Wampa

Model DZ 7863, Photo by Adam P.

Description: Wampa
Prefix: DZ
Detachment: Blizzard Force
Context: Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Wampa ice creatures are native to the ice and snow planet of Hoth. Armed with sharp teeth and deadly claws, they are carnivorous predators. They hunt by ambushing their prey using the natural camouflage of the snowy landscape. Wampas' reside in dens of large ice caves.

This is a visual guide used for 501st costume approval, not a how-to for construction. Construction details are found at the costume's Detachment website. Measurements provided here are are generalized, and not criteria for approval. All 501st costumes are proportionate to the wearer in terms of size, fit, and scale. During evaluation, both text and images (CRL and Reference) must be considered. When in doubt about a feature of a submitted costume, GMLs should post questions in the Legion forum's DL/GML peer review section.

Required Costume Components

The following costume components are present and appear as described below. For 501st membership only the requirements in black need to be met.

• Head and mouth may be static or mechanical.
• The original ESB Wampa had a static head with the performer looking out a opening in the neck area.
• The Special Edition Wampa had a head in which the performer looked out of the eyes.
• The exposed skin color of the Wampa is a slightly yellow / orange flesh tone.
• The exposed skin has speckled freckles across its surface.
• The Wampa has ears (located behind the horns).
• Wampas have varying types of noses.
  • The Puppet and Special Edition Wampas have a bulbous nose with wide nostrils.
  • The lunging Wampa (which looses its arm) has a bat type nose.
• Mouth is menacing in nature with large teeth.
• There is an under-bite. The bottom jaw extends beyond the upper teeth
• The Wampa mouth includes a tongue.
• Optional: Mouth is mechanical and able to move.

• The ideal look of the Wampa includes Horns.
• The various Wampa's, seen inside the cave, do have horns.
• The Wampa that attacked Luke on the Tauntaun did not have horns.
• There are two horn styles.
• Seen on the original Wampa are lighter colored, "cattle horns" which are smooth and wide.
• Special edition horns which are darker brown and textured. These horns contour to the shape of the head. They start behind and above the eyes, about 4-6 inches back.

• Complete fur suit using synthetic hair.
• The type of fur varies on the original Wampa suits, depending on the version that was created.
• The original ESB suit was made of sheep skin, with a natural pile length of 3-5 inches thick.
• The Special Edition Wampa has what is very likely synthetic fur, with a white backing.
• The special edition had a similar length of fur.
• Fur is white or off-white.
• Some yellowing or dirt weathering may be added.
• Blood stains are optional.
• Shaggy appearance.
• Hair may have some curl or matted areas.
• Most of the hair is no longer than 5 inches.
• The appearances of longer fur can be achieved by layering the sheep skin to simulate muscle.
• Muscle & body shape
• The Wampa does have some defined muscle shapes.
• These include shoulder muscles and a back hump.
• The layering of the sheep furs, on the front of the suit, simulate pectoral muscles. There is also a V - shaped back.
• There are defined "glutes" (buttock muscles).

• The flesh tone of the hands matches and and is consistent to the face.
• The original ESB Wampa does not have fur between the pads of the palms.
• The Special Edition does have fur between the pads of the palms.
• Large claws are present on each finger.
• The claws are about 2 - 2.5 inches long, they are curved and flat on the inside like a bear or claw. They are brown and black in color and have a carved texture (much like the toes).

• The Wampa has a well defined foot.
• It does not come down into a elephant type stump.
• The toes (like the claws) have a carved texture.
• The Special Edition Wampa, has four toes. Three up front, and (1) on the inside.
• The toes, on the original ESB Wampa, are non-applicable as they are completely covered by fur.

• The Wampas range from 2.2m (7.2 ft) to 3m (9.84 ft) with an average height of 2.59m (8.5 ft).
• This may be accomplished with 1.5 - 2 feet high drywall stilts, inside the costume and covered with fur.