Hit Girl Cosplay for San Diego Comic Con 2010

After much debate with my fellow nerd friend – Smalls – we determined that Cosplay (or costume play or “dress up in costume”) for the 2010 San Diego Comic Convention International was out of the question for us. We didn’t want to bother with packing the costuming in our luggage, wrangling with it at the convention and suffering the heat/utter exhaustion of having pictures taken all day or whatever other hell is endured by cosplayers at conventions. I’ve never dressed up before, and feel like at the ripe old age of 27 – it might be far too late. 

Smalls agreed to the majority of these things and we made a verbal pact not to dress up. 

All that changed over drinks (and a second viewing of Kick-Ass) this last Saturday night, and it looks like we will now both be donning some manner of costume at least one day of our Comic Con experience. Erin decided on a Merlotte’s Bar and Grill T-Shirt, black shorts and shoes – the essential Sookie Stackhouse waitress outfit. 

Hey Smalls, the green apron and ponytail really complete the look.

Of course she only divulged this to me after I announced that I intend to put together a Hit Girl costume – most likely the movie version. I know, it’s 1/10 shame mixed with 9/10’s glee. I’ve declared quite openly that Hit Girl/Mindy McCready is my comic book doppelganger. We share the same name! It is fate! Now, how to go about adapting a costume designed for an 11-year-old, into something that can be easily pulled off by a 27-year-old who weighs twice as much and is at least 8 inches taller. Hmph. 

I figure the two most important ingredients to getting this costume right is the Purple Bob Wig which you can find on EBay if you search “purple cosplay bob wig” or check out this shop owners merchandise: 

 

And the Black Bandit Mask: 

 

Otherwise – who is going to recognize Hit Girl in the throng of thousands of other costumes? 

Another looming and quite costly element is the leather…there is so much purple leather. I’m not adept at sewing, or interested in paying anyone $$$ to sew an entire leather costume NOR am I compelled to spend a July day in Southern California tramping around in a full suit. The best option is to piece meal it together. I love the look of the upper body – and *wish* I was willing to fork out $80 for a bullet-proof vest. 

I’ll settle for this removable pleather jacket instead: 

 

The hood unzips, and there’s built in hooks for the utility belt. Also – how cool does it look? I would and will absolutely add this piece to my wardrobe. 

Next most important piece was a purple plaid skirt. Remarkably easy to find on the internetz: 

 

Another important accessory item includes gloves: 

And of course – the utility belt. Gonna buy an adult Batman belt, spray-paint it pink and add the HG lettering: 

 

The other items I’ll need – black boots, black leggings, and black cape are already in my wardrobe. Not even gonna attempt to find purple pleather pants. I might include purple knee pads to add some color to that area. 

I figure I might be able to pull off the entire look for under $100. 

IF I have the cojones to pull it off – a few things dissuading me…the character is 11-years-old and there is a bit of a weird sexualization happening if I don the costume – right? Cause I’ve got woman parts – hips and breasts. Well, this lady has already done it. My costume wouldn’t be nearly as revealing:

Hit Girl grows up?

I’m not clear if this kind of manipulation of the original article is appropriate or not in the cosplay handbook. Is there a handbook? Are there rules for what the geek world will deem worthy or correct alterations?

Also – not sure if I want to use our spending money to purchase the costume, especially when Dan’s been patiently requesting superhero shirts for the convention AND we’ve put a considerable sum towards the phoenix tattoo already, in preparation for it’s unveiling at the event. 

I’d love to get some feedback – should I represent Hit Girl as a woman? Would the money be better spent on more nerd shirts for my DH?