How to Create the Perfect Rorschach from Watchmen Halloween Costume

Rorschach is one of the most memorable characters from both the book Watchmen and its movie adaptation. Here are the basic items you'll need to put together a credible Rorschach costume this Halloween season:

• A beige, thigh-length trenchcoat
• Vertically pinstriped purple slacks
• Slip-on, heeled leather boots
• Leather gloves
• A thick white scarf
• A beige, purple-banded fedora
• A "face"

The most complicated item on the list is, of course, Rorschach's distinctive head-covering. You won't be able to achieve the persistent movement of the design, unfortunately. (That was facilitated by technological advances made by Dr. Manhattan.)

I'd suggest you create your Rorschach "face" using a thin (but not so thin that your features are visible underneath) and porous fabric, buy a blank cloth mask or ghost mask which to embellish. Pick your favorite panel from the comic book or frame from the DVD and replicate it with a Sharpie.

Or, if you're so inclined, you can buy a latex Rorschach mask online.

After you've got the above items assembled, the rest of the preparation of your costume will be finishing touches-- the touches which will set you apart from the rest of the pack.

If you've read the book, you'll know that Rorschach is infamous for his poor hygiene. Rorschach does not bathe, though he does douse himself with cologne in order to mask his smell at one point. It should be almost impossible to get your Rorschach costume too filthy before wearing it. The costume should not be rumpled, but it should not look recently store-bought if you're going for character authenticity.

Rorschach is also known for stealing food from other people, not having a source of income from himself. Throughout the book, he eats canned beans (with a fork) and sugar cubes.

Rorschach also carries a leather-bound diary.

I wouldn't suggest bringing a hairspray flamethrower, though.

It's equally important to capture Rorschach's mannerisms if you want to embody the character convincingly. Remember, although Rorschach is intimidating, he's not a tough guy. He's indifferent to most people, preferring to focus his attention on his introverted contemplation of society's ills. He speaks little and tends to be extremely curt when he does.

And, again, remember that, no matter how liberal and open-minded you are, Rorschach is not. Rorschach is homophobic, misogynistic, and pathologically prudish. He feels more comfortable punching a person in the face than he does shaking hands with someone.

Remember, this Halloween, you are determined. You are relentless. You are untouched by weakness. You will construct the best Rorschach costume on the block. Even in the face of armageddon, you will not compromise on this.