Costume designer Thomas DePetrillo has once again made headlines, this time with the creation of the world’s largest Gundam cosplay. Known for his record-breaking designs, DePetrillo previously set the title for the tallest mobile superhero cosplay at New York Comic Con in 2015 with his Iron Man Hulkbuster suit.
His latest achievement features a stunning replica of the RX-78-2 Gundam, the iconic mobile suit introduced in the 1979 anime series Mobile Suit Gundam. Standing at 3.12 meters (10 feet 3 inches) tall, this ambitious project was developed by DePetrillo and his team at Extreme Costumes over a period of three to four months.
The construction process involved refining the design to ensure an optimal balance between size and mobility. Notably, the suit incorporates a special double joint system in the elbows and knees, allowing DePetrillo to maneuver comfortably while wearing it. Unlike the fictional Gundam made from Luna Titanium alloy, the cosplay is primarily crafted from EVA foam, aluminum, and plastics.
A dedicated team of four expert cosplayers contributed hundreds of hours to ensure the suit’s functionality. “The placement of myself within the suit and the exact size was a work of several hundred hours,” DePetrillo explained, noting the meticulous scaling process they undertook.
Putting on the suit is a complex endeavor, requiring five minutes and a skilled team to assist. Despite the challenges, the massive Gundam suit delights fans at conventions, with many attendees expressing their excitement upon seeing it.
Realizing the scale of their achievement, DePetrillo applied for a Guinness World Records title for the largest Gundam suit ever built. His journey into cosplay began with simple Halloween costumes, eventually evolving into elaborate designs that have won him significant awards, totaling over $33,000 in just one week.
DePetrillo’s passion for cosplay was ignited when he attended an anime convention with his daughter in 2009. “I realized I had found my people: their name was cosplayers,” he reflected. Today, he runs a successful business specializing in high-quality costumes, driven by the joy of bringing imaginative designs to life.
Self-taught in much of his craft, DePetrillo trains all his employees, fostering a team of talented artists. Looking to the future, he aims to expand Extreme Costumes and develop even more innovative designs. “The most difficult part is taking a break,” he quipped, adding that wearing a 130-pound costume is increasingly challenging as he approaches age 60.
Interestingly, DePetrillo’s Gundam cosplay is not the only record-holder in the franchise. The largest mobile Gundam ever created, a life-size replica of the Unicorn Gundam, stood at an impressive 18 meters (59 feet) tall at Yamashita Pier in Yokohama, Japan, before closing in March 2023 after three years of operation.
With a commitment to creativity and a keen eye for detail, Thomas DePetrillo continues to push the boundaries of cosplay, inspiring fellow enthusiasts and fans around the world.
You Might Be Interested In:
