Superficial Internet Complex

My own cosplay take on Ghost (photo by Shen Leong).

The whole outfit took a year to assemble. Each and every piece of gear were either purchased locally from around my country, or through online stores, particularly Ebairsoft. Now it’s interesting to note that while airsoft is illegal in my country (Malaysia), shops selling tactical gears mushroomed in this country either due to the increasing popularity of paintball, or that underground airsoft activity is discreetly gaining a quiet following. Either way is none of my concern since cosplaying is the only thing that matters to me.

My interpretation of Ghost is not game accurate. Rather, it’s bits and pieces borrowed from Ghost’s in-game appearance (Favella and Loose Ends). The superb Modern Warfare 2 cosplay I found on the Internet also plays a part in influencing my cosplay (as well as my 1/6 kitbashes). Ghost’s most prominent wear is his skullmask, sunglass (BTW, the ESS sunglass above is genuine) and tactical headphones so regardless in what way you wish to style Ghost (game accurate or not), your average crowd would still recognize your cosplay as long as you wear the three important items with you. On the flipside, it does get annoying when people call anything with a goddamn skullmask as ‘Ghost’, and that means if I want to do a Navy SEAL cosplay, I can’t wear a skullmask or else the crowds would start to zombie moan the wrong character.

The headset filters sound for real which in turn makes hearing light conversation difficult. Still quite astounding for a China-made copy.

Can’t go around without this Skull patch. It’s my signature of sorts.

Though I was unable to find any Task Force 141 patches, this “Task Force” patch serves as a fine alternative.

Both the waist pack and plate carrier are possibly Taiwan-made copies (the waist pack is made by TMC) judging from the quality of the nylon. To find a replica vest made from that material at that pricerange is almost like a dream come true. Funny enough, it’s impossible to find a British flag patch in my country. Instead, there were an abundance of American flag patches being sold in local tactical gear shops! Thus, I have to order the patch online. Ironic when you consider that my country was formely a British colony.

EQUIPMENT LIST

All these items are airsoft replicas unless stated. Prices are quoted in both Ringgit Malaysia and United States Dollars.

* British Flag Patch RM20/USD6.59
* Comm II Headset RM185/USD60.94
* Drop-Down Holster Black RM70/USD23.06
* Dummy Radio RM100/USD32.94
* Kneepads Olive Drab RM40/USD13.18
- assuming the price is half without the Elbow Pads
* Large Pouch Olive Drab RM40/USD13.18
* Low-Pitched Waist Pack Olive Drab RM75/USD24.70
* MOLLE Leg Panel Olive Drab RM70/USD23.06
* Oakley Gloves Tan (Size: XL) RM90/USD29.64
* PCU Jacket Grey RM140/USD46.11
- assuming the price is half without the PCU Pants
* Plate Carrier Vest Olive Drab RM165/USD54.35
* Skull Balaclava RM30/USD9.88
* Skull Velcro Patch RM20/USD6.59
* Task Force Patch RM25/USD8.23
* 5.11 Tactical Belt Olive Drab RM50/USD16.47

LATEST ADD-ON AS OF LATE JANUARY 2011

* Dummy Garmin GPS RM60/USD19.76

Total Spending: RM1180/USD388.67

Now you know why I can never afford a PSP or a DS. ;_;
>>But I have a laptop that runs current PC games quite decently
Tell you what, screw that. I’m happy with my portable all-in-wonder porn viewer.

EQUIPMENT LIST (PRACTICAL ITEMS)

These are practical items that I incorporate into my cosplay. Since I wear them everyday, I did not count em’ in my total spending.

* Columbia Newton Ridge (Original) RM350/USD115.28 (after discount)
* ESS Ice Eyeshield (Original) RM240/USD79.05
* 5.11 Tactical Pants Olive Drab (Original) RM135/USD44.47 (after discount)

FUTURE UPGRADE PLANS

* A better-looking skullmask if possible, though not prioritized.
* An olive drab version of the drop-down holster that I have. Again, it’s a non-priority.
* A sunglass with two-piece lens design. It’s more game accurate compared to the ESS sunglass I have.
* A better-looking dummy radio? Maybe.
* A Sordin headset if my budget allows.
* An EOTech reflex sight replica for my toy rifle. Might consider a rear sight as well.

Condensed version of this entry has also been posted to figure.fm.

DEPLOYMENT RECORD

These are events where I have cosplayed with this outfit so far:

DECEMBER 11TH & 12TH 2010: Hobbycon 2010 (official debut; photo by Locksley Ng)

DECEMBER 18TH & 19TH 2010: Comic Fiesta 2010 (photo by Michael Tang Kie Yaw)

Another picture from Comic Fiesta 2010 via Danny Choo.

JANUARY 23RD 2011: Asia Games Channel 2011 (photo by E-Jump)

Expect me to appear frequently in future ACG events in Malaysia with this outfit. PS: If anyone asked, yes, the weapons I’m using are not airsoft. SERIOUS. If you’re Malaysian and don’t believe me, do swing by Toys City if you live around Sabah or Selangor and look around.