I agree with a lot of what's been said here. And like Neon Sentry says, I'm torn as well.
Over on the Brotherhood of the Bat, there's a few guys who really shouldn't be in a Batman costume, whether it's rubber armor, and especially spandex. There's not only a physical obstacle, but an age one as well, that really needs to be considered before even attempting putting it on.
I'm not trying to sound like a snob or anything, especially since the BOTB IS mainly there to help others in fixing up a licensed suit, to make it more wearable or decent looking, as well as showing techniques on how to make your own. Yeah, a bunch of guys make and offer their custom/fan made pieces, which are FAR better than anything out there, and is fully appreciated by people like me, who have no desire to sculpt and mold a cowl themselves.
But at least make sure you'll look presentable while in the thing. Ya' know? I'm not saying I'm the epitome of Bruce Wayne (far from it), but I'm not THAT far off.
A Foamies Batsuit CAN be made to look pretty good... But even a professionally made, high quality set of armor, wrapped around a chubby-wub, looks good to no one. Not even to a little kid. It's like looking at the mouth breathing, milky white skinned fatties who put on a Leia Slave Bikini outfit.... Just. Don't.
I remember seeing a few local guys, where I live, who got dressed up for The Phantom Headache, in their FX Trooper gear. One of the guys stood out like a sore thumb, because you could tell that his buddies had used white duct tape to strap the 300 pounder into the armor, to the point of where his black bodysuit (some nylon/lycra suit), was BULGING out between the armor segments, that were on the very close verge of cracking wide open, form the stress of the guy.
That's not right.
As much fun as the guy must have had in it, by fulfilling a fantasy he had.... Just. Don't.
I can fully understand how a lot of folks (TMP included), who want to keep things a certain level of quality, as far as costume accuracy and quality go, as well as physical fitness, within that costume. I can fully understand and appreciate starting a group that has higher standards than other groups. As long as it isn't done in a way where one "group" never looks down upon or treats those who either don't fit that criteria or even WISH to fit that criteria.
I think the 300dc forum that Got Maul started, is exactly the right role model to use, in regards to treating people respectfully. It's a great site and they all have a wonderful focus that should be commended.
But then, so's the BOTB, for what it's for. It helps people who've always wanted to a Batman suit of their own, PLUS it also "nicely" passes on info about losing the gut, so you don't look more like "Fatman". :lol Sometimes the advice is taken well and if that info/advice goes in one ear and out the other, then so be it. At least they're having fun.
The 501st guys are obviously the elite Trooping group. And they're well within their right to have high demands. Or else you get the chubs that I mentioned earlier. A LARGE portion of the 501st guys I know of, are cool as could be and have nothing but the highest regard for others, who costume too.
But they sure DO have their share of bad eggs. :unsure Fortunately they seem to be the minority in the Garisson's. Except it seems because of them, that minority causes a stereotype that they're ALL conceited. Which is unfortunate, because of the charity work they do, is above and beyond all other groups in the world, who do that sort of thing.
I'd LOVE to put together a Predator or Vader suit. And I think those who know me, know I'd do the costumes as well as were done on film, at least. But I'd never attempt them, because not only do I not have the physique for it, but I'm only 5'-10" tall. That's okay for Iron Man or a Stormtrooper, but not Vader or a Pred. They need to be TALL. And I won't feel comfy wearing lifts or padding or anything.
I know plenty of other guys who do just that... They pad themselves up the ying-yang and jack up their height as much as possible and they look like they stepped right off the screen and you wouldn't ever notice.
But I'm more conscious of my own comfort, to even attempt that. Sweating for 12 hours in an Assassin's Creed costume is one thing. Doing that on stilts is another.
Aaaaannnnnd, that's my 2 cents.
lol:lol.
