"1939 Batman!" The Making of a Bat-astic Classic Cosplay!

A few years ago, I decided to create  a cosplay that you just never see...A "1939 Batman" cosplay! Click below to follow my progress! Click images below to enlarge!

Above images: It's Batman, in his first 1939 comic book appearance, by creators
Bob Kane and Bill Finger! This raw and startling look was what
I wanted to create in a cosplay!

Above two images: I wanted to craft a mask that resembled the original
first appearance of Batman, but also something that looked like
it was a more primitive appliance, made with what would have
been available in 1939! I used a black balaclava hood, with a pre-made
Batwoman mask, tricked out with long ears and added white mesh for the eyes!

Above two images: I wanted a unique early utility belt, one that
looked sorta primitive and retro, with a bit of an Art Deco feel.
This was made using foam strips and cut shapes, along with plastic liquid
storage tubes. Many coats of gold spray paint followed!

Above: The almost-final suit, using a painted military belt! Not quite...

Above: The finished suit, complete with custom belt! I designed the
bodysuit, and had it printed and sewn. Add custom-made trunks, and
two-sided cape (both made by a talented local seamstress), and "1939 Batman"
was ready to go!

Above: Sure, this early Batman wore purple short-gloves in the
comics, but I liked the black glove appearance! Note the purple highlights
on the gloves, as a nod to that early coloring!

Above: The black boots are the same ones I use with this Batman cosplay!

Above pic by Dayjavue.com

Above two pics by Brandon Hunter

Above: I created my own retro-looking ray-gun, using
a water gun and added foam decoration!

Above three pics by Thomas A. Davis

Above: Note the added belt loop for carrying the Bat ray-gun!

Pic by Iztok Umek

Above two pics by Dayjavue.com

Above four images by Iztok Umek

Above three images: I added these odd scalloped-edge gloves, to give
the costume and even odder, more bizarre feel. Note the long finger-claws!

 

Above images: A new 3D-printed "1939 Batman" cowl! It took
lots of sanding (and resanding) and painting (and repainting) to
get this up and running, but so worth it! Note how that
first printing came out way to large!

Above images: The new 3D-printed cowl works great! 
Much closer to the look of the early Batman!

Above: So honored to be the inspiration
for Australian artist Mark Ninness!

BAT-BONUS! Click below to see a fun and informative 

video about the making of this cosplay!