Last week, I was trying to get a Kylo Ren outfit together for WonderCon. When that plant fell to shit, I got the idea of trying out Jay Gerrick since it seemed simple enough. I already have a blue pair of pants, and this sort of red-ish shirt. How much more can a helmet be, as well as the parts to construct wings? Well, if you have spray paint and a helmet handy, not so much.
I’d say all in all, I spent $36 on this. The helmet was the most expensive, mainly because I chose one day shipping from Amazon. It’s a full-brimmed hard hat that I spray painted grey.
The wings are a little on the flimsy side, but that’s OK.
I liked the portrayal of Jay Gerrick on the CW Flash series, with the darker shade of red - jacket that he wore. That’s why I didn’t bother to get a brighter red top.
But back to the wings. I mainly went off on the design they used for Teddy Sears. They’re a little rough on the edges, but this was my first time cutting foam board, which wasn’t too bad and not too easy. From afar, they look great, but you can see how tacky they are up close.
I was planning on having the bolt done at those places where they airbrush for you. I spent all day today trying to find one, but didn’t. Then I remembered that people spray paint shirts. So I quickly made a stencil with tape and plastic bags and sprayed away. I feel it came out great which one upper section that didn’t come out quite right.
This project took me less than seven hours, I believe, split into two days. Maybe more if you count the time I spent playing around with wing sketches. This is a poor man’s take on a Jay Gerrick costume. I didn’t do this because it was “easy.” I really do like Jay Gerrick. The Flash in general is probably my favorite DC character (on par with Nightwing), but Jay’s Flash has an awesome look.
Earlier in the week, I did try to find a suitable jacket to use, but they were either too expensive, or not the right color.
Perhaps it’s the feeling of accomplishment that has me looking at this with a look of approval. Really, I don’t think it looks terrible. Can it be better? Yeah, but I take into consideration the time I spent to concoct this, and it’s as best as I’ll get it.
I’m going to use it this coming Friday at day one of WonderCon. My only worry is the wings. They’re held together by velcro. Glue wasn’t agreeing with the materials. I did some shake tests, and they’re holding, but bumping into people and crowds may do the trick to tip them over. And if the wings break off, that’s my only pair.
Oh yeah, I still feel a little spacey from the spray paint fumes.
