Custom Comicon Armor
Recreating my Favorite Video Game character
Background
Genji is the cyborg/ninja character from the 2016 game, “Overwatch.“ I knew I wanted to go to NYC comic-con dressed as him, which meant I would have to design and build his intriquate armor.
Design
First, I had to design paper templates using 3D models found online. This involved hours upon hours of cutting pieces of cardstock and shapping them into armor on a mannequin.
The templates were then transferred to EVA foam . (The Same stuff gym mats are made of)
EVA foam is inexpensive, maluable, and easily glued together. The process of forming the armor took about two months.
Multi-tasking
When my friend mentioned that he would be going as McCree, a cowboy character from the same game, I offered to make his armor and robotic arm. Before I knew it, I had 2 costumes to make.
Painting
Next, the armor needed painting. Genji’s armor has 3 different metal colors, and a white gloss color.
Finishing touches
I used black, brown, and silver paint to add scratches and weathering to the armor. There was one last detail needed to finish the costume: Genji’s suit is covered in glowing green components. To simulate this, I used fluorescent green acrylic sheets, which glow in most lighting.
The Big Reveal
It looked just as I’d hoped it would! The only thing left for me to do was finish McCree’s robotic arm.
McCree’s arm was made from a costume glove and EVA foam.
I made the skull bracer from foam, using my friend’s arm as a template. I then made articulating robot fingers using leftover small pieces of foam.
Comic-Con Was a success! lots of overwatch fans asked us for pictures, and I even met peter griffin!
