Post by Vek Eldar on Mar 26, 2005 2:40:50 GMT -5
This is an interesting question and one that I considered when putting my costume together last summer. The fact of the matter is that this is the only costuming I've really done since I was like 12. And the truth of the matter is this: this is a hobby that takes a lot of time and a lot of effort. I didn't even actually make the tunic and robe myself, but putting together the saber, getting the boots, making the belt and food capsules, coordinating with the seamstress, all of it took a lot of time and money and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I have had the misfortune of having jumped into Star Wars costuming at a fairly late stage. Prior to Dragon Con 2003, I had never been to a sci-fi convention, and it wasn't until this last year that I dressed up at one. But ever since this last summer when I got to wear it for three full days and meet and join the Assembly, I've been itching for opportunities to wear it. If nothing else, these costumes set us apart from all the other groups at the various cons: the Ghostbusters (when was the last Ghostbusters movie again?!), Space Marines, Trekkies, CanCan dancers, GI Joes, etc. When there are twelve of us all running around in costume brandishing our lightsabers, it's really hard for people to ignore us. And it helps that there will always be some little kid who will ask their parent to have a picture taken with "Obi-Wan."
Will Star Wars costuming drop off somewhat after Episode III? Absolutely, I have no doubt of that. But if anyone thinks that the 501st is going to cast aside their armor or that we Jedi costumers are going to dispense with our genuine wool robes and replica boots, they have another think coming. It really doesn't make much sense to say, "Well, it was fun while it lasted, but I think I'm going to tuck this $800 costume into a bin in the back of the closet."
I don't see the Lord of the Rings costumers setting their accoutrements aside. Someone who has shelled out the cash to make their own set of Sauron armor isn't going to let that piece of work just collect dust in a corner. Their trilogy has ended, and our saga is coming to a close. But just as the Aragorn costumer isn't putting down his ranger gear or General Hawke isn't getting rid of his beret, I will never lay down my lightsaber, so long as I have the chance to show off my hard work.
I have had the misfortune of having jumped into Star Wars costuming at a fairly late stage. Prior to Dragon Con 2003, I had never been to a sci-fi convention, and it wasn't until this last year that I dressed up at one. But ever since this last summer when I got to wear it for three full days and meet and join the Assembly, I've been itching for opportunities to wear it. If nothing else, these costumes set us apart from all the other groups at the various cons: the Ghostbusters (when was the last Ghostbusters movie again?!), Space Marines, Trekkies, CanCan dancers, GI Joes, etc. When there are twelve of us all running around in costume brandishing our lightsabers, it's really hard for people to ignore us. And it helps that there will always be some little kid who will ask their parent to have a picture taken with "Obi-Wan."
Will Star Wars costuming drop off somewhat after Episode III? Absolutely, I have no doubt of that. But if anyone thinks that the 501st is going to cast aside their armor or that we Jedi costumers are going to dispense with our genuine wool robes and replica boots, they have another think coming. It really doesn't make much sense to say, "Well, it was fun while it lasted, but I think I'm going to tuck this $800 costume into a bin in the back of the closet."
I don't see the Lord of the Rings costumers setting their accoutrements aside. Someone who has shelled out the cash to make their own set of Sauron armor isn't going to let that piece of work just collect dust in a corner. Their trilogy has ended, and our saga is coming to a close. But just as the Aragorn costumer isn't putting down his ranger gear or General Hawke isn't getting rid of his beret, I will never lay down my lightsaber, so long as I have the chance to show off my hard work.