The picture below might well look like a frame from the Iron Man 2 movie, but in fact, it’s a picture of Coloradan Anthony Le wearing his $4,000 homemade Iron Man 2 costume of War Machine.
Anthony Le, 25, has been a fan of Iron Man since childhood. When he heard that the comic-book superhero was hitting the big screen in 2008, he was inspired to build his own Iron Man suit. Check out the video after the jump.
The Construction Process
The costume of War Machine took 1 month to build and was constructed from high-impact urethane that was cut and then riveted together with around 1,500 rivets. This material choice was crucial for achieving the durability and realistic look that Anthony desired. High-impact urethane is known for its strength and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for a costume that needs to withstand wear and tear while still looking impressive.
Details and Features
The helmet was sculpted from clay, and a liquid resin was used to create the final item. This method allowed for a high level of detail and accuracy, closely mimicking the helmet seen in the movie. Servo motors were added to operate the helmet’s faceplate, just like in the film, providing an authentic and functional touch to the costume. The use of servo motors is a testament to Anthony’s dedication to replicating the movie’s technology, as these motors allow for precise control and movement.
LEDs were added to the chest plate and helmet, enhancing the visual appeal and making the costume stand out, especially in low-light conditions. The rotary gun was created from pipes and another motor to provide the spinning motion, adding a dynamic and intimidating feature to the suit. This attention to detail not only makes the costume visually striking but also functional, as the spinning rotary gun mimics the weaponry seen in the movie.
Anthony’s dedication to his craft is evident in the meticulous construction and attention to detail in his War Machine costume. His work has inspired many other fans and hobbyists to pursue their own costume-building projects, demonstrating that with passion and creativity, it’s possible to bring fictional characters to life in a tangible and impressive way.
In addition to the War Machine costume, Anthony has also built other superhero costumes, each showcasing his growing skills and creativity. His work has been featured in various media outlets, and he has become a well-known figure in the cosplay community. Anthony’s journey from a fan to a skilled costume builder is a testament to the power of inspiration and the impact of popular culture on individual creativity.
For those interested in building their own costumes, Anthony’s work serves as a valuable resource and inspiration. His use of materials like high-impact urethane and liquid resin, combined with modern technology such as servo motors and LEDs, provides a blueprint for creating high-quality, realistic costumes. Whether for cosplay, Halloween, or just for fun, Anthony’s War Machine costume is a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication and ingenuity.
Via MAKE
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