Costume Design Forum IV

[Acroyear]

And you thought CDF III was a terror on wheels. I present CDF IV! And for the curious, I count in roman numerals well in the multiple thousands...plz ph34r. kthnx

As always, even if you have no comments to share... please vote. Poll leader gets the most attention. These designs are the sketchiest of the sketchy. The goal here is to figure out the design before we make it look slick and put too much time into it.

Some of the colors may seem a little wild in this one... so feel free to say stuff like "#5 but in red" and feel free to play mix-n-match parts or invent new ones - "I like #2 but think Iron Man style gauntlets would look better there" or whatever.

Ordinarily, I'd include a more spandex-armor look as at least one choice... but it seems the bulkier look gets more of a thumbs up, so we're ditching that for now.

Here's our latest submission:
I'm going to call him Annihilator and he's going to be a dotcom millionaire that purchased a suit of Powered Armor because he thought it would be fun. I'm thinking a skull motif, maybe making the breast plate look like a skull (If you know who Gaiking is, something like that). Other than that, I'm open to suggestions.

If you don't kow who Gaiking is, here's a picture...
http://www.cooljapanesetoys.com/images/inthenews/0210/07gaiking_l.jpg

Design notes:
I tried a variety of skull chest looks but figured that since this suit is bought, rather than built, our rich villain would insist on a certain level of aesthetic value. I also wanted to stray from some of our Surge designs... these did not come from the same builder.

This time around I presented the same design twice but with different colors, since it can make a huge difference. And, yes, the design of the purple guy's helmet is inspired by a Palladium product I've seen.

This time around I'm going to wait for a set number of votes before I start making revisions. CDFIII taught me that lesson ;)

<img src="http://herogame.dans.cust.servlets.net/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=27866">

[Enforcer84]

I like 4, 2, and 1 in that order. But I think he would suffer if it was merely a golden version of 1 an 2

[Enforcer84]

BTW I used to have Mazinger. I miss him

[Dynamo]

I like the chestplate and gauntlets from #4, the skull-themed epaulets and helmet from #2 (specifically #2; these should be white, bone-white if possible), and everything from the thighs down from #1 or #2, unifying the color scheme with the chestplate and gauntlets, something to complement the color of the skulls.

I like the external cables, it's something I'd do with some artwork for my favorite armored character (if I could #$%$#ing draw, that is :rolleyes: ), but it just doesn't go with the background. No one commissions armor with OAFs. :)

[Hermit]

I like 1 and 2 in about that order. :) but they ALL look good... well, except for that last one. And that's just because of the colors. They don't work for me.

[Acroyear]

Originally posted by Dynamo
I like the external cables, it's something I'd do with some artwork for my favorite armored character , but it just doesn't go with the background. No one commissions armor with OAFs. :)

Buyer beware! lol

They don't have to be OAF, of course. This is comic books... ;) Actually, the inspiration for those was, uh, some blue and white guy from an Iron Man comic like 15 years ago. I wanted to say Marauder, but that was the black biker in Team America, wasn't it? Funny the odd things you remember or mis-remember

And I didn't use a drop of blue on any of em...

Enforcer, I had a SW Mazinger, too. Now I have the Soul of Chogukin (sp?) one which is double dipping rock-n-roll on an unbroken chip (also have some more in that line, including the Gaiking). I still have my big SW Raideen.

[Enforcer84]

The Mauler Armor is what you are looking for.


as to the Shogun Warriors. WAAAAHHH

[Acroyear]

Originally posted by Enforcer84
as to the Shogun Warriors. WAAAAHHH

Check it out...
http://store6.yimg.com/I/animequest_1729_9730708

Shooty arms and everything... woohoo

That's actually the "low end" one. Mine has more hands and other goodies.

[Enforcer84]

Dang it, my jealousy requires that I hate you now...

[Dynamo]

Originally posted by Acroyear
Buyer beware! lol

They don't have to be OAF, of course. This is comic books... ;)Oh, they're OAF all right. You may not think so, but he's a villain, so some punk writer with no respect for your character will need some way for his under-powered, angsty teen hero to believably defeat Mr Dangly Bits, and the next thing you know... warranty claim.

[Bazza]

A#1 with the red/black looks 'off putting' to me. But the same elements from A#2 I like.

I voted for A#2. I like the black/white theme with a slight red and grey theme best. Also like the brestplate design, the skull shoulder pads, and the facial mask. It has the 'death' / 'bone white' appeal going for it.

A#3 looks good but I like A#2 (and A#1) and A#4 better. I like the shoulder pads here. I would place these shoulder pads second on my list, the ones from A#2 are #1 on my list and A#4 third.

I nearly voted for A#4. I like this design just behind A#2. I like the gauntlets here over all other designs and also like the brestplate design, the facial mask and shoulder pads. I don't like the wires connecting the shoulder-pads to the gauntlets. This one reminds me most of "Iron Man". If I had a second choice for facial mask, I'd choose this one, as it is more discrete, like the brestplate design.

A#5 looks like a clown and a parody of the idea; like a villian was on a budget, went into a second-hand store and got ripped off. In other words "blugh".

Acroyear, can I get one to go? :)

[MisterD]

I would avoid number 4.

Looks like he might damage something if he sat down.

[Lord Liaden]

You have some real grabbers here, Acroyear. I am really liking #4: it's a great blend of the skull motif with hi-tech elements. The skull-and-bones look of #s 1 and 2 are a little overdone IMHO. And you have a good balance of bright with black elements in #4.

I would suggest redoing it in the white and grey of #2, though. I'd also suggest lengthening the knee guards into upward fangs matching the ones on the chest plate; that would make it look like the skull had really wide-open jaws. And I'd like to see those little glow-dot eyes in the mask - I'm a fan of little glow-dot eyes. :D

[Lord Liaden]

Originally posted by MisterD
I would avoid number 4.

Looks like he might damage something if he sat down.

LOL!

Judging by the segmented belt, I think those fangs could be hinged.

But hey, a villain named "Annihilator" should be in a bad mood. And that would get him there. :p

[urbwar]

#2 and #4 rank best to me.

However, I like the skull design of #5. I also like the gauntlets for #5. The color puts me off though.

You were right though. This is the wildest of the lot! You went all out this time, didn't you?

[winterhawk]

Wow...this one really blows me away...Go Nagai would be proud!

I'm going to say #2 with the helmet of #4.

[Acroyear]

Originally posted by Dynamo
Oh, they're OAF all right. You may not think so, but he's a villain, so some punk writer with no respect for your character will need some way for his under-powered, angsty teen hero to believably defeat Mr Dangly Bits, and the next thing you know... warranty claim.

Yeah, well, Shatterstar stabbed Juggernaut in the eye and made him bleed so, uh... there!

[Shadow Dancer]

I've watched these threads with interest and jealousy!<lol> I've done a few pices myself, but I'm nowhere this good.

This one finally has something that i can comment on..

I voted for #2. I do prefer the chest plate from #4, but couple that with the rest of 2 and the white/gray color i think would even this out a bit... give it the villanous look coupled with the techno of armor.. the fangs of #4 might be a bit much though.

[Kevin Scrivner]

I prefer the understated skull motif of #4. The skull epaulets and mask from #1 and #2 look too Power Ranger-ish to me.

[SuperBlue]

I liked 2's design and color scheme, but would look better with 4's head

[Karma]

No 3 but change the colours, yeesh. the first two look like Teminator ripoffs.

[majorvictory]

Gotta go completely opposite of Winterhawk. I like No. 4 with No. 2's faceplate.

[Acroyear]

Here's some revisions based on feedback (mostly seems to be mix-n-match between 2 & 4).

I did most of the color in white, but left some color in one just to see how it looked.

[Lord Liaden]

Number 2 is just what I was thinking of, and it looks as cool as I expected.

Number 3 would be my second choice; it still looks a little too fantasy-like rather than super-scientific, but the helmet eliminates one of that plethora of skulls, which I think is too repetitive on #s 1 and 3.

[urbwar]

Originally posted by Acroyear
Here's some revisions based on feedback (mostly seems to be mix-n-match between 2 & 4).

I did most of the color in white, but left some color in one just to see how it looked.

Ok,

I like the way #2 is coming along, but I do prefer the skull shoulderpieces. I would also think that #4 would look cool with the glowing eye helmet from #2. #1 with the helmet from #2, and take out the gold (for some reason, it doesn't look right being only partially gold) would be cool.

I think #4 would make good armor for for this guy's goons (if he had any)

[winterhawk]

#3 with red eyes is right on the money!

[tmutant]

Revision 4. The original #4 with a skull faceplate and in black and white. Very cool.

[Acroyear]

Well, we have a couple pretty darn close in the poll. I didn't think it would be so close, really :)

Here's a little more mix and match from rev1.

[Enforcer84]

I'm torn between 1 and 4. The upper body is perfect, I just can't decide which of the two lower bodies I like best.

[urbwar]

Originally posted by Acroyear
Well, we have a couple pretty darn close in the poll. I didn't think it would be so close, really :)

Here's a little more mix and match from rev1.

Ok, I love #1. However, I'm thinking maybe the gauntlet design of #3 fits better for the overall look. Now that I see the skull shoulders with the gauntlets with the wires, I'm thinking the arm part of the gauntlets for #3 might go better with suit #1. I prefer the hand part of the gauntlets of #2/#4 though.

Does that make any sense?

[Lord Liaden]

I'm afraid I'm going to be of little use past this point. For me #2 of revision 2 is pretty much perfect - suggestively threatening without being as explicit in its symbolism as the others, and looking more like technology. #2 and #3 represent different esthetics, and the more of #3 that's added onto #2, the less I like it.

If I had to make a second choice, I'd vote for #4. It's the least compounded, and I can live with the skull shoulder armor.

Regardless, your visualisations with these are really striking and well-executed, Acroyear. Thanks for sharing them. :cool:

[majorvictory]

No. 4 on revision 1 pretty much hits the mark with me, although the cables looked pretty cool. Liked the gold a little better.:D

[Bazza]

Originally posted by Lord Liaden
If I had to make a second choice, I'd vote for #4. It's the least compounded, and I can live with the skull shoulder armor.
Well I'm going the opposite of you Lord Liaden. Of revision 2, I vote for number 4 but could live with number 2. I can see some extra special weaponry in those skull shoulderpads.

For example the eyes. In the eyes I can see some lasers shooting out of them, not just straight the direction the face is facing but all points of the compass. An lasers is only just the start. Each skull shoulderpad could be it's own "utlilty belt" as well.


Regardless, your visualisations with these are really striking and well-executed, Acroyear. Thanks for sharing them. :cool:
I agree, thanks, Acroyear. You really is a talanted artist.

Onwards to number 5. :)

[KawangaKid]

I really like number FOUR! But all of them are cool. I like the red eyes contrasted against the black and White. Creepy...

[death tribble]

I like No 2

[Acroyear]

Mowahahahaha! Not even -I- can make JarJar seem cool. We'll leave that to Hermit's Bikini Design Forum (starring William "The Fridge" Perry).

I'll see if I can polish something up this evening. Maybe we'll get a strong leaning one way or another on the revisions when all is said and done (or I'll have to hybrid more...somehow).

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Acroyear
Mowahahahaha! Not even -I- can make JarJar seem cool. We'll leave that to Hermit's Bikini Design Forum (starring William "The Fridge" Perry).


I think Ben has already claimed if I put it up, he'll delete that thread... if he hasn't claimed that, he should :)

[death tribble]

Just to say hat I prefer the helmet design from the original no 1 and 2 than the current revision design which has helmet from No 4.

[SuperBlue]

I liked Number 3 from the 1st Revision, but with the red eyes is cool too.

[Dynamo]

I really like the skull-themed helmet, but the helmet featured on all the rev2 examples just rocks on toast. And perhaps skull-themed chestplate, helmet and epaulets was overdoing it a trifle.

I'd like to see rev2 #3 with the plain epaulets from rev2 #2 and/or rev2 #2 with the chestplate from rev2 #3.

[Supreme]

Wow. These are some good designs, Acroyear. Not just Annihilator, but all of them. Anyway, I prefer #2 overall. If the skull part isn't in white (or ivory) then it loses its skull theme. And if the rest isn't in black, then it isn't spooky. My only criticism of your designs is that I would prefer them to be simpler. Simple is more iconic IMHOS (In My Humble Opinion Supreme).

[MisterVimes]

Revision 2, #2... you nailed it

[Lord Liaden]

Man, Acroyear, I can't see sifting a concensus out of all these diverse opinions and suggestions. :confused:

Maybe you should start another poll? :rolleyes:

[Acroyear]

Originally posted by Lord Liaden
Man, Acroyear, I can't see sifting a concensus out of all these diverse opinions and suggestions. :confused:

Don't underestimate my zen mastery... I can't even read, I do all my typing by zen.

[Kevin Scrivner]

Revision 2, No. 2, but with the boots from No. 1

[Lord Liaden]

Did we kill the CDF? :(

[Enforcer84]

Surely we just maimed it. He will have another revision...right?

[Brutal]

those guys sure got tiny feet, Its a wonder they can stand upright at all! ;)

[Acroyear]

Sorry, guys... the little lady's video card went kablooey (so I've been letting her play her MMORG on my PC) until payday so we can replace hers.

I do have my final proposal prepped and waiting on a little polish. His name is Andrzej. No, no, not someone short from poland... polish, as in to make it shiny.

After that, I'll probably send out a couple more invites to add to the ones still floating out there for future CDFs.

Brutal... take it up with Mr. Timm ;)

[Acroyear]

I had a little time, so here's the first final proposal here.

I'll might have another one with the different torso coming, too, as that style is more of the poll leader, but the last revisions had the most positive remarks about #2 & 4 which is the torso design shown here.

Or... maybe we're done?

[Enforcer84]

Wow, that is cool. Good job team!

[Alex Raven]

As always, pics look good. Number two is my current fave in the original presentation. I agree with Kawanga Kid. Red eyes on the stark B & W look best.

[Lord Liaden]

Beautifully rendered, Acroyear. Obligatory LL nitpick :o : since so much of the detail work on the armor is in white and grey, the shadow that you've added for effect kind of blurs the lines of the armor. I think a little less of that would make for a clearer image.

[death tribble]

It looks nasty.

I would have preferred the skull helmet but I seem to be in the minority.

[Bazza]

Congrats Acroyear, and to the lucky person who gets to use it. He / she says Annihilator to me. Ouch!

[urbwar]

Originally posted by Acroyear
I had a little time, so here's the first final proposal here.

I'll might have another one with the different torso coming, too, as that style is more of the poll leader, but the last revisions had the most positive remarks about #2 & 4 which is the torso design shown here.

Or... maybe we're done?

Wow. Now this one looks significantly more menacing! I think you hit it right on target with this one. He looks pretty impressive

[Acroyear]

Originally posted by Lord Liaden
Beautifully rendered, Acroyear. Obligatory LL nitpick :o : since so much of the detail work on the armor is in white and grey, the shadow that you've added for effect kind of blurs the lines of the armor. I think a little less of that would make for a clearer image.

I agree. I'll see about lightening it up some.

[winterhawk]

Originally posted by Bazza
Congrats Acroyear, and to the lucky person who gets to use it. He / she says Annihilator to me. Ouch!

Time to fess up...I commissioned this one (althought I have a feeling some of you knew that). I was really struggling with this character and Acroyear is really good at drawing tech.

Can't say I'm crazy about the final proposal for the single reason that I don't like the breastplate. I think it looks too feline, but I already snagged the version I liked a couple of revisions back. Thanks to all, this was a fun one!

[Acroyear]

There's a second final proposal in the works with the other style breastplate, WH. That design is the poll leader, after all. I just had limited time this week :)

[winterhawk]

Originally posted by Acroyear
There's a second final proposal in the works with the other style breastplate, WH. That design is the poll leader, after all. I just had limited time this week :)

OK cool!

[winterhawk]

...hoping Acroyear notices :p