Some cosplays are planned around events; this one was built around the sky itself.
This version of Griffith was specifically created to align with a real solar eclipse visible in New Hampshire, making it one of the more time-sensitive and location-driven cosplays I’ve done. Rather than waiting for the “perfect” build, I focused on: getting something functional, recognizable, and ready in time for the moment.
The Concept
This look is based on Griffith during the Eclipse from Berserk, specifically his dungeon-era appearance:
- Emaciated
- Bound in bandages
- Wearing the iconic helmet
It’s a version of the character that is:
- Dark
- Symbolic
- And deeply tied to one of the most intense moments in the series
Planning Around the Eclipse
Unlike most cosplays, this one had a non-negotiable deadline: the eclipse itself. I specifically chose a location in northern New Hampshire, close to the Canadian border, to:
- Avoid crowds
- Avoid expensive parking
- Get a wide, open landscape
It worked perfectly.
The area was:
- Quiet
- Spacious
- And ideal for photos without other people in the background
Helmet Build (Worbla Experiment)
This was my first time ever working with Worbla, and it came with a steep learning curve.
Tools & Setup
- Worbla sheets
- A budget heat gun
- A basketball (used as a form)
The heat gun was… not ideal.
- It had no temperature gauge
- Only a vague dial setting
- And started smoking at higher levels
So I had to:
- Constantly adjust heat levels
- Wave the gun longer over the material
- Learn through trial and error
Why a Basketball?
I needed a rounded base to shape the helmet.
- A mannequin head wasn’t available
- My styrofoam mannequin head would melt
- And using my own head was obviously not an option
So I used: a basketball. It worked surprisingly well, though the texture did affect how the Worbla settled.
Shaping the Helmet
Process:
- Heated the Worbla
- Formed it around the basketball
- Let it cool
- Then cut it open along the seam
This allowed the helmet to:
- Open and close
- Sit more naturally around the head
For details:
- I traced and cut the eye and mouth openings using paper templates
- Used duct tape as temporary hinges
It wasn’t meant for competition. It was meant to work.
Painting & Finish
Once shaped, I:
- Took it outside to cool
- Used a gunmetal textured spray paint
The paint had a slightly uneven, patterned finish, which actually added to the worn, gritty look. Overall, I was really happy with how it came out.
Outfit Build
For the clothing, I kept things simple and accessible:
- White long-sleeve shirt (Kohl’s)
- Linen-style pants (peasant look)
To replicate the bandages, I:
- Used fabric markers to draw them on
This was more of a visual solution than a structural one.
Fabric Marker Lesson
I used Tulip fabric markers, and honestly:
- They felt dry
- The ink flow wasn’t consistent
It may have been:
- Storage issues
- Or just the quality
But it’s something I would improve next time. In the future, I would likely: sew on light fabric strips instead for a more realistic bandage effect
The Eclipse Experience
When the eclipse happened, I quickly realized something important: The Berserk eclipse doesn’t behave like a typical overhead solar eclipse. In the series, it resembles:
- A low, atmospheric, almost sunrise/sunset effect
Whereas this eclipse was:
- High in the sky
- Midday
- Very different visually
Still, the experience was incredible.
Moments from the Location
- A nearby family was building snowmen and giving them eclipse glasses (which was adorable)
- The open space made filming and photos easy
- No crowd interference
It ended up being a really peaceful and memorable environment.
Interactions & Conversations
People were curious about the cosplay. Some thought I was an astronaut, so I explained the character and my interest in villains like this:
- Villains act without hesitation
- They pursue what they want without overthinking
While their actions aren’t admirable, that level of decisiveness is something I find interesting. One person, who was familiar with anime, asked more about Berserk. I made sure to give a clear warning:
- It’s very dark
- Very intense
- Not something to watch casually with just anyone
Their response was actually very sweet, even if a bit ironic given the character. She told me that she hopes I find my behelit in life… if only she knew what that meant. lol.
Final Thoughts
This cosplay was:
- Time-constrained
- Experimental
- And imperfect
But it was also:
- Memorable
- Unique
- And tied to a real-world event
And honestly, being able to say that I did Griffith during an actual eclipse is something I’ll always appreciate.
Future Plans
If I revisit this cosplay, I would:
- Upgrade the helmet with better tools and materials
- Replace drawn bandages with real fabric elements
- Plan around a more visually accurate eclipse (sunrise/sunset)
There are even eclipse databases available, which would make timing something like this much more precise in the future. I would also make sure it looks good at all angles. Something that does not translate well from a 2D anime to a 3D helmet I make.
Costume Notes & Condition
- Helmet: functional, but experimental
- Clothing: reusable base pieces
- Overall: a strong first version with room to improve
