Planning for Halloween 2008

I have decided this year to make my own costume for Halloween. Not the usual stuff either. Last year, I dressed up as kung fu hero and that worked out well. This year I want something people will remember, so I have decided to do a wizard costume. However, as a twist this will be a steampunk sorcerer.

Partly inspired by Phil Foglio's excellent Girl Genius webcomic, and partly from "Manga" Doctor Strange from Marvel Comics' Mangaverse Limited Series by Ben Dunn a few years ago, I am planning to include some custom prop pieces complete with special effects. I wonder if this is going to embarrass my children? Probably.