Costume Reference Library Darth Vader: ANH

Model: SL-1020 Photo by Jessica Tampa

Description: Darth Vader: ANH
Prefix: SL
Detachment: Sith Lord Detachment
See also: Darth Vader: ESB, Darth Vader: ROTJ
Context: Episode IV: A New Hope
Fully indoctrinated as the enforcer of the Emperor's will, the well-heeled Lord of the Sith has personally engaged resistance forces in hand to hand combat. Subtle upgrades to his dark armour belay savage battles now past.

Costume components:

1. Helmet: The helmet is black, with a satin finish. The front center of the dome area forms a widow's peak (sharp point) culminating between the eyes of the mask.

2. Face Mask: The face mask is painted in an alternating pattern of satin black and dark grey. The chin vent is triangular. The mesh behind the chin and mouth openings is black. Additional screen backing may be used to conceal the wearer’s face. No skin should show under the helmet and mask. The rounded tusks are metal or other material painted to appear as aluminum.

3. Cape: Black, three-quarter circle, floor length in a wool or wool equivalent and lined with satin. The collar is black leather or leather-like material and between one to one and half inches wide. An oblong-linked chain holds the cape closed.

4. Gloves: Black leather or leather-like material, mid-forearm in length. The upper surface is quilted in lines running perpendicular to the arm.

5. Chest Armor: The chest armor is painted in alternating satin gun metal grey and black, with the center most raised section being in the gun metal grey. The shoulder bells are black along the raised areas and gun metal grey in the recessed sections. The bells are attached by black leather or webbing straps. There is no visible cloak hook.

6. Chest Box: The gloss black chest box is worn directly below the chest armor. The box measures approximately six and seven-eighths of an inch square. It is connected by approximately one inch wide leather straps worn over the bodysuit and under the chest armor and surcoat. The straps are attached at the top and sides of the chest box.

On the face of the chest box is an arrangement of greeblies (aesthetic details.) This arrangement is bracketed by two sectional rod constructions. To the wearer's right are three vertically stacked coin slots. The the left of this arrangement are a vertically stacked green (upper,) then red (lower) rectangular light panels. On the bottom half of this arrangement are four rocker switches. The first of these switches is white, the remaining three are grey.

7. Bodysuit Top: Form fitting black leather or leather-like material, and with quilt lines one inch apart running vertically down the torso and arms. While a two piece (top and pant) body suit is recommended for mobility, a one piece body suit is acceptable. For comfort and heat dispersal an open mesh back is recommended.

8. Belt and Belt Boxes: The belt is composed of a buckle, two boxes, and light saber hook. The belt strap itself is a black leather or leather-like material, two and a quarter inches wide.

The first layer of the buckle is a gloss black landscape-oriented rectangular. The second layer is a silver metal in the shape of a “D.” On the wearer's right of this "D" are five progressively smaller square edged slots in a triangular formation. The third and final layer of the belt buckle consists of a silver metal circle located on the center of the arc of the "D."

The arrangement of greeblies (aesthetic details) is mirrored on the left and right belt boxes. From the center outwards, each box has; two green square light panels followed by a small red light on a metal ring. Below this register is a rectangular inset backed by a metal screen. In the remainder of the each box face is an arrangement of six silver posts set atop of red washers. The posts are set in two vertical columns of three.

The lightsaber hook is a chromed metal, held to the belt by two chrome rivets, above the wearer's left hip.

9. Surcoat: Black wool between ankle and floor length. Two versions are acceptable, one with open seams on the sides from the waist to the ankle, and another in which the side seams are completely closed. The surcoat is worn over the chest armor and codpiece, and under the belt.

10. Codpiece: A padded-construction, the codpiece is faced in black leather or leather-like material. The cod covers the front of the body and extends to the hips. The rectangular inset at its center is edged with rolled piping. The codpiece is worn over the bodysuit, but under the belt and surcoat.

11. Bodysuit Pants: Form fitting black leather or leather-like material, and with quilt lines one inch apart running vertically down the legs. While a two-piece (top and pant) body suit is recommended for mobility, a one-piece body suit is also acceptable.

12. Shin Guards: Satin black, covering the leg from the ankle to top of knee.

13. Boots: Black lace-less boots with rounded toe that are either leather or leather-like material with a medium gloss shine. They should come up to just below knee level.

Costume Accessory:

14. Lightsaber: Scratch built or high-end prop replica. (Scratch-built is based on the MPP Microflash or the Heiland Synchronar Three-Cell flash handle.)

Costume Note:

15. Helmet Detail: The “tusk” on the wearer's right may be darker grey to black in color, while the left remains silver. Auburn (reddish brown) lenses may be used in the mask.

16. Weathering: Effects to give the appearance of light wear or age are optional. For example, scraped paint on boxes, dusted finish, etc.

*Some licensed costumes may require modifications for 501st Legion approval. Please visit the Sith Lord Detachment for guidelines on the modification of these products.

Last Updated: Wednesday, 24 November, 2010 23:16

If you have a question about the qualifications of a particular costume or want to know if a specific character/costume is accepted in the 501st Legion, please e-mail the Legion Membership Officer.