Read on for some excellent Halloween costume inspiration by author and illustrator Adam Allsuch Boardman…
Urban legends have a pantheon of characters and monsters that are the perfect for fancy dress or Halloween costumes. My own non-urban legends costume efforts in recent years have been pretty straight forward; I’ve dressed as Tintin, Mulder from the X-Files as well as the Pyro from Team Fortress 2. I fully expect your own creations can exceed mine!
Bigfoot
Bigfoot costumes are perhaps the most accessible if you have a bit of saved cash as they are readily available to purchase online or from specialists. There are essentially gorilla costumes with brown fur and a more monstrous mask. To create one yourself, there are several ways an ingenious tailor can repurpose a faux fur coat into a hairy top and trousers. Alternatively, you can find a cheap second-hand Chewbacca costume and simply remove the bandolier.
Men in Black
Men in Black (MiBs), as the name suggests, generally wear black suits. For a more distinguished look I would suggest sticking to a 1950s–1960s inspired wardrobe, complete with a formal wide-brimmed hat. MiBs are sometimes described as wearing distinctive makeup to highlight their lips. Complete the outfit with dark sunglasses, faux leather gloves and an old briefcase.
Mothman
The key to a Mothman costume is the wings, which can be made from textiles, cardboard or EVA foam. The wings can be strapped to the arms or fastened with a simple harness. While my illustrations avoided the inclusion of antennae, they are a perfectly valid addition to this legendary character. Antennae can be made using a headband and black feathers. Many Mothman costumes also feature the distinctive glowing red eyes using red-tinted sunglasses.
An Illustrated History of Urban Legends
Adam Allsuch Boardman
A sceptical enquiry into urban legends, from Atlantis to the hollow Earth conspiracy, and everything in between.
From the campfire to the digital rumour mill, urban legends have flourished wherever we tell stories. Whether once true, sprouted from half remembered facts or entirely fictional, we have scrutinised these legends for centuries. This book will ferry you across a river of uncanny tales, from classic folklore to contemporary urban legend. So, check the closet, make sure the skies are clear and delve in if you are ready to imagine the strange.
Get your copy HERE
