Vader costume upgrades- new pics 5/25/12

James Kenobi 1138

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• May 25, 2012

• #1

At least it's not another Iron Man build, right ?

I've been tweaking my Darth Vader costume over the years and I was going to just add some new pics to my Vader costume Thread but it's 4 years old so I decided to just start a new one.

Old Thread is here, has some build pics: http://www.therpf.com/f24/my-anh-vader-costume-lots-pics-34753/

As most people know, a Vader costume is never really finished. But I think I've got it in a good spot these days. There are still a few upgrades I'd like to make but I'm not sure I ever will.

I had made most of these upgrades before going to SDCC in 2010 but I suffered an epic costume fail that included breaking a tusk on the facemask. After a year or so doing nothing I repaired the tusk and now I've worn it to a few local area cons.

And a few short videos on me in the suit:
Darth Vader 2012 Dallas Sci-Fi Expo - YouTube
Darth Vader 'Force Choking' at Dallas Sci-Fi Expo 2012 - YouTube
Darth Vader at Dallas Comic Con 2012 - YouTube

 

Last edited: Jun 20, 2012

James Kenobi 1138

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• May 25, 2012

• #2

The breakdown of the parts are:
Facemask: fiberglass Don Post
Dome: angrywookiees from Italy
Armor: Larger 2008 GT version
Chestbox: Homemade from wood and leather, Russ parts, resin rockers, real buttons
Belt: homemade from Tandy blank, Russ boxes and buckle
Cod: Artisanprops
Shins: Vac-formed from ebay, sitharmor IIRC
Boots: Leather boots from Sportsman Guide
Leather body suit: Custom Props
Capes: Custom Props
Saber: Mostly an MR with a Larbel clamp

 

Last edited: Jun 20, 2012

James Kenobi 1138

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• May 25, 2012

• #3

 

animefan

Sr Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• May 25, 2012

• #4

wow that last photo is epic man!

 

clancampbell

Sr Member

• May 26, 2012

• #5

Looks fantastic and captures ANH Vader beautifully!

Rich

 

omel

Sr Member

• May 26, 2012

• #6

WOW! color me envious!!!thumbsup very nice...very nice indeed!

 

James Kenobi 1138

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• May 26, 2012

• #7

Thanks guys, it's really been a labor of love.

My wife's cousin is a big time photographer and I was planning on going to his studio for some nice costume shots, but since I've got an Efx Limited Vader helmet on order I decided to wait until it comes in and I can get photos with both my helmet and the Efx. I only wish I had a Legend.

I really love wearing this costume out to local shows because everyone really seems to like it and I will take hundreds of photos, especially with little kids who are meeting 'Darth Vader'. It's a ton of fun.

The down side is I have only been able to stay in costume for about 4 hours total before I have to either take a break or change back into street clothes.

Partially it's the heat and the heavy costume, mostly it's the inner boot lifts inside my boots. Barefoot I'm 5'8" but between the lifts and the height of the dome I come in at about 6'5" in costume.

This is a shot I did for fun. I set up a tripod and took 2 pictures from the exact same place/angle. One barefoot, the other in costume.

My feet would probably feel better without the lifts, but a short Vader looks odd and I just can't dig the platform disco shoes some Vaders use.

I built myself custom inner lifts after using commercially available ones. I usually wear a sixe 10 but the boots are size 14 to give me extra room for the lift.

 

James Kenobi 1138

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• May 26, 2012

• #8

I thought this one was neat:

From Daniel Brennan photography: Sci Fi Expo 2012 - Daniel Brennan Photography

 

James Kenobi 1138

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• May 28, 2012

• #9

I love shots like this, too cute.

It's great when kids love Vader and aren't scared.

 

Challenge64

New Member

• May 28, 2012

• #10

Awesome! Lots of nice info here - as I am now beginning my Vader journey!

 

Jaintly

Well-Known Member

• May 28, 2012

• #11

Hey, that's me in the TK armor in the photo of just you and a stormtrooper. Your Vader looked great in person. I love the ANH look more than any other version. My buddy and I had a great time at that Dallas Con. We're looking forward to next year!

 

James Kenobi 1138

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• May 29, 2012

• #12

Jaintly said:

Hey, that's me in the TK armor in the photo of just you and a stormtrooper. Your Vader looked great in person. I love the ANH look more than any other version. My buddy and I had a great time at that Dallas Con. We're looking forward to next year!

Click to expand...

Hey, great to see you here ! We must have had 50 pictures taken just inside the dealers room and that's the only one I could find online. Great trooper costume you've got there.

Were you at the North Texas Prop Party this February ?

 

Chicagovader

Sr Member

• Aug 5, 2012

• #13

Great Looking ANH Vader! I look forward to seeing the professional pics with the EFX helmet.

 

Jbfletchr

Active Member

• Aug 5, 2012

• #14

This is an amazing Vader! Great job.