Nefthys

I already have an approved COTF Darth Nihilus, and have been a Nihilus costume mentor for Flagship before. Also written a few CRLS in my day, and was on the CRL team for the CTD for 2 years.

I upped the brightness on some images as well to get a better look at what is going on in all the folds of black, and I noticed there's additional fabric loops or bunches coming down from his hips. Image: https://imgur.com/ltQb1yS

Greetings, I've been looking into the Galaxy of Heroes Darth Nihilus since I might build the costume. I wanted to document the key differences between this new Nihilus costume and his KOTOR 2 version. I think there are enough differences to warrant a new CRL for him. Especially if you go by other detachment standards, like FISD or CTD, that have a completely new CRL even if just the helmet changes. By this logic alone, GoH Nihilus would be a new CRL since he has gold metal, not silver, on his mask. Main Differences: - Mask: Gold metal decoration instead of silver. - Gloves: Simple black gloves, covered with padded bracers (not long leather gloves like in KOTOR) - Robe/Tabard: In the GoH version, there is a clearly visible, full length front tabard panel that is separate from the robe underneath, with it going to the floor. Also a lack of the padded under armour on the chest. - Belt: Much wider and fuller than KOTOR - Cowl: Less loose folds of fabric, much more structured and precise (this could be attributed to the game models style) - Hem: The GoH model has slight weathering and tattering added to the hem line (not as severe as COTF), whereas KOTOR is smooth and unweathered. - Boots: It looks like there may be a strap or padding on top of the boots? Image analysis: https://imgur.com/47WOoNH

I'm working on a KOTOR version of Darth Nihilus, so I can get you images for the CRL once I'm done.

Great photos and an amazing Nihilus costume! Fantastic work!

There are 3 key differences between KOTOR Nihilus and the one in GoH. - Mask has gold detail instead of silver - Padded or layered gauntlets over the gloves - Added hip fabric that flows separately from his normal robes The 4th potential difference that is currently being debated is if the front panel of fabric is a separate piece that is over the robes (like a tabard), or part of the robes as normal and the game model is just wonky. Now if these differences mean having a totally new costume for Nihilus, then go for it. Or, it can be a variant on the already existing KOTOR CRL. I personally could see this being a whole new CRL due to the differences, but that is just my 2 cents. It comes down to if someone likes the costume, then make it! Have fun and do a cool character.

I am super excited to see you make this costume! As always, you can bug me for help anytime. - Deez

I have a bad latex allergy as well. I use silicone prosthetics, which do cost more than latex, but tend to be a lot more durable and last longer. You can also use plastic bald caps, or a product called Watermelon. I also use Pros-aide as the adhesive, then Pros-aide Creme as the blender for the edges. Pros-aide Creme is a thick version of Pros-aide specially designed to blend edges. They can both be removed with a standard adhesive remover, I personally use Ben-Nye Bond Off or Telesis Super Solv Gel to remove my prosthetics. The Super Solv gel is nice since it doesn't run, so you don't have to worry about it dripping down your face, and potentially into your eyes. The bonus to using a prosthetics glue to blend the edges is that the remover will take it off, so the edge line never gets thicker with built up product. Often people will blend a latex prosthetic with liquid latex, which works well for a few wears, but then the edge becomes too thick to blend properly, as you can't remove the added latex. So they have to trim back the edge and re-feather it for future wear. Not a major problem at all, just one of those extra steps you can avoid when you use something like Pros-aide Creme to blend edges. Some links to the products I use: Plastic Bald Cap: https://donshobbyshop.ca/catalog/kryolan-glatzen-bald-cap Watermelon (Scroll to the very bottom for the bald cap): http://www.michaeldavy.com/products/watermelon_products.htm Pros-aide: http://www.pros-aide.com/ Ben-Nye Bond-off: https://donshobbyshop.ca/catalog/bond-remover Telesis Super Solv Gel: https://donshobbyshop.ca/catalog/telesis-super-solv-gel Hope that helps!

One thing I will say is that your Obi seems very large. The CRL states it should be about 10 cm in width. You may want to check to make sure yours is close to that size in width.

Actual jack boots are very expensive. If you do not want to pay for those, there are alternatives out there that are close and not as pricy. Have you looked at Imperial Boots yet? They sell their own version of a jack boot that is approvable and not as costly as originals. http://www.imperialboots.com/product/jackboots/

Have you looked at Scott's "how to" build for his Nihilus hood? It is very helpful! http://chucrew.com/Nihilus/hood.html One thing I think that will help is how the fabric sits around the "cat ears". Your fabric comes right from the point and straight down to the mask. The fabric should actually hook slightly under the points of the "cat ears" and then go down to the mask. This may help in getting the better definition of the points for the "cat ears" and hood. You can see this pretty clearly in Scott's photos when he has the fabric on his hood. Hope this helps! You are looking awesome! So close, I can feel it!

Hello, If you are doing the COTF Nihilus, then his "cat ears" are far more pronounced than in the KOTOR version. As seen in this official art work: http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/fictional-battle-omniverse/images/9/91/Darth_Nihilus_Star_Wars.png/revision/latest?cb=20151231095221 When I first applied with my COTF Nihilus, I had the same type of comments come back about the points needing to be bigger and more pronounced. All I did was glue on some Eva foam, and shaved it down until I had the right shape. I went slowly, shaved a little off, put the fabric cloak on, looked at what I had and compared it to the CRL image and the artwork. I did this until I felt I had a good representation of the points. When I applied the second time, I was approved. Some times it is the little things that are the hardest to get right, but in the end make a big impact on the look of the costume. You are so close! Your Nihilus looks amazing! You just need to get a little bit more definition and size added to your "cat ears". Try the Eva foam method if you like. It worked well for me and for many others. Cheers, Nef

Thread is still there, not sure why the link broke. Here it is again: http://www.theflagshipeclipse.com/forums/index.php?/topic/798-nefthys-wip-nihilus/ I would say that going back and doing this again, I would use Worbla instead of what I did. I didn't have access to Worbla back when I made my first Nihilus, so that was the best I could come up with at the time.

The sculpt of the mask is very good. The paint scheme however would need to be altered slightly. Darth Malgus has a much more grey pallor to his skin as well as dark grey veins. So you can buy the mask and then re-paint it. Hope that helps!

For fabric you can try out Truro fabrics, they are out of the UK. Something like this would work for Nihilus. http://www.trurofabrics.com/linen-fabric-and-viscose-fabric/linen-blends/linen-and-cotton-blend-fabric-black.html Keep in mind as well that you do not need a lightsaber for approval. It is considered an additional item, and not needed for costume approval in the Legion. That being said, what is a sith without a shiny red lightsaber!