another COH fan here! I was Ultimus

 

[AJRand]

I cosplayed as Statesman at the Wizard World Cleveland Comic Con in February 2015:

View attachment 471083

The bodysuit, cape, and boots were made by Zentai-Fan.com, which has an affiliated site, Herostime.com (and is a different company from Zentai-Zentai.com). I had a much better buying experience with Zentai-Fan.

Statesman's silver Spartan half-helmet was crafted by a skilled mask maker who goes by angelsrflammabl on the DeviantArt site: http://angelsrflamabl.deviantart.com/

I bought the belt from an online Army/Navy Surplus store and crafted the belt buckle out of EVA foam.

I bought the toy torch at Toys'R'Us: http://unclemilton.com/nat_geo/explorers_torch/

I created the new dye sublimation bodysuit in hopes of making the costume better. But, unfortunately, due to execution errors, not as big of an improvement as I would have liked.

I guess, it's back to the drawing board... or, in my case, back to Paint.NET.



Yes, I had read threads about resold patterns. Actually, I had private messaged with Orhadar of Gun Head Design, and he remarked about his situation with Zentai-Zentai.

Following your advice, I sent email to ZZ noting that my pattern should not be resold and the reasons why. (Not that they would want to sell my error-filled pattern; but, just to be clear.)

Totally awesome !!!

 

[Fonque]

Ditto another COH fan! My main character was Maiko but I also used to run one called the OAP Avenger (Old Aged Pensioner) in the interests of representing some heroes of a more veteran nature.

That Statesman looks fab!

 

[DHGamerMR]

A shame I didn't get to see you on Saturday. I was in and out of panels all day with my girlfriend though. Looks like you had a good time and certainly had a good look!

 

[Todogut]

Hey another COH fan here! I was Ultimus ... Totally awesome !!!

Thanks, AJRand!

Ditto another COH fan! My main character was Maiko but I also used to run one called the OAP Avenger (Old Aged Pensioner) in the interests of representing some heroes of a more veteran nature. ... That Statesman looks fab!

Thanks, Fonque!

It's cool to hear from more CoH fans!

A shame I didn't get to see you on Saturday. I was in and out of panels all day with my girlfriend though. Looks like you had a good time and certainly had a good look!

Yeah, DHGamerMR, sorry I missed meeting you at Wizard World Philly Con. The venue was like a big maze, so maybe it's not too surprising that we couldn't find each other. Glad to hear you and your girlfriend had a good time. Me, too!

ZentaiFan.com sent photos of the costume they printed and sewed for me from the pattern by Orhadar of Gun Head Design.



That's how the costume looks on a mannequin. It will be shipped to me in about a week or so.

Todo

 

[Todogut]

The FedEx tracking number provided by Zentai-Fan.com shows that my new Statesman bodysuit (featuring a pattern by Orhadar of Gun Head Design) has shipped from:
- the inland city of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China to
- the coastal city of Shenzhen, China near Hong Kong to
- Sennan Shi, Osaka Prefecture, Japan to
- Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America to
- the FedEx sorting facility in my home town, where it is scheduled for delivery to my door on Tuesday morning.

Now, all I have to do is wait patiently for Tuesday morning....

Todo

 

[Todogut]

Today the costume arrived from Zentai-Fan.



I'm thrilled! It looks great! The poor quality of my cell phone photos don't do it justice.

Hopefully, I'll get better photos when I wear the costume this weekend at Origins Game Fair in Columbus, Ohio.

The fit is tight, and putting it on or taking it off is like Houdini in a strait jacket. Still, the new suit is a huge improvement over my previous versions. Thanks to Orhadar of Gun Head Design for making the pattern and Zentai-Fan for printing and sewing the costume.

I've had two positive buying experiences with Zentai-Fan. I would do business with them again and recommend their services to others.

Todo

 

[trackboy186]

Count me as another CoH fan! The new suit looks great! Definitely cannot wait to see those photos!

 

[Todogut]

Hey, trackboy186. Your Mass Effect costume looks amazing. CoH fans everywhere, unite!

At Origins Game Fair this weekend, Statesman was number two!



That is, Statesman was awarded second place in the comic book category of the costume contest. Here is a link to a YouTube video showing the costume contest: https://youtu.be/xJeGN_1EIzE Statesman appears around the 6:30 mark.

The contest prizes were very generous, awarding cash and other goodies in five categories: fantasy, sci-fi, comic books, TV/movies, and children 12 & under. Statesman received $100 and a pass to next year's Origins convention -- hooray!

Todo

 

[Vox]

I searched for about 10 minutes trying to find a simple click-and-play CoH level up sound effect that I could put here, but to no avail. So I guess the only thing left to say is: Grats!

The costume looks awesome Todogut. Well done.