I’m a Horrible fan.

Two weeks ago the internet met Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along-Blog. It’s the child of the Whedon brothers with help from Maurissa Tancharoen, Shawna Trpcic, Ben Edlund, and many many others. The short story follows Dr. Horrible (Neil Patrick Harris) as he tries to come to terms with being evil. The problem is he has a soft side, a lovey-dovey “I believe in love and puppies” soft side. That just doesn’t cut it when you’re trying to join the Evil League of Evil. We follow Horrible as he fights his nemesis Captain Hammer (Nathan Fillion) and woos Penny (Felicia Day) the girl from the laundromat.

It’s a musical.

Check Hulu for live showings or purchase a season pass from itunes. A DVD chock full of extras is being developed as well as a soundtrack. You can read more about Captain Hammer at the Darkhorse Comics myspace. Best of all, you can purchase emblem tees from Jinx.

We’ve decided to scrap the Waffler for the time being in favor of a Dr. Horrible costume. Like so many other fans, the goggles are proving to be very difficult find. It seems the manufacturer changed the body color a few years ago and nobody bothered to update the catalog photos. People are receiving goggles other than what they thought they ordered. I’m expecting the wrong ones to arrive some time next week. Sigh. In the mean time, I have my Kaylee goggles.

Check out my friend Manny at My Disguises for tips on costume pieces.

So, do I look like a Horrible groupie?

The house is a mess with costume stuff.

The table is covered in Yorrick’s poncho. Accompanying it is a ruler, markers, super glue, scissors, tape measure, and a sewing machine. Last night we tested the strength of glue versus thread. Both seem to hold well. Neither method puckers too much. It looks like we’ll use a combination of the two.

The back room has no floor. I have vinyl and foam everywhere. It’s not a pretty sight. I’ve begun shaping my new bracelets/gauntlets. These are slightly longer than my old ones. Anyone else find it interesting that the Amazon bracelets started out being maybe two inches wide and now cover most of the forearm? How about gold to silver? Anyone?

We’ve added another costume to the list…but you’ll have to wait until tomorrow for me to tell you what it is. Horrible, aren’t I?

Well folks, there’s about a month left until Dragon Con. I still have quite a bit of work to do on my costumes. While I work on my armor, we’ll walk down memory lane of Dragon Cons past.

My first D*C was in 2006. It was a whirlwind of people, costumes, and celebrities. I had a blast. Lucky for me I knew other attendees who knew the ropes. I only had two costumes that first year, Kaylee Frye and Inara Sera. I wasn’t there for the costumes, though, I was there for the spectacle. Every minute of each day was loaded with lines to get into panels, with panels full of engaging stars, and with people expressing themselves. It was great.

I met the men of Battlestar Galactica. I got in Mickey Rooney’s way. And I picked up Erin Gray’s (very charming) autograph for my dad. Someday I’ll make a Col. Wilma Deering uniform. All the incredible costumes got under my skin and I had to come back and bring more than two outfits.

When I returned to Dragon Con in 2007 I was more prepared for all the excitement. Though I admit you’re never really prepared. D*C expands each year to include more fandoms, more costume contests, and more tired bodies than you can count. We entered the Whedon Track contest and took Honorable Mention.

I watched person after person ask for ManWithPez’s picture in his Serymour Krelborne costume. I talked with the incomparable Ron Glass. This time I got an autograph for my mom from William Katt. My highlight was swooning over Brent Spiner. Yep, I’m one of those. Heh. All in all it was too much to take in just a weekend’s time.

This year promises to be even bigger and better. Sean Astin and Adam Baldwin are the big question marks. Each year they plan on attending then cancel at the last minute due to work commitments. I’m crossing my fingers that they’ll both make it to Dragon Con this year. While I don’t think I’m ready for the big time contests yet, I am going to try to participate in the more informal Hallway Costume Contest.

I want to thank the Wolfpack Elite for taking me under their wings and helping with techniques. I look forward to meeting them and seeing their incredible creations. These folks are very talented and versatile.

One more thing, I’m claiming a prime curbside location for the parade this year as well as hitting most of the contests. You’re going to see some incredible stuff when I get back. Just you wait!

There’s a young kid that’s been making his own Halo gear. He’s using the tried and true method of cardboard and tape. Haven’t we all been at that point at some time? His video is so popular it’s been picked up by all the dork, geek, and nerd outlets. We noticed him on the Penny Arcade blog and then in their comic strip. Turns out he’s been mentioned on 4chan (stay away from that one) and G4 television. I gave up on G4 a long time ago. But I digress. This kid has talent and creativity if too much time on his hands. We all have to start somewhere. More power to you!

His Halo gear:

Iron Man mask

My first attempt at the overskirt was less than ideal. It didn’t hang right. I sat down and thought about how I could change the pattern. The first way would be to make it all one piece like a typical skirt. I would have to sew that by hand because my sewing machine can’t handle fabric that thick. The second idea was to make a waistband and lash each strip to it. I liked this idea. Simple, clean, easy to do.

As I got into the process I realized I could have used rivets. Even cleaner. None of the craft and fabric stores I’ve visited have the right kind of rivets. If I could find a local leather shop I’d try them, alas. It looks like I’ll stick with the lashing. The skirt hangs nicely and fits well enough. I’ve made the closure adjustable just in case my waist fluctuates by the time Dragon Con rolls around. I could use some ideas about the lashing material. I’ve temporarily tied it together with ribbon.

Any thoughts before I start on the underskirt?

By the way, have you taken a look at the guest list for Dragon Con? I’m very excited about meeting Sean Astin, Avery Brooks, Cirroc Lofton, Micky Dolenz, Edward James Olmos, Michael Dorn, and many many others. Check it out.