Top Sci-Fi Characters to Cosplay – Other than Jedi

Luke SkywalkerWhether you’re an out and proud geek or a nerd in hiding, at some point you have probably donned a sci-fi costume. It’s almost as if cosplay (whether at a con or on Halloween) has become a rite of passage into geekdom. And it may surprise you to learn that some of the best cosplay costumes these days are sci-fi characters – with all of their bright colors and realistically cool gadgets. Who wants to wield nunchucks when you can have a laser-gun instead?

The widespread cosplay culture in Japan and Asia has led to the common misconception that the practice of dressing up as (and often adapting the behaviors of) characters is restricted primarily to anime and manga. However, this is entirely untrue since costume play actually originated within the US due to sci-fi fans who enjoyed role playing their favorite characters. The popularity of the practice has continued to grow, albeit more so in Asia, with the main difference being that US based cosplayers are likelier to choose characters from science fiction and fantasy fandoms. Live action series, renaissance, role-play games, and historical costuming are also fair game and popular at US cosplay conventions.

If you plan on standing out however, the best tactic is to avoid characters who are already over-represented. This means Luke Skywalker (or any jedi), Harry Potter, and Frodo Baggins, as well as any other well-known protagonists, should be out of the question – speaking as a former Princess Leia among many, you will not be remembered. So, the next time you go to dig up a costume for an event, skip the obvious and go for one these more unique sci-fi inspired ideas instead.

Sandworm from Dune – If you’ve got three or more people with you, the sandworm from Dune is a viable option. Using camel-colored fabric, some hula hoops and a bit of chicken wire to form the mouth opening, you can pull off this unusual but infamous sci-fi character.

Invisible Man – who hasn’t thought of being invisible before? This costume is simple to make: a trench coat, gloves, hat, scarf, and ace bandages make this a simple, yet off-putting costume. Make sure to wrap the ace bandages securely around your face, leaving only the eye holes. You can purchase a black skin suit if you would like to avoid any skin slippage.

Oogie BoogieOogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas – some burlap material and some haphazard black stitching make this an easy and effective costume. Double points if you can get friends to dress as Sally and Jack.

Sirius Black from Harry Potter – Another unique, yet easy costume to pull off. Torn, gray jacket, grey shirt and pants with black stripes colored on (you can use marker or fabric paint) and a cardboard cutout sign with his prisoner ID number from Azkaban prison.

The Observer from Fringe – Creep yet easy, the Observer requires white face powder, a gray suit, and a hat. Walk around blankly staring at people all day and your look is complete.

Arthur Dent from The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy – You already own the essentials needed to create the look of the famous book-to-movie lead. All you need is pajama pants, a plain tee-shirt, a robe, and a towel.

Jared the Goblin King from Labyrinth – A tan leather jacket, a ruffled open-necked shirt, tight pants and a cheap-o blonde wig will give you an accurate rendering of Bowie’s now iconic (and slightly notorious) role. You’ll score extra points for carrying a baby in striped pajamas! Luckily for you, thanks to an increased popularity following it’s release on video, the film starts to get rerun a lot this time of year and is readily available on demand from some providers like DirecTV and Netflix who, like many of us, can’t resist a little puppetry.

Doctor Who – Of course, you can’t go wrong with Doctor Who! The Doctor is a classic icon of sci-fi- recognizable by almost any generation. They’re also the easiest costumes to create. You probably have most of the pieces in your closet already. Black boots, dress pants, jacket, and vest along with a white shirt are the simple, but apparent pieces of Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor. A red bow tie and fez paired with a tweed jacket make up Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor and a blue suit with a long tan jacket creates the Tenth Doctor. If an older Doctor is more your thing, an exceptionally long scarf and a big floppy hat complete the Tom Baker look.

JoelSeason1Joel Gizmonics from Mystery Science Theater 3000 – A red jumpsuit with a checkerboard patterned patch instantly turns you into the MST3000 character. Carry a red gumball machine for added effect.

Many dedicated cosplayers become experts in the art of makeup and alterations in order to perfect costumes, but this fact shouldn’t intimidate anyone from joining in on the fun. A large number of costumes can be purchased online, and there are multitudes of helpful websites to assist with the basics of makeup and styling before an event. Plus, at the end of the day, cosplayers are there to share enjoyment of the genre – meaning no costumed friend will be turned away!

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Comments

  1. Sirius Black is one cool guy to cosplay, that’s for sure. Maybe next time, when an opportunity arises, I would really love to go as Sirius.. or Snape.

  2. Shaun Farrell says

    I can’t believe I haven’t gone as the Doctor, to something! I have the sonic screwdriver, and a couple trips to the Salvation Army could probably finish the look.

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