Mr. Incredible Halloween Costume: The Quick and Easy to Make One

Ever since I watched the Disney Pixar film The Incredibles, I have had a mad crush on Mr. "Bob" Incredible. If your little man (or big boy for that matter) wants to be this model of strength and invincibility for Halloween, here is an super plan for your superhero . . . that won't break the bank.

Muscles

Mr. Incredible has incredible muscles. If your little one hasn't grown into his yet (or your big guy hasn't seen the inside of the gym in a few years), you have a few options for creating the appearance of superhuman strength. Balloons are cheap and easy, simply blow them up and masking tape them together. Do not use balloons for young children, because they will pop. Any type of packing material (that spongy foam stuff, rolled up newspaper, etc.) make nice muscles . . . just get creative with tape. Balled up socks make good biceps. Moderation is the key here, though. You want your Mr. Incredible to look muscular, not portly, and being able to move around is a good thing, too.

Supersuit

A red sweat suit is an easy alternative to the high-dollar Mr. Incredible costumes available online and in stores. All of the details and accessories can be painted on with black, orange, and yellow fabric paint. Check out www.fabricspraypaint.com or local craft stores for good varieties. For a good picture of Mr. Incredible, check out the official Disney DVD website at www.disney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/incredibles/ You will need to paint the following black details on the sweat suit: a two inch band around the collar of the shirt, a black oval on the center of the chest, six to eight inch arm bands (one on each arm, six to eight inch leg bands on the end of each leg, and a Speedo swimsuit shape on the pants. You can substitute a wide piece of black fabric to make a belt that has a similar effect (without the humiliation factor). The yellow and orange paint should be used to put the "I" and other details on the insignia oval. Be sure to let the paint dry between coats. A two inch wide piece of yellow fabric will make a better belt than yellow paint does on the red sweat suit.

Accessories

A simple eye mask can be made by cutting two slits in a two to four inch wide piece of fabric the diameter of your Mr. Incredible's head. Black shoes should be worn. Black mittens with the fingers cut off really add to the look.

Once you've made your incredible Mr. Incredible Halloween costume, and wrapped your superhero in his muscles you will be the real superhero! Have a super safe and Happy Halloween.