METAL COSTUME
Men love metal! Whether it’s precious metal like silver and gold, or functional metal like iron and stainless steel, guys will want to own it, play with it, build things with it. And nowadays, make a metal costume out of it!
From the time man learned how to create metal objects, he has forged swords, shields and armor (to use to conquer others and take their metal) but also necklaces, bracelets, rings and other adornments.
Soon came the stuff Halloween embraces – full body armor, and face plates and masks.
Finally, imagination spurred the creation of Iron Man, robots and power armor.
And man loves to celebrate these inventions every October 31 and in the weeks and months before and after in the form of a costume made of metal … like these clickable categories (the photos and headlines will then take you to the prize):
IRON MAN
TRANSFORMERS
THE TIN MAN
TERMINATOR
ROBOTS
KNIGHTS
HELMETS
KISS
SLIPKNOT
BE YOUR OWN ROCK STAR
STAR WARS
From the knights of old and the Wizard of Oz’s heart-seeking Tin Man to the “You will be assimilated” Borg from Star Trek to the never-stop Terminator, a good metal costume has supplied incredible fun for the wearer and for the observer on Halloween.
Comical metal costumes like Wall-E, 3-CPO and R2-D2 from Star Wars can supply loads of laughs.
Metal even plays itself into pop culture in the form of heavy metal music – fast, hard-hitting, head-pounding beats that you would think music made out of metal might sound like! Costumed bands like KISS and Slipknot have their own forms of metal costumes and metal masks.
Of course, the hottest and heaviest outfits around these days are metal costumes depicting the heroes and villains of Iron Man 2 and Transformers.
Below is a rogues gallery of metal costumes that Halloweeners (or Halloweenies, if you prefer) are enjoying this year. Keep in mind that the photographs are not the entirety of the metal costume genre they depict, but is just representative of the outfits that are possible.
In most cases, there are many, many more costumes than you’ll see here!
Metal Costume:
Iron Man 2
Heroes and Villains
Millions of movie-goers thrilled to the sequel to the 2008 franchise launcher Iron Man.
In the film produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Paramount, several new
heroes and villains are introduced to fight side-by-side with and/or against Iron Man, again played with genius by Robert Downey Jr. both as the incredible flight-suited superhero and as his alter-ego Tony Stark.
What superhero film begins with the alter-ego declaring to the world that he IS the superhero? Iron Man 2!
Iron Man 2 introduces us to some amazing possibilities for a metal costume at Halloween, costume parties, CosPlay or any other occasion: Iron Man himself (top left), War Machine (top right), Whiplash (bottom left) and Black Widow. There are also Iron Man costumes for the lovely ladies, for children, and even some outfits that light up!
And don’t forget your accessories (bottom right) – you can accentuate any Iron Man themed Metal Costume with such add-ons as a War Machine Cannon, Rocket Launcher Gauntlets, gloves, a woman’s handbag, tattoos and an Iron Man headpiece candy pail.
When it comes to costumes inspired by Iron Man, the sky’s the limit – just as it is for the movie hero!
Metal Costume:
Transformers
Heroes and Villains
“More than meets the eye” became a popular phrase in 1984, as Transformers hit the comic book stores and TV sets that year, spawning a line of toys that made millions of kids very happy that year.
And in 2007, a whole new generation was introduced to Transformers when a major motion picture crashed into movie theaters, followed by the sequel Transformers: Revenge for the Fallen in 2009.
A third entry into the special effects-laden movie franchise followed in 2011.
Transformers opens the door for a variety of metal costumes depicting the marvelous robots from outer space, including Optimus Prime (top left), Bumblebee (top right) and Megatron. You can also find Optimus Prime outfits for women (bottom left), as well as a number of accessories for your Transformers Metal Costume, including a Transformer Candy Cube (bottom right) to stash your cache of goodies, an Optimus Prime sword, gloves and tattoos.
Clever DIYers have even created homemade Transformer costumes that actually change from one innocuous-looking object into a robot!
Metal Costume:
The Tin Man
There’s something special about the Tin Man, aka the Tin Woodsman, or as Frank Baum originally wrote, the Tin Woodman. Could it be the symbolism of men through history … hard, metallic and seemingly heartless and “rusts” in the face of tears?
No matter! The role was played magnificently by Jack Haley in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz – and gives us one of the most iconic Metal Costume characters.
Actually, Haley was the THIRD actor selected for the part. First was Ray Bolger, but he wanted to switch roles with Buddy Ebsen, who was originally signed to play Scarecrow.
Many people have heard the story of how Ebsen, who went on to find super-fame as Jed Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies, breathed in some of the tin powder that originally comprised the makeup for Tin Man – and nearly died. That brought Haley into the picture, literally and figuratively.
In any event, the Tin Man gives us a variety of fun possibilities for a Metal Costume today, for, clockwise from the top left, Men, Women, Teens and Children, as well as several accessories like a heart clock and a plastic axe.
Metal Costume:
Terminator
Heroes and Villains
What could be cooler than an android assassin sent into the past to kill a man before he’s born, and then when he is just a kid? Only a Metal Costume depicting one. That’s a real “metal” winner!
It’s difficult to fathom that the Terminator franchise has been around for more than 25 years, and gave us a way to tag Arnold Schwarzenneger with the phrase “-ator!” Skynet, Terminators, John and Sarah Connor launched in 1984 with the California Governator (See!) playing an evil machine, then switching over to be young John Connor’s protective in 1991’s Judgment Day.
And in 2009, we were treated to the fourth film, Salvation, with Christian Bale as John Connor.
Through the years, Terminators and Connors and sexy human resistance fighters have knocked on doors every October 31 or fought their battle amid chips and dip and beer kegs at costume parties – and this year is no different!
Along with a myriad of childen’s outfits, there are great Metal Costumes for, clockwise from upper left, Men as the Terminator, as John Connor, and for the ladies as resistance fighters, and also a variety of accessories, including premium Terminator masks.
Metal Costume:
Robots
Robots, or mechanical men and women, have been fueled the imaginations of writers and moviemakers for many generations. They have threatened, protected and served man – and in some cases been titillating to their living and breathing creators.
One of the most iconic TV robots is from Lost in Space. Haven’t seen that costume around, but certainly some brainiacs who go to the Tech schools have made a few in their time. But robots do allow for a wide variety of Metal Costumes.
Some of the most popular this year include, clockwise from top left, RoboCop, Wall-E and a version that seems straight out of a 1950s sci-fi flick! Then there are a number of accessories to complete the robotic look, such as these silly robot-nose glasses, boots and gloves!
Metal Costume:
Have a Good Knight…
And a Few Bad Ones!
If you want the ultimate heavy metal costume, there’s nothing like a good knight in shining armor – or even these days, a knightess!
The original tanks of the battlefield, knights have spawned imaginations and stories for centuries and remain a popular choice as a Halloween outfit in modern times because they are instantly recognizable for what they are.
Another good benefit of the ancient metal uniforms is that they come in a wide variety of styles, time periods and costs, from very inexpensive to highly detailed and pricey outfits that are nearly as functional as the real deal.
No matter your budget, you can afford to buy a knight costume – or even rig one out of clothing and materials you have at home. Then add a little costume jewelry, a plastic sword and some makeup and you will look like you just stepped off the battlefield or the jousting pitch and are ready to claim your prize.
And while it is fun for men to dress up as a knight in shining armor, and treat his special lady accordingly, women and kids can also have fun in these popular metal costumes.
Children especially have a blast imagining themselves slaying the dragon and saving the kingdom, fending off invaders and protecting the castle and sitting at the Round Table with King Arthur, Sir Lancelot and Guinevere as they try to anticipate Mordred’s next move.
Think men love dressing in metal … you should see their eyes when their woman puts on armor! So take a look around at this handful of the myriad of possibilities to dress up in this style of metal costume this year.
Don’t forget the barbarians, with their swords, axes, horned helmets and shields.
You can always let the warrior loose for a night, and put your shining armor back on the next day … and no one ever has to know!
Naturally, there are tons of accessories to go with a knight genre costume, as depicted here, from shields, axes and swords to costume jewelry, gloves and gauntlets, breastplates and helmets.
Come to think of it, we haven’t even talked about Renaissance Faire faire – those knight and lady costumes are very ornate, quite meticulous and of high quality to prepare the wearer to step back in time. So why do you go ahead and make your day, October 31st that is, by donning a good knight metal costume this year?
Metal Costume:
Helmets
Yes, we just had to include helmets as among the possibilities for a metal costume, even though many of the outfits in the above classifications include headpieces.
We had to include Star Trek’s The Borg, who made a metal man out of Captain Picard … and the deep sea diver’s helmet at the right is just too cool. Then there are a variety of headgear such as those depicted below that can help make, be or top off your outfit this year: from the left, Romans, astronauts, a Quidditch helmet from Harry Potter and firefighters, to name a few. Don’t forget G.I. Joe, London Bobbies, construction and Mardi Gras drinking helmets!
And now, with all apologies to Monty Python, something completely different!
Metal isn’t only a dense, hard and valuable substance to man – it is also a state of mind. Any hard-thumping, head-banging heavy metal rocker will tell you that! Yes, we must give a nod to two of the most popular heavy metal bands, who not only sing out to have their members onstage alter-egos transformed into metal costumes – they come ready-made for HALLOWEEN!
QUICK QUIZ: Name the four original members of the band KISS and the stage persona of each. Extra credit: Name the two new members and the characters they took on. No peeking at the answers below!
Metal Costume:
KISS
When four musicians formed KISS in January 1973, they took the heavy metal world by storm – most people had never seen anything like them! Alice Cooper, yes … but of four of them? Not hardly!
With painted faces, powerful beats and stage antics that included blood spitting, pyrotechnics, smoking guitars and fire-breathing, they shocked and entertained their fans. But the best thing … their music was actually great!
KISS is big even today, with tours and TV commercials thrilling new generations of fans, not to mention Gene Simmons’ reality show appearances on The Celebrity Apprentice and Family Jewels.
They also make good costumed characters for Halloween, costume parties and rock bashes, with both full metal costumes and face painting kits available. Paint on a KISS persona face and no one will ask: “Well, what are YOU supposed to be?” They’ll know … even without a guitar, black outfit or high soled shoes … they’ll know!
QUIZ ANSWERS: The four original members of KISS and the onstage persona of each were: vocalist and rhythm guitarist Gene Simmons (The Demon), vocalist and rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley (Starchild), vocalist and lead guitarist Ace Frehley (Spaceman) and drummer Peter Criss (Catman). Extra credit: Tommy Thayer replaced Frehley as Spaceman and Eric Singer has taken over for Criss as Catman.
How’d you do?
Metal Costume:
Slipknot
Formed in 1995 in Des Moines, Iowa, and famous for their matching jumpsuits with bar codes depicting the numbers 0-8 and macabre masks, Slipknot is one of the leading bands in the New Wave of American Heavy Metal Music. The masks and uniforms change, sometimes slightly, with each new album they release as a way to depict the members’ growth.
Slipknot has said in the past that the masks and jumpsuits are meant to attention away from the musicians as individuals and focus it all on the music of the group as a whole.
Some members have also reportedly stated that their individual masks are a visual representation of the way their music makes them feel.
The band suffered a true tragedy with the accidental drug overdose death of guitarist Paul Gray on May 24, 2010, and fans will no doubt be keen on honoring him for Halloween seasons to come.
Metal Costume:
Be Your OWN
Heavy Metal Rock Star!
Want to forge your own heavy metal rock star? Try one of these great costumes!
You can devise your own name and personality, carry a cool guitar or even be the greatest air guitarist in the world. It’s all up to you … just be sure to hire enough bodyguards to fend off all the groupies – or at least the ones you’re not interested in!
Metal Costume: Star Wars Heroes and Villains
And now for the 800-pound gorilla in the room – STAR WARS!
In 1977, a little George Lucas epic space opera film called Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope hit the movie theaters – and Halloween has never been the same since! It never will, either.
What a universe of amazing characters the six Star Wars movies has presented to costume fanatics everywhere! Who could resist the iconic black-garbed, metal costume villain of all, at left – Darth Vader?
Another personification of pure evil in the form of the devil himself, with red face and horns is, at right, Darth Maul.
Chewbacca (left) proved that dog isn’t man’s best friend, Wookie is! But Chewie ended up as more than just a sidekick for ultimate bad boy good guy Han Solo, who had his own problems with Jabba the Hut (right).
Both are honored with the clever costumes you see pictured here!
Star Wars has spawned far too many metal costumes than can be addressed individually here, from bounty hunters to armored soldiers to pretty princesses. The photograph groups below represent just a few of the many creative metal costumes that Star Wars has introduced to October 31 fun.
These four costumes represent the many faces of Princess Leia, as portrayed in the original trilogy by Carrie Fisher, and run the gamut from hot and sexy in her slave costume to demure … and lethal!
The new trilogy brought a new style of princess, Amidala, as played by the gorgeous Natalie Portman. Ironically, Amidala is Leia’s mother, which should make for interesting party conversation for Fisher and Portman. Like her screen predecessor and time line progeny, and as depicted in these metal costumes, Amidala shows both a sexy, sassy and a demure side, along with a few deadly moods along the way.
A wide variety of metal costumes are available from the colorful bounty hunters found in Star Wars … and while “bad guys” like Stormtroopers can wear white, when you see a black-garbed figure like a Shadow Trooper (second from left), you can bet that not ONLY is an evil member of the empire, you can be sure that Darth Vader is somewhere near by!
Stormtrooper, Bounty Hunter, Emperor Palpatine and, of course, the lovable Yoda have all inspired wonderful outfits that bring a galaxy of fun to October 31.
Another colorful bunch of Bounty Hunters and an updated Black Shadow Stormtrooper add to the wide variety of Star Wars costumes available to fanatics.
While you can picture in your mind how the previous metal costumes can fit older kids, tweens, teens and adults, there are also many, many Star Wars outfits for newborn babies, infants and toddlers, as represented by the R2-D2, Obi-Wan Kenobi, C-3PO and Stormtrooper get-ups shown here. Many more!
As you can see in the Yoda, Princess Leia and Darth Vader outfits above, there are even Star Wars costumes available for the fur-faced, four-legged members of your family! Dressing up in these outfits can be “ruff,” but it’s a lot of fun.
Dum-de-dum-dum, twiddling thumbs and looking upwards for no apparent reason here. Oh, what’s that you ask … what about the getup on the far right? Yes, of course, that’s the pre-Darth Vader Anakin Skywalker … but then he DID turn out to be a “dog,” too, didn’t he?
We hope you have enjoyed our little exploration of the number of choices you can find if you want to dress up in a metal costume this Halloween, or for other occasions other than October 31 if you please!
Be sure to check back to see what we add as we think of them. Feel free to pass on more ideas on our Contact Us page and we’ll add them to the metal costume possibilities.
