Scyther Cosplay

[Retriever II]

Well, this is the most ambitious "art" project I've ever taken on, but starting with initial research and planning in February, I embarked on creating a full suit Scyther cosplay to bring to MAGFest and other cons.



I started the process with the Pokemon X/Y Scyther model uploaded at The Models Resource, and re-learned enough of Blender to break apart the pieces and rebuild them around a human model.

I exported those models and learned how to turn them into to-scale, printable papercraft projects with the Pepikura software.

I built those paper crafts, and then cut them back up again to make patterns.

I learned how to foam craft with EVA and upholstery foam.

I learned how to dye fabric.

I learned how to machine sew with Spandex. And cover terrible shapes with it.

I learned how to make fursuit eyes.

Lots of firsts in this project. Lots of R&D, both successful and not, which is why this project took me about 8 months to complete. But it was a pretty rad creative process to go through.



The wings gave me particular frustrations and challeneges towards the end. At 0.75 lbs each, they're not particular heavy, but they generate a lot of force when they're sticking out 3 feet.

I eventually settled on a design that would hold up to those forces and allow me to mount the wings in either a raised or lowered position (just need my handler to whip out a screwdriver). They can also swing back because they're hinged, just need to make some stoppers to keep them in a fixed position.



I put this costume through its first test run on Halloween by walking around with the downtown trick-or-treaters. Con floor should be even more fun. But man those feet are crazy hard to walk around in, mainly those claws. I'll have to work on that.



I've still got some work to do on it before con time, and there's a million things wrong with it, but I'm pretty thrilled without how all came together.

I'll come back with an update after I put this through its real test at MAGFest. There will at least be a great Pokemon photo shoot. I hope the Snorlax comes back!

[Mariotroid]

Wow. That's amazing!! You must have learned so much, and really expanded your creativity.

This is too awesome, I had to send this thread URL to a friend, it's too good.

[E-Man]

I'm impressed! You truly are a renaissance man!

[Retriever II]

I did some significant updating to Scyther after MAGFest (mostly due to breaking a wing). I ended up rebuilding the entire thorax, along with a new wing design. I finished this work in time for Connecticon 2019, and won best in show for craftsmanship.

[GeneralGuy]

This is seriously incredible, RII. It looks professionally made with the right anatomy, proportions and materials used. Great job!

[Lee]

That a very deserved award, thats incredible looking.

[Demonlemon]

that is fantastic

[VinnyVideo]

That is quite an awesome Scyther. When I first saw the picture where you're standing by the stairs, I thought it was a Pokemon Go AR shot!

Course clear! You got a card.